Original subtitles

- Janek! - Here I am, Baron.

Come on.

Rub hard.

- Everybody here? - No, Baron. Not everybody.

Who's missing?

Mr. Bruckmann and Hauptsturmf�hrer Aschenbach...

who still have to arrive from Oberhausen.

And the old man? Baron Joachim.

Come on, talk.

Baron Joachim is in his apartment.

He's getting dressed for dinner, and so are the others.

- And my son? - Can't you hear him?

Gunther.

- What do you want, Thilde? - Come.

Come.

What do you want?

See.

Just like last year, Thilde. No more, no less.

Yes, but last year I was part of the audience.

Instead, this evening it will be different.

- I hope I don't forget my part. - It will be a grand debut.

Tomorrow, your name will be in all the newspapers.

All right. Thank you. All right.

A little compromise today and tomorrow...

and one fine day we won't even be able to find our chairs.

Yes, dear.

I'm almost ready.

You know how Uncle Joachim insists on punctuality...

- especially this evening. - Please, help me.

- Darling, stay still. - Thank you, dear.

You see, one can't always be saying "yes." They're not reasonable people.

The more you give them to eat, the more ravenous they become.

Darling, it's 40 years that Uncle Joachim's been at the helm...

and always with equilibrium and firmness.

Equilibrium. You've used the right word.

A favor to the Liberals, one to the National Socialists.

A favor to me, and one to Konstantin.

Herbert, you're not being fair. Joachim is certainly not soft with that...

- particular gentleman. - Because he's a snob.

If Hitler wasn't the son of a customs agent and a servant...

Joachim would have already thrown himself in his arms.

Yes, but you must admit he took your advice...

and didn't give a mark to the National Socialists.

That's only because he's so miserly.

- The children? - You'll be hearing them soon enough.

They must be so nervous.

- Come on, Herbert. Let's go, we're late. - Thank you.

- Come, darling. - Yes.

"Now I can feel

"now I can feel them in my little heart

"But there are too many and I can't repeat all of them

"If you wish to read them

"come closer

"Put your head on my breast and listen carefully

"listen carefully"

Happy birthday.

Best wishes for your birthday.

Come here. I thank you.

I thank you, too, my little dear.

- Happy birthday, sir. - Janek.

- Listen. Do you hear them? - Yeah.

Ever since she was born, she was told, "You are the most intelligent...

"you're the richest, the most envied, you're the Baroness von Essenbeck."

How can I ask her just to become Mrs. Bruckmann?

The wife of an ordinary executive of the steelworks which bear her name.

An ordinary executive is not exactly the right term.

You have Uncle Joachim's confidence.

And Herbert and Konstantin would never make a decision without you.

- Doesn't that mean anything to you? - Something.

But it's not enough for Sophie.

I've made a career for myself, but I'll always be one of her employees.

If we decided to get married tomorrow...

old Joachim would lose that confidence and liking for me.

He likes to believe that she's the inconsolable widow...

of the adored son, the hero.

Idiot!

He'd probably sack me on the spot, you know, Wolfe.

No, Frederick, you're wrong.

Today, not even his 10,000 slaves working in his mines and factories...

not even his money, his castles, have enough power to put you out...

because we have the power...

and we want you to remain where you are.

If anything, we want you to climb even higher.

Over whom should I climb? Herbert?

Though the fact that Herbert's got to climb down is no news to anyone.

His hostility towards the National Socialists is too apparent.

- But Konstantin-- - Konstantin?

Does he have that much effect on you?

Well, he's a member of the SA.

He has connections with R�hm.

Our large industries will need men like you.

And our chancellor has a weakness for big industrialists.

In any case, it wasn't Konstantin I had in mind.

"Can you feel? Can you feel how much I love you?

"Then I don't have to write it down for you"

Do you think they would agree to an encore?

I think even more than one, so don't risk asking for it.

Then I will give up the idea.

That was beautiful.

Wonderful, my dear. You were perfect, Thilde.

Come, sit down. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Bravo.

Very good.

You are the first to hold yourself back.

You seem to be ambitious, but you're only a social climber.

Sophie wouldn't be happy.

You worry too much about Herbert and Konstantin.

And you forget, there's somebody much more important than they are: Joachim.

You must realize that today, in Germany, anything can happen...

even the improbable, and it's just the beginning.

"Personal morals are dead.

"We are an elite society where everything is permissible."

These are Hitler's words.

My dear Frederick, even you should give them some thought.

Tonight, for example.

Wonderful, my dear. Perfectly good.

I've so enjoyed it. Thank you so much.

I know it doesn't matter to you, but your son is really talented.

- Good evening, sir. - Good evening.

- Good evening. - Good evening.

I'm sorry. Telephone.

A little silence, please. Silence, please.

In Berlin, the Reichstag is burning.

Stop! Did you hear, stop it!

The fire started half an hour ago. A conspiracy, no doubt.

But I think they've already arrested the guilty one.

A Dutchman. A member of the Communist Party.

Communist, of course!

A grave Communist crime against the new government.

Reich scum!

They could've chosen another day to burn the Reichstag.

Right, Grandfather? They ruined your birthday.

It was my headquarters in Berlin.

They still have not been able to put out the fire.

The Berliners are on the terraces enjoying the spectacle.

Perhaps I shouldn't be here.

The SA have been confined to their barracks.

Keep calm, Konstantin. The coup d'�tat has failed.

Whatever your battleground is, it's not Berlin...

or at least it never has been until now.

In any case, the fact that we've uncovered the leaders of this conspiracy proves--

What conspiracy? It's clear it's only a pretext.

That's far-fetched, Herbert.

Herbert's theories are always far-fetched.

It's a deliberate provocation.

It can only be somebody who's against the government.

If there is anyone who doesn't need a parliament to govern us...

it's your chancellor.

Herbert, please.

All Germany knows there's a list of proscribed people.

Now's the moment to get rid of all opposition without trial and publicity...

with all Europe looking on!

The internal order of Germany cannot interest Europe.

What internal order?

The kind that allows his friends to enter homes and kill?

Herbert, please.

Didn't your G�ring promise the enemies of the Third Reich...

- enough rope to hang themselves? - You're losing your head, Herbert.

G�ring refers to the Communists. Perhaps you're a Communist, too.

Today it's the Communists. And tomorrow?

Don't worry about tomorrow.

At this very moment, there's someone in Berlin...

who's already doing the worrying.

- Isn't that so? - Well said, cousin Sophie.

Our only worry should be the celebration of Uncle Joachim's birthday.

Even if this is not a night like all the others.

Happy Birthday

For a long time...

I have intended telling you...

what I am now about to say.

The dramatic events...

which occurred in these last few hours...

force me to overcome any hesitation...

and uncertainty...

and go ahead.

In all these years...

you know that I have had only one object:

To hold on to the unity and prestige of our firm.

For that reason, I always tried to adjust our work...

and our structure...

according to the circumstances.

During the Great War, during peace...

during...

crisis.

Now, in the face...

of these recent dramatic events...

I maintain...

that it is more than ever necessary...

to protect the Essenbeck Steelworks...

from eventual political pressures...

or from...

even greater risks.

You must admit that I never yielded to this regime.

And everybody knows I never had...

and never will have a rapport with that... gentleman.

Nevertheless, in the interests of the factory...

our production activity...

compels us to keep in daily contact...

with these people.

This is why I feel an indispensable need...

to have at my side a man...

in favor of the regime...

- who can guarantee us-- - All right.

My resignation has been ready for some time, Joachim...

if this is what you're asking.

I am forced to do it, Herbert...

against my will and without strong conviction.

- But the steelworks-- - Yes.

Right or wrong, they must always come first.

That has always been your creed.

You sent your son to the slaughter, so you could say:

"The Essenbecks put children and cannons into the world with the same sentiment."

And with the same sentiment they'll be buried.

Forgive me.

I congratulate you, Konstantin.

You'll be the vice president that we deserve.

Come, Herbert. Please.

I hope I don't follow in the footsteps...

of my predecessor.

Agreed, Frederick?

"Children, the young ones are coming out of my ears

"A man, a real man

"Children, the young ones are coming out of my ears

"A man, a real man"

If it suited him, Aschenbach would stab me in the back. I know that.

But not this time. He's on my side.

On our side, Sophie.

Herbert was right.

They did set the Reichstag on fire. Coming here in the car tonight...

Aschenbach was perfectly clear in his own mind that it was going to be successful.

We talked about you and about me, about Joachim, about the steelworks.

And underneath all that...

he was saying:

"Tonight, you will be given a special opportunity.

"It's up to you to decide whether to take it or not.

"Whether to be with us or against us."

You understand what that means, Sophie?

I can't believe they'd put Joachim's name on the proscription list.

He's much too important to the steelworks.

For Herbert, perhaps, it's probably over.

Strange things will happen tonight, probably.

And the only losers will be the onlookers.

I feel as if I've been given a special mission.

And if I accept it, if I take that chance...

they'll give me all their help.

And there won't any more be a Herbert...

or a Konstantin, or a Joachim.

I will be in command.

I will make decisions. You and I, Sophie.

What have you decided?

It would be the first decision I'd taken...

without consulting you.

You did well, Frederick...

even if I will never know how to push you enough.

Go, and go to the limit.

None of them are worth even half of what you are.

You did well to wait, or to say yes, to thank them.

But now you must make it pay!

All the times that Herbert tried to push you aside...

that Joachim looked down on you...

and Konstantin, with his protective air, always trying to help you...

to offer you a hand. He's the worst of all.

Don't be afraid, Frederick.

I'm not afraid.

All we have to do now is to convince your son...

- that I can do the job. - I'll take care of Martin.

I know Martin's desires.

He has no sense of values.

The steelworks or a Rolls, it's all the same to him.

We will throw him the bait. Leave it to me.

- I've won! - Yes, you've won.

- Where's Erika? - Erika, come!

- I've won, you can come out now. - Erika! Where are you?

- Here I am. - There you are, you naughty little thing.

Come here. Now it's your turn. Come.

Put your hands over your eyes. Like that.

Now count up to 100, out loud.

One, two, three...

four, five, six...

seven, eight, nine...

ten, eleven, twelve...

thirteen, fourteen...

Erika. Come!

Drink! Let's not talk any more. Drink!

- I will not leave my school. - You'll leave that dirty hole!

You'll come with me to the factory.

I'll drag you if necessary.

But I swear, in 10 years, you will be in a position of command.

In a position to even throw me out.

At the cost of breaking that damn cello over your head.

You're getting to be like your mother. The same delicate stomach!

Never wanted to put her foot inside the factory.

The heat of the ovens made her giddy.

- Listen, Papa, I have decided-- - I'll decide for you.

I know. You can't bear me.

But even I don't ask that you love me.

On the contrary.

I don't intend to leave that seat...

to that eager Frederick, neither to Martin.

I'll tie you to it...

when your time comes, and God help me if I don't.

Those bastards have poisoned your mind.

But we'll tear that school of yours to pieces...

including all their bloody damned books!

Gunther!

- Erika. - Do you want her to find us quickly?

Come in.

Come in.

All right.

As I foresaw.

Before daybreak, Herbert will be arrested.

Poor Herbert! And to think that we're so close to the border.

Will there be a trial? Is there a specific charge?

I don't believe such formalities are necessary.

We just have to be careful of their substance...

and the substance is this:

Before the flames of the Reichstag are put out...

the men of old Germany will be reduced to ashes.

Nevertheless, a semblance of legality...

can also be useful sometimes.

But now you must excuse me. I'm tired and would like to retire.

If you need me.

But to leave like this, like thieves.

We are not the only ones, Elizabeth.

Every day there are a lot of people who have to leave for other parts of Europe.

We are among the more fortunate. At least we know where we're going.

- We have friends. - But when?

The time it takes to get ready and hand over the office at the factory.

It's all over, Gunther.

It was our fault. Everyone's, even mine.

It does no good to raise your voice when it's too late...

not even to save your soul.

All we have done is give Germany a sick democracy.

The fear of a proletarian revolution...

which would have thrown the country to the Left was too great...

and now we can't defend it any longer. Nazism, Gunther, is our creation.

It was born in our factories, nourished with our money.

I know what you're thinking: that I shouldn't run away...

- and perhaps you're hating me for it. - No, Uncle Herbert.

- We'll keep in contact, won't we? - Yes.

It's so late. What are you doing?

- Where's Thilde? Do you know, Erika? - I don't know.

Thilde!

Herbert, they're here.

They've come to take you. You haven't a moment to lose.

- Elizabeth. - No!

Herbert, you haven't got a moment to lose. Hurry!

- Don't go. - Hurry!

- You're mad to take that. Give it to me. - No!

I'll get rid of it for you. Now hurry.

Herbert! Darling, quickly.

- Take care of the children. - Go, my love.

Herbert, don't. This way.

Open!

You, too, recognize this weapon?

Yes.

The weapon apparently belongs to Mr. Herbert Thallman.

Should we continue with our investigation?

Let's leave it to the legal authorities.

Mr. Thallman has taken a file of compromising documents...

concerning the most recent research in the steelworks.

It could be very useful outside the Reich.

He cannot make any concrete use of it.

"To the prosecuting attorney.

"February 18, 1933.

"Subject:

"The incrimination of Herbert Thallman, fugitive...

"for the first-degree murder...

"of Baron Joachim von Essenbeck."

I know what you are feeling, my dear Martin.

But you can't, from one day to another...

assume such a big responsibility...

without feeling, let's say...

afraid.

But neither I nor Frederick will leave you alone.

We say, however...

that you have all the time to continue your studies...

and to take in hand the problems of the firm.

They aren't small problems, believe me.

Meanwhile, Frederick and I will keep the business going...

as we have always done in the past.

I had really hoped that you wouldn't have to assume...

the presidency of the steelworks...

under such tragic circumstances.

But unfortunately...

I still wanted to say that...

Grandfather was right.

In these times, our plant...

Yes, after all...

either it is in agreement with the government...

or else our business, our advantages...

I don't pretend to be a businessman, not even a politician.

However, this I know, too...

it's a matter of fact of special production.

There are technical problems.

Good.

Very good.

You've even made a crowning speech.

Now, however, don't exaggerate.

Let's try to give this meeting...

a rather more familiar tone?

- Joachim's intentions-- - I beg you, Konstantin!

Martin has not finished. He's still saying something.

Let's listen.

Uncle Konstantin, I will respect all of Grandfather's will.

He has nominated you vice president, and it's fair that it should be so.

But I think that in a moment like this...

I think, yes, in a moment like this, the presidency...

above all, needs a technician.

What kind of a joke is this?

It's not a joke. Enormous interests are at stake.

And Martin thinks...

As far as I know, it's the first time...

Martin ever used his head to think.

I inherit the major stock, and it's up to me to decide.

It is up to me to decide!

I nominate Frederick Bruckmann...

president of the administration...

and general director of the Essenbeck Steelworks...

and all its associated member groups.

Frederick Bruckmann.

I pulled you up like this from the nothing that you were.

Herbert's pistol...

Aschenbach's testimony, the arrival of the SS.

Too much fantasy, Konstantin.

You come with me.

Today, you, too, learned something.

Things you are not taught in a school like yours.

Come.

Don't have any illusions.

This war has just begun.

Gunther, come!

To the first model, with the hope that we will quickly hear its music.

Will this entertainment last much longer?

Your place is here, Martin. You can't leave now.

All right, sir.

Mr. Bruckmann.

I don't understand...

I knew your father at the French Front in 1916.

A true Essenbeck, and a heroic officer.

I know.

The General Staff is quite firm on this point. Either R�hm goes or we go.

It's naked extortion.

The SA is a knife at the throat of the high finance and the Reichswehr.

Consequently, it'll be necessary to stop the flow...

of the heavy artillery into the barracks of the SA.

Is that your personal opinion?

It is the opinion of the general staff.

And also of the Chancellor, if you don't mind my saying so.

The army is the army, and the SA is the SA.

We are not concerned with internal order.

And we will not divide our traditional duties with others.

Traditional duties?

I'd like to know where the Prussian generals were...

when we cleaned up Germany from top to bottom!

- This country will never be clean enough-- - I beg your pardon.

Gentlemen.

No one doubts the merits of the attack formations, dear cousin.

We ourselves would not be here without the work of the SA.

But heavy arms are not needed for public order.

All you have to do is look around.

Germany is the most orderly country in the whole world.

It's a pleasure for the American and English tourists.

What more do you want?

And so, gentlemen, we're all agreed.

Not one single machine gun leaves this place...

unless it is requested by the general staff.

We are close to the elections, Frederick...

and we must win them at all costs if we want them to be the last.

But you know that takes a lot of money.

Essenbeck is late.

Joachim's stubborn hostility has created this disagreeable state of affairs.

All the other industrialists have paid their quota--

Excuse me. It is difficult to set aside such a large sum of money...

without juggling the balance sheets.

This is a corporation...

and as you well know, Konstantin can be a problem.

If Konstantin wants to become a problem...

well then, I say that a problem always can be resolved.

Don't you think so?

"The state cannot but crush the innocent little flower...

- "if the flower obstructs its path." - I am not the state.

I've done everything I was required to do, and I will involve myself no further.

Come on now!

Don't take me up on every word.

They are words of Hegel, you know.

He'd turn over in his grave...

at the idea of Konstantin being compared to his innocent little flower.

Don't you think I could go? It's late.

Yes, go, Martin.

Thank you. Goodbye.

You will answer for everything that may happen here.

Remember that.

ESSENBECK CAST-STEEL FACTORY H. ESSENBECK

Emmer Street, please. Drive quickly.

- She's not here now. She's gone out. - Thank you, I know.

Thomas and Heinrich Mann, Walter Rathenau...

Erich Maria Remarque...

Arnold and Stefan Zweig...

Andr� Gide...

Helen Keller...

Margaret Sanger...

Jack London...

George Bernard Shaw...

�mile Zola...

Marcel Proust.

Come here.

I had to open it. I'm sorry.

I'm obliged to read the mail, specially foreign correspondence.

Herbert Thallman is my uncle. It's absurd that I can't receive--

Listen to me, von Essenbeck.

If your uncle had good sense, he wouldn't write to you here.

Where would you like him to write to me? He needs help.

- You read that yourself, didn't you? - I don't want to know anything.

I don't want to be involved in it.

I only want you not to drag our institute in this mess.

And then, I can't believe...

I refuse to believe what your uncle writes.

- I ask permission to leave. - Go.

And get your hair cut, von Essenbeck.

Yes, sir.

Yes, I believe that's all of it.

Request for renewal, tax deposit, stamps.

- Reason for the trip? - Vacation.

Vacation. Going alone, Mrs. Thallman?

With my children.

Thilde, age eleven. Erika, eight. Is that correct?

Yes.

Do you intend joining your husband?

No.

Perhaps you don't know where he is.

We are always well-informed, you know.

I can't see the difficulty. We only wish to leave.

Has someone caused you some difficulty?

No, not exactly.

Do you know that your husband has committed murder?

That's absurd. A disgrace.

Are you sure? Then why don't you convince him to come back?

- He could prove his innocence. - But I don't know where he is.

What have the children or I got to do with it?

Is there some charge, perhaps, against us?

We don't want to leave, just to get away.

- Is someone forcing you to leave? - No, they're stopping me.

Who's stopping you, Mrs...

Thallman. Elizabeth Thallman.

Perhaps you mean to insinuate.

Answer. Don't be afraid. Answer.

- Good morning. - Your friend is not at home.

Yes. Okay. Thank you.

She had to go out. She said she would be back late.

All right.

Lisa.

Look what I've brought you. Do you like this little horse?

- Yes, thank you. - You can ride on it. Do you like it?

You can caress it. Try it, Lisa.

- It's all yours. Do you like it? - Yes.

You must take care of him.

You know, he likes you very much. He really does.

Lisa!

Lisa, why don't you answer me?

- You're a wicked girl, Lisa. - No!

What do you think you're doing? I've told you not to waste time.

You never do any work.

You stay here and play all day. Look at the disorder in here.

Stop crying, or I'll really give you something to cry about.

I told you to stop. Didn't you hear me?

Start cleaning up the room.

And the plates need washing.

Come on now. Get to work!

Martin.

It's you.

- I didn't expect to find you here. - What's the time?

- It's 2:00. - 2:00.

It's so late. I had a lot of work to do tonight.

Help me, I implore you. Help me.

I know you're the strongest, and you can prevent me from going.

But I don't see what's the point.

You can't still be afraid of Herbert.

Yes, before maybe, but now!

Now his papers aren't worth anything. No one's going to listen to him.

Germany can do as she wishes.

You yourselves can do anything you like in the whole of Europe.

Nobody's going to lift a finger against you. So why keep us here?

Oh, yes, because one day we might remember.

We might say to ourselves what we know about you, about everyone.

But do you think that day is going to come, Sophie?

No, it's not.

Herbert still deludes himself. I don't anymore. You never believed it.

So why? Why keep us here?

Just my presence here must be unbearable to you...

because it makes you remember when you want to forget.

I too, I only want to forget.

So let us go away, Sophie. Let us go.

Just one word, one word from you.

One word is enough.

Go. Leave. If this is what you want.

Don't fool yourself, however, Elizabeth.

Don't dream of coming back one day to find a Germany...

which was so dear to your heart. It's finished, that Germany. Forever.

There will be no other Germany but this one.

And you will not be able to escape it or avoid it.

For it will spread before you know it, all over Europe, and everywhere.

Hauptsturmf�hrer Aschenbach.

Baroness von Essenbeck.

Lisa.

Come.

Come, I'll show it to you.

Why were you crying the other day? I heard you, you know.

Did someone hit you?

Your mother?

Does she do it often, on your little tiny ass?

Why?

Stop it, Martin.

Stop it, darling. I've got to go.

- Where are you going? - I'm going to pose.

To pose?

No, stay with me.

I'm late.

I've got to go, darling.

Didn't you have enough?

I'm late, darling. I've got to go.

Stop it! Please!

Where the devil is that dress?

Darling, please.

Stop it.

That's enough, Martin.

If you want to be of some help, why don't you tidy up this room a bit?

Look what a mess you've made.

And that stupid little girl is ill.

- Who? - Lisa.

I've got to pay for her doctor as well.

What's the matter with her? What's she got?

How should I know? Can't understand it.

She's got a high temperature. Last night she was delirious.

I'm so late.

Martin, what's the matter with you?

Why don't you do as I told you? This room is in such a mess.

Now, I really must go.

Darling, when you leave, lock the door, please.

Goodbye.

Lisa.

- You won't forget us? - I promise.

We are going to miss you so.

But you know that you're welcome with Herbert and I, anytime you want.

- Try to come. - Yes, I'll try. I really will.

Imagine how excited the children are. We're all going to see Herbert.

Give him my love.

What happened? What are you doing here?

What do you want from me?

I don't know anything!

What do you want?

Look, the house is full of gifts. Expensive things.

I don't know anything!

When I heard that it concerned the Baron von Essenbeck...

I took the liberty of calling you.

Otherwise, I would never have dared.

As you can see, I haven't forgotten all the things you have done for me.

There's no formal charge yet. Only the usual evidence from the family...

and a name spoken in delirium by the poor victim.

By the child, I mean. Nothing else.

Nevertheless, the young baron was seen coming out of a club.

One of those clubs, you know.

On Grabenstrasse.

I'll take care of it.

Take her with you.

I don't want to go to the police! Get out of here!

I don't want to go!

- Go away! - Shut up!

Read this.

It's incredible.

- What does it mean? - That's what I want to know.

When has Martin ever shown this kind of initiative?

To call an extraordinary meeting of the board of directors.

Of course, he is the major shareholder, Sophie.

He can do as he pleases.

But why does he want to call a meeting of a board of directors?

We'll know soon enough.

- Do you know where he is? - No.

I've been looking for him. He can't be found, Sophie.

He was last seen in a bar in D�sseldorf three days ago.

- Now they've lost all track of him. - He must be found.

We'll turn Germany upside down if necessary.

- But the president-- - The president is not here!

In his absence, you will do as I tell you.

But we have received direct orders that do not--

I assume every responsibility.

The whole shipment must be diverted to Stuttgart...

and delivered to the area SA command.

You understand?

Hello.

- What's happening, Frederick? - All right, don't worry.

We'll find him. We've got half the city looking for him.

Try Aschenbach again.

- It's too early. - It's almost 3:00. You can always try!

Hauptsturmf�hrer Aschenbach. It's urgent.

Frederick.

Bruckmann, Frederick Bruckmann.

From the castle at Kleistburg.

Yes, I'll wait.

Martin.

What are you afraid of? Answer me!

Why does Konstantin keep you in here?

What does he want? What have you promised him? Martin!

Konstantin?

What happened, Martin?

- I'm afraid. I'm in his hands. - No, Martin.

- I'm afraid. - No.

- I'll help you. Tell me everything. - No.

I must know everything in order to help you! Tell me, Martin.

Speak, Martin.

Is he the one who made you write that letter?

No!

Is he the one who made you write that letter?

I'll take care of it, dear.

Your mother will protect you.

Then the moment has come to crush the innocent little flower...

because the flower obstructs our path.

I have already pre-announced to Frederick a similar occurrence.

But Frederick has not developed well his sense of the Hegelian system.

When is the board of directors meeting?

Within a month, according to the bylaws.

And what will be the procedure?

Very simple. Konstantin will ask for verification of the powers.

There will be a vote.

Martin, who has the major stock, will withdraw his support from Frederick--

Will pass it on to Konstantin.

But how did Konstantin get his hands on Martin?

He has many friends in the Police, SA, even the Gestapo.

Another cord to cut.

Very soon, however, the files regarding Martin will pass into...

more important hands.

Come.

These are the most complete archives ever to be conceived.

This is the secret Germany. Nothing is lacking.

You can even find your history, and Frederick's.

Can you believe it?

You see, it's not very difficult to enter...

into the lives of people.

Every German citizen today is potentially one of our informers.

The collective thinking of our people is now complicity.

Don't you think that this is the true miracle of the Third Reich?

If you wish, we can read Konstantin's future together.

If he has one.

Konstantin will always have a future as long as his friends are in power.

If I were you, I wouldn't be so pessimistic.

You see, Sophie, if we need the SA to conquer Germany...

to conquer the world, we need the Army.

But the Army wants no part of the SA.

The generals have been explicit. "Either us or them."

Do you want the Chancellor to be displeased with our fine generals?

Do you think Hitler is willing to put his friend R�hm in the background?

In the background? A man like R�hm?

That wouldn't be enough, and too much of a risk.

Certain things are not done halfway.

Konstantin is your risk as much as ours.

- For you, it would be easy. - No, cousin Sophie, that is not so.

It's nice of you to try to save...

Frederick from such a distasteful task...

but the terms are very clear.

We also share the disadvantages of our alliance.

Frederick will do what must be done.

But I would like you to help me never to expose him to this sort of thing again.

What do you mean?

I would like you to help to transform the Essenbeck Corporation...

from a family enterprise to a company with a sole owner.

And since Frederick's name is not Essenbeck--

- It's impossible. - Nothing is impossible in this country.

A decree is sufficient.

And Frederick will be able to obtain the name and the title of Essenbeck.

Don't you think you are demanding too much?

You are also demanding.

You know the hostility that still interferes with our marriage.

Yours is a beautiful love story.

An exemplary story.

But I don't see how it is directly connected with the life of the Third Reich.

It's not just a love story.

To wage war, they want cannons.

They won't have enough without the Essenbeck Steelworks.

Watch out, cousin Aschenbach.

In this negotiation, I don't have less of an argument than you have.

What made you suddenly become such a miser with concessions?

That's not difficult to answer.

In every question of power...

always an alternative is necessary, even hypothetical.

- It's the first rule in the art of governing. - Enough. I understand.

That means, it doesn't seem practical to put everything in Frederick's hands...

even that which is Martin's.

He's your son, Sophie.

Must I always be the one to remind you of that?

I can't believe it's possible.

- When? - Soon, Frederick.

Much sooner than you think.

And Aschenbach?

Aschenbach is against it. But what does that mean?

He, too, will find himself faced with a fait accompli.

Can't you understand that you count more than he does by now?

Aschenbach produces words.

You produce cannons.

It's the one thing that carries weight, believe me...

above all, to the chancellery.

The decree, Frederick. Don't you think so?

Frederick von Essenbeck.

Power. All the power or nothing.

Remember?

Then we'll get married. Very soon.

You and I together, forever.

And Martin?

Martin has never been a problem.

And Konstantin, has he never been a problem?

You have to do it.

It's your move.

Oh, God.

I am not afraid, Sophie.

Joachim...

Konstantin...

and tomorrow?

God, the complicity grows.

And I know...

I'll be trapped with Aschenbach all my life.

When you are at the peak of the pyramid...

not even Aschenbach will have power over you.

Oh, my God.

I've accepted a ruthless logic...

and I can never get away from it.

When?

Aschenbach will tell you where and when.

WELCOME TO THE SA IN BAD WIESSEE

I've not been in Wiessee since Munich.

Those were bad days. Now it will be all right, don't you think so?

When I think of Munich, I think of a putsch...

a whore, and a flea-ridden cell.

Me, too. The putsch and the cell must have been the same.

And I bet it was the same whore.

Ready!

Fire!

Nothing happens to the old one.

Today they have a holiday for Hindenburg. And tomorrow, maybe the Chancellor.

That is a wonderful idea. He gets on my nerves.

Halt, this is the boss. He arrives by car, because he gets sick on the train.

I have no shoulder to cry on.

Roderich, you and I will end up in the heavens.

So don't kick me out of here.

I've got no one in the whole world.

R�hm would be a fool to be let down by Hitler.

Fool, how can you say that?

They were very close, their hearts and souls together.

- Don't you think so? - I can only tell you that if he doesn't stop...

making difficulties for us, only his moustache will remain.

Damn! We've brought him to the position he now holds.

Be fair to the armed forces.

How long do you think this nice vacation will last?

We will stay here until they have agreed.

And if they do not agree?

Then there will be a fight.

What else?

Let's go in. You are missing the best.

They're all dead. Let's go.

Let it... Let it...

I realized immediately what she was about to do. I understood.

I don't know why, but I understood.

I did not move. I did nothing to stop her.

I sat in Olga's room without moving a finger.

There was a deathly silence all around.

And when night came, I stayed there, waiting.

Calm yourself. I didn't bring you here to blackmail you.

Konstantin has already tried.

It didn't bring him any luck.

And then to put you in real trouble, you, the son of a hero...

the true hero, the only von Essenbeck.

Just because a little Jewess...

had the bad taste to hang herself.

Didn't you know? Jew.

According to the new order, yours isn't even a crime. In fact, it's...

But that's not enough to say we are friends or allies.

Allies?

If you wish.

I thought that you and Frederick--

I thought so, too, until yesterday.

Frederick thinks he's become irreplaceable...

but he's mistaken.

Only he who acknowledges he can lose from one day to the next...

everything he might've gained, thanks to our support:

That, yes, is a trustworthy friend.

But he who wants to become master of all, even of himself...

who deludes himself into thinking...

he is able to make his own decisions...

to think by himself:

That, no.

You don't have these pretensions. Right, Martin?

But isn't it too late? The decree?

The decree. Suddenly, that piece of paper has got a tremendous value...

as long as the receiver is in a position to enjoy it.

They are using National Socialism as an instrument for their own ambitions.

They still don't understand what National Socialism really is.

But they've already cut me out!

Frederick can appoint his own successor.

As far as I know, Frederick has no sons... yet.

Your mother, on the other hand, has one.

You, Martin.

It would be so easy.

But if you're afraid...

I'm not afraid. I have waited years for this.

I don't say afraid of Frederick, but of your mother.

I could do anything to destroy her security, her strength...

and her power.

Anything!

I was always kept apart.

She only wanted to humiliate me.

She never realized that I loved her and needed her.

And I really did.

But now, all that changed to hate.

I hate her.

Very simple.

I want to see her weak...

ruined and alone.

Help me, please. I'll do what you say. I'll do anything.

- Anything to accomplish this. - Yes, Martin.

I will help you.

I won't give them any peace.

Gunther, pay a little attention.

Uncle Frederick has something to say.

I bet that you're now going to tell us the date of the wedding.

- I shall try not to miss it. - You won't miss it, Martin.

Neither will any of the others.

You mean the ones who remain?

I assumed total responsibility not only of the steelworks...

but of this entire family.

And therefore, I intend to stop this habit...

of taking liberties.

Excuse me, Frederick.

You don't mean to include me amongst your subjects.

I'm simply a guest.

No, dear cousin. I wouldn't dare.

But if you're a little patient, you can--

Excuse me.

Gunther! I haven't finished yet.

They're not problems which concern me.

They concern you because you live in this house!

I didn't ask to stay!

And I won't stay very much longer.

I order you! Get back into your place!

At least this can be a moment for truth.

Neither one of you condescended to come to the opening of the new steelworks.

For one reason or another...

you decided to miss a most important family obligation.

Your absence was conspicuous to me.

And I insist that this kind of behavior never happens again!

What is the meaning of all this control?

The impromptu visits, the secrecy, the spying.

The investigations carried out by the secret service...

against some of my most trusted colleagues.

What is all this?

For some time, the works have seemed to be besieged...

and I know very well that none of this could have taken place...

without your full knowledge.

So what is it?

I assure you...

that no one will leave this room...

until all that has to be said is said.

Can I sit down?

I was sitting here that night.

I don't have much to say.

Elizabeth and the children took the train to Salzburg on the morning of June 18.

They never arrived.

You know where they were taken? Not even you?

They took them where you decided. To Dachau.

To the internment camp.

I know you didn't mean any harm to any of them...

you just wanted to compel me to return.

In the interest of justice, of course...

and the steelworks.

And to get rid of anyone who one day might say:

"Yes, it's true, it was Herbert's gun that killed Joachim von Essenbeck...

"but the hand was another's."

What do you want?

Nothing.

You have succeeded with your plan.

I have returned to give myself up to the Gestapo.

In exchange, they will release the children.

They won't talk. They can't harm you.

And Elizabeth won't talk.

She's dead.

It's not true.

It is, Gunther.

Someone has to know and remember.

And tell the others, because they also must know...

and remember.

Uncle Herbert! Wait for me.

Gunther, where are you going?

Gunther! Stop.

Where are you going? Idiot! You haven't heard the best yet.

- Idiot. - Martin!

Come with me. Come.

Look at him.

It's he who killed your father. He! With his own hands.

Don't you believe it? Why don't you ask him?

Tell him! How many shots did you fire? One, two, three?

You can tell him now. Who could prove it?

Why did you do it?

Because Frederick said that we have to say everything that needed to be said.

I cooperated. Isn't that what you wanted?

The sole owner.

I'll make you pay for that, you little swine.

But don't you understand that something's changing in this house?

I'm not afraid of you anymore, Frederick.

And even if it seems paradoxical to you...

if anyone should be afraid among us, it's you...

from now on. And you, too, Mother.

What do you want of Frederick?

- Everything. - You're crazy, Martin.

I want everything, Mother.

And I'll take everything. Everything that belongs to me.

I won't let you!

- Mother! - Ask my pardon.

Kneel and ask my pardon.

Mother!

Kneel, and ask my pardon, on your knees!

No, Martin, no. On your knees.

On your knees!

Tomorrow Martin will repent, you'll see. He'll ask my pardon.

He will repent.

Come.

Gunther.

I will kill them. If you want, I will kill them.

You see, Gunther, you, tonight...

have acquired something truly extraordinary.

The brutality of your father, Frederick's ambition...

even the ruthlessness of Martin.

But all that is nothing compared to what you already possess.

Hate, Gunther! You possess hate!

It's a young hate. Pure. Absolute.

But be careful. This potential of energy and fury is too important...

to use it in a paltry private vendetta.

It would be a luxury. A useless waste.

To destroy Frederick, the venomous bite of an asp is enough.

You will come with me.

We will teach you to administer your immense wealth.

To invest it in a better way.

You understand, don't you?

Come.

Gunther...

come.

Martin, what are you doing here?

Go away, Mother. Go away, please.

It's he who sends you.

Why do you hate him so?

And me? Do you also hate your mother?

Go away, Mother. Please, go away.

You don't know the risk you are running...

by putting yourself into Aschenbach's hands.

How can you have faith in him?

Should I have faith in you?

Listen, Martin.

You listen, Mother. It's not Aschenbach who makes me afraid.

It's not Frederick.

It's you, Mother.

You, who's always been my nightmare.

You, with your oppression, with your will to subjugate me at all costs...

in every way.

With your idiotic wigs and lipsticks.

You've never loved me. Never.

You have always preferred him.

You gave him everything, everything that belongs to me.

My factory, my money, my house, brick by brick.

Even my name! And your love.

You're the worst.

So it's you I hate!

You can't imagine the evil I wish you!

I will destroy you, Mother.

Martin!

Martin! No!

Sophie, we must do something.

We can't stay inside. Isolated.

Prisoners in our own house.

Hunted just as Aschenbach wanted us to be.

Sophie.

I will not be destroyed in this way!

I've learned to kill.

The game isn't over yet.

And I'll go to the very end.

But you must want it, too.

You must help me.

I will not let Martin strip...

I won't let Martin strip me of all the things I have gained.

We can still break him.

I only need you.

Sophie, I only need you.

I need you.

I need you!

Don't abandon me now!

I beg of you.

Don't abandon me now.

Not you, too.

Mommy and Martin

Martin kills Mommy

Come.

I brought some of my friends with me.

Otherwise, what kind of celebration would it be?

You seem depressed.

And it's your wedding day, Frederick von Essenbeck.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

It's just a piece of paper, Frederick.

You were wrong to place so much importance to it.

These days, decrees are very unreliable.

Aschenbach said that you haven't understood...

anything of National Socialism.

And yet it's not a very difficult thing. Even I have understood it.

Now hurry up, Frederick. Mother is waiting.

Come on. Light the candles.

Come on.

Do you claim to be of the Aryan race?

- Yes. - Yes.

Do any hereditary diseases exist in your family?

- No. - No.

Thank you for coming.

Thank you.

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