Original subtitles

The Saragossa Manuscript

Forward! Follow me!

You are a prisoner.

No resistance, please.

Can you hear me?

Wait a minute, friend,

until I finish admiring these drawings.

What about the enemy?

Carry on the pursuit!

Interesting.

Very much so.

Too bad I don't know Spanish.

Look, this is about my grandfather.

"The Count Ollavedez who, at that time,"

"had not yet brought the settlers to the Sierra..."

Captain!

They're surrounding us. What shall we do?

Why don't you close the door? It's drafty!

Where was I?

Here, I think.

"...the Sierra Morena,"

"a steep range between Andalusia and La Mancha."

"At that time, it was populated,"

"with robbers and gyp"

Thank you, "gypsies..."

"and gypsies, of whom it was said,"

"would eat the corpses of killed wanderers."

Will we make it before dark?

Before dark?

Three days aren't enough to cross these mountains.

Where will we sleep?

It becomes dark very quickly.

Sometimes you can find a deserted inn at the roadside,

because infernal ghosts chased out the innkeepers,

and when evil ghosts...

So what?

A traveller who comes here should be prepared for the very worst.

I am not scared of them.

I can handle them.

Listen to Mosquito!

Saddle the mules and follow me, and hurry!

Sir, demons rave there

and invisible hands push you into the abyss.

The devils have goats' hooves, not feet.

Let's go through Extremadura.

The sights are prettier there.

We'll go straight on and stop here,

at the cork oaks, where we will have our food.

Then we'll spend the night at Venta Quemada.

And the next day,

get supplies and prepare to cross the mountains.

And in three days' time, exhausted but happy,

we'll ride triumphantly into Castilla.

That's my plan and nothing is going to change it!

He'll ruin us.

Since King Don Philip V honoured me

with the rank of captain of the Walloon Guard,

it is my duty to find the shortest way to Madrid.

My young lord,

maybe the king has honoured you with a captain's rank,

but reason has not done the same for your brains.

It would be good to quench our thirst.

Water isn't good after fruit.

Where is the mule attendant?

I don't like all this.

He has gone off with all our supplies.

Sir, evil ghosts have kidnapped poor Mosquito.

He's escaped!

Damned rascal,

I didn't like his shrewd eyes right from the start.

Why didn't I listen to Brother Jerome de la Trinidad,

holy monk and preacher?

Mosquito!

He said the officers of the guard were heretics.

Shut up, stupid!

I'll catch him and break his bones if he fled from fear.

Don't leave me alone here, sir.

Then you go.

No, sir, I will not go.

Well, we'll talk later.

Mosquito!

Two foreign ladies who are staying here

would like to invite you to supper.

Will you please follow me, caballero?

Se�or caballero, thank you

for your kind acceptance of this modest supper.

Appease your hunger, sir.

You probably haven't eaten since early morning.

Are you surprised at our meeting?

My name is Emina and this is my sister, Zibelda.

We live in Tunisia, but we come from Grenada,

where our relatives still adhere to our forefathers' faith.

Our journey is an important secret

which we want to confide to your honesty.

That was what we expected, se�or caballero.

I took a seat near you to tell you our family's story.

Listen carefully.

Does this locket contain a picture of your mistress?

This jewel is a gift from my mother

and it contains a fragment of a genuine relic.

Does it frighten you?

Only evil ghosts are afraid of relics.

We are Muslim, so don't be surprised at my sister.

Too bad our closest relative follows a strange faith.

Am I your relative?

You are.

Your mother was a Gomelez.

We also belong to that family.

I've never heard of it.

Aren't you wrong, dear ladies?

No.

I promised to tell you the story of our ancestors,

but I think it would be better if I start with my own.

Sit down.

We were waiting for you.

Had you chosen another road out of fear,

we'd have lost respect for you.

You are flattering me, Emina,

but I never turn off the road I have chosen.

But why are you so concerned with my courage?

We are concerned about you.

Me?

Maybe you will feel less flattered when I tell you

that you are the first man we have ever met.

My sister speaks the truth.

We never had a brother.

And locked up in the harem since we were children,

we never had the slightest idea about your sex.

But nature gave us the inclination to love.

We gave each other our love.

This is beginning to look interesting.

My sister and I love each other dearly.

Seeing this, our mother said,

we would either remain maidens or marry one man.

Her assurance somewhat calmed our anxiety.

The head of the family agreed that we could marry one man,

provided he was a Gomelez.

Is it...

Is it me?

It is.

This is the idea we liked best.

But my religion, my faith!

Don't you like us, Alfonso?

Aren't we nice?

It's nearly dawn.

Time is too precious to be wasted on idle talk.

We cannot become your spouses unless

you accept the Prophet's law.

You will be allowed to see us in your dreams only.

But you have to keep our existence secret.

Do you agree?

Pass the chalice!

But remember your promise.

My dear cousin, why aren't you Muslim?

How happy I would be, if seeing you...

on Emina's lap,

I too could call my self your wife.

Come with me, my son.

Woe to him who, in his wicked inflexibility,

refuses to confess his sins.

Do not spend the nights under the skies.

And beware of all temptations, as the Lord has lifted His hand.

I will do as you say, Father, but first...

my belly requires refreshment.

Think about your soul's salvation

and I'll look after your body's needs.

Strange things were happening last night.

Did you stay in the deserted inn by any chance?

I visited Venta Quemada.

But I have my reasons

for being reluctant to explain it to you.

Devils are tempters.

Beware of Satan and pride, my son!

Yes, yes, beware of Satan.

I am amazed at your courage.

Tell me, young man, who are you and who raised you up?

Do you believe in ghosts?

Me? Why should I?

have no fear.

This one is possessed, and I am chasing the devil out of him.

Pasheko!

In the name of Our Lord,

I order you to drive the goats uphill!

Here is an example of how the Angel of Darkness

is still ruling this unfortunate neighbourhood.

I am giving him much of my time.

I think I will be able to save him.

He's been making great progress lately.

He milks these goats? Yes.

Can you satisfy my curiosity, my son?

I was asking for details of your life.

You honour me, Father,

and you will know everything.

I come from a family who had more prominent men than wealth.

My father, a colonel of the Walloon Guard,

was an extremely kind and honourable gentleman.

In the name of Van Worden!

You'll pay for this, rascal!

A horse, bring me a horse!

What are you waiting for, cowards?

I have a feeling this is going to end badly.

Se�or, I request you grant me a moment to talk.

All right. Privately.

Se�or, I do not have the pleasure of knowing you.

You'll know me in a while.

Se�or.

After you.

After you.

Your coach, se�or, has outrun my carriage.

There is something offensive in that,

and I would like you to justify it.

Se�or, it seems it wasn't my coachmen who outran yours,

but yours who were dragging along and were left behind.

I admit you are right.

Too bad that you didn't say that before I drew my sword.

Se�or, I understand you perfectly well.

Excuse me for having taken your time.

Oh, don't mention it.

May I?

But of course, se�or.

I'll be getting back to my roast which may not be quite cold yet.

Water!

Why did he have his coach chopped up?

He'd be more comfortable.

After it lost the race, he couldn't look at it any more

Water!

I would have sold it.

A nobleman like him never sells, he just destroys.

Everything I have for a drop of water.

Did you hear that?

If you had water, you'd be a rich man.

He's mad to start all these duels.

If you have a master who likes collecting wounds,

you have to be ready for anything.

God damn it!

I'd sell my soul for a drop of water.

I have invited you all to attend my wedding,

every one with whom I have had the pleasure of crossing swords

at least once and whom, of course, I haven't killed.

You came to rejoice with me. I need your advice.

Here is a letter from the mayor of Bay�n,

asking me to take possession of my ancestral castle

in the Ardennes.

Should I leave the king's service

or leave my heritage to its own fate?

If you vote...

I'll do as you advise.

Please hurry, se�ores, or the meat will be quite cold.

Farewell, my king and lord, farewell, sunny Spain,

and I invite you to a feast at my castle in the Ardennes.

Who will pay?

This is a great loss! This is going to ruin me!

Follow me!

Nothing can equal our sunny Spain.

This was a stupid idea.

I don't think I'll ever sing

a serenade to the most beautiful se�orita.

Hush.

True, it's not the same.

I don't envy the bride and groom.

Long live the bride and groom!

I wish your son a prompt return to Spain.

Se�ora, our son will be named Alfonso.

Se�ores, continue your feast.

I, a true Spaniard, have to fulfil my duties.

Se�ora, this rain reminds me of the siege of Lleida,

when I stood up to my waist in water.

they were beautiful times.

I was famous for my bravery then.

Exactly nine months later, I was born.

You told us a nice story.

It seems your father is a man of honour.

have you inherited this virtue?

Boasting is not a feature of a Walloon Guard officer, Father.

Before you start your own story,

I'll ask Pasheko to bring you some fresh milk.

No, I better start straight away.

I was brought up away from home to learn the ways of a nobleman.

"...and the lid flew open. I saw a skeleton coming out."

"I drew my sword, but the skeleton tore off its left hand,"

"using it as a weapon, and fiercely attacked me."

"I was defending my self bravely"

"when another skeleton jumped out,"

"snapped off a rib of the first,"

"and struck me with all his might."

Welcome, son!

It's been so long, so many ears.

My dearest son!

You didn't forget your holy alphabet, my son?

Or my sophisticated teachings?

No, I've been studying hard.

Show us then, son.

Very well, excellent.

Dear Eureko, leave manly things to men.

The time has come to show you the ultimate stroke.

It's extremely complicated, but once you've mastered it,

you'll be one of the best fencers.

En garde!

Dear Eureko!

I fought 130... Yes, my son, 130 duels.

I'll give you all my experience now.

Allez I!

I failed again.

You were the finest fencer.

Don't worry, Alfonso will take over with honour.

Return to your fatherland, son.

Spain is the loveliest country in the world.

I'll do my best to help you become a Walloon Guard captain.

Thus I came here, and last night...

Well, dear son, I've become very interested in your story.

I can also see that you received a good education.

However, as you spent last night at the Venta Quemada...

What was I saying?

Oh, I am afraid you could have been haunted by two hanged men.

I wouldn't like you to have the same fate as Pasheko.

Don't be afraid, Father.

My mother told me that, in the old days,

you may have come across possessed people,

but today they are no more.

What?

haven't you seen the awful possessed Pasheko,

whose eye the devils have gouged out?

Pasheko!

His story may contribute to the salvation of your soul.

I will order him to begin.

Pasheko!

In the name of Our Lord,

I order you to tell your story to our guest.

I was born in C�rdoba. My father was prosperous.

You may leave that out, Pasheko.

His mother died three years ago,

and his father decided to marry a young widow.

Camilla de Tormes.

they were wed in Sevilla.

A few days later, my father returned with his new wife...

and her sister, Inezillia.

My dear wife, my lady, I bought some mules for your coach,

and for you, lovely Inezillia, a sapphire ring.

You are the best husband, se�or, and brother in law.

Inezillia is ecstatic, aren't you, Inezillia?

Thank you with all my heart.

Do not eat fruit, Inezillia, you know it is bad for you.

I am glad you are happy.

Camilla, we would like to hear your songs,

as we always do after lunch.

Oh yes, Camilla, do sing for us!

Come with me, sister, to get the instruments.

I beg your permission, Father, to marry beautiful Inezillia.

We will go to Madrid and start a wonderful life there.

Forget it, son. First of all, it would be

unbecoming for you to be your father's brother in law.

Secondly, church laws ban such alliances, and thirdly

I love her more than my own life.

And thirdly...

I do not want you to marry Inezillia.

Don't worry, Pasheko.

If your father won't allow you to marry my sister,

there are no obstacles at all to your being her lover.

Se�ora, Inezillia is an angel of purity, how could I

Leave it to me, Pasheko,

my sister will listen to my request,

which I will pronounce with pain in my heart.

Pasheko, Pasheko, who can resist you?

Make it short, Pasheko.

Now tell me how soon after your father set out

on the trip to Madrid, taking his wife and her sister along.

The days without Inezillia were unbearable.

I missed her and suffered.

Manuela!

In Venta Quemada?

That's where you are to wait for him.

Cruel gangs are roving the Sierra Morena.

It's quiet since those two thugs the Zota brothers, were hanged.

Will Inezillia be accompanying my father?

Yes, se�or.

No more delay.

Inezillia.

We'll always be together.

Can I eat at your place?

And spend the night?

Se�or, by St. Parazito, don't do it!

have you no clean bedclothes?

I am ready even for the king's court.

Well?

Here, ghosts rave all night.

Ghosts?

Even we go to the next village at night.

It's scary here, at night.

My friend, we'll sleep with ghosts.

As you wish, se�or,

but allow me and my wife to leave the inn for the night.

I'll keep the ghosts from stealing things.

Where are you going?

Se�or, don't play around with ghosts. I'm scared.

Then go with them, you weakling.

Pasheko, the moment has come.

Your father is asleep and Inezillia is waiting for you.

Come on, come on, come on.

Everything is going well, Pasheko.

Just look.

Indeed.

I'll tell you when the time is right.

Pasheko, Pasheko, We are waiting for you.

Inezillia, do you really desire a lover?

You will be lovers but I will always be with you.

Kiss!

Hard!

You love Inezillia and I love you.

She will refuse you nothing, but remember my condition.

Well, son, what do you think?

I think you would get scared in such circumstances, too.

A nobleman is afraid of nothing.

Then let Pasheko continue with his story.

I may hear something interesting.

Pasheko!

In the name of God, I order you to continue.

I ran for my life from right under the gallows,

and roamed far off the road all day.

I know what you want to say.

Had I come earlier, there'd be a feast fit for a king.

Indeed.

Now the ghosts have taken over

And you are spending the night in the next village.

Allow me, se�or, to leave you.

Was there a nobleman from C�rdoba

and two women yesterday?

Try to remember: A nobleman from C�rdoba.

My wife left your supper on the stove, se�or.

On the stove.

Pasheko!

Make room for me right near you.

I am trembling with cold.

It's me, your Inezillia.

Begone, Satan!

You are chasing us away?

Come on, sister, we'll light the fireplace.

Well, my son?

I can see you now realise the power of Satan.

It is getting late.

I am not offering you a place here.

Pasheko's screams wouldn't let you close your eyes.

Go to the chapel.

To the chapel?

To the chapel.

But I'll hear him there too.

He has such a terrible yell.

Son, I know what I'm telling you.

Oh yes, to the chapel.

You will sleep quietly there.

Kneel down at the altar, confess your sins and repent.

There's still time to prevent evil.

I don't think I have sinned, unless I did it in my dreams.

Who is there?

We're cold, it is us, your mistresses.

Go back to your gallows, I want to get some sleep!

You sneer at us, because you're in a chapel!

But come join us out in the graveyard.

At your service.

But tomorrow!

I can see you're nervous, my son.

And it's not surprising.

Last night, wicked spirits were up to terrible mischief.

The goats were bleating.

Devils may assume various forms, my son.

they somehow stay away from me, Father.

I can see you still have faith, but I'm worried

you won't be able to keep it.

I will, I will.

I don't want to keep you any longer.

You have a long journey.

By the day after tomorrow,

you'll have crossed the Sierra Morena.

You'll find some supplies by your saddle.

What's the shortest way to Madrid?

I have never been to Madrid, my son.

I know, however, you have to go...

that way.

Thank you...

Father.

But remember, my son, that God has raised his arm.

Se�or Alfonso Van Worden?

Yes, captain of the Walloon Guard.

You're under arrest

in the name of the Holy Inquisition.

Se�or, give us your sword.

Gentlemen, se�ores, I'm a nobleman!

What an incredibly noisy sinner.

I hope he'll be as talkative in front of the Holy Tribunal.

According to our system,

we allow the prisoner the freedom to accuse himself.

His confession, even though slightly forced,

has its advantages,