Original subtitles

Even I didn't find out until much later...

It wasn't until much later that Ruth's mother and...

Fabian's parents were taken from Levetzowstrasse straight to...

On this site stood one of the largest synagogues in Berlin.

In 1941, the Jewish Parish in Berlin...

was forced by the Gestapo to convert into a collection center.

From here more than 37,500 Berlin Jews were taken to...

the Grunewald

and Putlitzstrasse train stations...

and deported to the death camps listed above.

Hello...

It's me, Luis.

Hi...

How are you? When are you coming back?

Sorry, Luis, I can't...

Why not?

At the moment I... I just can't talk about us, right now.

I just want to know when.

Stop being so God damned selfish!

Selfish? What are you talking about?

I don't know...

Hannah, I miss you.

Hannah!

Leave me alone

That sounds pretty.

I wish I had learned English.

Say it again.

"Though lovers be lost

love shall not, and death shall have no dominion"

- Is anyone waiting for you outside? - No.

Aren't you married?

Yes, but my husband is fighting on the Eastern Front.

Oh dear, they say it's so terribly cold there.

What about you, who's waiting for you?

My poor mother.

She'll be so upset about my disappearance.

She always gets so upset about everything.

My parents aren't alive anymore. Thank God.

Please let me go to my daughter.

She's inside.

Why didn't you emigrate?

I didn't think it was up to us to leave.

I'm a German and I was going to wait for the Germans to return.

They had disappeared. They would reappear.

My wife calls it the nightmarish fairy tale of our existence.

Fear each time the doorbell rings, fear of being maltreated,

of daily verbal abuse, hate, constant hunger,

of new restrictions and the imminent threat of death...

Everything as horrible and cruel as a Grimm's fairy tale.

Maybe they'll even stick us in ovens like Hansel and Gretel.

And yet there were times...

when my wife and I could forget everything.

I'm looking for my daughter. She's supposed to be in this building.

She's just a child.

Has anyone seen her? Her name is Erika Schlesinger.

Yes. Me.

We were brought here together.

A clever girl.

That she is.

Try talking to the Jewish keeper tomorrow.

He's still young, he'll help you.

Thank you.

He's probably got a fever.

Excuse me.

Quiet.

Quiet goddamn it.

Here, sweetheart. Drink a little.

And put your hands in your pockets.

Look.

My husband.

Darling.

Give me my husband back.

Give me my husband back.

Give me my husband back.

I want my husband back.

Me too.

Give me my husband back.

Give me my husband back...

Give us our husbands back.

Give us our husbands back.

Have a seat.

I'd rather stand.

It's good to see you, Eschenbach.

Do you remember my sister?

But of course. A fabulous woman.

Do you remember who she married?

A talented violinist. I heard them play once.

They've got him at the Rosenstrasse collection center.

I'm afraid they will deport him.

Evacuate, Eschenbach.

Wilhelm, you know it and I know it.

You know exactly what they'll do to him once he leaves Rosenstrasse.

Unless he is released...?

Yes.

We lost the war at Stalingrad, it's only a matter of time now.

The Fuehrer sees things differently.

That won't help him much longer.

You seem to forget my position.

Not at all. That's why I'm here.

I can't believe you haven't been informed about our military losses.

Please say no more...

or you will put me in an awkward situation.

That is exactly my intention.

Here.

I took these photos in Russia.

I'll see what I can do.

But if the evacuation has been decided, my hands are tied.

How's the old man?

He still believes only a von Eschenbach...

can interpret world history.

Sounds familiar.

I beg of you, do something.

When did you move here?

When Fabian went to work at the factory 2 years ago.

Where's your grand piano?

I had to turn it over...

And Fabian his violin.

The telephone, the radio,

all our books and records, everything of any value at all.

I had to turn over my dog. And my canary.

Yes.

Aryan canaries

are not to sing for Jews.

Ridiculous.

Humiliating.

I cried for 3 days.

Does the general know about this?

How would he?

What about mother?

Tell me about your talk with von Weiz instead.

He'd rather perish than break his oath as a German officer.

We can't expect him to help us?

I'll try at the Central Security Department.

You haven't a chance there.

Once Fabian is on the train,

nobody can bring him back to you.

I've at least got to try.

Will you try for my mom too?

Of course, Ruth.

My name is Helga now. Helga Lehmann.

That's good.

Very good.

Weren't you afraid for your own life?

No, I never even thought of that.

I think all of us women felt the same way.

We just stood there and didn't go away,

in the hopes of maybe saving our husbands.

Or of seeing them one last time.

"No Jews Allowed"

- I'm not going in there - Yes, you are.

They're starting to deport us.

The first transport left this morning.

Were our husbands inside?

Not my Nathan or our husband.

Now we're just glad if they're still inside.

What about Ruth's mother?

I haven't heard anything about her.

Look.

She's only got one leg.

So? It's not her fault.

Mommy.

I'm living with Lena.

Say something to her.

Ruth lives with me now.

And the ring, I still haven't lost it.

You've abused my good-naturedness. You're fired.

I'm sorry I lied to you...

I had to stay away so much...

They took my husband away...

He's a Jew.

I couldn't tell you that.

Have a seat.

You didn't tell me anything, or I'll have to...

you know... tell the authorities.

Do what you must, but tell me nothing.

I don't want to know. You must say you didn't...

tell me anything.

Come now...

I'm sure you can use this.

Go now, Klara.

Get well soon.

Excuse me, I heard our husbands are being taken away from here.

If those were the orders.

Where are they being taken?

I don't know...

I'd really like to see my husband again.

I can imagine but it's just not possible.

I could come at night when you're on duty alone...

That would cost me my head, Frau Fischer.

And you yours.

Perhaps from the back, through the courtyard, no one would see me.

Give us our husbands back.

They all want their husbands.

Dismount.

Ruth!

Well?

Halt!

Stay where you are.

My name is Lena Sarah Fischer. I belong in there.

Have you lost your mind? Get lost.

It's a violation to let me go.

No, no. That's the Gestapo's job.

They'll get you, don't you worry.

Get going.

You mustn't hurt her, she's Aryan.

Stupid women. Beat it.

From inside we can't do anything for them at all.

And what are we doing now? Waiting. Just waiting around...

until one day they tell us everyone's gone.

I was scared you weren't coming back.

Come to bed,

you need your sleep or I can't take you with me tomorrow.

And you won't leave again?

No.

I won't.

I felt terribly guilty after that.

My little Ruth...

Hannah, bring me the photograph of her.

It's on the piano.

The little girl with the ribbons in her hair,

that's her.

Thank you.

Wonder what became of her.

Is it that late already? What time is it Hannah?

Eight.

Time to call it a day.

Otherwise you won't get any fresh air.

Lena!

This came with the mail this morning.

"I'm on my way east. Keep your chin up. Hans."

"Whoever finds this card, please deliver it."

Oh my God...

I suggest you go directly to Burgstrasse.

What are you doing here with that Nazi pin?

I'm Gudrun's sister.

- You better take that off. - Why?

I'm here for my sister's husband, alright?

And my sister is my family.

And my family is my husband, and he's in there.

Go to the Burgstrasse.

I've already been there, they sent me away.

Then go back again, there's no rule against that.

Exactly.

- I'll come with you. - No.

Will you watch my little girl?

I'll be right back. For sure.

I promise.

Don't be scared.

Everything will be alright.

No need to be scared...

Just act like you're more powerful than they are.

Cry or show your fear and they'll know you've got no one backing you.

Then they can do whatever they please.

But I haven't got anyone.

Careful.

Do you really think that once we... manage to get a Jew out of Germany, we'll go to any length to bring him back?

According to the Nuremberg Laws...

a Jewish spouse is...

The laws weren't passed to protect Jews.

May I recite the passage about mixed marriages?

- I know it by heart. - Thank you.

That won't be necessary.

The card...

We'd like our card back.

And now beat it, before we kick both of you out.

Klara please, come on.

Klara, please...

Just let me sit here.

I looked everywhere. She's not here.

Maybe they wouldn't let her leave work today.

Or she didn't have anything to eat.

I'm sure Arthur will bring us something today.

Are they going to simply run us over?

Not that one, this one.

Very good.

What do you see?

Come down from there, be sensible. Please.

Get down, it's dangerous. Be smart. Please.

They're coming again.

They just fired in the air.

They just fired in the air.

Lena!

Murderers.

You're murderers.

Fabian

You revolting animals. Get back in your room.

Get back. Close the door.

Away from the window, you filthy pigs.

Back in your room, bug-infested rats.

Away from the window.

I'll blow you away.

Klara Singer!

Who do you want?

We're here to see Klara Singer.

- Isn't she home? - She's expecting us.

Wait, I'll let you in.

Please hurry.

Strange, her key's in the lock.

Ruth, you wait here.

I feel like I'm selling myself.

Just play out your nobility and your beauty.

- The way I'm dressed... - Lizzy's got everything arranged.

You're doing it for Fabian.

You mustn't tell him any of this if it works.

Come in...

Heil Hitler!

At long last, Lena.

We had to wait for Arthur's return, poor man.

Do you like it?

It's lovely.

I'm sure it'll look fantastic on you.

You'll see, he can be quite charming,

especially to beautiful women like you.

I'm so glad to see you again.

Lizzy, you do know why we're here?

Change. I'll come back and get you later.

Thank you.

May I introduce an old friend? Sturmbandfuehrer Maier...

- Lady von Eschenbach. - It's a pleasure...

May I introduce, Lady von Eschenbach...

- Good evening. - Madam.

- You were fantastic. - Thank you.

It's such a different world,

I didn't know it still existed.

Everyone is trying so hard to forget the war.

Except for him. He's called for total war.

The film we're celebrating this evening is called...

"A Waltz For You",

and Lizzy sings in it.

Does she still make those horrible films?

The more soldiers we lose, the more popular she gets.

They haven't let us see a movie in ages.

Don't think about that now.

Come on...

May I introduce an old friend, Lady von Eschenbach.

Good evening...

It's my pleasure, Baroness.

I've only met your father until now.

If I'd known he had such a delightful daughter...

What then, Minister?

I would have done everything in my power...

to make your acquaintance.

You just have.

Too late, much too late.

It's never too late for important acquaintances.

Cheers to the German woman and her beauty.

I hope she doesn't ruin everything.

Before you and the minister get too tipsy,

won't you accompany me?

I'd like to sing for our guests.

She's a wonderful pianist.

Do you have a special wish?

I leave it up to you, ladies.

"I Wouldn't Know Who To Give My Heart To", remember?

In B minor.

When men ask that I be true,

I grin and turn away.

Love is always fresh and new.

Loyalty just doesn't pay.

Today I don't even miss

things over which yesterday I fussed.

While love gives me hours of bliss,

loyalty is dry as dust.

I wouldn't know who to give my heart to,

it's a shame to love one fellow only.

For if I promise to be loyal to you,

another man is sad and Ionely.

How can such dazzling beauty be one man's reward?

The sun and the stars

are for no one to hoard.

Your sister, like all talented artists, is thin-skinned.

She's very talented.

Talented and strikingly beautiful.

Is her husband on the front?

She's not married.

She isn't?

That's one less worry.

It's a hard time for women whose husbands are so far away.

My sister sympathizes with these women and admires their loyalty.

Yes, loyalty is a German virtue.

I quite agree with you.

In fact, I'd like to talk about that.

Could I have a word with you?

I'd rather listen to your sister.

I'll be brief.

Did you know Aryan women are gathered on Rosenstrasse?

Most unpleasant. I must put an end to that.

Talk to my adjutant about it.

Won't you explain the situation again?

Yes.

How can such dazzling beauty be one man's reward?

The sun and the stars

are for no one to hoard.

I wouldn't know who to give my heart to.

Perhaps my heart belongs to me

and me alone.

Today the whole story seems so unbelievable.

Nothing but a ridiculous act of desperation.

Proof that we had started to lose hope.

Move off.

Did you see that? They didn't open fire.

Oh Luis, right now I'm living in a different time...

and for the most part in darkness.

At Lena's the drapes are drawn. By the time I get back to the hotel,

the sun's already gone down

As I left today, she said: "Tomorrow is the seventh day."

And on the seventh day, something extraordinary happened.

Sorry,

I'm a little late...

Now.

Daddy.

You come home with us.

Where is Fabian?

They're all being released, it was just a misunderstanding.

- Maybe I should shave first. - No...

This is Ruth,

she's our daughter.

And my mom?

When is my mom coming?

Yes, that was a victory.

And yet it was only a small ray of light in the darkness.

What did Ruth do when her mother didn't come out of the building?

She came home with us.

Just like that?

Without asking any questions?

Try to remember, please...

Just like that?

In silence?

She was only 8 years old...

And later...

She never found out her mother...?

I couldn't tell her.

I always told myself,

maybe later, when she's older...

She lived with you for 3 years before she went to America.

She threw it at my feet when she left.

She lost two mothers. Didn't you understand that?

I didn't have a choice.

It was her mother's sister. I had to let her go.

I was devastated when I lost her.

Little Ruth was devastated too.

Give her back her ring...

and tell her it has the power to make wishes come true again.

I hoped so hard that I'd see her again.

I'm so glad that you came.

She always wanted her name to be Hannah.

Why didn't you ever tell her?

Why didn't you tell her how sad you were when she left?

You should have told her.

She had enough worries.

I don't know which of you is the bigger fool.

There's still time to decide.

I'm still alive.

She said it has the power...

to make wishes come true again.

Then you better keep it.

Bless you my child.