Original subtitles

Hello. Hawthorne here.

Oh New York .. well, put him on.

Hello Charlie, how are you?

Me? Oh fine .. fine.

No, nothing new.

Oh sure there are disturbances. A few guys getting killed here and there.

Well, that doesn't add up to a Revolution.

Listen Charlie .. the Generalissimo will never get this far north.

Sure, sure I'm working. What do you want me to do? Invent a war for you?

I know. I know you need copy.

Color stories, huh?

Human interest, yeah.

Sure .. sure, I'll dig up something.

Okay, Charlie.

Where the devil am I going to find a human interest story?

"But the fact is a story was beginning. Though I didn't know it then."

"At twelve o'clock, the Bishop summoned a young Priest named Arturo Carrera."

Good day Monsignor. - Good day, Father.

Good day Arturo.

I do not see how we can keep our eyes closed to the situation any longer.

There comes a time, when we must take a stand.

Read this .. read it out loud. I want to hear how it sounds.

Entry to this house of God, is forbidden to immodestly dressed women ..

Whose frocks do not cover their elbows and their knees.

Yes. Very good, very good.

Now I want to translate it into German, into English, and into Italian ..

And post it on the door today.

Is this all we have to be concerned within the Church today?

What is the matter? - Women's elbows and knees?

Did you know that one tried to come in last week.

In what I believe are called .. "shorts".

Better in shorts I would have thought, than not at all.

Monsignor.

Have you forgotten that fewer than 15% of the workers attend mass here anymore?

And that where we once had "love" and "trust" we know have downright hatred.

Does no-one in the Church ever ask themselves the reason for this?

Well, there are some proprieties that .. - Monsignor.

The Church in Spain is falling to pieces.

All Spain seems to be falling to pieces. Tomorrow it may be the world.

I don't mean to be impertinent.

At a time like this as one Church after another is being burned or destroyed.

And another priest murdered every day.

Have we really nothing better to worry about but a few knees and elbows?

The Church of God my son, is like a net let down into the sea.

Then why doesn't it catch more fish?

Whatever your intentions Father, you are being impertinent.

Very impertinent.

Let us all pray to God to give those people back their faith.

They haven't lost their faith in God.

They lost it in us, the Church. We failed them.

They look to us for protection against injustice. This is answer we give them.

A preposterous reminder ..

That there are certain parts of a woman's body that Bishops disapprove of.

Why shouldn't they look to other people for help and hope?

I wonder if you know the seriousness of what you are saying, Father?

I think I do, Monsignor .. I've thought about this for a long time.

Then there is no excuse for you to confuse the eternity of the Church.

With the weaknesses and failures of its members.

Or to forget that for every failure.

There is a martyred Priest whose blood is the very seed of the Church.

How do I know they were martyrs? - Arturo, please!

Why weren't they simply just fools? - I've been patient with you, Father.

How do I know they didn't die for a myth?

Or for a ghost?

A ghost of a dead church.

A cause isn't necessarily true because a man dies for it.

His dying merely proved that he believed in it.

Not that he wasn't a fool to do so.

Arturo, my son.

Will you kneel with me and ask God for forgiveness?

I cannot ..

I cannot bring myself to believe.

That this Church is serving either God or man today.

I cannot believe that God himself is impressed by the platitudes and piety.

Than the people here are.

I can't.

In the Seminary .. I was taught.

Love and deeds.

I was taught that the poor and the dirty were as important in His eyes ..

As the owners of Hispano-Suizas and great yachts.

The truth is that nothing .. nothing!

Nothing I was taught in the Seminary has been of any value to me here whatsoever.

And more and more I find myself sharing the workers' feelings.

This is not the Church of our fathers.

This is a different Church.

A Church I don't understand or respect. And what is worse ..

A Church in which I can find no way of serving Him.

As I was taught to serve Him. - Don't go any further, Arturo.

It may not be so easy to un-say the things you are saying.

Or to undo such a rash and wicked act.

May God forgive me if I am wrong.

But I can accept this Church no longer.

I must find another way.

Arturo.

Get off the line Operator or Censor, or whoever. I'm talking to New York.

Of Continental Broadcasting Company.

Hello New York? Charlie?

I haven't talked to Madrid this morning, but I can tell you it is just a rumor.

Certainly, that is an air-raid siren. So what?

Every time three seagulls fly over this place, some drunk pushes the button.

I want to make a little correction here.

That joker wasn't drunk this time, and ..

Those aren't seagulls dropping this stuff.

This is the "kick-off" Charlie-boy!

The war is on!

Oh, dear mother of God. I don't want to die.

Will you let her sit down please?

Let her sit down for a moment.

This is the new Crusade.

To put to rout the enemies of the Church.

If the Crusaders don't blow us up first. Of course.

They won't hit the churches.

I hope not.

But during the Rif War they invariably killed everybody they set out to rescue.

Have you jacket and trousers?

Of sorts, Monsignor.

People will be angry after this and attack us again.

But this time .. they will destroy our Cathedral.

Don't say that, Monsignor.

But one thing they must not destroy.

They must not destroy our Holy Relic.

The blessed Blood of St John.

So after this is over.

Change into your jacket and trousers for no priest will be safe in the streets.

Then you will take our Holy Relic out of here.

And deliver it to our friends, who are fighting for Our Lord.

And against this wicked government.

I don't want to be alone. - Is it very bad out there?

Horrible. - Perhaps I can do something to help.

Don't go away please, there is a doctor and some soldiers near.

Please don't leave me alone. - Alright, I won't.

I'll be alright in a minute.

Thank you.

You alright now?

No, I'm not alright, but I am better.

Were you as scared as I was?

More scared I'd say.

Oh no, that is impossible. Nobody can be that scared.

I wonder .. if there might be another way out of here.

You might try through there.

Oh yes, let's try.

Aren't you coming, too?

Oh .. yes, in a moment or two.

I should mind my own business, huh?

I'm sorry. I didn't mean it to sound like that.

It's just that .. I'm the only person who can help myself, at the moment.

I know .. sometimes, I feel like that.

Perhaps .. perhaps you need someone to talk to.

I wish I had.

You're not married? - No.

Well, that is a part of it. You are lonely.

Yes, perhaps.

Adiós. - Arturo.

Arturo .. mine is Soledad. - Adiós, Soledad.

[ Tannoy ]

"Attention comrades. Bulletin number five."

"It has now been established that today's inhuman and barbarous attack .."

"On this defenceless city."

"Was guided by traitor priests."

"Signalling to the flying gangsters from the towers of the churches."

"One hundred and fifty-five deaths have already been reported."

"Including fifty-eight women and seventeen children."

Comrades .. comrades .. comrades!

The Priests did it!

The priests are on the wrong side. On to the Cathedral!

We must get with the soldiers who've come to protect us. To their leaders.

Do you think you can do this, Father? - I will Monsignor. I promise you.

I'm sure you will.

[ Tannoy: ]

"Attention comrades to bulletin number ten."

"Two of the traitor priests of the have escaped and are at large in the city."

"Priest Arturo Carrera."

"Was recognized at the Corria Goncorra at 9 o'clock, wearing a black suit."

"Carrera is about 35 years of age and of medium height."

"Priest Isidro Rota is short and fat."

"And reported to be wearing clothes of a rather sporting character."

"These men are murderers and enemies of The Republic."

"And any citizen failing to do his full duty towards their apprehension."

"Will himself be punished as a traitor."

"Long live The Republic!"

[ Police whistle ]

Your order, Señor? Beer.

Afraid somebody will see you here?

No.

Wouldn't you like to go someplace where it is more private? In one of the boxes?

They are not expensive.

Alright.

Now, if you excuse me Passion-flower, I must get back to my unpleasant work.

But is that good for an eyeball? Water?

It's not water, honey. It is English gin. Very antiseptic.

I have to make a broadcast at 3 o'clock. That's 9 o'clock New York time.

But do you need four eyeballs?

Every one-eyed gentleman needs at least four for routine social demands.

This one has a rather wicked glint in it.

For leering at you girls after midnight.

This one?

Has a good, clean honest look. For dealing with mothers.

This one?

This one is simply bloodshot. - What is that?

This one is for patriotic occasions. That's an American flag on the pupils.

A tribute to God's country impossible for the old-fashioned, two-eyed man.

Well, Adiós dear Soledad. - Adiós, Uncle.

What's the name of that girl down there?

Would you like to buy me a little drink? - Not tonight Señorita.

A call for you in number three.

Who is he? - I don't know. I never saw him before.

Already?

[ Tannoy: ] "Attention comrades."

"The fugitive priest Arturo Carrera .."

"Has been recognized within the hour in the Plaza del Sol."

"He has discarded his jacket."

"And can now be identified by his black trousers and a white shirt."

Did you follow me here?

No.

Then, what are you doing here?

You told me I was lonely.

Yes I know, but I didn't want to meet in a place like this.

I was only joking. I came in here to get away from all the trouble out there.

Yes, I know. Isn't it terrible? All this shooting, bombing. Burning everything.

What's it all about? Do you know? - It's a revolt against the government.

Whatever it is, I wish they'd leave the churches alone.

I don't care what they do to the priests but it is bad luck to burn churches.

Just look at that. Usually we have twice as many people on a Thursday night.

Look, why don't you go to the café and wait for me there?

It won't take me a minute to change.

Would you mind if we just stayed here, and talked for a while first?

Just talk?

That's all, yes.

You see, that's the trouble.

That's why I'm sorry you came here, because ..

If you like somebody and they find you in a place like this.

Well, they might get the wrong idea.

You know, people don't always understand about people.

No. I know.

Working here doesn't make me any different.

It's just a job to me.

Do you know that I don't know half the names of these fellows.

You see what I mean? - Yes, yes. I see.

I need a drink. Whose drink is this? - I bought it for that other girl.

Oh .. thank you darling.

Health, pesetas, and love for two.

Now what?

Everybody remain where you are.

And be ready with your identification papers.

Just the men.

What's this all about?

They're looking for a priest. - A priest in here?

How do you like that? A priest in a cabaret.

I hope they don't beat him up in here. That will really ruin the whole night.

Will they come up here? - Well, I suppose so.

Why? Aren't your papers alright?

I haven't got any papers. They're at home.

In your cassock.

Get downstairs. I don't want you here when they come.

No wonder you were so worried.

Get downstairs. It will only mean trouble for us both.

Wait, I know a way. Come on.

You don't want to be beaten up, do you? - Or to get you into trouble either.

Go in there.

Come on.

You are very brave, but you are also very foolish.

So are you .. come on.

Alright. Come on, let's see your papers.

Come on, come on.

We're alright now. It is just across the street.

Come on, come on.

Alright, come on, let's see your papers.

This way Señorita.

Not tonight Caballero.

I've already got a fellow.

I know that fellow, and it's not a priest he is usually after.

Wait here.

[ Gunshots! ]

Two to one, they shot the wrong fellow.

Well, it is not The Ritz of course, but ..

Guess who?

Which one?

This is me, and that is my little sister.

She's married now.

I'm going back there some day when I've saved enough money.

Where's that?

It's a little village in the mountains.

You wouldn't know it.

I'm supposed to be a dressmaker.

You know you're risking your life doing this, don't you? - Oh, I doubt that.

I'll move in with the girl upstairs and tomorrow we'll get you out of here.

Anyone who helps the priests is equally guilty. The announcements said that.

Those shaggers don't frighten me, Father.

I thought you didn't like priests.

I didn't know you were a priest.

I'm not any more.

Will you say that again. - I said I'm not a priest any longer.

I left the church this morning.

Left it? How?

I just walked out. That's all.

But you can't do that .. can you?

You not only can, but you must if you faith has failed you.

Well, I've never heard of anything like that before in my life.

Have you got a back way out of here?

Back way? For what? - I cannot stay here.

Why not? You're not a priest any more. You said so yourself.

It's too dangerous.

It's not dangerous now. They've already checked.

It's not the end. They'll check houses next.

I won't let them in. The door's locked.

There's a mob outside. They'll break the door.

Alright. Let's push this against .. - It's no use ..

They know I'm in this quarter. It's only hours before they check every room.

Don't you like me?

Yes. Very much.

Is it because I'm a cabaret girl? - Please try and understand me.

I'm frightened. I'm frightened for us both!

Why do you think I brought you here?

Because you're very kind and brave. You pity me even though you dislike priests.

Did I know you were a priest when you came in the Bar Michel?

Did I? Did I know you were a priest tonight when you came in the cabaret?

I brought you here because of some people said.

I don't know what.

Something said this is a very special person.

That you should take care of him and not let him get hurt.

Because some day he'll be very important.

And I tell you this before God himself.

I'll come back.

No you won't. - I promise you. I promise you I will.

No you won't.

No. Because ..

Because you know there is no danger now.

But I'm not good enough for you. I'm a whore.

Please, please believe me. - Get out! - Please.

Get out!

If you'll tell me how.

Which is the back way?

Find it yourself.

I'm very sorry Soledad.

Once a priest, always a priest.

Open up in there!

This is the Militia!

Open up!

Stay here and keep quiet. - But what will they do?

It doesn't matter what they do. Stay here and keep quiet. You understand me?

Open up in there!

I'm sorry.

Open up.

Come in.

I'm Carrera. The man you want.

Alright .. come on.

[ Tannoy: ]

"Today our loyal Army fights two forces."

"The rebel troops approaching the city from the south."

"And the secret enemy within the city."

"Five priests and other rebel sympathizers."

"Who are working to spread fear and defeat among us."

"Both forces will be destroyed!"

[ Hawthorne: ]

"But there was another force that no army could fight."

"The unhappy hearts of a troubled people .."

"Wondering where the sacred relic of St John had vanished."

"It led me, for reasons of my own."

"To visit the local prison."

Father Carrera?

Yes. - My name is Hawthorne.

Continental Broadcasting Company. - Yes.

I understand you withdrew from the church yesterday.

I'm sorry. It's not a subject I want to discuss for publication.

It is not for publication. I represent another interest at the moment.

Did you desert your church because you lost your faith in God?

No. Of course not. - You can speak quite freely with me.

I'm an infidel.

What interest?

Would you be willing to serve him outside the church?

Naturally, that would be my hope, but ..

Would you be willing to discuss your position with a member of government?

If you can't tell me who you represent, there is nothing to say to each other.

I'm sorry.

You leave something to be desired when an effort is being made to rescue you.

[ Hawthorne: ]

"By now, I knew that Carrera was my big story."

"And the path to him led through the Commandant."

Alright then, let's approach it from another angle.

You are wasting your time with anything you have to say on behalf of a priest.

What is being offered here, Captain.

Is an opportunity to serve your government on a global scale.

Strike the chains from this convertible priest.

Give him a small office. A modest title.

And you will have reshaped the thinking of the world single-handed.

Never again will they be able to say that you shoot priests like rabbits.

You misunderstand, Mr Hawthorne.

It is traitors and not priests, that we shoot like rabbits.

When there is no war and the priests are confined to their churchly duties.

They would be of no more interest to me ..

Than so many fortune-tellers and witch-doctors.

But as long as they plot and plan against their legal government.

They are spies working for the enemies of that government.

And will be dealt with as such.

Does that make my position clear? - You sound prejudiced to me.

Indeed I am.

Prejudiced against an institution that has ridden on the backs of our people.

Since the time of The Inquisition.

You're the Intelligence Officer here? - Yes, comrade General.

I'm General Clavé, the new Commander. What's this blood business on the walls?

What blood business? - Chalked over the walls, everywhere.

"Where is St somebody's blood?"

Has the enemy got St somebody's blood?

I saw it a dozen times on the way from the airport.

With your permission, Captain.

It's a local religious legend, General.

The Holy Relic in the Cathedral here, was a drop of blood shed by St John.

It has been working miracles here since time immemorial. One belief is ..

Whoever holds it cannot be defeated. - What nonsense.

Napoleon's words exactly outside this very city in 1812.

Just before being driven back over the horizon.

That's right, by George. I remember now. The only defeat he suffered in Spain.

Where is it? - That's the big question now.

It seems to have disappeared during the patriotic bonfire last night.

And the news in beginning to disturb some of the apprentice atheists.

May I ask who you are? - Mr Hawthorne is a radio broadcaster.

I'm sorry, I don't talk to journalists. Will you excuse us please.

Certainly comrade General.

Is that true what he said? - I'm sure it is.

A relic like that can exert a powerful influence in a place like this.

It is what priests have done to Spain. - Dammit, I've never seen such war.

People all the same colour and language. I can't tell one crowd from the other.

Now, somebody's blood.

What was his name? - St John.

Local fellow?

Some centuries ago, I believe. - Absolutely ridiculous.

Get out and shut that door.

This is confidential.

We've got to pull out of here. - Already?

There is no way to defend this place. It is a bloody trap.

These troops we've got here. The militia men, they are not really soldiers.

Just civilians with rifles, and half of them are no more than schoolboys.

They are very brave, comrade General. - Brave but inaccurate.

But I am going to need your help Captain.

I'm a little rusty at this business.

I retired from the Army ten years ago and haven't read a newspaper since.

They have a lot of new ideas these days. - Have you?

I thought so. They never left well enough alone, do they?

No, not if they feel they can do better. - That's it exactly.

The mistake they all make. Trying to improve things.

In the old days .. war made sense.

One country fought another country, attired in different uniforms.

Our crowd spoke Spanish while the others jabbered away in something else.

A very simple situation.

If you couldn't understand what the other fellow was saying, you shot him.

But the way it is today ..

I think that we should get this relic comrade General.

What relic? - The Holy Relic of St John.

You really think it will work? - In a way.

It's a matter of morale. - Morale?

That's another piece of nonsense they've cooked up since I left.

In the old days, you simply told your men to get out there and fight.

And they got out there and fought. Not "why" just "whom".

You really knew where you stood in those days, by George.

Excuse me comrade General, but about this relic?

Do you know what I think we ought to do about that relic, Captain?

What? - Get it.

A relic like that can exert a powerful influence in a place like this.

That's what the priests have done to Spain.

I'll go after it at once, General.

Don't just go after it. Get it. - Yes, comrade General.

It's a matter of morale. - Of course.

Here.

Go in.

Shut the door.

You seem to have lost your faith at a very convenient moment, Father.

I don't think you'll believe me, but the process has been going on for some time.

Then you are an atheist now? - No.

It was my faith in the church which failed. Not my faith in God.

It's a curious thing that two priests went missing from the Cathedral.

It is more curious that the Holy Relic in the Church was also missing.

Can you explain that to me?

No .. I didn't know it was missing.

I suggest to you that one of those priests ..

Either you or Canon Rota ..

Was ordered by your Bishop ..

To take it and deliver it to Franco and his rebels.

I know nothing about it. I had left the Cathedral before the attack came.

But why are you so interested in it?

I didn't know that atheists placed any importance in .. in religious symbols.

We don't .. but we know that an ignorant mob of renegade Christians do.

And always will.

This relic could become less a symbol than a weapon.

Like a hidden battery of artillery.

When did you last see Canon Rota?

You mean, your men are already disturbed by it?

People are always disturbed about something.

Perhaps they would be less disturbed if their hearts were not ignored.

Yes .. you are still a Christian.

Still preaching.

If I may make a suggestion, Captain.

You know nothing about Christians. Particularly renegade Christians.

Otherwise, you would know what to do about their disturbance.

You mean, you do?

Yes, I think I do .. I think I know very well what to do.

And if I can make another suggestion .. I would like to do it.

You would like to do something for the socialists?

No .. I'd like to do something for the men, the ones that are troubled.

I'd like to comfort them.

I'd like to be a ..

A missionary to the hearts of your ignorant and troubled mob.

What happened? Did you find him? - I told you I would, didn't I.

Is he alright? - Oh, sure.

They didn't beat him up again, did they?

He's probably the most un-beat-up priest in the diocese today.

But what is all this? Don't tell me you are in love with this whirling dervish?

Are you crazy? How can I be in love with a priest? I was just worried about him.

Besides, he's not a Priest anymore.

With his current spiritual status you'll not have to worry about him for a time.

What do you mean? - He's joined the management.

Joined what management?

The government. The department of worried atheists.

That's the craziest thing I ever heard of. A priest going over to the heathens?

Would you be good enough to move just a little bit to your left?

How would you like to lose the other one?

The aims of Socialism are exactly the same as the aims of the Church.

They follow different paths, but the destination is the same.

Man's happiness.

I think if you keep this in mind, it may help you.

[ Tannoy: ]

"Although our troops continue their courageous resistance."

"We have been obliged to rectify our lines in certain sectors."

How far would you say, Captain?

Fifty or sixty kilometres.

The opposition tonight says forty.

The Continental Broadcasting Company won't have a correspondent here long ..

If he continues to listen to the enemy wireless.

The Continental is trying to be fair and impartial, Captain. It hates both sides.

Are there any plans to rectify our lines by getting the hell out of here?

On the contrary. We're already preparing a counter-attack.

Reinforcements are arriving from Barcelona tonight.

And the city is in no danger whatever.

Soledad.

Wait a minute. - What's the matter?

But I didn't know the soldiers were that close. If I had known I ..

I could've got you out. I swear I could. - I'm sure you could have.

But everything is alright now.

That's why I am here. To tell you about it.

But .. you are not angry?

No. Not in the least .. would you like to hear what happened?

Yes, I would .. very much .. come on in.

Would you like to talk to me some more about it?

Yes. Very much.

Come on.

The situation isn't likely to arise after all. Any more questions?

About the "Holy Relic", what they call the "blessed blood".

Is it true that if we haven't got it, we will be defeated?

The Holy Relic has a place in many hearts.

But it will never have anything to do with victory or defeat.

Not even the church can tell you that.

I don't understand him anyway.

If you want help, come and see me. You know where I am.

Thank you.

I need some help too, Arturo.

I'm sorry comrade.

I sleep in what's left of the Cathedral.

If you could come up there, some night .. late ..

I can't. It's impossible.

I don't think I can last much longer.

Please go away. I'm not going to report you, but don't try to see me again.

He's a fool and he always was, coming to me in a public place like that.

Endangering both our lives. - What did he want?

Help, he said. I could have helped him there.

How can I go to the Cathedral? They are watching me all the time.

You mean now? - Perhaps not now at this moment.

But they must keep an eye on me. I'm a renegade priest.

I suppose he had no-one else to go to. - That's what worries me.

Nobody liked him.

But it's not your fault, darling.

There was nothing you could do, really. - I should have done something.

It's just that I'm not certain of things yet. I shall know better, soon.

Is that what you think? - What do you mean?

Why, just because you got a late start.

I don't know why you expect to be less mixed up than everybody else.

This is a nice place.

It's so peaceful.

[ Gunshots! ]

Well .. at least it used to be, anyway.

They're rounding up deserters again.

Or digging out members of the fifth column.

I quit this morning.

Quit? - The cabaret.

You said you understood, but you didn't really.

I wish I knew ..

How to tell you ..

How I feel about you.

Is it good?

Yes, it is very good.

Do you really like me?

That's what I wish I knew how to tell you.

How much.

How much.

That I feel .. awkward and clumsy like a schoolboy.

If I tell you something.

You won't laugh? - No. I promise.

I like that.

Because it makes me feel like a schoolgirl.

You won't laugh, now? - No, I'm not laughing.

I'll tell you something else.

You are the first person I've ..

I've ever really known in my life.

The very first.

You promised you wouldn't laugh. - Uhuh.

This must be the way.

Young girls feel.

When they've just met a wonderful boy.

And they just .. touch hands.

And can't say anything.

I once saw my little sister like that.

She'd just sit with this boy and ..

Not say a word. Neither one of them.

And every now and then, they'd giggle.

I cried myself to sleep the first night I saw that.

Don't.

Don't say it unless you really mean it.

I mean it.

And if .. if you are not sure?

If you don't know yet .. I'll wait.

But if you do say it, and don't mean it .. I'll want to die.

Because this will never happen to me again .. not like this.

I love you.

Say it again.

I love you.

Like my little sister and that little boy.

The same, but more so.

And you won't be sorry?

You're sure?

That's what I keep on asking myself. How can I be so certain .. so soon.

But you know, a priest doesn't live in a vacuum.

He may not share in all of life. But it's not a stranger to him.

His ears and eyes and thoughts.

And you're not the first woman I've ever seen.

Or talked to.

Or thought about.

Just the first I've ever loved.

The first I've ever wanted to spend my whole life with.

Is that a full battalion?

That's all that's left of it, comrade General.

More desertions? - Yes, comrade General.

You think it's that Relic? - I'm afraid the rebels have it.

Where is that Intelligence Officer? What is his name?

Comrade Captain Botargus.

Go and get him. - Yes, comrade General.

Intelligence officer ..

What a war.

We will move the second battalion out at midnight.

That's the last man I'm going to waste in this bloody trap.

What about the prisoners, comrade General? The order from Madrid?

How many have we got here? - About 200.

Very well.

Call them in here at 2 o'clock and we'll send them down the line as roadblock.

It's a dirty trick sticking civilians into the trenches.

But that seems to be the whole art of winning wars these days.

Successful dirty tricks.

Father Rota?

Father?

Father Rota?

Don't be frightened, Father. I'm a friend of Arturo's. Father Arturo.

I .. I brought you some food.

I'll put it here for you. He wanted to come himself.

He wanted to help you but he's still being watched.

They don't really trust him.

But if there is anything I can do for you. If you will just tell me?

Alright, I'll leave you alone now. I'm sorry I frightened you.

Goodnight, Father.

Run Father! Run!

Thank you Señorita for leading us so promptly to the man we were after.

Has she been searched? - Thoroughly, comrade Captain.

You are in a very serious situation here, Señorita.

The charge against that priest is treason.

Now, what were you doing with him?

Exactly what I told your friend. I took him some food.

Don't lie to me. - I'm no lying to you!

He was a hungry old man and I took him something to eat.

I know he's a priest and I shouldn't have done it.

Hungry old priests should starve to death!

That's all there was to it. What more can I say?

What did you say to him? What did he say to you?

He said nothing to me. Not even "thank you" for the food.

What did the Reverend Arturo tell you say to him?

Who is the Reverend Arturo?

How would you like to be questioned with instruments?

What more can I tell you if I don't know anything?

You have no idea how many people manage to remember things they never knew.

Until a few of their fingernails are pulled out.

If I were you, I would think this whole situation over again.

Don't you worry about it. I'll write the letter for you.

Just tell me what you want me to tell her and where she lives.

San Amantina. Twenty.

Arturo.

Wait a minute.

Is it true that a Priest never loses his Holy powers, regardless of what he does?

That's what the Church says.

And you for example, can still hear a confession and give absolution?

Yes .. under certain circumstances.

Come with me.

One moment, Captain.

I'm no longer a Priest.

And I've no intention of pretending to be one.

Not even for an old friend and associate who has asked for you?

The Reverend Canon Rota is to be executed in the morning.

Would you deny him his final consolation?

The Canon is a brave man. There are no limits to my admiration for a brave man.

Even a Priest.

If a man has a fancy for such nonsense. - One more thing.

You'll be wasting your time if you think you'll be shown secrets of a confession.

Even by an apostolic priest. - My dear Arturo.

You are being much too suspicious.

The hiding of a holy relic is hardly a thing to be confessed.

Now go in, please. And get it over with.

I'm very sorry, Father. - No.

This is very kind of you.

Have you any news of the young woman?

What young woman?

The one you sent with the food.

Is that how they caught you in the Cathedral?

Didn't you know?

Did they arrest the young woman too?

Yes. Didn't you send her?

Then I'm afraid I've put you in a very cruel position.

I thought you had changed.

No.

I was hoping you might do this last service to the Blessed Relic.

I won't even discuss that with you.

There is nobody else.

I'm no longer a church member. You know it. You want me to confess you or not?

Forgive me, Father.

Of course I do.

You never believed in it anyway, did you?

No. - Neither did I.

I was either too stupid or not stupid enough.

I don't know which.

All those miracles.

But now I do.

Walking the streets all this time.

Hiding in crowds, listening to the whispers.

I learned something.

Have you seen what they write on the walls?

Yes.

They are terrified, Arturo.

They've got no God, now.

They've been emancipated from all that.

All they've got now ..

Is this sad little secret faith in a drop of blood.

That has been as much a part of their lives ..

As their fathers and mothers.

It's like a little lamp in their hearts that nobody else knows about.

And as long as they can look inside and see its light and feel its warmth.

They know that the way home is still open.

Now it is flickering and they are frightened.

If it goes out .. they will be like little children lost in the dark.

That's why the rest of them died. God rest their dear souls.

To keep it burning. - The rest of whom died?

Our brothers.

All of them?

Didn't you know, really?

No.

I thought they had been arrested. That's what I was told.

They were.

All but Peres and Desidro.

Who died in the Church.

And Monsignor?

He wouldn't tell them.

The others .. I don't know how they stood it.

I don't know how they kept from giving in.

When you are in pain like this.

They pulled out my nails.

Nothing.

In either heaven or earth ..

Seems worth it.

Bless me Father .. for I have sinned.

I've changed my mind.

Where is it?

Was a young woman brought down here? - Not down here.

God, we wanted seagulls this time.

That was a pretty long confession. - Where is Señorita Soledad?

Waiting for you my friend. Crying for you in fact.

Why didn't you tell her? - I didn't know myself.

Arrest this man.

Wait!

Pull her up.

Arturo .. - But she doesn't know!

No. But you do. Rota just told you.

But he didn't!

A little higher. - Ahh!

The Priests were fools until the end. But you are not a Priest now.

You are a man.

And that's your woman, there.

A little higher still. - Let her down. Let her down!

As soon as you've told me where that bloody Relic is. The exact location.

That was a confession. You know very well what "confession" means.

I know you Godly people have peculiar ideas but ..

Will you kindly tell me what the hell you are doing there?

In two more minutes, I'll have the Relic, comrade General.

Do you mean the thing that was going to save the city?

I mean that relic that you ordered me to get.

Has she got it? - No, but ..

Let her down.

Of all the colossal stupidities.

Get her out there with the rest of the prisoners.

Who is this fellow?

The priest who knows where the relic is.

Take him out there too. And all the others in the cells down here.

Is this the way you wage war now? Hanging beautiful women?

But this is a matter of importance comrade General.

Would you like to have a drink with me in my quarters?

What a war.

Is this really what you've been fiddling away with all evening?

If you give me one more minute .. - For what?

To save a city that is already lost?

Don't you know we couldn't save the city now with five gallons of that blood?

I tell you the truth before God, Captain.

I just hope that my officers scare the enemy as much as they do me.

Now you come with me. I've got a job for you.

Attention! Attention! Silence!

You have had the bad judgment to be born in the wrong country ..

In the wrong year, and on the wrong side.

And so it is with the greatest regret.

That I'm now going to play a very dirty trick on you.

In order to gain time, I'm going to send you south.

To meet your friends who have set out to overthrow their government by force.

But then, these friends will also play a very dirty trick on you.

Having rewritten one of the cardinal rules of warfare.

They do not take prisoners.

They will shoot you.

Such, unhappily .. is the nature of war.

In this new era of dirty tricks.

But the government you have tried to betray.

Have no intention of permitting you to be murdered in cold blood like that.

The minute you are fired upon, you will be given rifles.

You will then have the privilege of deciding for yourselves.

Whether you want to fire back at your friends.

Or just stand there and have your tails shot off.

This will be the final dirty trick.

Long live The Republic.

Good luck Captain.

If you run into the Generalissimo, give him my regards.

We fought together in Africa.

Prisoners, attention!

Have you ever covered a civil war?

It's like trying to make love in revolving door.

Prisoners fall out!

But keep close to the road.

Did he really tell you where it was?

And if the General hadn't come in, I should have told him.

You would have?

I would have had to.

But I would have deserved it, anyway. - No, no.

How could anybody be so stupid?

It was just too clever for us.

What do you think you can do about it? - I don't know.

They'll never get it. - Give me your hands.

Who says so? - Comrade Captain says so.

Attention! This way everybody. Come along!

This man was sentenced to be executed this morning.

For treason.

The sentence will now be carried out.

All prisoners will keep their eyes to the front.

I want you to see what happens to a man who tries to betray his country.

Alright, comrades.

Ready .. aim .. fire!

[ Pistol shot ]

If only I could get it away from them. The Generals and the Bishops.

Using it as an instrument of war to make men kill each other.

If I could get it away from this insanity.

Save it from such desecration.

Is this Basalles?

No. We won't be at Basalles until tomorrow night.

Is that where you're going to broadcast? - That's what the script says.

God is very patient isn't he.

There is no end to his patience.

Do you think he'll understand me?

I believe so.

It won't be easy.

I don't suppose there are any easy ones for Him.

I've always believed in God, and the Holy Mother.

But I've never been sure about Priests.

Once I saw the Pope in Barcelona, when I was a little girl.

I wasn't sure about him, either.

You mean the Cardinal. - No. The Pope.

Everybody said he was the Pope. He certainly looked like him.

What about this? You and me?

Do you think he'll understand that?

We leave Him to decide about that.

I'm sure he'll do what is right.

I'm afraid he'll have to do a little better than that.

Will you hear my confession, Father?

I'm not a priest any longer.

Please Father, bless me. I have sinned.

I am not a Priest. - Please, Father.

What's the matter? Have you never seen a priest with a girl in his arms?

[ Latin blessing ]

There is my little village.

Where I was going back one day. Remember?

Inside.

Alright Mac. - Hi uncle. Nice trip?

This is Major Garcia, from Madrid. - Nice to see you.

I am sure Señor Hawthorne understands the necessity.

I'm covering the battle, not the politics.

Am I liable to get my head shot off?

If you insist on broadcasting a battle, you can't do it from too far, can you.

I didn't insist. I was "insisted" all the way from New York.

How far is our setup from here?

We've got the cable in a field just down this road.

About three kilometres behind the line. - Well, that sounds cosy enough.

Comrade Hawthorne is reminded that he is to make no reference to how he got here.

Be of good heart, Captain.

All them messages will be observed until I'm well over the border.

Go on.

You miss her very much, don't you.

Miss whom? - Your wife.

Your fair bride.

Why do you say that? - I can tell.

And you'll miss her even more tomorrow. - Don't talk like that.

Not tonight.

She's the one you want to be with tomorrow.

When you can only have one of us.

You are the only bride I have.

The only thing I have in the world .. or want.

Perhaps. Perhaps I can help you decide.

Perhaps I can make your choice for you. - If you please, Señorita.

Oh not again. - The comrade Captain wants to see you.

Doesn't this shagger ever give up?

How can you be such a fool?

How long do you think it could last?

Priests and children always return home when night falls.

He can't go back. - Not if he's never been away.

I don't believe that.

Has he had a moment of decision yet?

Then how can he be so sure?

Don't you think you should find out before it's too late?

We're going to move up at 4 o'clock. After that of course, you'll never know.

Will that be all?

If you say so.

Captain.

Yes, Señorita?

On second thoughts.

Of course.

Those guns you hear now are the rebel guns. They're big ones.

Such a barrage is usually a prelude to an advance or an attack.

But any serious ground action at this moment seems most unlikely.

Darling.

What happened? - I wanted to be with you tonight.

You alright? - Yes. I am alright.

If only we .. if only we could fly away from here before the morning.

I can.

The same offer? - Yes.

What did you tell him?

I told him I'd try.

That doesn't mean that I'd tell him.

What does it mean?

I could tell him something else and then ..

And then I'd get it and take it away .. like you said.

Take it where? - Wherever you said.

Away from here. That's what you meant, wasn't it? Away from war.

You .. you really think you could do it?

I think so. I could try.

Supposing.

Supposing you were caught.

I ..

I'd just keep on lying to him. I'd never tell him the truth.

Do you think it would be alright if I took it to my village in the mountains?

It would be safely away from everything.

Do you think it would be safe there? - I would stay there with it.

No .. no ..

Don't you trust me?

You know better than that.

I don't want you to be caught. - I won't be.

Have you got a pocket? - Yes.

Would you be too afraid to have it on you?

No.

I'd be afraid, but not too afraid.

Quiet .. careful, the socialists are just ahead.

Comrade.

I want to see the comrade Captain.

Wait here.

Can you see anything out there? - No.

I thought I heard something. - That woman wants to see you again.

Oh. Thank you, comrade.

Well?

How can I get away? - The same way you got here.

Straight back up this road to the city.

Where is it?

Still in the Cathedral. In the same place, in the high altar.

Very good .. we'll go together and get it.

But I want to leave now. I'm scared!

You'll go back up with us tomorrow after we deliver the others into the line.

Is there a sentry forward? - Yes, comrade.

But you told me I could get away from here tonight!

I told you no such thing.

What's his name? - Vincenté.

Hey, Vincenté. Fire up some horses.

I want to go! - Vincenté.

Vincenté!

You in the Church! Throw your weapons out!

I give you one minute to throw everything you've got out.

We're prisoners, we're unarmed. We have no weapons.

How many are you? - About 200.

Will you let me come out and explain, alone?

Alright .. come out with your hands up.

This way.

What do you mean "prisoners"?

Whose prisoners? - Nationalist prisoners.

These are our guards.

We're being taken up to the front to be killed.

What kind of filth is that?

Why couldn't they kill you where you were?

They want to use us as a cover for their retreat.

They'll give us rifles and we're to dig the trenches.

Where are the rifles? - In that truck there.

And you say that there are 200 men in there?

Yes.

Then you've got nearly two companies of men in there.

Yes, but they're not soldiers. They're unarmed civilians.

Civilians? 200 civilians hiding in a church behind the lines?

They were prisoners. They were compelled to do what they were told.

Have you any proof of that?

Ask them. - They're filth.

What good would that do? How could I tell if they were lying or not?

Listen to me, please.

It's no use. I can't take a chance like that.

I hate to shoot 200 men, but I don't know what else to do.

I'm already one hour and a half behind schedule.

Captain.

You don't mean that, do you.

Of course I mean it. This is a battle and I've got orders to follow.

There's no provision for 200 prisoners.

And I'm certainly not going to leave that many men loose behind me.

I'd be shot myself if I did a thing like that.

But you can't shoot them!

They're not an enemy. They're friends of the rebellion and members of the church.

I will leave this to you, Captain. It's a filthy job.

But I've simply got to get this column moving again.

You'll have to shoot them in batches with a machine-gun I suppose.

Who are these?

That's the guard. Ask them.

Don't talk nonsense. What else could they do but lie?

Shoot them first. - What about confessions?

What confessions?

Confession must be granted to all who ask for it.

Those are the Generalissimo's orders. - There are 200 men in there.

You mean we have to confess 200 men? - All who wish it.

Very well .. get on with it.

But I'm afraid that means you're going be here for the rest of the night.

Adiós. - Adiós.

May I make one suggestion, Captain? - Yes.

Will you let me finish all the confessions first?

As dreadful enough as it is without such gunfire.

Of course.

Captain.

These are all true Catholics.

I myself was on a sacred mission taking a Holy Relic to a place of safety.

What Holy Relic?

The relic of the Cathedral. The Blood of St John.

Where is it?

I haven't got it.

I sent it away. - But how?

I thought you said you were all prisoners.

If you'll let me explain to you.

You must think me very simple, Señor.

But it is God's truth, Captain. - Then show me the Relic.

Since you sent it away, perhaps you can bring it back?

Then it will be not only God's truth .. but also his will.

Father, is there nothing you can do about this?

No. Even in uniform a Priest's influence is effective only in spiritual matters.

I want you to summon up all the courage that you can.

The decision is that we shall be .. executed.

This is the Chaplain who will hear the confessions of those who wish it.

Will all who wish to confess, raise their hands.

Arturo.

Shoot straight Señors.

Fire!

You've got 200 more men to kill. - What are you doing out here?

200 more innocent men to kill!

Come on, get back in there.

Who are you going to answer to for that? Your God or your Major?

200 murders!

[ Confession. Latin ]

Bless me Father, for I have sinned.

Go on, please.

It is two weeks since I last confessed.

Since then I have loved a woman.

So long as you loved her in God.

But I am a Priest, Father.

A lot of us are to be killed. You understand that.

Not all of us. Some will get away.

Still willing?

May God have mercy on your souls.

Wait.

Arturo.

I lost it.

Is this over?

No .. it is just the beginning.

Do you think He will really understand?

I think so.

About you, too?

I'll ask him too.

I loved you, Arturo.

I loved you, Soledad.

Bless me, Father.

[ Hawthorne: ] "I had found an end to my story."

"An ending far greater than anything I had dreamed."

"The young Captain had given me the Blessed Relic."

"To return to its appointed guardian."

"The Blood of St John was supposed to work miracles."

"As you know .. I am an infîdel."

"All I know is .."

"200 people condemñed to die .."

"Now live."

T-G öö