Original subtitles

The Richard Oswald film

Downloaded from YTS.MX

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

Well Voigt, in three days you'll have served your sentence again.

15 years hard labour

2 1/2 years

1 1/2

1 year

Another 3 years because of a passport offence.

In total, you've been in jail for 23 years.

And all of them because of some foolishness.

Was that really necessary?

Invalid Invalid Invalid

That passport isn't good anymore.

- Won't I get a new one? - No.

Not from me.

But I'll give you a release certificate.

Sign here.

Shoe soles repair shop - only butt leather - cheap

Not in my shop!

I've no work for ex-convicts.

Excuse me, man!

I just asked a simple question.

It's no use, man!

It's no use at all!

Leave me alone, Kalle, I want to work.

Man, you're hopeless!

He wants to work, what a guy...

Wabschke, there's something wrong with the uniform.

There's something not right, I can feel it.

- Captain... - Don't contradict me! - But...

If you contradicted me as much in the army, you'd be in the can all the time.

That's why I got myself a hunchback.

Stretch your fingers, hold your air flaps tight shut,

that wouldn't be sportive for his father's desires.

Wabschke!

Shut your trap!

Willy!

Hold yourself upright!

I can't stand the way you're lolling around

as crooked as a fiddlers elbow.

If you go on like this you'll never make it into the army.

Captain, don't be annoyed by the Galician clown, he isn't normal.

but you won't find a better pattern cutter in all Germany.

No Wormser, there's something wrong with the uniform. - Really?

Look at the waist buttons.

I'm sure they're not according to regulation. - Willy...

Get the measurement book.

I'll look into it, the Captain shall see for himself.

Wabschke, get me the measuring tape.

Willy, hold yourself upright!

What a pitiful sight you are, just look at the Captain.

What a figure! and how did he get such a figure?

Because he held himself upright, all his life he held himself upright.

Now let's see...

Captain, you're right,

half a centimetre.

I'd like to be shot by you,

the way you're always hitting the bull's eye.

What's the matter?

What do you want?

you want something?

- You want to deliver something? - No.

What business do you have here then?

What do you want here?

I just wanted to enquire...

OUT!

Begging, soliciting, playing music is forbidden at my place!

Whatever next! In broad daylight, in my shop, the nerve!

Don't get excited, Wormser.

You'd better shift the waist buttons.

It will be done, Captain, just as you wish.

Well, I'd like to help you,

we're all only human.

It could happen to anyone.

After all, one has a heart.

But those apprentices in there, they won't have it.

They're terribly ticklish about their craftsmen's honour.

Try the industry,

they need some machine fodder.

# Just look at her! legs like two haystacks! it's to laugh your head off!

# taratatata ratzifatzifa

# ksik ksik kaksi pupsi pipsi papsi

# papupsi kiksi kiksi

# kakuka kiksi

Have you "served"? [in the army]

Yessir!

Good man! What's his name? We'll find employment for the man.

Show me your papers.

# I see this is a passport, it's a lot of fun.

# I see this is a little passport, it's a lot of fun

Hirschberg, the papers are in order.

Tomorrow morning you'll report for duty

- March off! - Yessir, Herr Prokurist.

Have you "served"?

Which regiment did you serve in?

I only served time in jail.

Oh my, oh my.

I've a criminal record, I thought I'd better tell you right now,

because I think they're more generous in the industry.

Don't you have any papers?

Where's your passport?

I can't hire you without papers! Whatever next!

Here we observe order! All must keep his personnel roll.

For an army man, it would be second nature!

I thought this was a factory, I didn't know that this was a barracks!

Get out, you coward, get out!

Because of forgery of postal documents?

It's been such a long time, Commissar

So you just went and fraudulently plundered the Imperial Post Office.

I thought they wouldn't notice, it's such a big firm,

but they caught me.

And they locked me up for 15 years.

I think it was a bit much for such a young person.

You're not qualified to be a judge of that.

The penalty is determined exactly according

to the gravity of the crime.

- If you say so... it's been over now for such a long time ago anyway. - No! No!

That will never be over!

What is recorded here in your personal files,

that's grown on you as permanent as the nose in your face.

- He who only once stumbles from the right path - That's right.

What do you mean by "That's right"?

That's right about stumbling from the right path.

It's like putting a louse on a glass plate.

It may crawl and crawl

and still, it'll slide down anyway.

We know all about those sayings.

So you've also been abroad?

Why didn't you stay abroad then?

Do you have a family in Germany?

No. I've a married sister, but...

One cannot visit her with that long criminal record on one's back

Then I can't understand why you've come back at all?

I've yearned for home a lot.

Down there people are quite different, they talk quite differently.

And after all, a man speaks his mother's tongue

you don't know, Commissar, how beautiful Germany can be once you're far away from it

and you're thinking about it all the time.

Well, have you found any work yet?

- No. - Then come back when you have work.

Because you won't get any papers as long as you don't have work.

Commissar, this is a merry-go-round! This is a coffee grinder!

I can't get work without papers, and I can't get papers without work.

Better give me a passport and visa so I can get over the border again.

We're not authorized to do that.

If you want a passport, apply to your home town administration.

But Commissar, I've just been there

and Schulze didn't even listen to me!

Move on to another town, he said.

We're through with you, they're ashamed of you in your home town, he said.

Well, I said, I don't want you to erect a monument in my honour.

I only want to see someone in charge. And then he just threw me out.

- No, I won't go and see them anymore! - Don't get excited.

Commissar, I'm not getting excited,

but, there must be a spot in the world where I could belong.

If I don't get a permit so that I can stay here,

then by God, I must get a passport to go abroad again.

I can't hang around here swinging my legs in the air!

- Only a hanged man could do that! - Alright.

I'll pass on your application for a residence permit,

but I cannot endorse it.

Your past life is too questionable for that.

Good day to you.

So I won't get a passport?

No.

Commissar, let me suggest something.

Commissar, I suggest you send me back double-quick

Out...

Man...

You're getting insolent.

OUT!

GET OUT!

Yessir.

Passports

Man, I don't get you.

There's nothing to steal in a police station.

Kalle...

They have a whole cabinet full of passports.

They have the most beautiful passports lying around, Kalle.

You're nuts, Wilhelm.

Kalle, there are no grids on the window, no guard at night either.

And you can crack that cabinet with a simple nail, Kalle.

There you can find everything you need in life, Kalle.

Is there a cash-box too?

Of course there's a cash-box, Kalle.

You can keep the cash-box for yourself, I just want a passport with a genuine stamp

Then I'll be free!

And Kalle, then I'll get across the border.

And then into the Bohemian Krkonose mountains

They're immense, I'm telling you.

If there's a cash-box...

one might think about it.

Kalle,

don't abandon me!

I must get a passport.

I'll sleep on it.

Don't abandon me, Kalle!

I must get a passport.

- But I've no money. - You're invited, sit down.

I must get a passport, don't abandon me.

You see, today is Sunday, that's most convenient.

Alright.

Let's break into the 67th police station tonight, you see.

It's a deal.

Waiter, come here.

Get me... what will you have?

An egg cognac.

Egg cognac.

What?

And you, sir?

I'll have a...

a "white" with a "shot" [beer with a lacing of fruit syrup]

Golly! that's impeccable!

Collosive colossal.

Pyramidical, my dear Captain.

- Pyramidical. - Fine, wasn't it.

That backward shot with the left swerve, I couldn't believe I managed it!

That was a morning shot befitting a Royal Prussian Captain of the Guards.

Let's have a cognac on that. Waiter, two cognacs.

Well, grandpa, do you like me?

I'll just be so bold and sit down

Waiter.

Your esteemed health.

# It was in the Bohemian forest where my cradle..

It's OK, it's OK.

# It was in the Bohemian forest where...

let me...

Waiter!

Two beers.

Two Gilters.

Well? Hey!

You sweet snail over there, come here, will you.

Here's a reward, here's cash.

"Marie's" sitting here, come over here.

Let the girl come over here. As for the rest. I don't care.

No, I find you too run down.

I'd rather go over to the Garde du Corps.

Cheers.

# Marie we're driving to the...

That's strong stuff!

Have a look at that!

I've never seen anything like it in my life!

If you please, Miss, have a seat.

Waiter.

August, you're still a soldier!

I don't care one straw, do you see.

Tomorrow, two years military service will be over, and today is today, isn't it.

Alright.

# Do you think, do you think, you Berlin trollop

# That I am in love with you just because we're dancing

# Do you think, do you think, you Berlin trollop

# That I'll go and marry you just because we're dancing

You see, Kalle...

I've always said, people treat you according to the way you look.

All it takes is a fellow with a coloured coat and polished buttons

That's true for you maybe, but not for me!

We'll see about that.

# Do you think, do you think, you Berlin trollop

# That I'll go and marry you just because we're dancing

You!

Take your hands off the lady!

Move on.

Move on, man, don't crowd in here.

Move on.

This is unheard of!

But this place is out of bounds for the military.

A scandal!

An old experienced soldier, rifleman's braid too!

Don't interfere, Schlettow,

- You're here as a civilian. - I won't stand for this!

I'm sorry, but I won't stand it!

You're bothering us, you pitiful ass.

Move on.

Don't loiter.

What?

What?

And you call yourself a soldier of the guard?

I'll kill him!

Stop it!

You're a soldier!

Put away your sword!

Yessir!

I am...

I'm a soldier

and I won't let you [Du] order me around.

You're leaving this place at once!

I'm a Captain in the First Guards Regiment.

Anyone can say that.

To me you're nothing but a daft civilian.

Stand to attention, man!

Follow me!

Let go of me.

Police! Police!

Arrest that man!

You're coming along, the both of you.

How dare you! I'm Captain in the First Guards Regiment.

Rubbish, that's some daft civilian.

Nothing doing, you were both in a brawl, you're both coming with me.

You see, Kalle, that's what I told you.

People always treat you according to the way you look.

Royal Police Bureau Station no. 67.

I'll be buggered!

Oh, you and your passports!

- Where's the cash box? - I don't know.

Hands up!

Well, this will cost you a few years.

The accused Wilhelm Voigt, considering his previous record

of 23 years of prison and hard labour

for forgery of postal documents,

intent to mislead the administration, passport offences in relapse,

is hereby sentenced, for breaking into a government office,

to 10 years imprisonment and hard labour.

Well, you're at home now.

Good evening, Captain.

When you put on that one, you won't have a bad feeling anymore.

Give it to me.

This isn't just a coat,

this is a work of art.

It's a part of the human being,

a better skin, so to speak.

Yes!

Now you take it back to the shop

and ask Herr Wormser

if he wants to sell the uniform on commission,

because I have no use for it.

Why not, Captain?

A change of plan, Wabschke.

I'll dabble in agriculture for a while.

I always had something like that in mind.

It's much better anyway.

It's all over with the coloured coat for me.

- It's alright. - Thank you.

The Captain mustn't be sad about it.

Why not? What do you mean?

It's my own decision.

I don't know, the military is a fine thing.

But it's not the only thing on earth.

The world is big and the sun rises each morning.

I mean, when somebody is young and healthy

and has all his faculties...

I mean, when somebody is a real man,

- that's the main thing, Captain. - You may go now.

Greetings to Herr Wormser.

Captain?

Good evening.

The officer is legitimized by his rank insignia.

An armed command grants him absolute power of command.

I see.

Well.

graffiti "onion head"

Field Service Regulations

Infantry Drill Manual

Library of the Royal Prussian Penitentiary Sonnenburg

The Infantry

Up!.... 32. Lie down!.... Up!

In group formation, about turn - left

Halt!

Company, about turn!

Company, forward march!

What can I do for you? What do you need?

- This time, it's about... - Let me guess...

Are we ready? May I guess? May I guess?

The Regimental Adjutant has just announced to me

my appointment as lieutenant of the reserve.

I shall need your help in getting my equipment ready.

That's what we're here for, aren't we, always ready.

My Mama comes for a visit and I'd like to...

In uniform! But of course, Wabschke, bring the measuring tape.

Mama attaches much importance to it. Old officer stock you know and I want to...

Pull it in, that's better.

- Naturally I want to look my best... - Drop them.

I've just thought of something for you, Lieutenant.

Just slip into that coat.

I made it for a Captain of the Guards.

The gentleman resigned from duty, brand new, he never wore it.

Slip into it, try it on.

That's right.

Button it up, Wabschke, help him.

Fits you like a glove.

Of course, just great.

And the cloth is very fine, Lieutenant.

Look at the sheen.

A sheen like a freshly brushed horse's arse, isn't it?

Wabschke, hand me the chalk, come here.

Just a slight alteration up here, the creases.

They must go, and down here we'll let it out a bit, won't we?

That's it, just a trifle.

Actually, I wanted to have my coat custom-made.

You'll take that coat, Lieutenant. Willy!

Well, you were lucky with the coat, Lieutenant.

We haven't gotten that far yet.

21 22 23

Pull up!

Down!

21 Director 23

Pull up!

Down!

21... deeper

deeper

Why don't you join in?

It's only for your health's sake.

Everybody listen.

Company, attention!

Everybody listen.

Some of you haven't grasped yet

that we all try our best to replace the thing in your lives

some of you were deprived of through an early stroke of fate.

Yes, Director.

Manly discipline and physical development

and this will enable you later in civilian life

as hard as it might be in the beginning

to stand your ground.

- Let's take a few samples. - Yes, Director.

- Pullke. - Pullke! - Here.

What is an army corps composed of?

An army corps consists of two infantry divisions.

Each division has two infantry brigades.

One cavalry, one artillery brigade.

- Brigade head... - Thank you.

You've been a soldier, one can see that.

- On the French front. - Dismissed.

How does the soldier react when in the street,

he meets a Commanding General?

- Kolbert. - Kolbert!

He throws himself into the gutter

and wriggles his legs.

But this is insolent!

Shut up!

Three days solitary confinement for insolence.

I thank you for your patience, Director.

Who knows the answer? It's alright Voigt, no need to tell me.

- I'll ask you a harder question. - Voigt, come over here, double quick.

What's a cavalry division?

A cavalry division is an independent formation

directly responsible to the army high command

who disposes of it according to the situation.

It consists of three, sometimes four cavalry regiments

with a platoon of mounted field artillery attached to it for support.

- Bravo, Voigt. - Bravo.

Very good, Herr Voigt.

You see, you've paid attention properly and you've learned something.

You'll see it'll be of much use to you in your later life.

Front rank, about turn.

We don't just want to punish, we also want to improve.

Yes, Director.

Light, air and healthy exercise shall be enjoyed by every prisoner.

Therefore the prison administration has decided

to entrust to your care a few oak seedlings.

Once these seedlings have become trees...

some of you, who today yearn for a distant freedom,

will have served their sentence.

and will walk out into a new life.

And, among industrious and honest people,

will become useful members of human society.

Fr. Hoprecht Secretary to the Magistrate

Please push

Little Marie, how you've changed.

Who are you?

The nerve!

Don't you know me anymore?

No. Why?

But I'm Wilhelm.

Man! Wilhelm!

Where did you come from?

We'd better not talk about it.

I don't want to bother you, I just wanted to say hello.

And I didn't know where to turn to.

And one wants to talk to a human being once in a while.

Then don't talk so much and come in.

You ought to meet him after all this time.

My husband must be at the barracks early tomorrow for the Emperor's manoeuvres.

Sit down.

I want to leave now.

Sit down.

We must get to know each other.

Or don't you have time?

- I've time enough. - You see! Sit down then.

You'll stay tonight, it's understood.

But I don't know if that's possible.

I don't want to bother you.

Nonsense!

Excuse me, but I'm right here, aren't I?

- How are you now, Wilhelm? - So-so, I just have to get started.

If I may make a prophecy,

you'll have to look for a proper job first. to Wilhelm, from his loving mother

- Yes, that would be great. - That will be great, Wilhelm.

So then we'd have to assist you a bit. It'll be alright.

Look what I found here, Wilhelm.

No, not that! Not mother, please!

Marie, listen, you brother will stay with us for a while.

He can sleep on the sofa.

But I'll have to take out some sheets!

Take them out then.

You've got a whole cupboard full of them.

I'm only saying, I'll have to take them out.

Sure.

Well Wilhelm...

Now we'll have your residence registered properly.

When were you born?

On 17th Dec. '50.

Say, Friedrich...

- Is it absolutely necessary? - What?

The registration of residence.

- I mean, you see... - Come on, it's not that bad.

They aren't cannibals after all.

I myself am part of the administration

and if you look closely,

they're human beings too.

I've been mightily scared of you.

What's past is past.

Now you'll start anew

A man can always start anew.

Nobody is too old for that.

If there were more men like you around

we wouldn't need any prisons.

- Don't exaggerate. - No, no, you.

Don't you worry, it'll all work out fine.

If you stick to the regulations, nothing will happen to you.

Cheers.

Cheers.

Potsdam. Potsdam. 324 Wormser.

- Did you get it, Mathilde? - But I can't work a miracle.

- Where's Hanni? - The goose is having a nap again.

- Hanni! - Hanni!

I must be with the Regimental Adjutant at 4 o'clock.

If Wormser lets me down, I must go without my uniform this time.

I cannot go naked to the Emperor's manoeuvres after all!

Potsdam!

Potsdam 324 Wormser!

What is it?

The uniform!

It hasn't arrived yet?

The old one, the old one.

Go and get it, it's hanging down there in the courtyard.

- But it's gone. - Go, fetch it!

I'm getting it.

Let's try this on.

Come here, give it to me.

Here, give it to me.

Help me, come here.

Does it fit? Great.

Here it is, I thought it was to be given away.

Don't talk, help my husband.

- What do you want? - I thought I should help.

Don't think so much, leave the room.

No, it doesn't work, too tight.

You're too fat, I've been telling you for some time.

Nonsense, the cloth has shrunk.

I was exactly the same five years ago.

- I can't throw it off now, can I? - Hold still.

You're not going to give up now, when everything's at stake.

Ouch! You're hurting me.

It's all over now!

Wormser promised to send the uniform at half past eleven.

Potsdam 324 Wormser.

Yes?

Potsdam?

Potsdam?

Potsdam!

Not Spandau! You're from Spandau?

I demand immediate delivery to Potsdam!

You promised to deliver the new uniform by midnight!

What?

What?

He says he isn't Wormser.

He isn't Wormser?

Why aren't you?

What's the matter with you? Who are you?

- He doesn't reply. - Why doesn't he reply?

Why don't you reply?

Middle of the night? Nonsense, it's broad daylight, half past 3, what insolence!

Somebody's ringing.

That's Wormser! The uniform!

Mr. Mayor, that was a tough job.

We've finished off a whole crate of beer to keep us awake.

You see! Why the excitement.

Wormser wouldn't let me down.

Wormer letting you down? Don't be absurd!

The uniform was promised by midnight, only now you arrive, at the last minute!

I've kept the cab waiting, the meter at exactly 17,50.

My sword.

The cap.

Give it to me.

Give it to me.

This side... Hanni!

Hanni! my suitcase.

- It's already here. - Where?

- Downstairs, at the... - Yes, yes.

Here we are.

- Well, how do you like me now? - Wonderful.

Well, come on, kids, see me to the car... my watch?

Yes. did I take any money?

Yes. well...

Good luck.

Good-bye.

That was a piece of work, a whole night shift.

Here.

Take this as an instalment

and tell Herr Wormser to deduct it from the bill.

Oh, that one?

I'll take it to the peddler.

Morning.

Wilhelm Voigt, unmarried, shoemaker, born 17.12.50, Klein-Pinchow, Wuhlheide

Royal Prussian Police Station Rixdorf to the Police Prefecture Berlin-Mitte

Wilhelm Voigt, recidivous criminal

Eviction order

- What have you brought, Solly? - Ten worn suits and an old uniform.

Let me see.

Purveyor to the Court Ad. Wormser, Potsdam

Well, for a masked ball it's OK.

Wilhelm!

Why are you sitting in the dark?

By God, you gave me a fright!

Well, Wilhelm.

What is it?

What is it?

What is it?

Look,

read it.

Eviction order?

But this is...

Don't get upset, Friedrich.

I'll just get my things

and then I'll leave,

But this is...

But this is a misfortune happening to you.

Misfortune?

This has nothing to do with luck or misfortune!

This is pure and simple injustice!

In our country there's no injustice!

In Germany we put law and order above everything!

You don't know that, Wilhelm, you didn't serve in the army.

You don't know how it works.

If you only knew our officers,

Alright, there may be some arrogant young fop among them,

but the others, the real officers, man!

We'd go through fire for them!

And they'd do the same for us, each man standing up for the next.

Nobody will stay behind once the action starts

for the fatherland and the homeland.

Man, I love my homeland as much as you do,

as much as anybody else

but they should let me live in the homeland!

I could even die for the homeland, if I have to.

But what is my homeland? A police station?

Or this document here?

I can't see a homeland anymore

for all those administrations!

Now they're quarrelling.

I don't want to hear it, Wilhelm

I mustn't listen to this.

I'm a soldier.

I'm a civil servant,

with my heart and soul.

I stand up for it.

I know we put the law above everything in our country.

I'm telling you for the last time,

you must submit and fit in,

not fight against it!

Even if it tears you apart.

You just have to keep your mouth shut.

You still belong to it.

You're just a victim,

but it's worth the sacrifice.

That's all I have to say.

Don't you have an inner voice, man?

A few minutes ago, when I sat alone in the dark,

I heard it.

- What did you hear? - The inner voice.

And it was very loud.

And everything turned dead silent in the world.

"Man", it said,

"everybody keeps his teeth clenched, and so should you", it said.

And when you stand before God the Father, when you stand before Him,

before Him who created you, before Him you stand

and He'll ask you to your face: "Wilhelm Voigt...

"What did you do with your life?"

and I have to tell him: "Doormats!"

"I braided them in prison!"

"And later everybody trampled on them!"

And then God says to me

"Go away from here", He says.

"Eviction order", He says

"I haven't given you life for that."

"You had that obligation to me,"

"where is it?"

"What have you done with it?"

And then, Friedrich,

it's again nothing to do

with the residence permit.

Wilhelm...

You're touching at the cornerstone of the world's order.

Correct!

What are you going to do, man? I've warned you.

Friedrich, you're a real pal, greetings to Marie.

And thank you for everything.

# Before the captain's house

# and when he entered the big city

# passing the captain's house

# the captain looks out of the window

# the captain looks out of the window

# My son, you're already here?

# My son, you're already here?

Well...

- I don't know if I should. - You don't know?

Let me tell you something, I know! Take something else.

Do you have to go as a captain?

One wants to have fun at a masked ball. You won't have fun as a captain.

You'll be recognized at once, they'll say

"Does a captain look like that?"

No, no, I'll take it.

You see, that's a word.

Done. You're right, Captain.

An officer is always right, am I right?

There's a pip missing here.

A captain must have two pips, otherwise I'm a first lieutenant.

You'll get your pip, Solly, bring two pips.

How much does it cost?

Cost? You can't call them costs.

There aren't any costs, for me they're just "un-costs".

For you it's a capital investment.

- 20 marks. - No.

- 18. - No.

- 16. - 15, 15.

But I need a sword to go with it. And a grey officer's coat.

Solly, wrap it up.

Does it have the Guards' star?

Certainly, Captain.

The Captain thinks of everything.

Now be quick about it.

I don't have time, I'm expected on duty.

10, 12, 14, 15.

15, thank you.

Thank you, Captain.

Adieu, Captain.

Good-bye, Captain.

Enjoy yourself, Captain.

There goes another captain.

Men

Insert 10 pfennig, then push down the handle.

free - occupied

It's like I'm telling you,

the administration is always late in discovering the mistake,

only after the accident has happened.

I'm telling you, that's...

Excuse me, one moment, when I get up that early in the morning

then I generally can't do it.

And that's why I have this sudden natural urge...

Occupied

Occupied!

Just think about it, then you'll find the solution all alone.

You see, I won't say anything against the electric signal system,

but what will happen if there's a short fuse.

We've always relied on human labour.

Very true.

Human labour cannot be replaced.

A man is a man and there's nothing a machine can do about it.

Still occupied.

All that may be true.

- But you won't make them see your point. - I won't?

I won't make them see my point?

I won't make them see my point?

Since I've worked out the plan all by myself!

We need five new signal stations.

the southern line... that couldn't cost too much, could it?

Damn it, who's occupying this for so long!

- Have you "served"? - Yes, Captain.

Then keep a reign on yourself. Pull yourself together. Morning.

[Oberbaum Bridge - Berlin-Kreuzberg]

Halt!

Halt!

One private first class and four men, 7th company, 2nd foot guard regiment,

Attention!

Eyes right.

Platoon, halt!

One private first class, four men, 3rd company, 2nd foot guard regiment,

on their way from the Tegel shooting range to the barracks.

You're not marching to the barracks, but will follow me on a special duty

on the highest command.

- Private first class, take over! - Yes Captain.

Forward march!

Everybody listens to my command.

Close ranks.

Forward march.

- Where are you going? - I don't know.

Shut up! It's secret.

What kind of a captain do you think he is?

Him?

Man! V.H.U.

Very High Up, you see.

Military Tribunal, or something like it.

- Golly! Did you hear that? - Man, don't babble.

You!

No smoking!

Pardon, Captain.

I've been summoned because of my potatoes.

Upstairs, room 12B, 2nd floor left, straight on, 2nd corridor, right, center.

I'll never find it, can't you take me?

I've other things to do.

So it seems.

Platoon, halt!

Order arms!

Form ranks.

What's that? What's the matter?

The guard drawing up.

What?

Attention!

Right turn.

Forward march.

Hallo, come here.

Come here.

Are you the guard on duty here?

Yes, Captain.

Everybody listens to my command.

Are there other entries to the city hall besides front and back?

No Captain, only the city hall cellar, that's all.

Very well!

One man guards the main entrance,

two occupy the back entrance,

the third man the entry to the city hall cellar.

Nobody enters or leaves the city hall without my personal permission.

Alarm conditions, understood?

The entrance doors will be shut.

The others follow me.

Forward march.

Take me to the Mayor's office, forward march.

Being led according to the principles of modern social liberal politics...

Have you got this?

Platoon, halt!

And we don't need, like other municipalities...

other municipalities

which have mainly to take into consideration the military...

What's the meaning of this, Killian? How dare you come in here without knocking?

Two men follow me as orderlies.

The others will remain in the corridor for the time, at my disposition.

Make way.

Out with you.

What's the meaning of this?

On highest order of His Majesty the Emperor I declare you arrested.

I am ordered to take you to the Neue Wache in Berlin.

Get ready.

But why?

This must be a mistake.

Isn't that proof enough for you?

But this is strong stuff! I won't let myself, just like that.

- Have you "served"? - Yessir. First lieutenant of the reserve.

Then you ought to know all resistance is useless. An order is an order.

You can make your complaint later.

- But I've no idea... - I'm sorry, neither have I,

I only have my order.

- Private First Class. - Captain.

Two men!

One to the right, the other to the left.

Private First Class. Look what the police inspector is doing.

Yes, Captain.

Who is responsible for the City's cash register?

City Counsellor Rosenkranz.

Do you have any request?

Shall I have some refreshment brought to you?

No thank you.

But if I could notify my wife.

- Do you live in an official residence? - Yes, right next door.

Constable.

Bring Madame Mayoress here, and double quick.

- We won't be here for long. - Yes, Captain.

Until your removal you're allowed to communicate

with your wife without any restriction.

But of course under military supervision.

- Where's the police inspector? - Asleep, Captain.

- What do you mean? - Sitting at his desk, snoring heavily.

What's the matter?

Say, how dare you sleep on duty?.

I'll say it doesn't.

- Adjust your dress, will you. - Yes, Captain.

Then go out into the street,

you're representing the highest police command around here

and see to it that there's law and order down there.

- Yes, Captain. - Very well.

- Go back! - What's the meaning of this?

But I must go out, I'm the police inspector in here.

Captain's orders, nobody is to leave the building.

Go back!

- This is unheard of! - A scandal because of some woman.

- This is someone from the Guards. - But an old one.

Disperse.

Everybody listen to my command.

Two men.

Taxes cash register 8-1, Saturdays 8-11

Halt Cashier

City Councillor Rosenkranz?

- Have you "served"? - Yes, Captain.

Lt. of the reserve, the 1st Nassau Mounted Field Artillery regt. no. 27 Oranienburg.

Then I suggest you present at once a cash register balance for me to check presently.

Beg pardon, Captain, without administrative order...

I must place the Mayor and unfortunately you too under preliminary arrest.

- Captain, I... - You have 10 minutes.

Is that sufficient?

- I'll do my best, Captain. - Very well.

You stay here on guard.

- One has other things to do. - I must hurry, it's "false hare" for dinner

What's the meaning of this? We City Councillors are under immunity!

My party would never have admitted it.

Unheard of! Legally speaking it's wrongful deprivation of personal freedom.

Deprivation of personal freedom!.

The Captain!

Excuse me, Captain, allow me to introduce myself.

City Councillor Kommenius.

We're 17 City Councillors here

and we've just had a conference.

And we beg you to be allowed to go home for dinner.

I'm sorry,

no passes are granted.

No passes are granted.

City Hall Cellar

- Good that you're here. - What's the matter?

- But you can't just sit there! - What am I to do? I've tried everything.

I refuse to take any responsibility.

Didn't the Captain tell you anything?

How could he? The man's just doing his duty.

He has an order. An order is an order. That's what he's a soldier for.

What kind of a captain is it anyway? A staff officer or from a military tribunal?

I don't know.

But if you're under his command you must know which unit he's attached to!

I don't know.

What kind of legitimation did he show you?

Legitimation? None at all.

He's a captain.

This is superb! You let yourself get arrested

without legitimation, or warrant. It could be a mistake, for somebody else?

Out of the question, the man knows exactly what he's doing.

But you don't, unfortunately not.

Ring up the District Administrator at Teltow right away.

- Indeed, I might. - Don't think, ring him up!

I don't like this.

What is it you don't like?

Put that horrid thing away.

I won't do it anyway.

You see, I told you it's no use.

Pschorr [beer] noble - clear

Waiter.

Captain?

These are yesterday's rolls.

- Fresh rolls please. - Yes, Captain.

Incredible!

City Councillor, I don't understand how you can you deliver the cash register like that?

Oh you! You haven't even "served"! You were unfit for military service.

Have you any idea what trouble you could get into! Insubordination and such stuff.

- 50, 100. - You're taking the responsibility.

Of course I'm taking the responsibility. 500, 600, 700.

An order is an order. 8, 9, 12.

You're getting me all confused, now I must start anew.

Ridiculous, having to work with people who haven't "served".

50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700

Stop it! 800, 900, 1000

eh, 1100

2200, 2400

2500, 2600

Oh, Captain!

- Is there nothing one can do? - Unfortunately no, Madame.

Madame knows very well,

when an officer gets an order, even if it is against his principles...

But that's what you're a soldier for.

Thank you, Captain.

- Thank you, Captain. - You're welcome, Madame.

- The Captain is too kind. - Oh, Madame.

Madame.

Oh la la.

Say, Constable...

where's the passport office around here?

I beg your pardon, Captain, we don't have a passport office here.

Only the district administration has them.

No passport office.

I see, eh...

Yes of course, I totally forgot.

Well, it doesn't matter anyway now.

Constable,

- get two closed carriages. - Yessir.

Double quick.

Well...

Inspector, what's going on inside?

Make way.

I am not authorized to give any information.

Requisition two cabs, top secret.

Make way.

Say, it says here 4.000 marks and 70

But what you've handed over are only 4.000 marks and 37 pfennig.

How is that?

Beg pardon, Captain, there was such a hurry, we turned everything upside down.

All the same, there remains a difference of 33 pfennig.

I'm not a pedant,

but somebody must make a note of it, mustn't he?

Otherwise people will think I myself have pocketed the 33 pfennig, won't they?

Well.

What's the matter, Killian, do you know something?

I'm not authorized to say.

What's the meaning of this, Killian? How dare you speak to me like this!

I am ordered to conduct the Mayor as a prisoner to Berlin.

I have nothing to say to a prisoner.

What insolence!

I've had two closed carriages drive up in the courtyard,

to avoid any spectacle. Get ready.

- Captain. - Madame.

Permit me to accompany my husband on this burdensome journey.

I couldn't leave him alone now!

Look at him.

Of course, Madame.

Only I must politely ask Madame to alight before we reach the Neue Wache in Berlin

I am ordered to deliver only the Mayor,

otherwise I'd be in big trouble

- Thank you, Captain. - You're welcome, Madame.

You've very welcome.

Constable, come here.

As a cavalryman, you know what it's about.

- The Captain can entirely rely on me. - Very well.

Pull yourself together.

- Captain. - Madame.

Mr. Mayor?

Will you give me your word of honour, as an officer

not to attempt any escape?

I give you my word of honour, as an officer.

Thank you, that's sufficient.

Move on.

What insolence!

Forward march.

Guard!

Captain's order...

A pass is granted for 17 city councillors

A pass for 17.

1 2 3 4

I'm bringing the prisoners, where's the guard on duty?

Let's have a look at them.

Rosenkranz!

But no, I meant, show me your orders.

I regret, Lieutenant, I don't have a written order.

But you must have a warrant of arrest.

I regret, Lieutenant, the Captain made all his orders orally.

I really fail to understand...

With me it can only be a mistake.

The cash register balance was in order, except for 33 pfennig.

Silence!

It'll all be cleared up.

Gentlemen, I can only express my sincerest regrets.

You've been victim of some rascal's joke...

which isn't exactly agreeable to us either.

It is indeed scandalous.

- I must reserve certain steps... - But this is...

This is outrageous!

One's whole career might be ruined by such an incident.

Halt!

Order arms!

At ease!

Get out!

The dumb fool!

Keep the men here.

The men will stay here.

I am so sorry.

- I am so sorry. - Likewise... eh...

The public will hear about this.

So it seems.

My wife!

Special edition. Madame Mayoress as accomplice.

Special edition.

A captain's stroke of genius.

Special edition 10 pf. A Captain's stroke of genius

A bony fellow, holds his head down, one shoulder set lower than the other.

A pale and ugly face,

- with a sickly look. - Cheeks fallen in.

Prominent cheekbones,

low set eyes.

A crooked, bulbous nose,

bow legs,

his hands narrow and white.

His hands narrow and white.

Nothing much will happen to the guy now,

the whole world's laughing.

He must have become a celebrity by now, mustn't he.

He's feathered his nest alright.

I only wish I had such luck.

A tragicomedy

A captain's stroke of genius

Uniform fetish

Excrescences of absolutism

The sham Captain

The King's Coat

Le capitaine de Coepenick

Il Capitano di Coepenick

[Imperial palace, Berlin]

His Majesty is laughing

Guard-house.

Yes.

They're asking for you.

Yes?

Again?

I'll be over.

How many are they so far?

The 42nd,

I've already seen a few dozen by now.

Entrance V - dept. I Political Police

Aliens' Police: inquiries - naturalization passports - registration of residence

Say, there's a fellow who refuses to leave.

Let him come in then.

Come in here.

Am I right here?

I've come because of my passport.

Why?

Is this in our competence?

- What's your name?. - Voigt, Wilhelm, shoemaker.

I've a criminal record.

I know I'm not entitled to one,

but I must have one.

If you promise me a passport

If you bring me the right one, I can promise you anything.

But you must keep your word.

because it's me... [missing footage]

Fortify yourself.

Have one.

And do sit down.

I'm not used to drinking liqueur so early in the morning.

But I don't want to spoil the fun.

Cheers, Commissar.

Cheers, cheers.

That's him!

Thank you, I'll help myself.

The gentlemen are all so friendly.

I've never been treated so well before in a police station.

They used to either lock me up or throw me out.

There he is.

Please remain seated, dear fellow.

Well, sit down again.

With pleasure, if you'd sit down too.

But of course.

Let's have a chat, shall we?

Have another drink.

This is excellent, and I'm not used to drink, but,

- this is excellent. - It's enough that you like it.

- Cheers, Mr. President. - Cheers. That's the main thing.

Now tell me, dear man,

what gave you the idea to pull such a coup disguised as a captain?

Well, it was the next train station,

but that was really a mistake.

Because they don't have a passport office.

And if I had thought it out carefully

I would have gone to the District Administration at Teltow.

Those Teltowians were lucky this time.

But then I would have gotten a passport

and then you wouldn't have been able to entertain me so nicely.

But don't say that, the man isn't half bad.

It would have happened to you as well.

It would have happened to all of you as well, gentlemen.

It's in the nature of things.

And you didn't prepare anything?

You just went out on the street,

Yes, I put on the uniform,

then I gave myself an order,

then I went off,

and merely executed the order.

You've been fortunate, my dear, I must say that.

Fortune is necessary in warfare.

Fortune is the first prerequisite of a military commander.

But Napoleon said that first.

- Where did you get the uniform? - Could I have a look at it?

You probably got it for free?

My good sir!

I've never stolen anything from a fellow human being in my life.

I've only fought with the administration.

Let me see.

Please put it on, will you.

Do me the favour.

That's not necessary,

the coat's enough.

I didn't even wear the uniform below.

Too kind.

This looks just great!

This grips you down to the marrow of your bones.

This makes you stand to attention at once.

At ease, gentlemen. At ease.

This is the most beautiful hour in my 30 years of service.

And the money is here too, nothing missing.

But I've had some expenses.

I've had a small beer,

a cutlet in aspic,

and then 6 cigars at 30.

- I see. - Yessir, then 6 cigars at 30.

And a few newspapers.

And my "special edition"

and I didn't include the tips.

But you would have gotten far away with this money.

Yes, I would have gotten across the border...

but then I wouldn't have been able to get back.

and I would have to get buried in foreign soil.

No, no, I want to get my passport at last.

And then I want to have my peace.

You've promised and you cannot retreat now.

And you owe it to me, gentlemen,

because, you know, you...

you would never have caught me.

Those few years, they'll pass quickly, that's not the worst.

I know it won't be an eternity.

And once I'm out again

and then...

and then I'll get my passport too.

Well,

first accept your Imperial certificate of pardon.

You can be proud of that.

And here...

- accept your... - Passport.

my passport!

# [Do you think, you Berlin trollop...]

subtitles: serdar202