Original subtitles

FILMEXPORT HOME VIDEO Presents

THE TANK BRIGADE

Screenplay by

Director of Photography

Music by

Film symphonic Orchestra Conducted by Army Artistic Ensemble Conducted by

Set Designer Artistic Cooperation

Edited by Sound Editor

Make Up / Costume Designer Production Designer / Chief Electrician

ProfessionaI AdVisor Armourer / pyrotechnician

First Assistant Director Associate Producer

Director's Assistants Camera Assistants

Assistants

ExecutiVe in Charge of Production

Starring

As Klement Gottwald

Also starring

war scenes were shot in cooperation with CzechosloVak Army troops and air force

Directed by

Produced by

Along the whole front, from the Baltic down to the Black Sea,

the SoViet Army is crushing the retreating enemy.

In a seVere and bloody battle for the Dukla pass,

MarshaI KoneV's troops haVe fought through,

almost reaching the CzechosloVak border.

we will tell you a story of Czech and SloVak people,

who loVed their homeland more than anything else

and who were willing to fight for it and die for it as heroes.

we will tell you about their unit,

born in the midst of the Great Patriotic war

in the brotherly SoViet Union

and named the First CzechosloVak Tank Brigade.

The representatiVes of the CzechosloVak goVernment in London arriVed at front:

Monsignor Hala,

Minister Nemec,

and GeneraI HasaI.

GeneraI, commander of the First independent CzechosloVak Tank Brigade,

Major stasek. I report at your order, sir!

These are only light bombs. - Light. No thanks.

So it is you the tankist. I receiVed that request of yours.

I really didn't know what to do, GeneraI.

Nonsense. Do you think I came here to get you some tanks?

why don't you turn to the Defence Ministry in London?

I'Ve done that seVeraI times, but it was useless.

what do they know about us! - They know enough, don't be mistaken.

How many tanks haVe you got? - Only ten now.

your losses are that big?

we'Ve been fighting for a long time. People are doing what they can, but...

GeneraI, the air raid has stopped.

Maybe you could help us, nonetheless. we want to fight.

we all do.

If someone told me that we would be returning this way.

The paths of God are unpredictable, my friend.

It may sound nice, but this path leads to Prague, Monsignor.

you keep looking at me, yet you still don't recognize me?

Andrej PaVIoVic! - Indeed.

I swear I would not recognize you without your beard.

They burnt my beard, sonny. They set ablaze the tank and my beard with it.

you know each other already?

yes, Lieutenant ColoneI MalinceV was our teacher in TamboV.

In the tank schooI.

And how did they do? Tell me, were they good students?

Good, Comrade GeneraI.

And to climb with a tank, did they teach you that in TamboV, too?

what do you mean by climbing? - Up the hill. you know what I mean.

yes, they did... depending on what the hill is like, of course.

The bad one.

you can see for yourself. AVery bad hill.

Tomorrow morning we will attack the stronghold on this slope.

you will go this way.

you will climb up with the tanks and strike them from behind.

So what do you think, can you do it?

we can.

That's not a problem, but... - I know. The tanks!

Alright, we will giVe you fifteen our tanks.

what do you say to that, Andrej PaVIoVic?

But wherefrom? I really don't know, Comrade GeneraI.

And what about your regiment? HaVe you forgotten about it?

But my regiment has its own tasks to fulfiI.

So you won't giVe them?

If it's an order... - wait!

LeaVe orders out. I can always giVe you one, anyway.

I want you to decide for yourself. After all, they are your students.

And they are going to battle tomorrow for the first time on their natiVe land.

Alright, I'll send them in the afternoon.

And don't be rough on your people. If you haVe people, you'll haVe tanks.

New, almost new! Dad, do you hear me?

The new one! - Like straight from the factory.

Really, like straight from the factory.

Olinka.

Olinka. Did you bring us something?

Show me.

Bandages.

what good are your bandages to me. My heart is wounded, Olinka.

A horseradish cake is best for that.

what are you doing there! Go away from my tank!

we won't make it dirty. - It's fouI play anyway.

There are no tanks for us and Sgt. Klimko is always first in line.

Nonsense. The tanks were giVen to the best.

I'Ve deserved it. - For your gabbing, I suppose.

Do you know who Sgt. Klimko is? - Of course.

you're the only tankist in the whole brigade.

No. But it's the tank 'Janosik'.

And I too haVe such rebeI blood in my Veins. I take what I want.

you and an outlaw! you're just an ordinary bighead.

They used to play this song at Piccadilly, remember?

Jozko, if only we could go back, at least for a few days.

what for? To bat around at the ministry again?

Not that.

you can't understand that. you're a barbarian, that's the trouble.

But it has to be a strike that will make the earth quake.

As soon as we get up, we must attack them straight away. Is that clear?

Just a moment, First Lieutenant.

I wanted to ask you something.

Do you know this? - I do.

It's a letter receiVed yesterday from our tankists at the training batallion.

And you, instead of withholding it, you'Ve read it to the soldiers.

Major, such letters are distributed among the soldiers by our officers.

For example: "after you cross our borders, remember what

Member of Parliament, Klement Gottwald, told us in JefremoV.

Our republic will be such as what we fight for and win.

Remember that, comrades. " It's pure demagogy!

Listen, Blazek, how many times do I haVe to tell you

to leaVe politics alone.

That applies to all. I want to keep the brigade calm!

But, Major... - you can leaVe.

And you too. Those your troubles! you'd better prepare the attack, instead.

you really amaze me. why are you butting into this?

you're all blind and can't see, what's happening around you.

Do you know how Flaubert puts it?

The riffraff has flooded the world.

One cannot achieVe justice.

Josef VasiljeVic, what's going on? Are your artillerymen dozing off?

we are firing from all barrels, Comrade GeneraI.

Comrade GeneraI, ColoneI ZurkoV is asking, what's with the tanks.

ColoneI ZurkoV, are you an infantryman or a tankist?

Infantry, right. Then tanks are none of your business!

The tanks will come, when needed!

Get me stasek.

KieV, KieV, this is LVoV. Do you hear me? OVer.

Fire a rocket!

Tanks, Comrade GeneraI, tanks!

Ahead!

Ahead!

EVerybody out!

Lead the infantry! To CzechosloVakia!

Jurka, look, where's your infantry.

Look! OVer there!

Do you see that?!

well, eVerything is fine. Now you'll go to the aid station.

what? I'm not going anywhere. - Jura!

LeaVe me alone, women! I know myself what to do!

So, you're home!

Home...

Deeply moVed at this moment,

when we are stepping on the sacred land of our republic,

we send you joyfuI news, Mr. Prime Minister,

that our troops and the Red Army haVe broken

the resistance of Hitler occupants and crossed the border...

GeneraI, a message from the SoViet command.

Breakthrough along the whole front. The SoViet units along with our corps

are fighting in the combat depth of the enemy defence.

I beg your pardon, I'm not a soldier. Is it that much or little?

It is a success, sir. - And did you Verify it?

you must realize that the safety of the whole goVernment delegation is at risk.

I did. The road is safe, GeneraI.

HaVe the cars prepared, we're leaVing in two minutes.

And what about lunch? we might as well wait a few minutes longer.

Gentlemen, we will haVe our lunch in CzechosloVakia.

Alright. Take it easy! - Dad!

Attention!

GeneraI, Sgt. Klimko.

The squadron in the number of ten men is performing rescue work.

Thank you.

At ease. - stand easy!

Tankists? - yes, from the First Tank Brigade.

HaVe a smoke, lads.

Thank you.

Thanks a lot. - So, looking forward to get home?

Don't eVer forget about this day, lads.

It's famous and historicaI day.

It's beginning of a new life. - Excuse me, Mr. Minister,

what will it look like after the war? - what do you mean?

well, they say that after the war eVerything will belong to the state.

Is that true?

No doubt that nationalisation may be of great significance.

why are you so interested in this?

you see, since I was ten I drudged for others. And I don't want to anymore.

My friend, if we did not haVe to do, what we do not want to,

it would be a swell world to liVe in.

I didn't fight the fascists for landlord to fleece me naked untiI I die.

It's true that some negotiations on nationalisation are underway,

but I can't say anything certain now. - That's a pity.

I beg your pardon? - I'm saying it's a pity

that you can't tell us anything for certain.

It's high time. Quickly, clear the way.

Louts.

If this were in England, I'd haVe them jailed on the spot.

what can we do? One has to adapt here.

All at once. All at once you are all adapting yourseIVes.

The influence of the communists is growing at home eVery day,

our units are becoming bolsheVised, and you? you are adapting yourself.

you are making so much fuss

as if we are facing a communist reVolution.

Not yet. But if it goes on this way...

you see, I wouldn't like to run away again into emigration.

How many can you repair? - Just six. Not more.

Six. - And who will get them?

we'll see. I can't giVe them to you both.

Major stasek? - That's me.

Lieutenant Tomes. I'Ve been assigned to your brigade as an educating officer.

I know. welcome, I want you to meet...

Second Lieutenant Kysela.

First Lieutenant Blazek.

Renc. - First Lieutenant Hrstka.

you know, we are not Very particular about lectures.

Look. we need the tanks.

And all this is meant for repair? - No, for a parade, Lieutenant.

Is it still there? - you'll keep badgering

with the tank so long untiI they send us to drag it out.

Hell, guys, knock it off!

Better you let a guy get some sleep. Six attacks in one night,

who could stand that. - Guys, coffee.

And a newspaper. - watch out!

at least it'll keep your feet warm.

Come on, you talk too much and pour too little.

Cold again. - what more do you want?

Coffee and newspaper in the morning, that's like in a first-class hoteI.

If at least we had 'Janosik'.

It was your fault, anyway.

what did I do wrong? - EVerything!

Say that again!

Come on, guys, coffee's here.

Go on and eat, lads.

what's wrong with you?

what...

we can't stand it anymore, Lieutenant.

Tell me, why did I become a tankist? To eat soiI here, or what?

They kept telling us: wait till you cross the border. So what?

we are home and still with empty hands.

How come? HaVe you got a rifle? - A rifle...

So, you'Ve got something to defend with and to fight with, don't you?

Lieutenant, haVe you eVer been at the front?

I was and many times, too. During the first war already.

At the PiaVa.

No, at Caricin.

you fought under Comrade Stalin at Caricin?

Alright.

But what war was it then, anyway. There weren't eVen tanks there.

Tanks were there. And the Red Army men were there, too,

and they could go against those tanks eVen with their bare hands.

But there's no way you can understand that.

Compared to them you are milksops and not soldiers.

you shouldn't talk that way, Lieutenant.

why not? you said you can't stand it.

well, yeah, I did. - Aha.

But I didn't mean it that way.

you see... we can stand it...

what kind of a meeting is this? Take your posts! Break this up!

you are quite sentimentaI, aren't you?

what makes you think so? - That you're so keen on memories.

Memories are a nice thing.

But you should realize that you're not a commissar of the Lugan regiment,

but an officer of the CzechosloVak Army, Lieutenant!

Be carefuI.

you won't be agitating here. - Look, Captain, I report directly

to the brigade commander. - And I am the chief of staff!

you won't eVen whistle without me.

But I'm not here to whistle.

Forget about that and hold the light.

I told you this would turn out bad.

Nonsense, they're not there for the first time.

They'Ve dragged out tanks many times.

But then they had an experienced commander and not an educator.

what? you let that educator go there? what...

They're coming!

A quite good tank.

I hope that educator does not steaI a march on us.

It'll be ready tomorrow. you can ride off.

Really? - Let's shake hands on it. - Sure.

Lieutenant, the commander wants to see you.

I'd sure like to know, who'll really get the tanks.

The last one!

They are ready tomorrow,

we will sally the day after tomorrow

and in a month...

...in a month we can be in Kezmarok!

And what if they don't giVe the tanks to us?

why wouldn't they? The tanks are ours, aren't they?

At least you will finally get rid of me, Olinka.

why? It makes no difference to me. - Jura!

will you inVite us, in Kezmarok? - Sure, why shouldn't I.

I'll inVite the whole brigade!

Friends, I look forward to be home so much. To see my mom.

She is so... you know, so...

you'll get to know her, she is... - well, like a mommy.

I can't eVen describe it. - She'll be so happy.

For her outlaw. - you... don't...

you all haVe to come! we will drink, sing...

And dance! - Dance!

Olinka. Do you hear that? - Jurka, don't...

Come now! It was from sheer happiness.

Major, most of the repaired tanks were preViously assigned

to my battalion. why are you suddenly giVing them Hrstka?

Hrstka has more people than you. - But we will get more people.

No, we won't get a single hand.

GeneraI HasaI refused to add more men to all our units.

Major, I know GeneraI HasaI personally.

If you let me, I'll go to see him and I'll try to explain it somehow.

you won't explain anything. He won't listen.

At least I can try it. - Major...

And you don't bow your head. you'll all get what you want.

I won't giVe. Do you think that I recruit men just for you?

I won't giVe you a single man. - GeneraI, we must make up

for the losses. Otherwise, we will end up in a terrible situation.

And you think that my situation is easy, don't you?

The goVernment wants security units for the whole territory from me.

where am I to take them from? It is the core of our future army, gentlemen.

The core of our future army is forming on the front.

Two hundred kilometres from here, GeneraI.

I won't argue. It is the decision of the goVernment. Is that clear?

you are dismissed.

GeneraI, I report at your order.

If you let in a command delegation once more,

I'll kick you out of the door.

what is it?

A brief oVerview of communist actiVities inside the tank brigade.

you should haVe come earlier.

It wasn't possible. The situation is getting worse, GeneraI.

And whose fault is it?

we'll haVe to transfer you, my friend. what do you say to that?

well, I was promised to be recalled back to London shortly.

Indeed. you'd like to haVe your feet up in London, wouldn't you?

you're all the same. There's not a bit of patriotism in you.

The bars and career at the ministry. That's what you yearn for.

No. That's not what I meant.

In this case, I wish to remain in the tank brigade.

I promise, I will proVe... - we shall see.

But actually the tank brigade does not exist any more.

Atelegram arriVed yesterday from London.

The tank brigade and the artillery regiment are to be dissoIVed.

Listen, did you eVer shoot a deer? - yes, I mean...

So you know what should be done, when the animaI is dying.

you mean... - I do not mean anything at all.

I know, it's difficult, but we must cope with it as grown men.

Tell me, how do you want to cope with this?

And what do you want to do without the tanks anyway?

what? I'd turn directly to the SoViet armour command.

without notifying our authorities? Do you know what it would mean?

And do you know what it meant to us

to put together only the first regiment?

you would haVe to talk to them.

In the end, they'll tell you that the brigade doesn't exist any more.

who? - The GeneraI.

The GeneraI...

So, he's preparing our funeraI before we eVen died?!

But we are still here! we still exist!

Make ready the car. Let's go!

where are you going? - To the front! To the tanks!

where are your tanks?

Jasko, my brother.

I wasn't good enough for them.

Did you hear me?

Me, the best tankist in the brigade!

NeVer mind...

yesterday, I had four tanks and today, I haVe none.

yesterday, I had four tanks, today...

what are you celebrating?

well?

Nothing. There's nothing to celebrate, Captain.

what do you mean? yesterday the town of Kosice was liberated. Don't you know?

we know. - How can that help us.

Tell us. what will happen to us? - How am I supposed to know.

Besides, why should we bother with that.

Those who want to fight will always find a way.

Some haVe already requested to be transferred to the artillery.

And what will we do there? we are tankists not gunners.

Tankists! what tankists if we don't get any tanks!

Is it true, Captain?

I'm afraid so.

And clean this up. I understand you, but...

...if someone else comes here, he might make a fuss about it.

why to be so upset? Let's haVe a drink. There's nothing you can do anyway.

Damned!

To hell with eVerything.

I'm sick of those men. - Nonsense!

I would cry in rage myself.

If someone told me I would be returning to the brigade this way.

Come now. we are being dissoIVed, so what.

That's it. It's nonsense to dissoIVe brigade under such circumstances.

Jozka, you must understand. This is the beggining

of the goVernment's offensiVe against bolsheVism in the army.

They should be more concerned about getting the fascists out of the country.

you're such an idealist.

It is the only way left for us.

we must turn to the SoViet command.

Sign it.

we'll see.

The SoViets haVe neVer left us in the lurch.

why should they help, when our own people are scrapping us?

Vodka won't help here.

If you'd stop being an educator at least for a while.

why is it so hard for a man to part with his plans.

you know,

at the back of my heart I always belieVed that one day

the core of our armour would grow from the men I am educating here.

And that a piece of my work would contribute to that.

I know, you think I'm a dreamer.

Not at all! what kind of a person is it,

if he can't look into the future.

So look there! Look at how eVerything is crumbling in your hands!

But why? It is our army at stake. - That's precisely it!

This goVernment will neVer let people, who were taught in the SoViet Union,

to educate our soldiers. - LeaVe the goVernment out!

I bet that in London they don't know what the bureaucrats are doing here.

you say the goVernment.

you would haVe to know how I felt when I was running away from Poland.

I was a wretch. A refugee. A man without a homeland.

And suddenly, we had our goVernment.

It was a symboI that CzechosloVakia exists once again.

That we haVe a reason to liVe for.

That we haVe something to fight for.

Do you understand? - It wasn't because we had a goVernment.

But because our people neVer reconciled to the occupation.

Because two hundred million of SoViets are behind us.

yes, that's true. I'm not saying.

NeVer mind, why should we argue? Soldier shouldn't meddle with politics.

And what should he fight for? - For his homeland. Its liberty.

what homeland? For a homeland, in which he would starve?

Don't edify me! Go to hell with those politics of yours!

Alright. Let's leaVe politics out.

But what if your soldiers come to you?

what if they want to know why all their sacrifices

are suddenly worthless? what will you tell them?

The truth. - Then you'd haVe to tell them that the goVernment

is afraid they might ask: why did you promise the rule of the people?

why did you promise nationaI councils when you are training

future district representatiVes in London! - Shut up!

Or...

you'd haVe to tell them

that the goVernment wants to liquidate all of our eastern units.

That's horrible.

If this was the truth, then...

whom should we trust?

Olinka, please, write it on that machine.

what is it? - Atransfer request.

why? you want to leaVe the brigade?

And what else can I do. Atankist without a tank.

It's ridiculous.

They took 'Janosik' away from me and they won't giVe us other tanks.

who told you that? - EVeryone is talking about it.

Captain Renc. And he also said that I'm not the only one to be transferred.

So you'II leaVe us. And what will happen to the brigade?

what will happen? Nothing. - How can you say such a thing?

Don't you care? Could you leaVe just like that?

Don't you haVe anything to stay here for?

No, only if I stayed because of you. you, me...

That's the trouble with you.

you must get eVerything you wish. And if it's not your way, then...

No, Jura, that's one of the things, why I couldn't be fond of you.

If you don't want to, let it be. I won't beg you.

I'll write it myself. - Please, do.

I hope they'll transfer you soon. This way you'd be no good here anyway.

you're a tankist only for parades. - For parades?

Very well, then.

Think it oVer. Is this your finaI word?

FinaI.

Jarda, Jarda, did the bodysnatchers let you go?

Hullo. How are you?

what's new? - Jarda!

Jarda! - Lieutenant, I report to service.

Tell me, are you alright?

I'm fine.

when did you come? - what about your leg, does it hurt?

No. I couldn't stand the hospitaI any longer.

No wonder. - So, commander,

you'Ve got all the gang together again.

Jurka won't be your commander any more.

He requested for a transfer. He wants to join the artillery.

Don't think that I just...

I don't feeI easy about it, too Honest.

Jura, we always went through eVerything together.

And now when things are the worst you want to leaVe us?

you know how they call this.

I want to fight.

Do you think I want to stay in hinterland till the end of the war?

Do as you wish. But I feeI ashamed that you were our commander.

Ashamed! Understand?

what?

So you needn't feeI ashamed!

Is eVerything fine now? - Jura...

LeaVe me alone.

I'll stay then, so that you can't call me a deserter.

you'll remember me one day.

what can we do. Atank would be better.

Major, you wanted to talk to me.

I did!

Listen, are you the chief of staff or a locaI gossip?

Major, I refuse such Vocabulary!

Then why are you talking about the dissolution of the brigade?

why do you talk about us neVer getting any tanks? Are we a bunch of cottagers,

which they can ride down wheneVer they please?

why are you so angry? It was our own fault, anyway.

what? - That in London they look at us as communists.

No wonder they want to liquidate us.

And the goVernment supports this?

The goVernment wants an army it can rely on.

After all, what does our brigade mean? Nothing. Just a grain of sand.

KEZMAROK - JANUARY 1945

Comrade Major, on behalf of the SoViet Army,

I hand oVer 60 tanks to the CzechosloVak Tank Brigade.

Hurrah to the SoViet Army!

Jurka... - Auntie!

where are my folks? - They killed them.

The fascists came and...

And my mom, too? - They killed them all.

My dearest mommy...

Andrej PaVIoVic, do you remember? - My students.

How could I forget! Comrade Kysela.

Do you still haVe problems getting tactics into your head?

Still. Only the deViI knows why, Andrej PaVIoVic.

I think I don't haVe a brain for tactics.

Do you accept girls into the army now?

That depends. Are you married? - No.

Do you haVe a boyfriend? - No.

No? Let's dance, shall we?

If I think that in a few days...

they will be facing bombs and tanks in flames again...

There's no other way. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

stupid philosophy.

I'm not forcing it on you. - I wouldn't let you.

Go and dance, you philosopher.

HaVe you heard?

It was just on the radio. The president is flying to Moscow.

They're rounding it out in all sorts of ways, but on the whole it seems

that a new goVernment will be set up. - with the communists?

It seems so. why would he otherwise fly to Moscow?

Then ours haVe won! - That's a lie!

That will neVer happen, the communists will neVer decide

on the fate of the republic! - what makes you think so?

Because it's nonsense! They haVe no right to do that!

And do they haVe the right to die? - That's enough! LeaVe, immediately!

Let's haVe a drink.

yes.

To the famous future of your people.

KOSICE - MARCH 1945

This is the end. Absolute capitulation.

stop it.

There's always plenty of time for that.

One neVer knows. If the communists really join the goVernment...

They should be shot! No goVernment with them! I'd kick them in the pants.

Stop yelling. Someone may hear you.

you're such a coward. - So what? How will this help you?

Go to hell! I'm sick of you.

I don't like people who lose their nerVes so easily.

I'm not losing my nerves, but you must understand that eVerything is at stake.

Look here. They are rolling at us from all sides

and there is no force in Europe that could hold them back.

Do you think that Benes flew to Moscow just for fun?

He knows that the only thing he can do now is to adapt and wait.

what do you want to wait for?

who knows. Maybe one day we will be strong enough to strike back.

But for the time being... - you will turn on your heeI.

you are eVen able to applaud their nationalisation talk.

And you? I know you well enough.

This will neVer happen. Do you understand? NeVer!

As I am announcing this Magna Charta of its kind of the SloVak nation,

on behalf of the goVernment of the nationaI front,

allow me to add a few important words.

The Red Army has brought you a freedom.

you haVe your people's, nationaI power in the form of SloVak NationaI CounciI.

you haVe your people's administration in the form of nationaI councils.

you are carrying out an act of historicaI significance

by confiscating the land of enemies and traitors

and by giVing it to the hands of the SloVak ruraI people.

Realize that and take actions according to that.

All for the support of the Red Army, the liberator!

All for the front!

All for the finaI Victory!

Isn't it bizarre? The more primitiVe a man is,

the more he shouts, when happy. - you aristocrat!

stasek is sending me into attack with you. Did he tell you?

yes. you know the terrain and you can be usefuI.

All of a sudden.

what the heck. I'll die as a hero.

One sceptic more or less...

It almost seems that you're afraid, Renc.

Afraid? Nonsense. Afraid...

I'm not afraid but angry, you see.

Angry at whom? - At whom? EVeryone!

HasaI sits in the goVernment cooperating with communists and me?

Do you know what he wants? I'd gain their confidence and send the reports.

what reports?

Maybe I could arrange it somehow.

Tomes trusts you and I'd arrange for communication.

Just imagine, what it could mean for our future.

This is how you see your future.

Do you want to die as a First Lieutenant? - No.

But I won't spy on my mates.

How could I look into their eyes?! - Forget about that.

I'd haVe to be such a rat as you are.

Jozka, think about it. you'd regret it one day!

Get lost!

you'll die because of that idealism of yours.

Olinka, how are you doing? I haVen't seen you so long, Olinka.

If you neVer call on us.

why should I?

you'Ve told me that you don't like me.

I was thinking a lot. you were right.

And when I heard at home that my folks were killed...

I felt ashamed for myself, honestly.

If you weren't such a boaster.

If one could really belieVe you.

Olinka, If you loVed me, would you belieVe me.

Olinka, take care!

OSTRAVA- APRIL 1945

It is quite clear, gentlemen. The Russians want to saVe the town

and that is why they are circumventing us from the northwest.

They think we will be forced to moVe out from OstraVa without a fight.

In any case, this morning, I ordered to undermine factories

and roads in the town. - For what case?

GeneraI, I think we haVe to count with eVery possibility.

you're not here to think.

you know the Fuhrer's orders.

Retreat is equaI to treason!

Damn you! Such actions won't stop the Russians.

And who will?

I will!

I will stop the BolsheViks eVen if it costs the liVes of all my soldiers!

without leaVing you out, gentlemen.

Zero seVen.

what?

yes.

yes, I see.

The Russians broke through to OpaVa.

Get me details, immediately.

GeneraI, should we stop the undermining?

No, continue.

what's wrong?

Nothing.

EVerything is alright. - Did you eat something?

Not much. - I should'Ve thought so.

It was close, they nearly got me.

Look.

They are laying charges here to the house by the riVer.

The SS are on the watch eVerywhere.

Look at it. I will get in somehow.

I won't let you go alone, Milos.

The committee decided that we should go together.

where should you go? No one decides on that.

Mom, please.

Don't yell at me, you're too young for that.

Josef, you know I'Ve always helped you.

It's all the same to me, I'm old and I'll giVe my life if need be.

But I won't giVe Milos. I won't, understand!

Mommy, don't cry.

EVerything is alright. These are just plans.

I know those plans of yours.

That's the front. It's been roaring since the morning.

And we should sit hear with hands in our laps!

But you're not a soldier. - No, I'm not.

But it's six months now since they'Ve accepted me to the communist party.

Mom...

Don't be angry. - what can I do, Milos.

yes, arrange that. I agree.

So, is it clear, comrades?

you'll enVelop stronghold from east and establish communication with MalinceV.

After crossing the riVer, your brigade will protect his left flank

against expected counteroffensiVe of the German tanks.

And then OstraVa. It is your town. Make sure that you're first there.

we will, comrade commander.

we will, comrade commander.

we won't get through! It's insane.

Get back! Do you hear? Get back!

Are you mad? Our people are on the other side, you can't cut them off!

Get back!

Andrej PaVIoVic, they're closing in upon us.

I can see that. Keep the set direction!

Jozka! - Coward...

I'll haVe you court-martialed for this!

Major! Major!

Major!

we're surrounded!

They won't get us aliVe.

Tanks.

Let me go, I can die, if I must!

To fight for your life that's what you must! Fire!

Ours! Ours...

Andrej PaVIoVic...

I don't giVe a damn about your losses! I don't care.

If you retreat by a single meter, I'll shoot you myself like a dog!

GeneraI, the Russians are in the outskirts!

you haVen't got any manners. you don't eVen knock.

Pardon me.

Damn cowards.

The command is not answering. we'Ve lost connection.

Volha, Volha, this is Don. Do you hear me?

I haVe a message for you. over.

Volha, this is Don. A message.

we must get oVer the bridge. you'll go first, don't let them stop you.

yes, sir!

It may be undermined. Take only Volunteers.

Did you hear? who doesn't want to, doesn't haVe to go.

what the hell! It's not the first bridge we are crossing.

Jurka!

Take care of yourself.

Don't worry, Olinka.

They haVen't made such a bullet that would hit me!

Major, task accomplished!

you see, they didn't get me!

Forward!

Comrades.