Original subtitles

We would like to express

our profound gratitude

to Frederic coulibaud,

pioneer of the French airmail services

who today works as a radio officer

for Air France,

whose precious advice

enabled us to relive

hour by hour,

this true story

for which he became a hero.

This film is dedicated

to those who opened up airways

by clearing the way through the bush and jungles...

To those who, in order to plot out lands

put up a lighthouse or a gonio,

fought each day against solitude,

sickness and death...

To those who went mad in the Cape Juby Citadel...

Or in the sands of Port Etienne...

To those who died of thirst in the desert

who died of fatigue all over the earth

at Noronha like at Bidon V...

while launching in the high skies

the roads that encircle the world go.

Salvador!

Mastic!

What?

And Fromom?

I'm coming. What's going on?

Pratinho!

- Miguel. - Yes! What's wrong?

Did Mermoz take off?

Salvador has been killed.

- What? - Don't yell!

- But who? - Who do you think it is?

Get dressed and bring your flash lights.

They got him too.

Those bastards!

- It's Durham and Da Silva? - We'll see.

Let's not stay here.

Where are the guns?

In a crate in the generator room.

Those bastards!

Poor Salvador,

He's cold.

He received Santiago an hour ago.

And I didn't hear anything!

Here's the crate... I just found it!

Don't make so much noise!

It's greasy.

What, you thought they were kept in naphthalene?

What did you learn in meteorological school?

How to release little balloons and stare at barometers...

You think it's Da Silva?

The other free workers returned to the prison last night.

They took the Ford.

We'd have heard!

They pushed it all the way down...

I was right to be wary!

Convicts are convicts!

- We never should have... - What?

Never should've let them work here.

You'd have cooked and swept?

Cleaned the batteries and the rust?

In this country you make do.

What are you saying?

Ever since the Rio coup, I'm wary.

Miguel said Santarem always tried to read the dispatch.

Political and common law prisoners don't mix well!

The coup's starting!

600 convicts against 20 guards! Chaos in Rio!

You were bored in the boonies... You can't complain now!

Mastic's gonna check the material.

Go with him, verify the terrain.

Fromomon, come with me to the gonio.

Meet back at the station!

- Anything broken? - Luckily no.

Son of a bitch!

Be careful!

Shit!

Wait!

"De Natal

"has been calling since midnight.

"Do you receive?

"Nothing detected at 57 meters..."

"Will verify at 72."

"Over and out. Transmit."

Transmit.

Transmit with what?

Mastic. the telephone!

They thought of everything.

- The batteries, the generators! - What?

- Well, did you check them? - I didn't have the time.

Everything seems normal.

Cut off the transmitters.

Ok.

Talk about being isolated... we're isolated.

Revolution in Brazil.

Revolt at the penitentiary.

It's perfect.

And the mail takes off at 5:30 from Natal.

You mean "tries" to take off...

There've been 51 attempts over the past month and a half.

You don't know Mermoz.

I do and I say it will take off.

Yes, but the weather is always dire for him.

Today, tomorrow, in a fortnight. He'll take off.

You know there're 5112 tons to lift.

He'll lift those 5112 tons.

If it takes off. We'll need long waves

if only to give him the gonio information.

Let's hope the revolution doesn't reach Natal.

- See anything? - No.

- Find anything? - No. We looked everywhere.

Miguel, you'll keep watch.

Pratinho, try to see what's wrong with that.

What about me?

Stay there and keep your eyes open.

The governor...

doesn't answer,

Same for the Italian...

No answer,

They must have cut off the other end.

Fromomom!

The gonio station. Can I get them on the phone?

I'm coming!

They're all calling, Paris, Natal, Dakar, Porto Praia...

Yes, thank you.

The gonio's line isn't cut!

- Fromomom! - Yes!

Come help me.

We can't leave Salvador like that.

Not even a priest...

You know, we'll all end up like savages here.

We've seen so many friends die.

Especially at the beginning when all we had was a gun and shovels.

We had to build a terrain with that.

The mail had to get through.

Enough talking...

We're in a hurry.

Mastic!

- What? - Wire and tools.

Yes, right away!

Screw drive,

The capacitors are still charged!

I wonder how the bastard didn't get electrocuted!

Now the transformer connections...

Pliers.

Enough!

Enough! No politics here! Understood?

A revolution is terrible.

Too much blood is always shed.

What do you have?

Come help me, quickly!

My God, we'll never make it.

It doesn't work.

Short-circuit.

Mastic, your foot!

I must have made a mistake.

I must have in versed the wires...

What is it?

Are you scared?

You don't see?

The lighthouse just went out.

And San Fernando is on fire.

Be wary of those barefoot bastards, You can't hear them.

So, watch out.

Son of a bitch!

Fromomom, I need the light!

Hurry up!

Idiot, you scared me!

My poor friend...

To think, I brought you into this land of savages.

Come, we'll bury him.

What a job!

Here too... they screwed it all up!

- What did you say? - Don't mind me.

The wire is long enough.

It's ok over here.

Shit! It needs a nut!

Fortunately, They didn't touch the lamps.

It's too short, pass me some wire.

Give me the pliers...

They turned off the lighthouse.

They lit San Fernando on fire.

"Rio - to all stations. Stop.

"Ministry order-Stop.

"Because of Revolutionary situation on continent...

"Transmission prohibited until further instruction.

"Transmission prohibited..." What a minister you have!

He's not my minister,

Don't get angry!

Let's hope they'll leave Natal alone.

The fighting is in the south.

You know, in Brazil, We like Mermoz.

Wait!

Yeah, it's not enough.

- What time is it? - 5:30.

We'll never make it.

Ok!

- Coulibaud, the lighthouse's out! - I don't care!

- The Brazilian minister forbids... - I don't care!

How many in the gray?

- It's not going through. - It won't work.

The mail will take off!

I like you but continue and I'll bust your face! Got it?

- It's connected with the ground? - Yes.

The contact is good?

Yes, it's good.

I found it.

There must be a short-circuit in the resistance.

Look, now it's happening near the lighthouse.

My word!

There's no shooting?

There hasn't been for a while.

They won't come here...

You act as if you don't know them.

Is it moving along?

Yes, but he's sore as a bear!

Hold this...

Wait.

- Here it goes. - Wait.

Go ahead!

Mastic!

So, does it work?

Yes, it works.

Turn it on!

- Low voltage. - Correct.

High voltage.

Correct.

Pratinho!

Everything seems fine.

Did you push it?

Hold on, Be careful of the short circuit.

There we go!

Now, there are only the settings...

Pratinho, the wave meter!

It's still burning over there!

Coulibaud!

Unsuccessful take off, Aircraft intact.

It's going to be just like yesterday.

It'll give us some time. Give me a smoke!

That'll be the 52nd take off attempt.

He'll keep trying until he succeeds.

Unsuccessful take off.

He's relentless!

What a man!

He's not a man, he's a super human!

Romain!

Hey! Toulouse...

- It was really worth it. - What?

Embarking the mail by aviso.

They're crazy!

We'll listen to them and see...

Natal!

Aircraft take off successful go

Miguel! Bring the long wave phone.

Pratinho, go to the console.

It took off?

Let's go!

I mean it when I say he's super human...

Get ready!

Stop!

Cut!

Get ready!

Stop!

Cut!

He got them!

Just as Toulouse was embarking the mail...

At Natal, He tried again and succeeded!

Shut up! We can't hear anything here!

I'm going to get electrocuted again!

- Pratinho, did you cut it? - Yes.

I'm going to make some strong coffee!

- Is it ok? - Yes.

- Should I hang up? - No, wait.

- Fromomom! - Yeah!

Weather is ready?

53 take off attempts...

Watch out!

Watch out! They're here!

No, stay tuned in!

The bastards!

They're chasing down the women?

There's a man.

It's the governor,

Let's go!

What's wrong?

In the station!

- Shut up! - Let me...

Shut up!

That son of a bitch Santarem is hiding.

He's afraid.

What do you want?

They want the governor and the women.

The refugees are under my protection.

This is not Brazil, This is a French concession.

Never been told to bare your head when the flag is raised?

The first one that moves is dead, Tell them.

Pratinho,

The mail!

Go to the gonio!

You're crazy! Don't let them come out!

Hold on to he,

They want the women!

I'll give them something!

Did you see him when he flew by?

No...

But his motor purred like a cat.

I thought they were moving in.

I'd really like to know what they said.

- Did they leave? - For now.

Do you think they'll return?

Is she wounded?

No, it's nothing, Just broken glass that cut he,

But you know... it's her heart that is sick.

And after what we saw last night...

And the mail?

It's fine, They're in contact with Bemtivi.

At least they have no problems for now.

Did you note the positions?

No, wait, I'll do it late,

Go see if we have something for her heart in the dispensary.

I'll take care of it.

Last night,

- You didn't notice anything? - No.

Everything seemed normal...

the workers returned,

We closed up everything

and I went home.

During the night we were awaken by gun shots.

And then...

There they were on the parapet,

They were in the streets, Everywhere!

They came to avenge Anton.

I don't know how we escaped...

we went through the window.

This revolt didn't just start randomly.

Someone had to have organized it.

- How many political prisoners? - About 30.

Yeah, they took the others for a ride...

when they saw that the army was roused.

I'm starving, not you?

Now that's a good idea!

- Did you find something? - Yes, adrenaline.

- Give this to he, - Thanks.

- How many rafts in the village? - Six or seven.

With four or five men per raft...

They could try their luck.

With the breakers and sharks... I doubt it!

You're thinking of the political prisoners.

Of course.

With them, We could have got along.

But not with the others...

- It's not really working! - Well, no.

Orally, This medicine isn't efficient.

She needs a shot.

Did you look in Paul's trunk? There might be something.

Yeah, the previous weatherman...

Where's his trunk?

I think it's in the closet downstairs.

Come, let's go see.

How many guards do you have?

Twenty-two.

They're well armed?

They have revolvers and rifles.

Ample ammunition?

We're not lacking ammunition at the arsenal.

- Where is this arsenal? - In the fort tower,

It's a large cave carved in the rock.

- Do they know about it? - No.

I'm sure they don't.

Nobody's ever been allowed to go in except for the guard.

What a scene!

I thought they were going to do us in!

If you would've let me have my way,

That bloody murderer, Santarem, Would be dead.

If I let you... we'd be dead, not him.

Did you hear what that bastard said before leaving?

- What did you tell him? - What I heard!

All the men on the coast were killed.

Eight are barricaded in the arsenal.

So?

The bastard knows they're armed.

To get them he's going to smoke out the guards...

then get the governor and the women.

You should've kept that to yourself.

I didn't know she was there.

I forgot to tell you, They killed him.

It's ok. I was just surprised.

I was looking for a bed, But didn't think I'd find...

A lot of things have happened to us too.

Should we put him in his room?

Yes, I think it's the best idea.

Poor guy, he was always afraid of disturbing the others.

Let's go.

You're not going to have enough.

Did you find something?

Yes, three vials and camphor oil, It'll help.

I also have a sedative.

- Do you want to give the shot? - No, not me!

I'd do it, but I don't know how.

Well then, I'll do it.

It won't be the first time...

You're wonderful today!

Prepare some rubbing alcohol.

We have to inform the authorities...

We need help!

The authorities...

"Rio - to all stations - stop.

"Ministry order-Stop."

"Because of Revolutionary situation on continent,"

"transmission prohibited until further instruction."

Read it yourself!

The minister doesn't know what's happening here.

We must tell him!

I'll take all responsibility! Call Rio!

But I cannot!

- And that one? - It's a long wave transmitter,

It's used for the mail.

We can't use it while it's in flight. It can interfere...

If you don't ask for help,

We'll all be massacred here!

Don't worry, We'll repair the short waves...

because I also want to get out of here alive.

Let's not get worked up!

First I want to know what's up in San Fernando.

One pill is surely enough.

If she wakes, she shouldn't be aware of anything.

Let them melt well.

If you need something, call me.

Thank you.

All right then, you'll go.

- Don't let yourself be seen! - Don't worry.

I want to know the village's situation.

How the guards are holding up...

You'll go to the Italian station

to see if they were hit and then to the lighthouse...

I want to know why it went out.

If people want to take refuge here, They can.

They'll be better protected here.

Two guns are better than one, And here's some slugs.

You think I'm butterfingered?

I'm warning you... You leave Santarem alone!

Promise me, promise!

I promise.

Don't worry about Santarem and Da Silva,

we'll take care of them.

Excuse me, I couldn't just stay there...

I thought I could...

That was a good idea.

Now we know we're dealing with a man!

- And your mother? - She's sleeping.

- Is she better? - She's seems calmer,

Do your best and do it fast!

The guards defend themselves well.

Miguel, you can't go that way, It's too exposed.

He should go from behind.

Ok, I know, see you late,

Be careful,

One death is enough.

This all needs to be blocked.

- What? - We have to make a barricade.

We have to be prepared!

The flag trick worked once, But if they return...

They could also come by sea, You know.

I don't think so. It's not easy.

Who'll give me a hand?

Everyone, Fromomom, the governor, his daughter...

Get everything out of the warehouse, the wood shop, the distillery...

Everything that's not vital...

Tins, cement bags, tables, Furniture, everything...

Let's get to work!

I said the heavy stuff first!

Select and stick to the heavy stuff!

"Station threatened by rebel convicts."

"Salvador killed."

No...

"A radio officer killed..."

No! Not that! That's my weather material!

"Requesting aid."

Bring me a hammer and nails!

This has never happened to me before.

Go ahead, on 37.

You know, It's not time for Rio transmission.

Don't worry,

We haven't sent anything since midnight.

- Any barbed wire? - No, there's no more!

- Give it to me. - No, I don't need you.

You think they'll ask for help?

Oh, don't worry about that, Come on...

Come on, just a little more, Back to work!

- Rio? - What?

Rio!

"Difficult situation on continent. Alert boat at 600 meters..."

"Inform Paris, Toulouse, Dakar."

I'd be surprised if they find a boat around here.

- You're wounded? - It's nothing.

Oh, it's repaired!

I'll check the generator charge.

Oil pressure low. Go Stop go

8 degrees 20 North - 24 degrees 0 West go Stop go.

Looking for the Marseille go.

Is it the mail?

The oil pressure is low.

I'm looking for the Marseille.

She's at 130 kilometers.

Maybe it's not serious.

Maybe the manometer is malfunctioning.

And if it's the piping that broke...

And Miguel,

What the hell is he doing?

Is it moving along?

Yes, they're emptying the dining hall. I'm going!

- How's the governor's wife? - She's sleeping.

She's lucky!

We'll put this further away.

You don't have to break everything!

Bring that out... and that.

There's nothing left here...

Now let's check out the rooms!

You're not going to bring those books?

Have you ever had to leave everything?

Al the time, my friend...

When we get attached to things... it's all over,

And we haven't left yet, right!

Let's go!

- Did he give his position? - No.

Since the last one, he must have flown about 50 km.

Provided he maintained his course,

He should be 80 km from the aviso.

If the motor held out, He could've landed nearby.

Let's hope he finds it!

Barricade all the windows, Rooms and the canteen.

They could come through...

I'm thinking of those at the arsenal.

We'll be lucky if they hold out!

Did you ask for aid?

Rio picked up the Delhi, A British ship heading to Cayenne.

Now she's rerouted...

But she won't be here before 10 o'clock.

And the mail?

The mail...

it made a sea landing.

The aviso is looking for it.

The aviso hasn't transmitted anything for a while...

Now landed, the aviso will transmit on 900.

The fact that he landed means there's trouble.

Imagine, he was almost at Dakar,

What bad luck!

And Salvador,

We won't be able to keep him like this for long!

What do you think?

If we go, we'll all go.

Don't worry, We won't forget anyone.

Yes, we owe him at least that.

I'd like to bring him with us

because of his folks...

What's wrong with you?

We'll throw the pieces in front of the barricade.

And, since they're barefoot...

Something must've happened to Miguel!

Let's hope not...

Come give me a hand, We have to move Salvador,

We'll bring him to the beach, He'll be the first to go...

Come on, We can't leave a friend behind.

Enough!

They're crazy!

It doesn't surprise me coming from a Brit.

What's wrong?

The Delhi.

"Because of political situation,

"Halting water territorial limits,"

"Prepare embarkation."

"Indicate exact position of your station."

And the water territorial limits?

Three thousand, about 5 kilometers.

Those breakers and the raft with the governor and his wife!

Listen to what I'm sending: "Urgent message to all ships...

"Noronha's warning light out..."

"Replaced with white light on pylon, French station."

"North-east bay of the island."

So, we need spotlights?

If the Delhi doesn't see the light, They'll be lost for 3 hours.

That's if they'll work!

Plug the spots directly into the generators.

You're gonna catch the Brit?

I'm going to shake them up!

Write this...

"Only raft at disposition,"

"To transship material."

"Impossible to rejoin ship at sea."

"Sure risk of accident."

"Motive: breaker waves and sharks."

If this isn't clear enough for them...

I'll notify The Marseille that I'm switching to 600.

Mastic,

What about the mail?

Still nothing.

The hydroplane must be off course.

What a rotten job!

All we do is wait!

So?

The aviso signals a wreck.

Watch out!

You're crazy! Wait to shoot!

Keep calm!

Is that you Miguel?

Yes, it's Miguel, don't shoot!

- Are you hurt? - No.

Wait, I'll let you in.

Barricade opening, be careful!

Come this way!

Yes, you are wounded!

No, it's nothing. The Italians are coming.

Don't shoot! Be careful!

When I got to the Cape,

They were scared out of their wits.

The rebels passed through there...

like here.

Luckily, Manolo had a rifle...

He shot one down.

Right in the heart.

The Italians...

they didn't want to come here.

They were afraid.

I said I'd check out the village...

and that I'd come back.

And then?

They killed everyone.

They hung Antonio,

And his wife...

Santa Maria!

The political prisoners,

They got away on the rafts,

At dawn.

Only one raft

survived the breaker waves.

The others...

And the fire, what is it?

The citadel.

They threw rocks,

Wrapped in gasoline soaked rags,

Against the doors, the windows, into the basement...

That's how they got the first forecourt..

Don't just stay here!

How many guards are left?

I don't know.

And the lighthouse?

All dead,

They broke the lamp and set it on fire.

"Mermoz, Dabry,

"Gimi�,

"Safe and sound.

"Aircraft,"

"Sunk."

"Mail,

"Embarked

"on aviso." What happened?

A breakdown!

Transmit message to Toulouse and Paris.

Hey! Here they come!

Is it the Italians?

I think so.

Come, come! Don't be afraid!

Bring them to the office.

- Coulibaud! - Yes?

What about the mail?

A message from the Marseille... She has all three of them.

Bastard! And you didn't say anything?

- And the aircraft? - Sunk.

The essential is that they are safe and sound.

Traffic will now resume with the avisos.

Well?

It must've been the dynamite.

All of it.

Oh, I told you,

There was lot's of ammunition. Guns, bullets...

Everything exploded, So if there's anything left

it must be covered with stones.

- What if it exploded after? - After what?

After killing the guards and taking the ammunition...

Yeah, that's what I was thinking.

In any case, we can only wait.

We have to keep our eyes open!

Who wants to take my place on the roof?

How about going up there since you're armed?

You'll stand near the pylon.

Watch the road and the sea!

Your friend will keep an eye on the hill.

We'll patrol.

- What is it? - The Delhi.

They want to know how many we are and from where.

Ok, go ahead: "four Italians, No, five with the kid."

"Five Brazilians and three French."

Wait, wait, Let's do it British fashion...

Write: "thirteen people including one child and one sickly."

"Nationality: French and Italian."

And why not Brazilian?

For political reasons...

They already hit us with the territorial waters.

If they don't embark us, we'll go by force.

You're not going to start, There's enough going on already!

If we leave, we all leave... You're the one who said so.

We'll see if the Brits take Brazilians.

Be careful! Keep this to yourselves!

If she learns of this, She might not want to embark!

Brazilians are so touchy!

Look, there's another one.

Pain in the ass! When night falls they come out.

This silence makes my stomach hurt. Let's just get it over with!

Don't worry...

at this hour, Mermoz, Dabry, Gimi� are feasting in the aviso.

I'd rather be in their shoes!

We'll be lucky if we get out of this like that.

And if they don't attack?

Are you kidding?

You didn't think of that?

Can you see me in Rio trying to explain!

"We left because we were going to be attacked."

"Well, were you attacked?"

"I don't know because we left."

Well, if you present it that way...

It's true!

Maybe we could wait a little, no?

You'd make the Delhi wait?

Do you understand my position?

We're not completely stupid!

If I send a message to Bemtivi.

From here to St.Paul is not so far!

- It could arrive... - Tomorrow!

And if the bastards come tonight?

In any case,

If we stay here,

One or several, it's...

Yes, you'll propose that we should leave!

And what, he'll stay?

I knew he was starting to talk nonsense!

What do you think, Pratinho?

Coulibaud,

If we leave, we all leave...

Or we don't leave at all!

In any case, we still have time.

There he is!

The ship is here! It's time to leave!

Calm down, don't get wound up!

- Is it here? - Yes.

- We're going to leave? - Yes, of course.

But wait! Let's not panic!

Pratinho, for Rio...

"The Delhi in sight.

"Commencing evacuation of refugees."

"Retransmit message to Toulouse and Paris."

"Keep line open."

Miguel, come give us a hand!

Fromomom, take care of the lady!

Register the ladies first, We'll call the men after,

There's time Manuel, I'll signal them!

Bloody hell!

Miguel, go get the men. Prepare for boarding.

Good God wait!

Vanja!

What's wrong?

Listen to me, from now on, Don't speak Portuguese!

They don't want us, do they?

Not a word, understood?

Be quiet!

- You're coming with us? - Of course!

Don't move! I'll bring you.

Come, let's get moving!

Wait!

Hurry up!

Manuel, I can't go, I'm afraid!

Be strong! Just a little courage!

Help me put Salvador on the raft.

It's ok... Leave him there.

Don't stay here... Miguel and Pratinho are alone!

Nothing.

It really seems strange.

So, what should we do, wait?

Well, here they are, for real.

There's no doubt anymore, They've showed up.

What do you see from up there?

They're setting everything on fire,

They're swarming!

Look on the left!

They're already on the beach!

What is that light?

- The car's headlights! - You think so?

Look, what did I tell you?

Take cover!

Get down from there!

We're out of here!

Don't be an idiot. Get down!

"Evacuation after taking security measures."

Hey, maybe now we can move it!

The station's documents first!

They're here!

Bring me the message book!

Go through this room!

Are you coming?

I'm cutting the power!

It makes no difference, It'll stop on its own.

Their rowboat is too fa,

Hold on Salvador!

Come on, get on!

I said get on!

Get on!

Hold on tight! We've hit the breakers!

Bastards! They're breaking everything!

They're short-circuiting the generators!

Careful! They're shooting at us!

Shit! They hit one of the floats!

Coulibaud!

Sharks!

Coulibaud's not answering!

It's not serious...

He's unconscious. He was hit by the raft.

Three months later

during the rainy season...

Those bastards!

So, what do we do?

Well my friend, we start over!