Original subtitles

We, with hearts so full of trust,

Hold fast to that which in us glows.

Into the warming light we thrust...

All our troubles, all our woes.

We do not praise in words we sing

The pioneers to which we now belong.

But when in harmony our voices ring

Our punishment's but a song.

Why don't they sing "Oh lovely Westerwald!"?

That's what they sang in the past.

I thought there was no difference.

If you'd been out with one, you'd know better.

But you know everything better.

- It's impossible to talk with you. - If you think so.

Did your mistress give you time off?

She can't anymore. She fired me.

That's tough. What'll you do now?

I'm not worried. As long as there are pioneers...

I dread to think, Alma, what'll become of you.

- You won't have to worry. - Who knows.

You've never suffered on my account.

That's not true.

You're always the first to leave me in the lurch.

I'd never do a thing like that, Berta.

We must stick together. Friendship's what counts.

I'll never leave you.

- Alma? - Yes?

I want to ask you something.

- Tell me how it's done... - What?

You know...children...

I make sure I don't have any.

I don't want to be like you.

But I'd like to meet a man.

There's the son of the family where you work.

I'm not sure whether he...

You must know whether he's after you.

He can't open his mouth.

Every time I clean the hall, he's in my way.

He's keen on you.

I imagined it different.

Berta's still available.

It's easy for you to talk.

You go about it the wrong way.

There's a maid in the house...

It couldn't be better.

It's not like with an outsider.

I wouldn't like to know what you'd bring home with you.

Fabian, you must always know what you want.

Approach her in the hall.

I can never think what to say.

That's what I'm here for: to tell you what you do wrong.

It all has to be considered... and reconsidered.

You have your sport for the moment.

A man must be cold in love. Then he's okay.

You've made my heart even heavier now.

You can't pick them out for yourself.

Sure I can pick one out.

But I'd like to meet a gentleman.

Don't say "a gentleman". Say "a pioneer”. That's not hard.

I run away as soon as one even looks at me.

It's really not difficult.

Look them over when they're building a bridge.

Maybe it'll happen on its own.

The new bridge over the Altwasser.

The town's providing the wood,

and the pioneers are building it.

That way, the town doesn't have to pay.

And the people at the top get what they want.

Henry slept with his young new bride,

A wealthy heiress on the Rhine.

Tormenting visions never left his side,

Robbed him of his sleep each time.

The clock struck twelve. A pallid hand...

Stole through the curtains fine.

There, in her shroud, he saw her stand,

His once beloved Wilhelmine.

"Tremble not!” Her voice was soft and clear.

"Henry, my beloved, be unmoved."”

"Not in anger do I now appear,”

"Nor to curse your new-found love.”

Almal!

It was never as cold as this in September.

By the time we reach the bridge,

we must have picked one up.

There's nothing up today.

Here comes one.

Hey miss. Why are you walking alone so late at night?

Is your name Franz?

Are you waiting for a Franz?

If necessary, we're all called Franz.

I've sent two packing already,

and one was called Franz.

I wouldn't have thought...

you had the choice.

Don't be impertinent!

Come on, let's go!

Kiss my ass!

This is our bench,

a bench made just for us.

It doesn't even belong here.

Somebody moved it here.

I've been betrayed.

It's not as if I weren't with you.

Now I have someone in my heart...

and don't even know his name.

Karl.

Karl's his name.

You've often sat here?

Not like this.

Who are you trying to kid?

So you've been betrayed already, too?

Suddenly you're at a loss for words.

I must consider how to say it.

I'm not talking about a man, but a girl.

- What would her name be? - Alma.

She's the one who betrayed me.

First she needed me. Now she doesn't want to know me.

You can tell me all kinds of tales...

without them necessarily being true.

Girls always think they can kid you into something.

I'm different from the others.

That's what you think.

- I'm like all the others. - I don't believe that.

What am I like, then?

I can never find the right words.

Then how should I react to them?

I wouldn't anyway.

Would you light a match so I can see you?

Don't burn your fingers!

That'll be the day when a pioneer can't stand something like that.

Feel what my skin's like.

- Do you have a name, too? - I'm Berta.

- Have you ever had a girl before? - I'm not saying.

I wouldn't like it...

if you'd already had one.

I wouldn't tell you anyway. Must we know all about each other?

Go on, run yourself down.

I'm not. I'm just saying it doesn't concern you.

But it does concern me.

- Say it doesn't concern you. - You're hurting me.

- I know. - I'm going.

And if I don't let you?

Stop it!

- You shouldn't do things like that. - Why not?

You'll get used to it.

I've never done it before.

I don't go out with men.

If a man behaved like that, I'd report him.

You'll come round in the end.

I'll never sit on this bench again.

I'll make sure of that.

No, you'll sit on the next one instead.

She can stare like a goat.

She's trying to understand.

Why do you think I went out with you?

I'm not listening to what he says.

He doesn't mean what he says.

I'm not letting her charm me with her charms.

Judging by his face, he can't be like that.

Leave my face out of it.

Either we get something going, or we don't get something going.

If a girl won't co-operate, I'm not wasting my time.

Stay here!

I don't want to quarrel with you.

I don't know how it all started.

Shall we get our act together?

I can't say "yes" just like that.

Let's get one thing straight.

You ain't got much time. Tomorrow, we're strangers.

Karl.

You like dancing with a sergeant, huh?

Yes, Mr. Sergeant.

What is a sergeant?

A sergeant?

Are you dumb, girl?

Yes, Mr. Sergeant.

A sergeant...

is always worth more than the others.

He's a better person, you see?

Yes.

Are you drunk?

Screw youl!

You swine!

Let go of me!

Let go, you swine!

It's a matter of experience.

A sergeant's got experience.

Yes, experience.

You can see it at once.

The uniform, too... It's got class.

And the pay's better as well.

More money.

I'm in salaried employment, too.

Plus free board and lodging.

Just like a soldier.

Yes. I like you a lot.

I like you, too.

You're just the right age.

Eighteen in June.

And the family you work for?

They've given you time off?

I just go.

That's the right idea.

See you later.

Hey, Alma. How elegant!

It's a question of grooming.

I take care of my appearance.

And your hairdo.

You were dancing with the sergeant?

Yes.

What does the sergeant talk about?

About love?

He says he's a better kind of person, and he's got experience.

Lend me your makeup, Alma.

So he's got experience?

Makeup?

I'll do it for you.

Sit down.

Have you made a date?

He said he'd see me later.

I'm going back.

Do you like him?

Well, he's a sergeant, you know.

You see that at once.

And he's better paid than the others.

There,

now you look fine.

That'll improve your chances.

And that's what counts... your chances.

Tan-brown is the hazelnut. Tan-brown I am, too.

Tan-brown, my girl must be,

Just like me...

How are you doing?

Not as often as I used to.

You look good, my girl.

A girl just walked past and told me...

I'm not the same guy anymore.

In ten years, you won't look the same either.

What does that worry me?

So my big time is now!

How old are you, darling?

Twenty.

That's okay, but only just.

I'm a great favorite with the men.

I know most of them.

I'm altogether a very modern woman.

I'm mainly of the male sex, too.

Where most of all?

We can get down to it right away, darling.

You take precautions?

Of course I do.

Why are you hanging around here?

Just so.

Someone stood you up?

Alma's a bitch!

She has no shame at all.

Has she stolen your boyfriend?

I'm so unhappy, Mr. Unertl.

When a girl's as young as you are...

One day it's this, the next day it's that...

You take it all too seriously.

It should be fun.

It shouldn't be a hindrance.

One thing about Marie... she's quiet.

And there are no emotions with her. That's pleasant.

But when you feel something in your heart?

Then keep your mind on your work.

But it hurts.

You have to grow up.

I'm going.

Goodnight, Mr. Unertl.

Sleep well, so you can work hard tomorrow.

You girls from the lower classes, you're not so important.

You need to have a sensible view of things.

I'm just glad you're different from the others.

A real war would be better than what we have now.

At least you'd know you were someone when you died.

Always playing the stooge for the public.

That's no life for a soldier.

Berta! Let's have some service!

Where is the woman?

She's taken time off.

The woman has her free day on Sunday, not during the week.

She said she needed a breath of air.

She can get it taking the washing down from the balcony.

Doing the household's the healthiest thing in the world.

She needs to talk with someone.

What does she have to talk about?

All she need think about is her work. Anything else is a luxury.

She works the whole day anyway.

I'm not changing my habits.

Why don't you marry again?

I need a wife who can take over in the business, that's all.

That should be possible.

I have my demands.

I wouldn't take anyone who hadn't been away from here.

I've been here myself.

She should be someone who would elevate me.

But someone like that wouldn't accept me. I don't know why.

No one would take someone like you,

not the way you are.

When I think of my third salesgirl...

She'd had a taste of something else.

She'd been abroad.

She knew her way around.

No!

Did you make her a formal proposal?

"Marry into the trade,” I said.

"We two will go far,"”

"with your talents and so on."

"You'll be well set up with me."

She didn't have any faith in you.

Bitch!

Which shows you shouldn't get involved with staff.

They know too much about you.

You think only of yourself.

So does everyone.

We, with hearts so full of trust,

Hold fast to that which in us glows.

Into the warming light we thrust...

All our troubles, all our woes.

There's this chick...

who's stuck on me.

I just have to look at her, and everything's on fire.

Women are pushovers.

They've no means of comparison.

Oh they have a comparison,

but love's blind.

The uniform attracts them...

and the experience.

God knows what they think we can do for them.

If it happens quickly, so much the better; better than slowly.

That's the only thing you have as a soldier:

the women.

Otherwise we'd be the dumb ones and the civilians the smart-asses.

We're still the dumb ones,

but we make up for it with the women.

I'm going to the pub.

You're never alone there.

I'm going to the park.

There are always some around,

looking for contact...

and ready to open their legs...

when a soldier wants it.

On the Volga's banks a soldier stands,

Keeping waltch for his fatherland.

How about a beer?

A beer for the sergeant!

You're not drinking?

No thanks.

Why did you come here with me then, Berta...

if you don't even look at me?

I can't always look at you. People would notice.

They should notice.

You have to be in the mood.

I wouldn't let someone like me go.

How long have you known him?

Don't go to him just because he wants you to.

I'm going to him.

Fabian, it's do or die now.

Cheers!

Them with the epaulets, they're different from you.

They're my superiors.

What do you call them, your superiors?

NCOs. And he's a sergeant.

But a pioneer's much nicer than a sergeant.

Our superiors say,

until a pioneer has served ten years,

he's nothing at all.

Absolutely nothing.

Is it that hard?

A pioneer must be able to do much more than his superiors.

But you dare not show it.

What's your name, sergeant?

Willy.

Cheers!

I'll call you Willy,

and I'll buy you another beer.

Cheers, brother!

I can see you're one of the big guys.

The private...

with the girl over there...

What's he like in private life?

I don't mix with pioneers.

But the girl was your size?

If the girl prefers a pioneer, that's not my concern.

Would he have to salute you in a bar?

Of course.

I'd like to see that.

I'll buy you another beer.

The man from Company 3:

report to me tomorrow.

Your cap's not in accordance with regulations.

Yes, sergeant.

Willy, you're great! We're the greatest! Cheers!

If I were you, I wouldn't be seen with a jerk like that again.

I'm not ashamed of him, you mean thing!

Wherever you go, day or night,

you see Alma with some guy.

It's a disgrace for us local girls.

She certainly takes money for it.

Really?

She always has new things,

and she's been fired from her household.

The way she's gotten between the sergeant and you.

It's just not right.

I wouldn't know the sergeant anymore.

He's had his dance, and it's all over.

I've got my pride, too.

Yes, Frieda.

Every person's important.

We just don't realize it.

We must put a stop to that bitch's games.

She'll get us all a bad reputation.

All of us.

We won't speak with her anymore.

How am I?

At what?

At love and so on.

Normal.

The others always say:

"Alma, you're better than anyone."”

One chick screws as well as another.

I couldn't say what the difference is.

Okay.

Then give me some money.

I'm worth it for my lovemaking.

The little slut!

Don't fall in love with me, kid.

I won't fall in love.

So many have said the same and still fell in love with me.

You're joking!

I'm not joking.

You have to let me go.

You're stupid.

You're the one I want.

I picked you specially.

Don't fall in love with me,

or you'll suffer for it. - I want to suffer.

Berta, you don't know me.

I can be mean.

It's a moral depression.

There's a curse on me.

I torment any woman who loves me.

You understand? I torture her.

Why a curse?

It's a curse if you can't help it.

You like doing it.

It's just that I know everything there is to know.

But if I want to love you?

I know, otherwise you wouldn't be what you are.

But I've warned you.

It does you good as well...

to be together with another person.

I'm not afraid of anything, Karl,

except that you like someone else.

What a load of bullshit!

I can't stand it.

Don't talk, or nothing will come of it!

Are you going to do something to me?

As long as you don't ask for it yourself, I'm not interested.

The stars are shining on us.

They're shining in your eyes, too.

Keep your wits about you and don't talk.

Karl,

is it nice.

I'm not going on.

I've lost all interest.

I'm not letting myself be buttered up like this.

Shall I go?

Yes, go. I can't stand anyone right now. That's how I am.

You can if you want to.

- You've given yourself away. - I've not given myself away.

There's something in your heart,

but you don't know it.

I can't stand that guy on my back anymore,

but I have to put up with him.

Max, it's making me ill.

I don't like him either. He's a bootlicker.

But you're getting into deep water.

Don't keep interrupting me.

It's sabotage at the very least.

You know what you get for that?

The slave-driver should learn it's war between him and the men.

If he has us searched, he'll pick on you.

He'll never really be sure.

I just warn you:

he's in the stronger position.

You're just a poor bastard.

He'll massacre you.

Someone like him would have been done away with long ago in a war.

It's intolerable!

You can't eat from crockery like this.

Just because she won't take time to boil the water properly.

Did you see the grime mark?

That wasn't grime.

It's part of the pattern on the crockery.

You'll have your reasons for sticking up for her, I'm sure.

Always these unjust accusations.

Please don't cry.

The master's always finding fault.

You stay here!

Let me go. I'm fed up with the master.

Don't forget your place!

She's got a tongue like a razor.

When I go into the hall the master sends his son after me.

Things like that give a girl confidence.

The girl doesn't know anymore why we keep her.

The work mustn't suffer from it.

I can't engage more staff,

just because my son's soft on the maid.

Are you making any progress?

I haven't noticed any.

I can't talk about it in front of the girl.

Once she comes round,

things will change here.

Another girl would lick her fingers up to the elbows at the chance.

It's all quite natural.

Is the master aware he's losing face?

We can play a different tune.

In this house, I pay the piper,

not you.

I'll bring you to your knees,

you little upstart.

I'll give you hell.

She should see who the master is here.

Even if the master forces me,

I know who I really love.

You brute.

He just doesn't impress me today, do what he will.

I know I'm a miserable little creature.

I don't have anything.

So, you don't have anything?

I can never spend any money...

to make people notice me.

Nobody need notice you yet.

Why not? I'm someone, too.

Everything's for you anyway...

when I'm no longer here.

That's what you always say. But I need room to move.

The trouble with you is you can't open your mouth.

You're always skulking in the corner.

You're not a proper man.

You could have shown what you're made of long ago,

but you've no will of your own, no initiative.

You're a pain in the butt to me.

I don't need your pain. I need cash.

If you were a man,

you'd come and say: "Dad, buy me a car."

But I don't hear things like that from you.

- Dad, buy me a car. - Idiot!

If I say I'd buy you a car, then I would...

Buy me a car?

No. It wouldn't enter your head.

I'm not buying a car for someone like you.

If my son's not a proper man,

then I'm not buying him a car.

You can't even handle a girl. How could you handle a car?

If I make it with a girl?

Then we can talk about a car.

It warms my heart when you really want something.

Berta's ready for it.

Very well,

you can have your car at once. That's how I am.

That's how he is.

Listen...

Make my apologies to the girl.

Tell her...

my leave has been cancelled.

For a cap that contravened regulations, you can say.

And the real reason?

I've become a father again.

You can thank your lucky stars you're in the army.

Are you dropping the other one, this Berta?

I've no stomach for it all.

I can't look at another woman.

You're the man who gave me only a tip.

You don't care to remember?

You must be mistaken, miss.

I don't forget a guy when I see him.

No, of fence, miss, but you're confusing me with someone else.

No one likes to admit it.

You can't tell one soldier from another with their caps on.

I can. You owe me what you owe me.

You're too persistent, miss.

- Do you have it with you? - No.

If a guy won't pay, what can you do?

We agreed beforehand. I'm in the right.

I deny it. It wasn't me.

I'm asking only for what we agreed.

You had something out of it, too.

You can't complain. On the contrary.

It's a matter of my rights as a woman.

Never after the event, miss.

You'll need photos if you want to blackmail me.

You'd have to get a friend to help you.

I don't care to understand that, sir.

You just don't realize what an amateur you are.

You think you're so superior.

That's about it. I have the experience.

You're older, too.

That's right, not such a greenhorn.

What a poor creature you must be.

Fine lady!

There's no shame in having to eat.

Is your name Berta?

You've no business to be here.

Anyone can stand here.

I've arranged to meet someone here, and you haven't.

Who says I haven't?

Let's not kid each other.

I'm lonely, too.

That doesn't interest me.

You've given yourself away.

I can see at once when a girl's willing.

It doesn't offend me.

I'll scream!

I won't do a thing to you, miss. Word of honor as a soldier.

I'm pretty big in that department.

You should be ashamed.

Greetings from Karl.

- He can't come today. - Why didn't you tell me that before?

I have to see first what effect I have on a girl.

It's something instinctive in me.

It's good just to think of him.

I just have to say the name "Karl"...

I'd rather it wasn't so good.

In his place, I'd have come here.

You don't have to malign him.

Yesterday he was with you. Today he's with Luise.

Everyone gets her turn...

They'll have to bring up the kid.

He doesn't have a child.

I thought he told you long ago.

He tells me everything.

He has a fiancée too.

That's not the same Karl.

There's only one Karl Lettner.

He has so many kids in different towns...

I believe in my Karl.

See to it that she likes you, he said.

They do what they like with a girl.

It takes all sorts...

But you're not like that. Write a letter to your Karl:

"Dearest Karl, I loved you once."

"Goodbye forever. Your faithful Berta,"

"who has left you forever."

"pg:»

"I've found another.”

"If you don't like it, you can take a running jump."”

I can't write a letter like that to my Karl.

That tickles.

I'm short, I'm afraid.

Being small is no disgrace. A lot of men are small.

Screw you.

It's all very well for you to laugh, you bitch!

Come on now. You're not small everywhere.

Small, small, small, small.

Look me in the eyes.

Then it'll work.

Otherwise it won't.

What should a man think of us girls...

with someone like her?

It's not right the way you throw yourself at the men.

Just make sure you don't throw yourselves at them.

I don't need to throw myself at them.

I have my admirers.

We'd all have "admirers” if we behaved like you.

That beats everything.

She has a bee in her bonnet.

With any luck, it won't sting you.

She thinks she's beautiful.

It's enough for my needs, my dear.

We know your needs.

You're all true saints, I know.

We know how far to go.

Yesterday, you were in the woods with that guy with the pock marks.

If you saw me, maybe you were there, too?

I got further with that guy in half an hour than you...

That I doubt.

What are we arguing about, my dear?

I thought you were perfect.

You're a fine one!

She took money for it behind the hedge.

F.I.- fine lady.

When did I accept money?

We saw it with our own eyes.

My friend insisted.

The soldiers are just crazy about me.

No one ever insisted on giving me anything.

You're not intelligent enough.

I'm extremely intelligent.

Everyone tells me how intelligent I am.

If I were as intelligent as you, I'd starve.

I'm so intelligent...

some people can't keep up with me.

You have the right system.

I let everyone keep up with me.

Thank God, I'm popular.

Yes, everyone knows her.

I wonder she can still show her face in the town.

Let her go on like this. She'll see where it gets her.

You needn't worry your head about me.

How about a screw, darling?

Come on, my boy.

Attention!

Carry on!

You lazy slobs!

The bridge will never be finished at this rate.

Your hammering sounds like a goat pooping on a drumskin.

More drive, you slowpokes!

You couldn't win a booby prize at a scouts' camp, you flat tires!

Let's see some action!

Come on!

Squad, attention!

Who was it?

I want to know who it was.

No one?

I'll tear you apart from your assholes to your collar studs.

The whole unit will report to me tonight.

Carry on!

Of blonde women a man must beware.

There's a certain something about them.

Often a man will be unaware...

he can't really do without them.

A flirt with the eyes is allowed at least.

But remember, beware...

of the man-eating beast.

There's a certain something...

about them.

Berta,

I've taken revenge on that guy Karl for you.

What have you done?

Well, you haven't been revenged yet, but you will be soon.

I cut a beam through...

so that Karl would fall when he leant against it.

But my friend, the sergeant, leant on it.

That can't hurt a pioneer.

But the night duty will.

Go to the pioneers at once and admit it was you.

Now he's chicken.

Berta, you can't love me if you say things like that.

- Let's forget the whole thing. - Not with me.

I've got a date. Remember?

What fun is it if a girl doesn't want to?

She wants to, all right.

You promised, and you must keep your promise.

Look, Berta,

-you're no longer a true virgin. - Why aren't I a virgin?

Because you're not.

When a girl gets so deeply involved...

she's finished.

I'd never have thought...

I wasn't a virgin anymore.

Just you cry about it, then.

I've time only till six o'clock.

You're not being very clever, Berta.

Don't look at me like that.

Come close to me, woman! Do you believe in me, woman?

What's up now?

Woman! For once in my life I want to be a scoundrel.

Why do you keep saying "woman"?

- For me, you're the woman. - You're just excited.

I'm a strangler of women. I have to restrain myself with you.

When I see a woman, I just have to.

Well don't.

You're wasting your breath. I'm merciless.

What was that?... Just when I was getting going!

They're dynamiting the approach to the bridge.

The pioneers.

My one's there, too.

The pioneers...

They've all got it in for me.

They do it deliberately.

But it'll work out, Berta. It has to.

How can they do a thing like that?

They must think of my nerves.

If there's another detonation, I'll take my revenge.

Very well...

The pioneers must all be wiped...

from the face of the earth.

Attention!

Stand at ease!

Attention!

Stand at ease!

Front rank... one step forward!

In position for push-ups!

1-2-3...

On your feet!

On the ground!

Advance to me!

On your belt buckles...turn!

Advance to me!

On your feet! Double time...march!

Move it, you losers!

Forward!

Come on, move it!

Faster! I want to see your asses fall off.

1-2, 1-2...

You bootlickers!

Move it!

Normal time! You bums!

Line up in ranks!

Attention!

Stand at ease!

The little girl from the dance hall.

Where have you been hiding yourself?

We've all got our special places.

My soldiers are working now.

Work never harmed anyone.

That's right.

You're looking pretty.

What about Alma?

Didn't you like her?

Alma? Who's Alma?

The tall girl...

who does it for money.

I've never had to pay money.

You don't look as if you did, but I saw you.

Some things are better forgotten.

Do you have time now?

If you like.

There's always so little time.

You have to use it sensibly.

The chicken differs from the pheasant...

by virtue of its spur, which does not touch the ground.

The cockerel is popularly regarded...

as a symbol of efficiency.

Your car's outside.

I have a car, my dear Miss Berta.

As of today, I own a car.

Your love is mine forever.

The blue BMW. The key's in the ignition.

Their eyes will pop out of their heads.

Nothing will pop out. They're better than any civilian.

I'm at a loss for words.

That's just wishful thinking.

It's no wish at all.

Someone like me doesn't need wishes.

Okay, here we go.

I have a car, my dear Miss Berta.

As of today, I own a car.

Your love is mine forever.

Is that your admirer?

I can play the fancy man like that for you.

You don't let me near you.

Who says so?

Look at the way you treat me.

You make a guy be like that.

If you want something from a guy,

you dare not let him see what he can do with you.

I'm flabbergasted.

A girl has to put up with things.

There are too few men around.

That's not true.

Tell me if you need any washing done.

I'll do it in the washhouse at night.

Leave me in peace.

- I can do it for you. - Leave me in peace!

You can't keep rejecting a girl when she gives you a chance.

- What are you giving me? - A chance!

I have those all the time.

I can wait till you have time.

You can wait a long time.

Do you know what will happen?

What will happen?

I'll run after him.

That doesn't worry me.

You can't behave like that. It's impossible.

Why don't you go take a running jump?

Leave my car alone!

You're useful in your way.

You have to believe in us, then let yourself be betrayed.

Listen...

Be nice to me.

I'm not letting myself go soft on you.

Willy,

I have to discuss something with you.

But I can't tell you straight out.

You'll have to work out what I mean.

I work out everything.

Tell me,

you're in charge of the explosives for the blasting work?

May well be.

I wouldn't need it all.

Then I've nothing to fear.

What's this?

That's a wire.

It's not just a wire.

It's a connection.

I saw that at once.

And since it's a connection, you must imagine the wire very long,

with hot electrical current in it,

otherwise it wouldn't be a connection.

A marvelous explanation.

You understand me?

Don't doubt my intelligence.

Time: when they light the fire.

Place: the newly completed bridge.

You understand me?

I understand you.

Okay. Place plus time...

equals detonation, volt, ampere.

I say no more.

That's where my imagination comes in.

Sergeant,

you've followed me as far as this.

I've followed you this far.

And you raised no objection?

I raised no objection.

Very well.

Do you know what an ultimatum is?

An ultimatum is when one person thinks the other has no way out.

Let me be perfectly clear with my clarity, sergeant.

You have entered into a criminal plot.

I am giving you an ultimatum.

Either you give me the explosives by six tomorrow evening...

so I can blow up the bridge,

or I'll report you for getting so deeply involved with me.

You want to blow up the bridge?

Why didn't you say so at once?

I worked it all out.

Now there's no way out for you.

And I'm meant to help you?

You're being blackmailed into it, sergeant.

There are only the two alternatives.

No, there's another one...

It can't be true.

I had it all worked out.

When a soldier has leave...

he has to get loaded.

And when a soldier's loaded...

he looks for company.

And when he doesn't have company...

A soldier's all washed up.

Where there's no war,

you have to make one.

The civilian sleeps in his bed,

the swine,

while the soldier...

defends his freedom.

Here comes one.

Just the right civilian for our war.

Where there's no war,

you have to make one.

What are you doing here, asshole?

I'll walk here as long as I like.

I've more right to be here than a soldier.

Get that into your heads,

into your thick heads.

What's biting you, miss?

The fact that the pioneers have to leave again?

I've no illusions anymore.

You shouldn't say things like that at your age.

You don't know me. I'm an experienced woman.

I've been through it all, and now I'm finished.

Those are big words.

It's no life.

The men just satisfy their passions.

And when they're satisfied, they throw you away.

I'm not going on like this.

Always this lovemaking.

I'll never sleep with another man, even if they tie me up.

You won't manage that.

I'll show you, all of you.

Mark my words.

What you need, my dear, is a child.

It gives a woman the strength she needs.

Has somebody hurt you, Mr. Unertl?

That shouldn't matter to a person like me.

Tomorrow, when you feel better,

I'll show you how to do it...

How to make love...

in the park.

It's important to have a habit in life.

Here.

Okay, now.

Help!

Help!

Karl...

- Must the wedding be at once? - Whose wedding?

The one you want to force me into.

I'm not forcing you into anything.

You've picked the wrong guy for that.

I know those tricks.

You're not the first, and you won't be the last.

It leaves me cold.

I have to suffer again, don't I, Karl?

That wasn't my intention.

I just want to know whether you're serious.

If you are, you must control yourself.

Is that all?

Spare me your fancy numbers.

I have to control myself, too.

That's easier for a girl.

It's not easier for a girl at all.

- You're really mean. - Come on.

You can have your way today.

Sometimes you'll have to give in. Sometimes I'll have to give in.

You see, Mr. Unertl,

the main thing is...

you don't talk too much when you're doing it.

I expect you to be faithful to me, Alma.

The serious side of life is beginning for you now.

Some of the others...

were better to get along with.

But where there's security,

you can do without love.

Was that all?

Why?

What more do you want?

I just think we've forgotten something important.

We forgot love.

Love's not necessary.

That's terrible for me.

Pretend it was okay, at least...

like the others.

I can't live like that.

Or would you rather I lied to you?

Yes.

Lie to me. That'll make it easier for me.

Okay, I'll lie to you.

You're going away, aren't you?

You knew that all along.

Yes,

but you're going away now?

Whenever people part again...

they always say "Auf Wiedersehen".

Do you have time, miss, for a poor soldier?

You have made my heart so glad...

That it can laugh again.

Now it is no longer sad.

No day may pass without you.

Through all the blissful hours our love is true.

Into my life, you brought the light,

And if you go, the day...

Is turned to darkest night.

In the twilight hour, one word, I say:

Please, please, never go away.