Original subtitles

Cinema4tv Mahmoud Gamal

After its defeat in 1940, France was cut in half...

by an artificial border named "The Line of Demarcation."

This film is dedicated to the countless French men and women...

who became "smugglers" at the cost of their freedom and often their lives.

- Now? - Let's go.

- I'm afraid. - Afraid?

- Yes. We should wait until nightfall. - Are you crazy?

Will you hurry? If you want to stay here, just say so.

Stop!

Fire!

Drop your bundle!

- Sir! - What?

The monkey on the other side is making signs.

- What does he want now? - I don't know.

Sir. Have you got a cigarette, please?

Really, Morin, do you think I am here to support you?

Thanks, Sir.

- Hello. - Hello.

- Look over there. - Why?

Deutsche patrol, bang bang.

French fugitive, over there.

- Is he dead? - Yes, dead, there, on the other side.

- Well, off we go. - My pleasure.

The Line of Demarcation

Ah, Countess. Excuse-me.

- How are you, Mr. Sim�on? - We're getting by.

And your wife?

- I'm coming, Madam. - Here she comes.

Your ham wasn't easy to get. The German border guard wanted to keep it.

- It looks wonderful. - Just look at it.

It was 100 francs more, but I took it, Countess.

Well, I thank you, on behalf of my friends.

- May I, Countess? - Please.

I'm surprised they haven't arrived yet.

- Do you mean the doctor? Doctor Lafaye? - Yes.

- We haven't seen him. - No, not yet.

Would you like some tea? It's from Switzerland.

- You have tea? - A kilo, two kilos, whatever you want.

- We have coffee too. Would you like some? - Yes, sure.

Tea, coffee, how do you manage it?

We have our ways.

Don't the Germans ever open your luggage?

Of course, but we give them a little bit. They're just like everyone else.

I can tell you that they're not much better off than we are.

Ah, here comes the doctor.

So shall I save this for you, Countess?

And I'll give you a little bit of chocolate too.

- Oh yes, give me everything you can. - Good.

- Wonderful! How are you? - Fine.

- I have your ham, Jacques. - It's over there.

Splendid!

Very good! Very good!

- You're all pink! - I'm fine.

They have tea and coffee too, you know.

This is great! Come and look at this.

You still have gas, do you?

I'm a surgeon at the hospital, my dear, so, I have to drive.

And how are your children?

They're fine. They're all in Creuse with Jacques' mother.

Sim�on, would you please help me?

- And Pierre, how is he? - He's still at the hospital in Vichy.

They can't keep him forever. He can walk now.

Yes, but the papers weren't ready yet.

I'm waiting for him, now.

It's insane, this no-man's land.

- Sir? - Yes?

Here...

- Don't move, Pierre, Florent will help. - I can manage perfectly well by myself.

Don't get cold!

Don't worry.

- How are you, Pradier? - Fine, count.

- Have you recovered, count? - As you can see!

Are your papers in order, count?

I hope so.

I've been waiting for them for six months.

Because on the other side, they're real nitpickers.

Papers...

It's because of scribblers that we lost the war, Pradier.

What will you do with your suitcase?

I'll call Mary and have her come and pick me up in the car.

- That's not possible, Count. - Why?

- The phone is only for the Germans. - Really?

Well then, I will ask these strangers to inform the manor.

The manor is now the German command centre, Count.

What's this all about?

Mary didn't want to tell you, since you were injured.

She was wrong.

I can't live alongside these people.

She has had the lodge fitted out for you.

Goodbye, uncle.

Thank you.

Be careful!

I'm a defeated officer,

and half-crippled.

Goodbye, Florent.

Kiss Mary for me.

Papers, please.

Give me your papers, please.

I don't understand.

- Don't you speak German? - Not at home, no.

- Sir! - Call me "Captain".

- You're not my captain! - But it is the proper way to address me.

- I addressed you properly! - Yes, but not by "Captain".

Captain,

- You say you don't speak German at home? - No.

On this side of the barrier, Captain,

you are no longer at home.

Well, in any case, it's not your home, yet.

- You want to see my papers? - Nat�rlisch, Captain.

You'll see them. But after a formality.

We are both in uniform. Your rank is lower than mine,

so, would you correct your position.

- I don't understand. - It means you must salute me.

- What? - You will understand.

Attention!

Damn! What a meanness!

That could cost you dearly!

Everything is in order, captain.

I'm pleased.

But we have to search the suitcase.

Very well.

It's over there.

Well, get one of your men to carry it. I'm going to get some fresh air.

Hermann!

Take that suitcase and stand at ease!

Wait.

International regulations require that the search be done with gloves.

I won't insist that they're white, but I want gloves.

Put your cap the right way.

And mind your attitude when I talk to you!

Look, the count is back.

He's limping.

Look, he's limping.

How come he's back already?

Goodness me.

Pierre!

- Did you come by foot? - Only from the bridge, don't worry.

How are you? Why didn't you call me?

The telephone is strictly reserved to the occupying army.

- What are you doing here? - Some black market trading.

What are you talking about?

If it wasn't for Mary, we'd be starving, you know.

- I don't understand. - Pierre, everything is so difficult.

The hairdresser's been finding meat and tea for us.

Really?

We're getting by, somehow.

My dear friend, "getting by" as you say, is the reason for our defeat.

If we all thought like you,

this ham we got, thanks to Mary and the hairdresser,

would have been eaten by Germans.

Well, so what? The defeat is only temporary, isn't it?

Is that so?

Please.

It won't be much longer.

How are you feeling, Michel?

I'm OK.

Now I can tell you where we're going.

It's about time!

It wasn't my secret to share.

You know what I think about England, don't you?

I'd be delighted if you told me.

It's the country of petting and warm beer,

of lamb with mint sauce and little secrets.

You shouldn't look down on mint sauce.

Without it, we might not have invented the Intelligence Service.

Why do you call it "Intelligence"? You think you're so smart?

No, we just try to understand.

Must take you quite a while, right?

We are persistent.

So, where do you think we're going?

What if I told you I don't care?

You're not curious? That's a good point.

All I want is to kill some Jerries.

Look, I don't think you'll kill very many.

If I'd known, I'd have signed on with the commandos.

Our task will be more directly useful.

Our only weapon, Michel, is the transmitter.

What about this?

I hope it won't come to that.

It would mean that we were spotted,

and can no longer transmit.

Yep.

Do you hate me?

It's not that I hate you, but...

I don't like you.

- I'm sorry but I'm scared stiff. - So am I!

We're going to be scared stiff the whole time.

You have to get used to living scared stiff...

and acting like you aren't.

Let's go.

Go!

Go!

- Come on! Hurry up! - Yes, OK.

Ouch! Shit!

Let's go! Come on!

This way.

Colette.

Is that you?

I had a terrible dream.

You were in front of me, dead, covered in blood.

What are you thinking about?

What is it?

- Why have you kept your coat on? - Don't worry.

Why don't you ever tell me anything?

Tell you what?

They need me for someone who's injured, that's all.

What is it? Who's ringing?

Don't get all worried like that.

It's only a patient I have to operate on.

- Are you going to the hospital? - No, I'm not going to the hospital.

Stop worrying, I'll be right back.

- Will you be able to sleep? - Yes.

Goodnight.

I bring greetings from Jeffrey.

Cigarette?

Gauloise?

Come in here.

- So, when did you get here? - Last night.

That plane, that was you? The whole town heard it, you know.

The field wasn't far away.

Well, the Germans are on edge, now.

I hope they will soon have something else to be on edge about.

Because, if we succeed...

then resistance against Germany will be organized, Doctor.

And we'll be able to drop weapons and equipment.

But what do you need for now, exactly?

A room in town, a discrete one.

That's easy. You can get that right away.

And a quiet house as well, to set up the piano.

The piano?

The piano, it's the transmitter.

Ah! Do you mind?

So you have a transmitter. Well look then, it will be easy.

Would a little lodge in the Chaux forest suit you?

Perfect!

And where is it now, your piano?

In a suitcase, in the baggage check at the station.

Oh, well done! Don't you realize?

Alright, fine, I'll sort it out.

Just give me the ticket and I'll smuggle it through the hospital tonight.

You don't realize, the Gestapo are here. The town is small and easy to watch.

So don't show yourself around, because there are patrols everywhere.

- It's because of us. - No kidding!

You just woke everyone up!

Well, no matter. For tonight, you'll sleep upstairs.

It's just a simple maid's room.

I'll move you later.

My wife shouldn't know about all this, you know?

You're quite right. Michel and I both thank you.

One more thing...

You won't be alone. There's a wounded soldier in the room.

He got wounded during his escape.

And he came by train. So, since I'm the Doctor for the railway company...

Come this way.

Come on.

- Heil Hitler! - Heil Hitler!

- So, any news? - Still nothing.

What are your patrols doing?

They're searching.

We want those two parachutists before tomorrow.

Who is that?

She's the wife of the owner of the manor.

She looks English.

She is English.

And she's not in a concentration camp?

She became French through marriage.

You would do well to keep an eye on that pretty woman, Major.

- Where does she live? - In the hunting lodge in the park.

- With her husband? - Of course!

He's an officer. He was wounded during the Ile-de-France campaign.

His country's defeat has completely broken him, mentally.

And on top of that, he's still suffering from his wound.

A French junker, then? A reactionary?

You must get along with him very well, Major von Pritsch.

My dear Major von Pritsch, the two parachutists, before tomorrow.

- Heil Hitler! - Heil Hitler!

Just before you got back, an unfortunate escaped prisoner,

trying to swim across the Loue, was killed by a patrol.

His body ended up by the gravel.

The German border went to the other side of the bridge to tell Pradier:

"Go take a look over there. We just killed one."

He seemed really pleased.

It is indeed very sad.

Well, he tried to cross into the free zone.

He's there now. Dead, but he is there.

Why are you staring at me?

Because I don't recognize you any more.

Have I changed that much?

Yes, a lot.

Really. I didn't get that feeling.

Well, apart from certain physical details.

Do you remember, mobilization day?

Yes, I do. But quite a few things have happened since then.

France has lost the war, for example.

The war isn't over.

It's a pity!

What do you mean?

I mean it is a pity that the war isn't over.

How come?

Look, Mary, unfortunately, there's no doubt about the outcome.

The longer the war, the more people will suffer.

Don't you believe in victory?

What victory?

Ours!

The Germans have not managed to invade England like they swore they would.

But it will happen.

And let me tell you that it would only be fair.

You can't imagine what it's like to fight in a sky deserted by allied aircraft.

Pierre, if the Royal Air Force hadn't recalled its planes,

England would be an occupied country today.

But France certainly is!

Yes, but if England was occupied, there would be no more hope.

Haven't you realized that I don't have any anyway?

I respect your faith but I don't share it.

I was able to gauge the extent of the German forces.

Believe me, they would crush the slightest attempt of resistance.

I don't think so.

You listen to Radio London too much, my dear.

That will cause you trouble, some day.

It will only give you delusions.

I hate delusion.

Please forgive me.

At least, let us have peace between you and me.

Pierre, if we were older,

and if we had a son who, today, was of fighting age,

would you forbid him to go to England to join up with General de Gaulle?

Yes!

I would do everything in my power to stop him.

Is it really you talking like this?

Yes.

It's me.

You would refuse to do something against the Germans, even if you could?

Do something...

What, for instance?

Cut the phone lines?

They would be repaired within the hour.

You know as well as I do what happened to the poor man who tried that.

For 50 metres of phone line, repaired immediately, he was executed.

That's murder!

Well, go and ask the widow he left with seven kids,

what she thinks about "doing something against the enemy."

No, let's be reasonable.

Those little acts of war, which can't do the Germans any real harm,

only give them an opportunity to harden their attitude.

I say that those who are behind them are criminals!

Good evening.

Please excuse me, Countess.

I was walking by your lodge

and I saw that one of your curtains wasn't drawn properly.

Sometimes my men are a little too zealous when they see some light.

I wanted to avoid any problems.

That's too kind of you, Major.

Please forgive me for not getting up but my leg is proving reluctant.

- Come in, come in. - Thank you.

- I don't wish to disturb you, Graf. - Not at all.

Mary, would you be so kind as to go and get the bottle of brandy, please.

- Please take a seat. - Thank you.

How are you feeling from your wound, Graf?

Which one, Major?

Apart from my leg, I've taken a dozen hits to the body.

Oh, yes. War is a terrible thing.

And yet, things aren't going too badly for you.

Graf, from the point we gave up on the landing in Great Britain,

I understood that the war would last.

- Please help yourself. - Thank you.

When we attacked Russia, I knew that the game was lost.

The Red Army suffered some resounding defeats.

Yes...

but winter stopped us before we got to Moscow.

Well that wasn't so bad, getting as far as Moscow.

Napoleon didn't do any better than you.

Napoleon... Napoleon died in Saint Helena.

It is still not quite the Berezina.

You're very pessimistic, Major.

I'm not sure if I really understand.

What?

You seem to be hoping for a german victory.

No. That would be pushing it.

No, I simply try to remain objective.

Isn't the Mar�chal Petain showing us the way?

Very old. Very good.

What are you talking about, Major? The brandy or Mar�chal Petain?

I would never permit myself to take such a liberty, Graf.

I find that the Mar�chal Petain...

is very good at... how shall I put it...

nitpicking...

- Graf von Damville. - No, "de" Damville

Sorry, Graf de Damville.

Did you see the car that was waiting outside the manor today?

- A black Citroen? - Yes, I saw it.

It brought two men of that special police that we call the Gestapo.

I'm sorry to say that...

they are very tough.

I think that you're well aware of that.

This is London. Here is...

You must be careful about your lights, Countess.

You must be careful about everything.

What a strange character.

You should be pleased.

He brought grist to your mill.

Count!

Urbain? Come in.

What do you want?

Excuse me, Count. I saw you had company, so I waited.

What's happening?

It's happening, Count, that I have three men at home.

- What men? - Well, two are English.

What are you saying?

To be precise, one is American, one English and one Belgian.

- They come from Brussels. - What is all this about?

Well, I'm not really sure. I found them tonight, when I got back.

They almost got caught by the Jerries. The patrol went by two minutes later.

The Englishman and the American, are they aviators?

Yes, Countess. At least that's what the Belgian says.

I can't understand the other two.

Are they in uniform?

No. They are in civilian clothes.

Perhaps are they agitators, or Germans?

No, Count. Germans have their own smell.

Well, you have to get rid of them right away.

That's exactly what I want, Count.

I'll get them cross the river at the spur in the woods.

Patrols never go there.

Certainly not!

You're going to kick them out so they can get caught somewhere else!

God, Pierre, you can't give up three men to the Germans!

Not at all. I only wish them to leave quietly.

But you know they are lost without Urbain to guide them.

But think about it.

The manor is occupied. Our presence in this lodge is barely tolerated.

Remember what the Major said.

You must have understood that his visit here was a warning?

- That's irrelevant. - I'm responsible for the staff!

There are notices all over the village about those airmen.

If Urbain was caught, he would get forced labor for life.

- That's horrid. - Perhaps.

But the Germans are defending themselves!

Imagine his fate. What would his wife and daughter think of us?

You're right.

- I shall go myself. - What are you saying?

Wait for me, Urbain, I will get my coat.

Mary, I beg you!

You forget that three men are in danger and one of them is my fellow countryman.

But you know it is forbidden to cross the park at night!

What if you come across a patrol?

Come on, Urbain.

I'm sorry, Countess.

- Good evening, Jeanne. - Good evening, Countess.

Marguerite, don't you say hello to the countess?

Good evening, Marguerite.

- Are you the Belgian? - Yes, I am.

- They tell me you came from Brussels with these two men. - That's right.

Both of them airmen?

Yes, they are.

And where are you thinking of going?

Spain...

- Is this the American? - That's right.

- You're English? - No, Scottish.

Really?

- I believe so. - What part of Scotland?

- The Highlands. - Is that so?

Do you know a regiment called the Queens own Camerons?

Indeed I do. The commander-in-chief is a cousin of my mother.

- Careful now, because I know him too. What's his name? - Rosemiller.

- And his first name? - Peter.

Very good.

How's Dorothy, by the way?

Dorothy?

Peter Rosemiller is your mother's cousin,

and you don't know his wife's first name?

But his wife's first name isn't Dorothy, it's Veronica.

I'm delighted to meet you. I am Mary Damville.

Peter is an old friend of my father's.

What are you doing here, by the way?

We were shot down on our way back from D�sseldorf.

- And... the Belgian? - He picked us up.

A bit rude, isn't he?

- I suppose you want to go to Gibraltar. - Yes.

I brought you a little money, for the train. It's a long trip.

I'll give you the address of a friend in Biarritz.

OK.

He knows all the smugglers in the mountains.

Marguerite, give the countess something to write with.

I'll tell you the route to follow.

I'll go and tell Georges that we need the boat.

Then I'll come back and get you right away.

There you are. You're going to Poligny.

Don't speak to anyone there because the Germans have a lot of spies.

At Poligny, you'll take the train for Lons-le-Saunier.

I think it's a direct train to Lyon via Bourg.

After that, the best route to follow is Tarascon and N�mes.

And at Toulouse, I know there's a direct train to Bayonne.

At Bayonne, take the tram to Biarritz. And there you are.

- Will you remember all that? - Yes.

Poligny...

Lons-le-Saunier...

Bourg...

Lyon...

Tarascon...

N�mes...

Toulouse...

Bayonne...

Biarritz!

Bravo.

Here's the address of your contact.

Learn it by heart and then burn it immediately.

This gentleman is an old royalist.

Before going to see him buy a white carnation

and give it to him, saying "it comes from Mary's garden."

That's all. There you go.

Here's the money.

You don't have a choice, you know.

But how will I know if you've managed to get out?

Can you listen to the BBC?

Yes, of course. I do every night.

- Do you know their code messages? - Yes. Do you think that's possible?

- Which one? - Choose!

"It's a long way to Gibraltar."

"It's a long way to Gibraltar." By night, I'll do it.

Georges!

Georges!

- I need you. - I'm coming.

I've got three men to get across immediately.

With the boat?

Impossible, patrols have doubled.

I don't have a choice.

Go ahead then, but be careful.

The next patrol is due in 20 minutes. I'll do my best to hold them up.

- I'll wait for you over there. - OK.

Hey! Lights off!

I don't understand.

No lights.

Why "no lights"?

It's forbidden!

Why?

Forbidden!

Cold. Cold. Schnapps.

Yes, good! Yes, let's drink some schnapps!

Sit down. Sit down, gentlemen.

Cold?

Very cold, outside?

Yes, yes, cold.

Schnapps is good.

Yes.

To my good health!

Cheers!

- Come on, hurry up. - Hurry up, you say!

- So, do you understand "Verdun"? - Yes.

- No good there, huh? - Yes.

Plenty of asses like you there.

- Yes. - Yes, lots of them.

Lots.

- And lots of guns. Bang! - Yes.

Shells, too. Mud, like this.

Lots of misery. Really a lot.

Verdun?

Lots, yes.

So, your father was there? Father?

- Yes, father. - Father there, yes.

Dead, no? No, not?

Good. Came home.

Good. Many dead.

Many dead, yes, very many.

To my good health.

You bunch of asses.

Cheers!

- Good luck. - Thank you, madam.

Greetings, Mr. Tricot, representative of compulsory, secular instruction.

- A very good morning to you all. - Good morning, Father!

- How are things? - Fine.

- So, what's new? - Well, things aren't too bad.

- Here you are, the newspaper. - Thanks.

And you, Cheti?

I don't find things all that good.

And yet, they say you're making money out of these crossings.

So what?

Got to make a living!

You call it a living, exploiting other peoples' misery?

I've got a wife and kids. Got to feed them.

You can't get by these days without making a bit of money.

And you know, I take risks.

Tell me, Cheti,

those people you get across, don't you think they have kids too?

Sure, sure. But I only charge half price for kids.

Even though they're the most dangerous. You never know when they'll start crying.

Cheti, you are a brave and honest man.

That's right! And anyway I never ask. They're always the ones to offer.

So, you only take their money to be nice, right?

Listen, if you keep moving like that, Mr. Tricot, you'll get cut.

Good morning.

Good morning. In a hurry?

Pardon?

Yes... four!

- Four. - Ah, it's all the same.

See just how busy they are.

You've got to wonder why they're occupying us.

Thank you.

So, the English Channel, haven't you drained it yet?

- Der kanal inglisch? - Ah, der Kanal England.

So, England isn't "kaput"?

- War not finished. - War very bad.

Not for everyone.

OK, that's enough, Simeon. Thank you.

There you are. All done. Next one, please, gentlemen.

Mr. Simeon, I have to go. Someone's waiting for me. I misjudged my time.

- No. - No, ah yes, no.

- A shave and a haircut. - Good.

What about Moscow? Is that the same? Not finished either?

Give my place to the priest and I'll get it back later.

Leave your seat and you lose it. Especially if it's to go poaching!

I'm sorry ladies and gentlemen. I see that you've arrived.

- We've been waiting for an hour. - Sorry, I'll be with you right away.

Everything alright?

- He won't seat still! - So, what's that about?

Well.

Oh, that friend who brought you from Dole, he's always on time!

- When are we crossing? - That's why I'm late.

I went to take a little look around.

In Besan�on they told us there was no danger.

Yes, but we still have to be careful. They might change the patrols.

- Do we have to walk far? - No, just a stroll, don't worry.

- How are we going to cross the river? - By boat, of course!

You surely don't think I'm going to make you swim across?

- What about the suitcases? - Ah! Later.

I have a friend who has a border pass. He'll get them across for you tomorrow.

But everything we were able to save is in there!

Fine!

If you want to get picked up with your cases, it's all the same to me,

but I'm not in.

- Can I take my briefcase? - OK then, if you like.

But as for the suitcases,

I'm afraid I have to ask you for a little extra.

There is the border guard to bribe, the guy carrying them across to pay...

How much?

5,000 francs for the cases.

5,000? But you're already taking 5,000 for each of us, that makes 20,000.

Add the suitcases, that makes it 25,000!

Well yes, but I'm not charging for the baby.

And do you have any idea of the risks if I get caught?

I know the prison in Besan�on I spent 6 weeks there.

Why? Have you been caught before?

No, just some crazy story. I was released. But, anyway...

- No, 25,000 is far too much. - Leave it, we have to get across.

Perfect!

So!

By the way, you have to give me the keys to the suitcases.

What? You said they wouldn't be opened!

Sure, but you never know, if the border guard asks, on a whim.

Give him the keys, Claude.

Here you are.

Well, all you have to do now is wait here quietly until this evening.

Why? Can't we go across now?

To get shot at?

A boat on the river in the daytime, it's glaring, my dear lady!

Well my wife has prepared a little snack for you. This was all provided for.

And there's even some milk for the baby.

Ladies and gentleman, I'll see you this evening.

And don't worry, everything will be fine.

They take them to the manor.

Rumor has it they send them to the camps. Even the children!

So, Cheti, are you done?

What do you want?

- You're getting familiar with me now? - What do you want from me?

- Scum! - What?

The Jews, what have you done with them, scum?

The patrol...

No, you piece of shit. You abandoned them in the woods.

And you stole the old man's briefcase.

That's not true!

Shut up, you lousy bastard!

After that you ran off,

and they got picked up, all of them, with the baby.

But that's not true!

If you tell me once again that it's not true, I'll smash your face in.

Got it?

The path you took last night, I took it myself.

I followed your trail, like a rabbit.

Lousy bastard!

Well, what's this?

You're about to bury your loot, aren't you?

- What are you going to do to me? - What am I going to do to you?

What I am going to do to you, you shit?

Don't you understand why I let you finish digging your hole?

No! Help!

Don't bother shouting.

Don't bother.

If you're calling for the patrol, they won't pass by for at least 2 hours.

And I will have had time to fill your hole in again.

Listen, Mr. Urbain, I have a wife and four kids.

We couldn't make ends meet, that's why.

What about the child of the woman the Germans just took away?

Did you think about that one?

Listen, I'll give you everything. I've got money, and the suitcases.

There are jewels in the old man's briefcase.

Who do you think I am, you bastard! Little bastard!

Mercy!

Mercy!

No way.

Our Father who art in heaven, deliver us from evil.

On the Libyan Front, the unremitting attacks of the Afrika Korps...

were shattered by the unwavering resistance of de Gaulle's defenders.

Good. Tobrouk hasn't been taken.

That little desert war doesn't really mean a lot.

You wouldn't say that if the Italians had got into Cairo.

Don't get annoyed, try to understand me.

It has been a year of advances and retreats for simple watering holes.

On the other hand, Cairo is a real objective.

Whoever possesses it, is master of the Suez Canal.

On the other side, there's just sand.

- The English are about to be stuck in it. - We'll see about that...

- You listen to too much Radio London. - I have every right to.

Well, yes and no.

The Germans would deny you that right.

Yesterday, the vet at Salins was picked up by a patrol.

He was listening to English radio.

Oh please, it's such a small thing.

The little horse is very sick. I repeat, the little horse is very sick.

Frederick thanks his friend, Gaston.

The old man has eaten the frog.

They're childish games. You'd think they were just having fun.

Don't you realize that you're listening tall stories and that you can't even...

It's going to be hot on the shores of the English Channel. I repeat...

It's a long way to Gibraltar. I repeat...

It's not worth running, you have to leave on time. I repeat...

What's the matter, Mary?

The Parisian never goes out without his walking stick.

Paul often thinks about the age of Pericles. I repeat...

I can't steer any more. Jump!

- What do we do? - Jump, quickly.

I'll try and hold the boat steady.

I can't hold it!

Jump!

Jump into the water!

Help!

There you are.

Very good. Wrap it all up.

- Wrap it up? Why? Are we leaving? - Yes, we're leaving.

But, we're fine here, aren't we?

It's not very warm, but this stuff is really something, isn't it?

Not reason enough to stay. We're too isolated.

The more isolated we are, the easier it is to find us.

- The Jerries are too dumb. - Never underestimate your enemy.

Actually, here they are!

- I'm coming! - Open up immediately!

Open up! You're surrounded!

You have no chance of escaping!

Go on. Leave that alone and don't worry about me.

Rendez-vous in D�le, in the small bedroom.

You'll never get away with those suitcases.

Try and get away yourself. I'm an old fox.

You've got... Let's go!

Look if there's a number. We're looking for the number 3.

That's the house!

Quickly, quickly!

Have you searched the whole house?

Yes, sir. Everywhere.

- And found nothing? No radio either? - No.

Stop!

- Major, the interpreter is here. - Let him in.

Well, Mr. Loiseau.

- Good morning, Major. - Good morning.

Mr. Loiseau, do you know why I sent for you?

- No, Major. - You really don't know?

Sit down.

Obviously, Mr. Loiseau, you don't know anything.

Excuse me, Major?

You don't know anything, you don't see anything and you don't hear anything.

I don't understand, Major.

Yes, and you don't understand anything.

Those four Jews, who were arrested the other day,

you didn't know them?

No, Major.

You hadn't seen them arrive in the village with their large suitcases?

No, Major.

Louis Meunier, known as Cheti, has disappeared.

You didn't know him either, I bet?

That disappearance doesn't surprise you?

Major, that man is a kind of poacher, you know.

A poacher,yes.

You are too respectable to associate with poachers.

And prisoners of war, who escape from the German camps,

and who try to cross into the free zone,

you don't associate with them either?

We caught two of them last night.

The others were drowned with their guide,

while trying to cross the river.

You didn't know that?

Someone told me, but really, I didn't know they were there.

Mr. Loiseau, why don't you ever know anything?

I... Major, people don't trust me.

Why not, for God's sake, since you never know anything?

Because I'm the interpreter for the German command post, so...

Precisely, you're paid by the Wehrmacht!

Precisely to be an interpreter. I don't need an interpreter.

Mr. Loiseau, I suspect that you are working with these people!

If that's the case, I'll have you arrested!

But, Major, you know that...

Keep your eyes and your ears open. It's in your interest.

You should know there's a secret transmitter in the forest of Mourchault,

that our surveillance unit spotted yesterday.

One moment.

Hello? Major von Pritsch.

What?

Is it?

Yes, excellent. Thank you.

Very good. Over.

Mr. Loiseau, there is no more transmitter.

The man was shot down in the forest.

But he isn't dead.

We'll make him talk. You can go.

But try to help us.

Are you waiting for something?

I just wanted to assure you, Major, that you can count on my loyalty.

Thank you. Leave, now.

What a degenerate!

Wait here.

Surgical Unit. No entry.

Sir?

Doctor, I've come to see how the wounded man is doing.

It's a little soon.

We need to interrogate him right away.

Out of the question. Anyway, he's still under the effects of the anesthetic.

When is he going to wake up?

Well, in two or three hours, I think.

But, at that time, I will not allow you to make him talk.

- You, you won't allow us? - Yes, Sir.

By what right?

Simply because I'm a doctor and responsible for the man's life.

That man is a spy. He was carrying an envelope...

That's outside my area of expertise.

- When can I interrogate him? - Pardon?

- When can I interrogate him? - I don't know, Sir.

But, this man is a criminal, truly.

I'm sorry, but for me he's a wounded man, in danger of dying.

But if this wounded man was German, you would see things differently.

Suffering doesn't have any nationality, you know.

And now, I'm going to ask you to please leave.

- I want to see that man for a moment. - No, Sir, I won't authorize it.

I don't need your authorization, Sir.

Obviously, if you're going to use force...

But you know you could kill him,

and then, I would not be the one responsible.

No, believe me, you need to wait a while before you interrogate him.

Goodbye, Sir.

No, Sir.

Stop!

Papers!

In order.

Well?

He's got three bullets in him, but I think he'll pull through.

The Germans found an envelope on him. Is that an issue?

I don't think so. The messages are coded. The code will hold.

But as for Michel, we have to avoid him being interrogated, at all costs.

If he talks, all the networks are lost.

- But I can't stop them for very long. - I know...

We have to try and...

Quickly!

The surgeon who operated on the wounded man, is he here?

- I'll go and see, sir. - Out!

What do you want? Don't touch him, you have no right!

It's shameful! I shall complain to the German Command!

As you wish, Sir. Our orders are to take him immediately.

You're nothing but thugs!

- God will punish you! - Out!

- It was you? - We'll see each other again, Michel.

- But how did you manage it? - We'll explain later.

And now, how are you...?

Don't worry about anything, the doctor has forbidden it.

Don't cry! It's over!

You'll soon be eating lamb and mint sauce.

- That's not why I'm crying. - Why then?

I can't believe you shaved off your moustache for me.

Come on, quickly!

Shit, Jerries!

Go off into the woods!

Quickly, quickly! Don't shoot!

I want the man alive.

- What time is it? - 11:15.

Already? And you're not in bed? Why is that?

I was doing the dishes.

- What have you brought me? - I thought you would need it.

- What's that? Are you expecting someone? - No one.

I'll throw them out.

Good evening, Madam. German police.

Ah! Doctor! Still at work, at this time of night?

- Schumann? - Villeneuve.

Please excuse this nighttime visit, doctor,

But we're eager for news of your wounded man.

My wounded man? I don't understand.

The one you allowed to leave this morning.

I had received a formal order. I tried to stop them, but...

Don't bother.

Your husband is acting, madam.

I don't understand.

Of course you do.

One of your accomplices has been arrested. He's very talkative.

For heaven's sake, who are you? I don't understand what you're telling me.

Oh, excuse me! In fact, we introduced ourselves to madam but not to you.

We're from the German police.

Our names are not important. We are "the police."

Geheime Staatspolizei. The Gestapo.

Excuse me, but I still don't understand anything.

But I told you one of your accomplices was arrested and he's very talkative!

- Jacques, what's going on? - I don't know, I promise. I don't know.

You're going to find out, Madam, because you're coming with us.

But why? My wife knows absolutely nothing!

Yes. The French always hide everything from their wives. It's well known.

We just have a few questions to ask her.

Look, do it here, because we have two children and no servants, so...

Doctor, that's not true.

Your children are at their grandparents.

And you have a housekeeper.

Interrogate her now, for heaven's sake! You can see she's innocent!

In our office, Sir. It's more comfortable.

We're all set up, equipped...

- You won't touch her! - But we're not savages.

We're simply taking her away so that she suggests you to talk.

Because you'll understand that in your case, we'd be obliged to use...

procedures...

Bastards!

I advise you to avoid curse words as much as possible. It may annoy us.

What is it that you want to know?

We just want to know where the wounded spy has been taken.

That is all.

And if I tell you, you won't take my wife?

That would no longer be necessary, doctor.

Well, in that case...

I'll show you on this map.

Jacques!

Your husband was a really good actor, Madam.

And now, go and pack. We have to take you with us.

The wounded man was taken from the hospital at D�le yesterday at 8:45 AM.

We started out in pursuit. We took this road, the D7.

Naturally, they went deeper into the forest.

We alerted the Feldgendarmerie,

and we found them at this spot, here: La Belle Nanette.

And how many victims were there on our side?

The grenade thrown at the first truck killed eight men.

- Eight men? - Yes.

And unfortunately an idiot in our lot also threw a grenade,

which blew to pieces the terrorist that we wanted to capture alive.

And they burned the truck that contained their German uniforms.

How were they able to get those uniforms?

We're looking into it. But, it's not the first time.

For a bit of bacon, butter or chocolate, some people would sell their own flag .

And how did they get their wounded man out of the forest?

Another vehicle.

Do you think the spy was taken to the other side of the line of demarcation?

No, Major von Pritsch. We gave the alarm immediately.

I can tell you that the line of demarcation is now impossible to cross.

That man is somewhere around here.

- And the surgeon's wife? - She knew nothing.

She didn't handle the bathtub very well.

The wounded man is certainly hidden somewhere in this area,

between the villages of La Loye and Chissey.

There are only small towns there. None bigger than 500 inhabitants.

That's right.

The wounded man is caught in a trap.

But we can't call on all the houses at the same time.

We would need several thousand men,

and the German Army, Major, is never in too much of a hurry to give them to us.

So there's only one solution. Make people talk.

Would you call for the interpreter, please?

Ah, Mr. Loiseau! Come in, please.

Please sit down.

Mr. Loiseau,

you're an insurance agent at Montbarrey, aren't you?

Yes, Sir.

And you know everyone in the area?

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Loiseau, we need to find the wounded spy.

The one who was operated on yesterday at the hospital in D�le.

We think he must be hiding in a house not far from here.

Do you have any ideas about this house, Mr. Loiseau?

No, sir, not at all. Absolutely not.

You like Germans, Mr. Loiseau?

Yes, of course!

And you know everyone in the area, like you just told me.

- And you're with us, aren't you? - Oh yes, Sir!

Then, Mr. Loiseau, you should know which house the wounded spy is hiding in.

Well, you know...

It's difficult to say, exactly.

Because...?

- Because? - Well, because...

Everyone is against us, you understand.

Oh yes, Mr. Loiseau, we don't need to pay an interpreter to know that.

But, my dear Mr. Loiseau, people talk among themselves.

All you have to do is listen. The French are so talkative.

Yes, but... the people in the villages don't trust me.

I'm the interpreter for your German Command.

Still, Mr. Loiseau, you must be able to hear what people say to each other.

But...

You are paid by the Wehrmacht, Mr. Loiseau.

You have 24 hours.

I'm giving you 24 hours to bring us the information we need.

- Is that understood? - Yes, absolutely.

Get going then, Mr. Loiseau. Don't waste any time.

I'll wait for you, here, tomorrow, at the same time.

Pigs...

- What do you mean? - Rotten Frenchmen!

They're not all like that.

Yes, Major von Pritsch, but those who aren't like that are our enemies!

That's their right.

Mr. Tricot, do you want to confess?

No, Father, I have to talk to you.

- No, I can't hear you here. - Please, there are Germans in the church.

Go on.

Have you heard about the wounded man, that they took from the hospital at D�le?

Yes, and about the suicide of Dr. Lafaye.

- Do you blame him? - No, of course not.

So, this wounded man from D�le?

He's at my house.

You have to help me.

We have some paper explaining how to look after him but...

my daughter can't do everything. She's too young, she's not used to it.

I heard that the Countess of Damville used to be a nurse.

Yes. And you'd like me to talk to her?

But of course.

- Thank you, Father. - You're welcome.

I'm really pleased, because I wasn't sure about your patriotic feelings.

Well, I felt the same way about you.

You never speak to me except to spout your creed.

Gambetta didn't like priests. And neither did Cl�menceau.

Well, tell your daughter to pretend to be sick,

in order to justify the Countess' visits.

That's not so dumb.

When you leave the confessional, get on your knees and pretend to pray.

Oh, Father!

- OK then. - Go on then, I absolve you.

- Father, I'd like to go to confession. - Madame Rousseau, I can't hear you now.

But come back tomorrow. It can't be too urgent!

- Good evening Mr. M�n�tru. - Shut the door!

- It's true, it's a little chilly. - It's the time of year.

Yes, it's not warm.

And to warm up, have you seen the price of a cord of wood?

- Well, you can afford it. - Oh, insurance is not doing well.

- Yes, but that's not the only thing. - Don't tell me! They don't trust me.

So, do you have a little something to warm me up?

It's a "dry" day today.

You think that with "dry" days and "wet" days we'll get rid of alcoholism?

It's all the same to me. I don't care.

OK then, give me a little coffee, without filler.

I've only got National, and I assure you it's pretty bad.

Whatever. In hard times, you have to make the best of things!

Have any saccharine? Because I don't have any left.

Don't you worry, Mr. M�n�tru, I don't put sugar in my coffee.

I anticipated the Occupation.

So tell me, Mr. M�n�tru, what about that mess in the forest of Chaux?

- Ten German casualties, I heard. - That makes ten fewer Jerries!

Yes, but it doesn't help our dealings with the Germans. They're furious!

Well, they should have stayed home. We didn't go and get them!

Yes but, in the meantime, they're here and they're the strongest.

So, if they retaliate...

What could they do to me? Take off my other leg?

Too bad, then I'd be a legless cripple.

They have other methods.

If they don't find that wounded man by tomorrow, we'll all pay the price.

To make it taste good, you have to use 5 times as much water.

- I thought it was a "dry" day? - So what?

- And that Pernod was prohibited? - So what? I find it relaxes me.

Well, I'll have one with you instead of a National Coffee.

No way! Pernod is meant to be drunk with friends.

So tell me...

- do you have any idea? - Any idea about what?

Well, the patrols tripled in the last three days.

Why should I care? I don't need to cross into the free zone.

No, but what about the wounded man?

Across the river, better drop that idea.

And through the woods, in the state he's in, better drop that too.

So?

Well, he must be hidden away somewhere.

And that's why you came to ask me for a coffee? You bastard!

No, but Mr. M�n�tru...

You're a spy. You're despicable. I bet you came straight from them.

- I'm just doing like everyone else. - Everyone else?

Meaning that I'm just like you? Try saying that again!

- What if they fined the whole village? - I'd pay my share!

- Yes, and if they took hostages? - I'd do like the rest. That's all!

What are you doing, Mr. M�n�tru?

I don't want you to drink my coffee, even if it is bad.

- Get out of here! - You must be joking, Mr. M�n�tru!

Get out of here, or I'll break my cane over your head!

- You won't get away with this, Mr. M�n�tru. - Get out of here!

- You won't get away with this, Mr. M�n�tru. - Out!

- You won't get away with this! - You piece of shit! Dirty rat!

Oh, the bastard! Scum!

Piece of shit!

There, that's it for today.

I'll see you tomorrow.

- Genevi�ve, do you understand what you have to do? - Yes, Madam.

Don't forget that you're supposed to have tonsillitis.

You mustn't go out.

I won't move, Madam.

- And your father mustn't change any of his habits. - No, Madam.

Are you alright?

- Are you English, Madam? - My accent?

- Do you have any news of my captain? - What captain?

Captain Duncan Presgrave. He's the one who helped me escape.

He shaved off his mustache! I would never have expected it.

- Do you have any news? - No, I don't know.

Rest.

To find out, you could ask the surgeon at the hospital in D�le. He knows.

He's a great guy. Both are great guys, indeed.

I'll take care of it. Go to sleep.

Recess is over. Line up.

Coming! Coming!

Good morning, Mr. Sim�on. Can I get a haircut?

Are you being unfaithful to my colleague in Montbarrey?

No, I was just passing by and I saw there was no one here.

And I was just eating.

- Do you want the paper? - No. Given what's in it.

- I wonder if this war will end soon. - Well, not much we can do about it.

What do you think about that mess in the forest?

That it can only cause us trouble.

The Germans are furious, and I'm well placed to know that.

Put yourself in their place, though.

I really wonder where they've taken that wounded guy, for instance.

Anyway he must still be on this side, as nobody can cross since yesterday.

Say, there's not much to cut. Do you want me to use the clippers?

Yes, go ahead.

- Do you have any idea? - What about?

- Well, where he is. - Where who is?

The wounded guy. Someone must be looking after him somewhere.

All I know is that he's not at my house!

If this continues, you'll see the Germans begin to take hostages.

Yes, that could happen.

Our only chance is if they find the wounded man.

After all, it's not our business.

If he wants to spy, he can cross the line elsewhere.

- Perhaps. Glasses off. - Yes.

And if he wasn't a coward, he'd manage to let the Germans know where he is,

if only to avoid retaliation against others.

- Because... - Watch out.

Because you can't forget that there are 5 or 6 villages involved.

There you are. That'll be 5 francs.

- What's that? - Old mother Fouillard has died.

97 years old. She won't make her century, poor thing.

- Is someone sick at the teacher's house? - Yes, his daughter. She's ill.

Ah. That must be why I saw the countess coming out with her medical kit.

Yes, must be.

- 5 and 5, 10. There you are. - Thank you.

- But the priest isn't sick, is he? - Could be. I really don't know.

It's just that I saw her going to his house afterwards.

She often goes there! She likes the priest a lot.

She's always ready to help others. She's a nice person.

- Yes, she's a nice person. - And not stuck-up.

- Well, goodbye. - That's right, goodbye.

- Th�r�se! - Let me finish eating.

- Come here! - Why?

- Come here, I have to talk to you. - You're really annoying.

- You're getting senile. - Sure, whatever.

Go to the teacher's house immediately.

I'm sorry, Father, passes have been cancelled for the moment.

I know, Major, but a dead woman...

Why does she want to be buried on the other side of the line?

Her whole family is buried in the cemetery at Montceaux le Vaudray.

Her husband is there. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.

If permission were granted, how would the body be moved to the other side?

We have our hearse.

Very well, Father. I'll think about it.

Major, please make a quick decision.

Quick? Why?

Because I'm conducting the funeral service tomorrow.

The burial must be right after.

I want to see this dead woman.

Come in!

Major, the interpreter is here.

He must wait. I'm busy.

- Well? - The Major said to wait.

- Yes, but it's urgent. - He said you have to wait.

If we give permission, here are the conditions:

No one can go with the hearse.

- What about the horse? - Of course, the horse.

And to lead the horse, the coachman must be there!

Yes, but he will be searched.

- Who is it? - The count's game warden.

He's your friend.

And I would like to ask to accompany the deceased to her final dwelling.

You will be searched as well.

If we give permission.

Gentlemen, I'll be in good company.

Let's go and see the dead woman. Come on, Major.

- Major. - Later.

- Yes, but it's urgent. - I said later.

Well then? Have you found the wounded spy, Mr.Loiseau?

Well, no, Sir.

All right, Mr. Loiseau, stay here. We'll be back in a little while.

- Well? How's it going? - It's done.

It's very complicated!

- Is your cart in the yard? - Yep, it's there.

You know what, I'm going to take it right away.

Best be careful.

You know, it's dangerous, Urbain. The coffin is a bit big.

And pretty high.

Mother Fouillard, she was all shrivelled up!

Don't worry about it, she straightened out as she died.

- You can't see the holes, can you? - Don't worry about that.

All the same, I wish it was already tomorrow night.

Me too!

- So, Major? - It's all right, Father, we accept.

We are human, Father.

Thank you, gentlemen. God will take that into account.

I hope so.

Come with me!

- Major! - I told you to wait, Mr. Loiseau!

Can I get into your car with you? I think I know where the wounded man is.

Daddy!

- Good evening, Mr. Teacher. - Gentlemen.

We won't bother you for long.

You undoubtedly understand that we represent the German police.

We have come to conduct a little house search.

A house search? Why?

I see that your daughter is feeling better.

Yes. Well, it was a false alarm.

- But I still don't understand. - It's very simple though.

We think that the wounded spy is hidden in your house.

A wounded spy, here?

It was the Countess of Damville who looked after your daughter?

She's a very good nurse. Perhaps she nursed the wounded man at the same time?

In any case, we're going to look around.

Don't cry, Genevi�ve, these gentlemen are not bad men.

That depends, sir.

My dear school teacher,

I would like you to get me a ladder.

A ladder? What for?

I would like to open this trapdoor.

It's an attic, nobody ever goes there.

I love attics. They're often full of very interesting things.

Please go and get a ladder so that I can get up there.

- OK, but you're going to get dirty. - That's all the same.

So?

There was no one there. Please leave now, but remain at our disposal.

But, I'd like to go home.

I don't know if that will be possible.

You've been exposed, do you understand? I even find you a bit detrimental.

Do it youself.

Please, take this gentleman away.

No, no.

Here.

We're not lucky together, Major.

I will ask you to arrest that English woman.

- And why? - She's under suspicion.

She's not English anymore, not since her marriage.

She seems of great interest to you, Major.

She is a beautiful woman.

I forbid you to talk to me in this way!

My relationship with the Count and Countess of Damville...

has always been totally correct.

All the same. We're going to arrest that lady.

We will put her in Vittel, in an internment camp for English women.

Very good, it's a very good hotel. Not heated of course. But it is wartime.

Obersturmf�hrer, we're going to have trouble.

It's her right to complain to Brussels, to the authorities at Fielzhaber.

So what?

General von Pfaffenhausen could give us a slap on the wrist

Don't make me laugh. We're arresting her because she's been denounced!

How has she been denounced, please?

I don't know. We'll say that she was listening to Radio London.

That's normal, she's English!

That's going to make a very bad impression.

I don't care. The time for good impressions is over, Herr Major.

This is madness!

It's unthinkable that the Germans don't suspect anything.

We have no choice, Count.

I don't understand how you, a man of the church, can get caught up in this.

You're heading towards a disaster!

That will involve everyone!

You'll forgive me for mixing your game warden up in this?

But, again, we really don't have any choice.

Can you imagine if the wounded man had been discovered at Tricot's house?

He would have been shot. And his daughter with him.

There were bound to be some reprisals.

I told you that we shouldn't help those people.

Their fight is not ours.

We're at a dead end.

Would you please turn off that radio!

I know we have little chance of making it, but it is the only way.

- There's nothing else we can do. - Maybe, but please, turn off the radio.

No need, Countess.

English radio is very interesting.

- What does this mean, gentlemen? - Please explain, Major.

You know the Count and Countess very well.

Count, these gentlemen from the police have...

asked me to transfer the countess...

to Vittel, to an internment camp for English women.

It's a very good hotel, Madam.

But this is inconceivable!

Do you also listen to English radio, Father?

You were right Pierre, we shouldn't have been listening to the BBC.

You're not going to claim that for a silly thing like that..

It's not a silly thing, Count.

Don't forget to take some blankets, Madam.

Do you have money?

Yes.

When will I see you again?

Have no fear.

Let's not make a spectacle of ourselves in front of these people.

- We have to leave, Madam. - I'm coming.

So you did it!

- Count, I would like... - Please, no.

Ah, they're coming out.

- That scum Loiseau isn't here, is he? - Oh, he's a dirty rat.

Father, will you come in here?

Bunch of bastards!

Who said "bastards"?

- I did! - Your name?

M�n�tru, Eug�ne, Class of 13.

- What? - That means I was 20 in 1913.

And my leg, I lost it at Verdun. You're familiar with Verdun, aren't you?

A great German defeat!

- You damn old pig! - Certainly, you ass, if you say so.

Come on.

The funniest thing is that oddball comes to drink every night at my place.

He can whistle for it, now, that frigging squadron leader!

Your turn, Urbain.

I'm going to confess something to you, Father.

I almost thanked those two men who came to my house.

Those that you just left, actually.

I believe that, unknowingly, they did my wife a big favor.

Father, one last request, before you leave.

When you see my wife again,

please tell her that I loved her fondly.

- But, Count... - Go on!

Hurry up, Father. These gentlemen are losing patience.

Well, Father, what are you waiting for?

I'm going, gentlemen.

Go on!

Stop!

Stop!

Stop!

- Open that coffin! - But...

Open that coffin!

Keep going, Urbain!

Quick, let's go!

Make way! Quickly!

Quick, Let's go. Giddy up!

Quick!

Make way! Quickly!

- What about him? - What?

Me and the upper classes have never got on well together.

No, I'm a socialist. Understand?

"Socialist"? Oh. Socialist.

"Tich", yes "tich" if you like.

So, as a socialist, you know, the rights of man and of the citizen.

This man on the ground is, he's still a human being. And a Frenchman.

- A Frenchman. - No, not a "Fransoze"! A Frenchman!

Can't you speak like everyone else, you idiot?

We're not going to leave him on the ground, like a dog?

- It's all the same. - All the same? Unbelievable!

- And the Internationale, then, what do you make of it? - What?

Don't you know it?

So comrades, come rally, And the last fight let us face...

the Internationale...

I don't care!

Arise, children of the fatherland, The day of glory has arrived!

Against us tyranny's Bloodied flag is raised!

Tyranny's bloodied flag is raised!

Hear you, in the countryside, The roar of those ferocious soldiers?

The End

Subtitles by Cinema4tv Mahmoud Gamal