Original subtitles

Why didn't you tell me it was you ?

It can't be coincidence that you're here.

What ? Something to write with ? I understand.

OK... Wait.

Here. Look here.

Here, talk to me.

Wait, I'll help you.

Permission...

to see you again...

before... leaving...

but...

burned in a tank.

Baby ?

She's upstairs.

Her name is Fran�oise

She looks like you.

You're burned...

seriously ?

Throat...

Not speak...

ever again.

But you can write.

It's as if you were talking.

{an8}He's... He's dead, Docteur.

{an8}But how did this happen ?

{an8}I... I don't know, he...

{an8}He suddenly stopped breathing.

{an8}I don't understand. I asked you to monitor his pulse, his breathing.

{an8}He should have...

{an8}But why did you touch this one's bandages ?

{an8}Anyway...

{an8}I'll have to tell Kruger. No ! Don't do that.

{an8}There's an emergency exit in the cellar...

{an8}Gustave's not carefully guarded, you could flee with him.

{an8}I'm tired of always fleeing from something, Madame B�riot.

{an8}He was my patient and he died.

{an8}You're not God the Father, you know.

{an8}Thank you for reminding me. Wait !

{an8}And him ? The unknown one ?

{an8}Why do you call him that ?

{an8}Unbekannter. That's what it means in German.

{an8}Bekannter... known;

{an8}Unbekannter... unknown.

{an8}As I understand it, no-one knows who he is.

{an8}What can we do for him ?

{an8}Not much ! What if was important to me ?

{an8}As you said, I'm not God the Father, Madame B�riot.

{an8}Try changing the bandages.

{an8}Look out for any surface that's burned.

{an8}Beyond 50% it's hopeless.

{an8}Capitaine.

{an8}Oh, Docteur !

{an8}Helmut died.

{an8}There wasn't much hope for him.

{an8}I warned you, I'm not a surgeon.

{an8}Find some coffee !

{an8}I don't know where there is any, mein Fuhrer.

{an8}In the refectory drawer, there's some ersatz.

It's bad, but... it's black and it's hot.

Capitaine...

I ask you to let my nephew leave.

If you really want to be paid blood money...

take mine.

I take no pleasure in shedding blood, Docteur.

I'm a soldier.

Your nephew can go and get hanged somewhere else.

Come here.

Can I leave ?

You can say thank you to your uncle.

Even war doesn't form character...

there's nothing more to do.

Me too, can I leave ?

First, make me an inventory of the wounded.

That will take hours.

Well ?

Start right away.

I'm going to pay a final tribute to...

Helmut.

I'll put you in my old room.

Do you remember ?

It'll be fine.

You're going to rest.

And I'll look after you.

Lucienne !

Quick. Go in.

Yes ? Lucienne !

Yes !

Oh, you took your time.

What did Larcher want ?

Help for a patient.

So now what are you fiddling around at.

I needed a paper from my old room.

A paper ?

Yes.

Musical scores.

I thought of taking up the violin again.

Now ! With the Boches downstairs !

Yes, but... well. You know me.

When I have an idea in mind...

Hmm, you can't get it out of your mind. Yes, that I do know.

Well, in the meantime, Fanfan can't sleep.

Well, tell her a story.

Oh no, no. That's your job. I'm too old.

Papa, you love it.

Lucienne, at my age I need sleep at this hour.

Papa ! Another test...

Be nice, please.

Tell her a story.

Those that I liked when I was little.

The little bear who loved honey too much.

Yes, that one.

But will you take long ?

The time to find what I want.

Ah, that's logical.

OK, but if Fanfan calls for you...

Knock, and I'll come. That's it, very well.

It was my father.

He's gone.

The Doctor says we have to look at your wounds.

And...

change your bandages.

He says...

if we look after you well...

you have a chance.

It was Docteur Larcher. Remember ?

The former Mayor.

Do you want to write ?

Here.

It's no use treating me.

But yes, it is some use, Kurt.

We should always hope.

Always !

I'm sure you're going to pull through.

You know...

I prayed a lot, thinking of you.

For you.

Prayed you'd not be killed, prayed someday you'd come back...

And you're here !

You're here.

Hurt...

in pain...

but you're here.

If I hadn't been thinking about you...

in Russia... I'd have died ten times.

You see !

I'm going to pray now.

Pray that your wounds heal.

Pray that you turn the corner, come back to life.

With or without speech.

Our Father who art in Heaven.

Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done.

On Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation.

But deliver us from evil.

Amen.

That's really horrible coffee. It's time we liberated France !

Please, Messieurs ! Please.

OK, apparently remnants of 11th Panzer are still Villeneuve.

A lot of them ?

We don't know. But they've machine guns, mortars and probably two armoured vehicles.

How many guys can you mobilize immediately ?

About 40.

Yes, but armed, trained, able to obey ?

We've been here four years. Not just waiting for you, to get organized !

Imagine that ! I was here four years too, until 42.

And I saw at the time what the R�sistance was.

Lots of palaver, lots of risk for nothing, and not many results.

There you've gone too far !

And you insult those who died.

We'll not be humiliated by this guy !

This guy, has the authority of G�n�ral De Gaulle, dear Madame.

I don't give a damn for the authority of De Gaulle.

Do know what you're saying ?

Lets calm down. Suzanne !

No, no. I repeat, I don't give a bloody damn for G�n�ral de Gaulle.

And your type of puppet, that claims to represent him.

I'll obey someone who was elected by the people.

Which is not De Gaulle's case, and even less yours.

Arrest that woman ! What !

She opposes decisions of the Government of the Republic. I have strict orders.

No, wait ! You don't seem to understand what a Pr�fet is !

And what the authority of the Provisional Government is !

So will you arrest her, or must I do it myself ?

This is good ! I think we've got the message.

I don't want her under my feet.

Otherwise, I really will arrest her.

This is an abuse of power !

Don't you want to rest a little ?

Come on.

That's it, you're right. I've seen enough. That arsehole !

Ah, when the little women get into politics, really...

And the G�n�ral wants to give them the right to vote !

And Villeneuve ? What do you want, Monsieur le Pr�fet ?

We'll gather a troop of 30 men, and advance cautiously.

Cautiously !

Is that understood ?

I want no direct contact with the Boches.

Thank you, Messieurs.

We need to establish a code between us.

Don't you think so ?

Mm...

that means Yes.

and... Mm, Mm, means No.

OK ?

You know I love you.

No ?

Liar.

That's better.

I'll have to change your bandages.

Mm, Mm. This is the only way to save you.

And you're too weak to stop me.

There... It'll be fine.

You're burned on less than half your body.

You're going to pull through.

I'm sure.

There.

Come on.

I'll put you back to bed.

In my eyes, you're even more beautiful than before.

Fran�oise !

No !

No.

Oh, no, no.

Not like this.... No.

Alright.

I'll go and get her.

Maman ! Come.

Give me a hug.

There, there.

Where's my Papa ? Don't make a sound, come.

What are you doing with the little one ?

Well, uh... You didn't hear her cry ?

Well, no. What is it... you cried !

Yes, Papi., I cried.

Yes, she cried. I heard her from there, with the door closed.

Ah, sorry. For once I slept well...

I'm going... to keep her with me.

How so, you're going to keep her ?

Yes, Papa. You snore so loud, that's what woke her.

Well at the farm, she slept very well.

Yes, but the farm is big. But here you hear everything.

You really think it's because of that, that...

Well, yes. Look, I'm going to rock her while I look for my scores.

Yes, well, I'd be surprised if that works.

Yes. The bed's made. If she falls asleep, I'll put her in it.

Good night.

Mmmm. Good night.

I don't snore that loud, anyway !

Look.

Look !

Say hello to the gentleman.

You don't have to worry.

He's a friend of Maman's.

Look, see, he's offering his hand.

Look, you can touch his hand.

Look, see, touch his hand.

There !

Don't be afraid.

It's quiet.

But I can't see the school. Are we sure the Boches are there?

They'll certainly have wanted to use the barracks' facilities.

By the way, isn't Edmond here ? He's preparing the Liberation.

In his bedroom ? No, no, no. Don't laugh at bureaucrats.

Without them you can't open the boutiques.

Good...

we'll make a reconnaissance of the town centre.

I'll go ! Not you.

But I... We've already lost Marie.

I don't want to lose you, too.

So designate four guys... send them off.

But I'm their leader, Anselme. I'm not sending them without going myself.

It's precisely because you're their leader, that we want you in one piece.

There may be snipers anywhere.

With telescopic sights, they'll put one in your head at 300 metres.

But why would retreating tankers post snipers.

You don't argue !

At Rochefort bridge, we already had two guys dropped.

I'm the FFI chief. So you designate four guys and send them off.

There's no need for designating.

Just knowing how to ask.

Four volunteers for getting shot at !

See !

What is it ? What's wrong, Kurt what is it ? I'll get Docteur Larcher.

Docteur.

Docteur ! What is it ?

Have the Germans left ?

Yes, about 5 o'clock.

I intended to rest a little before going home.

But are they gone for good ?

Yes.... I suppose so.

I need your help. Kurt, the badly burned one, isn't doing well.

It's hopeless, I've already told you.

No, you said if he was burned on less than half his body, there was hope.

But in a hospital. In a burns unit, not here !

Please, come with me. It won't take you long.

It won't help.

Listen, he can no longer breathe. You won't let a patient die !

You let Helmut die.

I haven't sworn an oath.

Ah... because you still believe in oaths.

Yes, sometimes.

This is serious.

It's common in burn victims.

Perhaps it will subside ?

No, the opposite. It can only get worse.

If we do nothing...

He needs oxygen. Where can I find some ?

In a hospital, but... he'll be dead long before that.

There's only one solution.

Excuse me... can I leave you a moment.

Oh, please do. It's better you don't see what I'm doing to him.

Was it you who took Fanfan ?

You've become crazy.

Where is she ? In her room.

She's surely better there, than with that guy. Who comes first ?

I don't have to answer you.

You deserve a slap.

But that can wait.

That's the Boche ? Huh ?

The one wrapped like a mummy, that we carted here...

Some kind of imbecile,

And what's he doing in your bedroom ? And with Fran�oise !

He's her father.

What are you talking about ?

Her father...

is B�riot.

Her real father.

She only has one true father.

It's B�riot. For me it's Kurt.

Kurt !

A little Boche on the side, eh ? Your Kurt.

So what ? So what ?

Even during the Occupation, sleeping with Boches was not exactly pretty...

but now there's not only that on your conscience, Lucienne, Liberation is coming !

And you know what they do to women who slept with Boches ?

Are you going to denounce me ?

Stop talking nonsense. The problem isn't me, the problem...

Kurt can't speak.

No uniform, no-one will know he's German.

I'll care for him as long as necessary...

and when he gets better...

then we'll see.

And if your husband comes home ?

Because it's not impossible for him to return... as far as I know.

I told you... We'll see.

The war's taught me to think in the short term.

Can I count on you ?

To do what ?

To keep quiet.

And let me get on with my life.

Do you remember last November ?

At the same place.

Yeah.

No-one believed in the parade.

Sorry, little guy but... today it's not the parade I'm thinking of.

In addition she died for nothing.

Why do you say that ?

De Kervern announced today, the Americans want the bridge left intact.

Especially don't blow it.

What a pity.

War's always like that.

We have important, vital, essential objectives...

for which people die...

and then the next day we no longer have anything to do.

Well, I've had enough of war.

If there's one last thing I want...

it's to find Marchetti and kill him....

slowly.

What would that get you ? I don't know.

It would relieve me, perhaps.

The Boche have gone ! According to whom ?

According to us.

Several residents saw their column leave town by the south about 5 am.

Side car, vehicle, medical truck...

Villeneuve is free ! Yeah, they've tricked us before.

Yeah, but all the same, if true, we mustn't delay restoring the Republic.

It is true ! Simon had a quick look at the school yard. No-one.

Nobody in the Kommandantur. The Commissariat is empty. The town's ours.

And the Sous-Pr�fecture ? Deserted. No trace of Servier or his minions.

Good. We'll form two groups...

a military one with the bulk of the forces...

occupying the school, Kommandantur and Commissariat.

Then a Political one, with me and two or three guys, no more.

We'll occupy the Sous-Pr�fecture...

and I'll write the first directives. We can't delay this stuff.

And then I have my duties.

You accompany the Pr�fet, Fernand. Gentlemen !

Oh heck, playing nannies, I...

Do what I say. You're going to be in at the re-birth of the Republic.

And that may only happen to you once in your life.

Come on, take my Sten. Why ?

Because... you never know.

Monsieur Pr�fet. Yes.

Fernand ! We're off. We'll go that way. Go that way.

I've made an incision to reduce the pressure on the airways.

He's lost a lot of blood.

We must feed him.

Liver, black pudding, chocolate if possible... the very things that are unavailable.

I'll find them.

Every 3 hours, change his bandages and smear this ointment on his burns.

I'll leave you bandages for two days.

Thank you.

In two days time I'll come to see him.

You're kind. Oh, don't fool yourself, it's just that...

I can't say no.

Who knows you're keeping a German here ?

My father.

And you.

Be careful, Lucienne.

The coming days will be difficult for people like you and me.

If he hangs on for two days, he has a chance.

Good luck.

You're going to get through this.

I'm sure you're going to get through it.

You found me a little hard yesterday on the Richard woman, right ?

Who ? Suzanne.

The loudmouth Bolshie.

Ah ! I don't know.

It seems to me... she's given a lot for the R�sistance.

A little too much, even.

I don't understand.

There are things I can't accept.

At the same time her husband was in a Stalag, she was sleeping with another man.

Oh, you mean Marcel Larcher ? Yes.

He's a hero. Oh yes, he's a hero.

But I don't think prisoner's wives are supposed to sleep with other men.

Even if they are heroes.

Listen... Yeah ! I heard...

your aggression to Suzanne, and to crown it all your outburst about little women...

Oh, you heard that too.

My sister jumped out of a window to avoid talking...

Marie Germain was hanged...

Without women, the Maquis couldn't have worked.

It's they who provided the main liaison and supplies.

But of course ! They were admirable.

In 40, I was recruited by a woman...

A whore, please note.

What I mean is that today is the Liberation.

The world must regain its course. Each one take his place.

And me. I think that politics, the military and sport...

are men's stuff . Don't you think so ?

It takes balls, huh !

Yeah.

Messieurs, let's go.

Oh, fuck !

Hide yourself !

Get out of here !

We need to rescue the Pr�fet ! I'm hit !

Get out of there, I tell you !

Quick. We must remove all traces that prove you're German.

Take that off.

Quick, quick.

There, there.

Establish a perimeter, no-one enters, no-one leaves.

I'll put them in the cellar, and go and see what's happening.

Holy God, what happened ? It was the Miliciens !

There were at least twenty. Heavily armed.

Hubert's dead.

They have the Pr�fet. This can't be true !

We must take care of him, damnit.

Why are these scum still around in Villeneuve ? I don't know.

Anyway they sped off towards the school.

The school ?

What for ?

Come on.

Come here, you.

Forward.

What's happening ?

This moron won't let me out.

No one leaves here. I have my orders !

I just want to go home !

No, are you deaf or what ? Stop !

And who are you ? Let her go !

Are you his old woman ?

No ! I am the Directeur's wife. Ah, you know the place, then !

Where are Boche's trucks hidden ?

I don't know. Maybe... Ah... in the barracks.

The barracks ? Yes. The boys' school next door.

I warn you, if you lie to me, I'll know and you'll pay.

You do me wrong, there.

Let her go !

Guard ! On the ground !

What are you doing ?

She won't tell where the trucks are, and he's trying to leave...

Secure the area with Charlie. Do it now !

R�mi, take three guys with you, and find me those damned trucks.

You. Set up a firing position at the main entrance.

Come on. On the double !

And who is he, in fact ?

Well there you go, this guy is a Pr�fet !

A Pr�fet appointed by the R�sistance.

Put him in one of the rooms.

He may be useful to us.

Docteur ! I want to go home.

First you must keep the Pr�fet alive for me.

Oh no ! I've nothing to do with your antics.

You'll obey or I'll execute you !

Take the doctor to the wounded man. And watch him.

Come on !

If they ask you questions...

I'll say you're a childhood friend.

A friend from Besan�on.

R�mi.

R�mi Langlois.

He was in love with me...

Here !

B�riot ?

Maybe he won't come back !

It's horrible to say that...

but it would be simpler.

Listen, I don't know...

we'll see.

If he comes back...

we'll leave.

Yes, that's it.

We'll leave.

Boss !

We've looked everywhere, there are no trucks.

Damn ! Schneider double-crossed us.

At least we made him pay.

Not us ! Marchetti.

What we do now, Boss ? I don't know...

Come on, hurry, guys. Go, go !

We'll re-join the families, as best we can.

There's an exit at the rear ?

Yes, through the garden.

Well, boys...

there are no trucks.

We're pulling out. Right away !

Come on, we're pulling out, let's hurry. Go ! Go ! Go.

Boss !

Hostiles approaching from one o'clock. Fifteen to twenty armed guys.

Stop ! We're stopping the evacuation !

We're trapped here, boys.

Our only chance is to hold the perimeter.

So. Find the best cover...

reinforce the firing post in front...

cover the blind spots to the rear...

Inventory of ammunition in 10 minutes !

Leaders report in 15. Get a move on !

Everyone in place ! Everyone in place !

You sure they were going to the school ?

In going up the Boulevard Louis XIII...

as a strategic point, I see no-where else.

Well, they've hidden where they can go hang themselves.

Was De Kervern, seriously hit ?

Two bullets, but I don't know where.

Go.... Go !

I've called the Regional Military Delegate.

To send us a Deputy Pr�fet.

I think there's a telephone at the Shoemaker's, over there.

But meanwhile... the political and military command...

Who is it ?

Well, let's say it's you and me.

Take cover ! Sniper !

Sniper !... Sniper !

A heavy machine gun.

Cease fire ! It's no use, damnit ! Cease fire !

Are you going to repeat everything I say you ?

Ceasefire, for Christ's sake !

Stay in cover and wait for orders !

How many do you think they are ?

The ones I just met... maximum 25.

But they're Franc-Gardes. Well equipped and well trained.

Filth ! We'll finish them off. Not easy.

Marco !

You were told to stay hidden !

Are you tired of living, or what ?

Boys ! Boys, we can go through this way, it's open.

Well done, Florent.

Why aren't they shooting ? So they don't waste ammunition.

I don't understand ! They know they have us surrounded.

They're going to get reinforcements.

Time works for them.

We're buggered then ?

It's a bad start.

But not buggered.

To crack that open we need a heavy gun, mortar or tank.

It's going to be tricky.

Maybe we can negotiate their surrender ?

We don't negotiate with the Milice.

Negotiation lies between the gallows and the crucifix.

But they have the Pr�fet !

I'll try and contact the Regional Delegate.

To find out what they want us to do.

Boss !

I've found a packet of explosives, enough for a hell of a bang.

Finally, good news. Make me an accurate inventory.

Only that which is clearly useable.

Yes, Boss.

We'll go see how our bargaining chip is doing.

What are these women doing here ?

Two are companions of guys, and live near the school...

Henri and Galien. They saw us coming.

The third is a cousin and the fourth...

I don't know. We really needed this !

We didn't separate families for nothing. Shit !

They thought we were coming back to Villeneuve. Yes, this is our Great Return !

Monsieur le Pr�fet ?

Filth ! He's seems to be in good form.

He's very severely injured. He's lost a lot of blood.

Will he live, or not ?

For now, I don't know.

Hurry up and find out, Docteur. Like him, I'm short of time.

Come on !

Twenty comrades from Christian Witness have just arrived.

And the Spics won't be long either. Excellent !

Position them on the right flank.

We must identify points of access to the school.

Discreetly. Otherwise, no initiatives.

And remember that. Understood ? Understood.

I didn't get the Delegate, but I got Edmond. He's assuring liaison.

Apparently, they're anxious about the Pr�fet.

If he's alive, they want you to negotiate. You see !

I think it's stupid.

However, if De Kervern is dead...

they require we attack, and quickly.

It will be bloody !

Normally, the Besan�on FFL would send us a tank.

The Seurres team have cobbled up a flak gun.

We'll have them very quickly.

It gives us great firepower, superior to theirs.

There may be civilians inside the school.

This is war, Antoine. Exactly !

I thought you'd had enough.

These guys were auxiliaries to the Boches, during the hangings.

They're scum.

Anyway, they know very well that we execute any Milicien caught armed.

They'll not negotiate. Unless De Kervern is alive.

Yes, that remains to be seen.

Best to verify that right away.

We'll send someone to parley.

Well... we'll try. I'm going !

And don't try to stop me.

I don't like playing nannies, but I don't like having one either.

I'm still fighting with my father.

It reminds me of my adolescence.

Outside, the school is surrounded by R�sistants.

I wonder what will happen.

It doesn't hurt too much ?

Boss, some movement in the enemy position.

Don't shoot. He's put up a white flag.

It's Antoine, the leader of the Maquis.

Damn, he's asking for it.

Don't miss the opportunity to knock off that shit.

Go look after the explosives with Xavier.

Boss ! Charlie !

Lower your weapon.

I've come to parley, but I don't have to shake your hand.

I've come to discuss the terms of your surrender.

You know that we have some hostages !

Some hostages ?

To my knowledge, the Pr�fet De Kervern.

And Docteur Larcher...

the teacher, her daughter, her father.

And one of their cousins who is injured.

Only the Pr�fet De Kervern interests us.

How's he doing ?

I want two buses...

and a safe conduct to Switzerland. I need 60 seats.

How is the Pr�fet ?

He'll be fine, if you accede to my request.

We'll study your request when I've seen him.

You'll see him when I've two buses parked outside the school.

Have you anything else to tell me ?

You should know that if the Pr�fet is dead... or dies...

we'll attack.

And there'll be no quarter.

Absolutely none.

I've taken note of your statements. We'll show you out.

You refuse to let me see him ? He's wounded.

Our doctor could look after him.

If we give him to you, what would we have to negotiate with ?

I am waiting for news of my buses.

Very well ! The responsibility's on your head. As it always is.

We have to save this arsehole of a Pr�fet.

Otherwise, we're dead.

And the explosives ?

The explosives are for us all to leave together.

With them.

Not to get by.

The Pr�fet's our only card. They don't know if he's alive.

They'll think about it a lot. And we gain time.

Go get me the medic.

Fine.

So ?

They wouldn't let me see him.

That means he's dead. No !

No, I didn't get that impression.

In addition they have other hostages.

Madame B�riot... Docteur Larcher, among others.

I don't care !

Madame B�riot !

She helped us last year.

That doesn't make her a R�sistant.

What has she done since ?

There are civilians with the Miliciens.

I saw two women.

Antoine... what matters is De Kervern.

To let us see him... they want buses...

and a safe conduct to Switzerland.

Why not my sister's arse, while they're at it, eh ?

Anyway, the Swiss won't want them.

They've rumbled our game, here...

By waiting, the Miliciens know the price we'll pay for De Kervern.

So what do we do ?

Can we find buses ?

The only buses these guys get into...

are those taking them to the firing squad.

Bring... a bus.

One only.

And we'll prepare the assault.

My name's Edmond.

Only a transfusion can save him... and it requires lots of blood.

Well, do it !. It's not simple, I need one of his blood group.

Otherwise we'll kill him. He's group O.

I'm Group A. I'm AB.

Xavier, do you know your blood group ?

Negative Boss. Me neither, Boss.

Most people are unaware of their blood group. That's the problem.

Ask all our guys if one is group O. And their wives, too. Go. On the double !

Why are you so anxious to save him ?

It's not like you !

Rest assured, it's me I want to save. Actually, us !

If De Kervern dies..

they'll massacre us to the last man.

Have they promised to spare your lives if he lives ?

No, but we can always negotiate something.

With a transfusion, there's a chance.

We're looking for someone with group O.

Someone with blood type O ?

You know little Antoine ?

Somewhat... Last year he took me hostage.

Really !

Why did you resign your mayorship in 42 ?

Because I'd had enough of being complicit in things that were against my conscience.

Then you mustn't have a high opinion of the Milice !

Indeed.

Anyway, my opinions have importance for no-one, anymore.

What do you know about that ?

Well... we found no one group O.

Without a transfusion, how long has he ?

An hour or two. He's already unconscious.

Well, Xavier, you can place the explosives. Boss !

Alban, meeting in 30 minutes, prepare for a sortie in force.

Docteur. Come on.

Are you OK ?

I hurt you !

Being with you, won't ruin my life.

It was earlier... that I risked ruining it.

It was a woman who made me understand that.

She slept here, too.

You got a tattoo ?

It looks like a small O.

Subtitles by Rod Clarke Whitby, Ont. April 2015