Original subtitles

Anything moving amongst the filth ? Not for a while.

Where's Antoine ? In the Notary's house. I think he's briefing the Spics.

The important thing is to limit our losses.

So, for now, we wait.

That idea's dead due to lack of fuel. We can't get anything like a bus.

So we prepare the assault.

GMA doesn't want this to drag on, and I agree with them.

And De Kervern ? I think he's dead.

And does GMA know that there are civilians inside ?

Yeah... and they don't care, like me.

The bazooka is installed at the south gate.

As soon as the mortar arrives, we launch the assault.

The war's over, Anselme.

So ?

It would suffice to wait.

Just do nothing.

For a few hours.

Listen to the birds, smoke a cigarette...

The Milice will eventually surrender.

Why keep on killing people ?

Someone has to pay for Marie's death.

We won't get Marchetti. He's already long gone.

These filth strutted around at the hanging.

We'll teach them how to live !

Well... So to speak, huh.

You said that we both represented authority...

Well, I don't agree.

I'm the FFI chief !

So, you obey me...... or leave.

Madness..

...not at all.

The dame you were dragging around back there, at the railway station...

Was she really your wife ?

Victor told me she's your sister. Are you taking the piss ?

It's not nice to lie !

No, especially when we're going to die, huh.

You wear me out, Xavier.

He loves me a little...

A lot...

passionately...

madly.

Not at all, huh ?

It's stupid to die with someone we don't like ! Eh, Alban ?

We're not going to die.

Ah, we're going to live ?

We will live a little.

A lot...

Passionately.

Madly.

His heart is very weak.

How long can he hold out ?

I don't know.

Long enough to see you die.

Chief !

The explosives are operational.

Good. Install a firing system that triggers quickly, let's say, 30 seconds.

Yes sir.

We really must... See to it, Alban !

Chief.

So ? How is he ?

He's doing surprisingly well.

The ointment you gave me has worked wonders.

Its everyone else that's not doing well.

The Milice aren't going to surrender ?

Yes, you're right that he looks not too bad.

This tattoo ?

An O !

He said it was his blood group.

You didn't hear the calls, just now ?

No. The Milice are threatening to blow up the school.

What ? Unless we transfuse De Kervern.

I don't understand. De Kervern is group O.

Your friend's the only one with the same. It'll kill him ! You know very well.

The explosion will kill us all, him included !

There must be another solution. I don't see any.

I won't let you take him from me ! He's not yours, Lucienne.

Did you hear ?

Kurt ! Don't listen to him !

If you give a little of your blood...

you can save us all. They can get by without you.

Don't do it.

Don't do it.

Chief...

the doctor's starting the transfusion.

And... Xavier is finishing installing the detonators.

It just remains to connect 2 wires and fire it.

He estimates it'll take 20-30 seconds. Perfect

But... With all due respect...

To blow up the school...

I want to live, Chief !

I want to live too.

And to increase our chances, take a white flag and go see the FFI.

Say we've enough to blow up the school and everything within a radius of 1 km.

Take a stick of dynamite to be more credible.

Also tell them we're transfusing the Pr�fet.

Chief.

First, we must neutralize the sniper on the roof.

The FFI are sending us a guy, a specialist.

As soon as the bastard moves, he'll nail him.

Good. Then it's necessary to neutralize the machine gun.

It's there that... the bazooka should concentrate its fire.

Once it's knocked out, they go in at the north entry with grenades and mortar fire.

Those at the south entry, this way, with light arms.

The Milice will certainly fall back there.

Anselme, there's someone to see you.

Hi guys ! Good to see you.

Hi, little guy.

I got a message that my mother was arrested.

Yes... yesterday.

I'm sure there's a way to get her out.

Where is she ?

I'm sorry, little guy.

We won't be able to get her out. Why ?

She's dead.

It's not possible.

Come and sit down. I'm fine standing.

You saw her, dead ?

Yes, I saw her.

I don't believe what you're saying. You didn't see her.

I saw her too, Raoul.

She's dead, it's true.

How did it happen ?

That's not what matters. How ?

She died a heroine.

Shit of a whore ! I want to know how she died.

She was hanged.

With seven hostages.

Hanged !

Something's moving over among the Milice.

What are you doing, it's a white flag. Trying to understand.

Obviously, they've come to discuss. You don't discuss with filth.

Get out of here !

But I have a message !

I also have a message !

You have ten minutes to surrender. Unconditionally !

Otherwise we'll crush you like the lice you are.

But... And you have ten seconds to go back to your hole.

Go, get back.

One !

Two !

Three !

Four !

Unconditional surrender ?

What is this crap ? He gives us 10 minutes.

It means we're all dead. Stop that.

It may be a ploy to intimidate us.

Well, if he wants to intimidate us, he's won't do it, huh ?

No, I say we're all dead. He just wants to avoid fighting.

I propose to return...

and keep moving toward them.

They won't dare shoot me in cold blood.

And if you're wrong ?

You say we're dead, anyway.

No.

No, to go back is self-defeating. We're not going there, however.

Xavier, go down to the basement.

And on my whistle, fire the explosion.

Yes Sir.

I want an experienced guy on the bazooka. Because we won't get 14 tries.

The South team will be with me.

At the north entry you'll be with Captain Anselme.

Be careful, there are civilians inside.

I don't know where they are.

Chief, a mortar's being set up at the north entry.

Good. Move the machine gun immediately.

They mustn't know where it is.

Everyone in position. And conserve as much ammunition as possible.

When they charge, aim at the officers.

Starting with Antoine.

Ammunition state at H + 15.

Chief !

Xavier, can you hear me ?

Affirmative Chief !

Hold yourself ready.

Chief !

How am I going to tell this to my brother ? How old is he ?

Come on guys !

Ten years old, I haven't seen him since '42.

He's at farm in the Ard�che.

And your father ?

Has he ever spoken of it ?

My father ?

My father died at the start of the Occupation.

Killed by the Boches.

It's the Deputy Pr�fet.

Ah, we only needed him.

Is it you replacing De Kervern ? Yes, that's what they've just told me.

I was to be in charge of National Education in Eastern France...

and then the Deputy Pr�fet was killed in Besan�on.

I'm told that you plan to assault ?

Yes, by order of the Regional Military Delegate.

Now you're responsible to me. You know that ?

In theory.

Where's the president of the CDL ?

Edmond Lerbier, I want to see him.

Out and about, we're not waiting on him, for what we have to do.

Yes... there are civilians in the school.

Above all there are the swine who hanged Marie Germain.

What ?

It was the Boches... and Marchetti who hanged Marie.

The Miliciens...

they kept order.

So ?

Do we give them the L�gion d'Honneur for that ?

Your wife is among the civilians, Monsieur le Pr�fet.

My personal life doesn't have anything to do with this.

But I think dialogue is always possible between human beings.

Even with the Milice ? With everybody.

It's the great return of the brothers.

The Miliciens sent us a parliamentarian.

But...

we refused to receive him.

Listen, we must try to convince them to surrender I ask you to suspend the current action.

You betray the ideals of the R�sistance, because your wife is there.

The ideal of the R�sistance, and the Free France I represent, is not blood vengeance.

The people want blood. What do you know of it ?

In any case they await punishment of the filth...

the traitors, beginning with the Milice.

We'll punish them, but in haste, by any means.

In compliance with the laws of the Republic.

Whore !

That disgusts me.

Do you know who he is ?

Marie Germain's son. He was in my class, and in my network in '42.

My sincere condolences, Raoul.

I loved your mother.

You know you can count on me if you need anything.

Come. We've nothing more to do here.

Where are you going ?

Where it suits me. I quit.

I'm no longer leader, I'm no longer FFI, I'm nothing.

One thing's certain...

you haven't seen the last of me.

Come.

An... Anselme !

Anselme ! Archambault !

Coco, Jean...

Ga�tan...

You realize what situation you put me in ? Sorry ?

I would have negotiated even without knowing Lucienne was there.

Now it'll spread everywhere that I intrigued to save my wife.

Was I supposed to hide her presence ?

No but...

Is Lucienne well ?

I didn't see her. The Milice just told me she was there.

And my daughter ? I don't know. Listen, Monsieur Pr�fet...

if you want to negotiate, time is short.

I went once, I can go back. No, I...

I'll go myself.

You ?

Yes. I want to put them at ease...

Notify Blanchon that De Kervern is coming round.

And bring us water. Understood !

So how are you feeling ? Better !

Coming back to life, well almost.

Oh, don't move around too much.

You'll be immobilized for at least 3 months. Ah, what misery !

Doctor...

maybe we could remove the needle from the arm of...

the wounded man's arm.

Sorry.

What is it ? He's in cardiac arrest.

You said he was safe !

I never told you that. I gave him the choice. He chose.

Come on !

Come back !

What's the name of this guy to whom I owe my life ?

I... I don't know. Really ?

And yet you pray. I didn't know you were so religious !

Shut up !

You can withdraw the needle.

Here. Thank you.

Lucienne...

you must understand he has very little chance of recovery.

Yes I do. But not none.

The truth is that... I don't know if you wish it so.

That's none of your business.

Now I'd like to take him to the upstairs bedroom.

Will you help her ?

Are you the officer in charge ?

Where are my buses ?

I'm Pr�fet B�riot.

Representative of the GPRF Provisional Government)

You, Pr�fet !

The new Republic is truly democratic !

I've come to negotiate your surrender.

In honour. Where are my buses ?

There will be no bus. Then there will be no negotiation.

Listen...

There are now 50 Maquisards surrounding you.

A heavy gun, mortars.

The Germans are far away. Time is against you.

Your only chance is to surrender.

In honour.

We have stuff here to blow up the entire neighborhood.

With your 50 Maquisards, your guns, your mortars.

I don't believe you.

I whistle here... and boom !

And you'll win what ?

Am I in a position to win something ?

Treatment as prisoners of war.

It seems to me your leaders ordered the execution of Miliciens captured armed.

If you surrender you'll not be captured armed.

Several comrades were executed after surrendering.

Yesterday, in Grenoble. I'm in charge in Villeneuve, now.

If you release the civilians and surrender, you'll be taken to Besan�on prison.

Where you'll stay while waiting to be tried.

And executed. I can't guarantee you the verdict.

But I can guarantee you it's better you are tried far from Villeneuve.

And not right away.

I must consult my subordinates.

I understand that, but time presses.

There are people on my side who are for fast and violent action.

If you see what I mean.

Give me two hours. I'll allow you 20 minutes.

If you don't hoist a white flag within that time, I'll allow the assault.

Monsieur le Pr�fet. Monsieur le Pr�sident of the CDL.

It's been a long time.

November '42.

At the meeting of Unification of the Movements.

I'm told you're parleying with the Miliciens.

I think they'll surrender.

On behalf of the CDL, I'd like to formally protest.

Already !

And why ? You take decisions without consulting us.

But you weren't there, I couldn't consult you. Now I'm here.

And I tell you that assault is the best solution for everyone.

Well now I've consulted you.

What are you going to do ? Negotiate.

Monsieur le Pr�fet !

If you want the Lib�ration to go well...

you'd better note the CDL's opinion. That's obvious.

You represent De Gaulle.

We represent the R�sistance.

There must be a marriage of convenience between us Those are the best.

I don't appreciate your tone.

Listen, the top priority is to restore the authority of the Republic.

Which means De Gaulle's, I suppose.

Which means showing everyone, starting with the USA, that we're able to put France back on its feet.

We won't succeed with massacres.

The Milice are certainly filth, but in a Republic we judge filth.

I don't believe in his promises.

We have no guarantee. It's still the word of the Pr�fet.

For 20 minutes !

He speaks in the name of De Gaulle.

Do you trust De Gaulle, Chief ?

Trust, no. But his interest is to restore order.

He has to take account of the part of the population supporting us.

Plenty of people support us.

Of that I'm not sure.

But plenty. Obviously today they keep it to themselves, that's all.

After things like the massacre the other day, no one supports us.

I have no regrets.

Everything we did was for France, for Europe, for the Race.

I regret it. You're a spineless wimp.

You can't to talk to me like that ! Really ?

I obeyed. There are things we shouldn't have done. That's all.

But we could have done more !

Your godfather was right.

If we'd snuffed every Yid, Bolshie and Mason we wouldn't be here. That's all.

Listen, regret or not, it's every man's own conscience.

And with God.

We're not going to lay down our arms !

This is our only chance, Xavier.

Or rather it's your only chance.

As Milice leader, my fate is sealed.

But you ! You're young.

Tomorrow, France will have need of you.

I won't obey...

an order to surrender.

Never !

Yes. The 20 minutes are up.

No signal !

So let's go. Wait another minute or two.

Your guys are ready ? Yes.

But I think everyone...

well almost everyone... hopes for an agreement.

Meanwhile it's set...

Where and when are you going proclaim the Republic ?

Nowhere.

The Republic has never ceased to exist.

In London, then in Algiers and in Paris today.

In the end...

Besides, the Vichy government...

was a de facto authority, not in law.

Vichy is null and void.

They've just raised the white flag.

It's right. Antoine, how many men have you ?

About 40..

less those who left with Anselme.

More than half.

Form a squad. Let's say 6 well armed men. Start in 5 minutes.

Come with me.

Present Arms !

Rest Arms !

Stand at Ease !

It's time to surrender your arms.

I have your word of honour we'll be treated with dignity ?

As military prisoners until our trial.

Yes.

As an officer, I want to keep my gun.

Without ammunition, as is customary.

It seems normal to me. In view of the circumstances.

Handling these filth with kid gloves !

Granted.

There's one other problem.

I can only surrender to a soldier.

With respect, you're not one.

We're not fetching an FFN officer for that.

And why not ? First it takes forever, and then because...

we shouldn't exaggerate.

It's impossible for me to surrender to a civilian.

Death to the Milice ! You bastard. To the gallows. Death to the Milice.

Go close the gate. It's not a show.

And send two guys to secure the gates.

I'm not military, but I have police powers.

That won't do.

Listen, this formalism here...

you don't seem to realize you're not in a position...

Attention !

Take Position !

Take aim !

The Grande Finale ! Chief. The Grande Finale !

Shut up Silence in the ranks !

I'm the Chief of the Maquis Antoine.

FFI Capitaine attached to the 1st French Army of General de Lattre.

In his name, I'm willing to accept your surrender.

Lay down your arms !

Attention !

Two steps forward !

You don't have to shake his hand.

I propose that you remain here with your men while we arrange your transfer.

Will we have a long wait ? I don't know, maybe an hour or two.

I'm not sure we have any choice.

Tell Jean-Paul to bring two of those damn trucks.

Evacuate De Kervern and civilians who wish it.

And convoke the CDL for tomorrow morning. We still have 10,000 things to settle.

You two, escort them.

Right About Turn !

Julien... Thibault... !

Forward March ! Halt at the door !

Ga�tan, no-one comes in !

Can't you stop for two seconds ?

You could at least say hello.

I didn't know where to go.

I could be arrested at any time. I was arrested twice.

The last time, to get out I had to...

My God !

How did it happen ?

I'm sorry.

I am sorry for you. So close to the Lib�ration.

Shut up !

I'm going to help you. I'm OK, thank you.

But you'll never do it alone !

Right.

Again.

I'm glad you're here.

I'm glad to be here too.

Come in, please.

Isn't Fran�oise here ?

She's in the little bedroom with my father.

She's asleep. Ah ! Your father is here.

He's well, then ?

I was with him for a year.

Since you went away.

When did you return ?

Yesterday.

All this time.

You haven't sent any word.

I was in hiding in Lyon, then London and Algiers.

Algiers, must be beautiful.

Yes, very beautiful.

Excuse me, but... you don't seem very happy to see me.

Well yes, I'm...

I'm just a little surprised.

That's all.

You know I'm the Pr�fet.

Pr�fet for the whole D�partement.

Deputy Pr�fet, I think. I was told, yes.

I have all the powers for Villeneuve, including the police.

That's good. You've always been in politics.

It's a big responsibility. Obviously, I don't yet fully realise it.

That's normal.

I have a lot of things to do. I'll be very busy in the hours and days ahead.

I apologize in advance.

It doesn't matter.

The important thing is you're here.

If...

the small room is taken, might I initially use your old bedroom ?

The one where Marguerite slept, I mean.

No. That's impossible.

There's someone sleeping in that room. Someone ?

Yes...

Someone wounded... seriously wounded.

And, he must rest for quite a while.

Well, who is it ?

It's quite a wait, don't you think ?

Right now, arranging transport to Besan�on is complicated.

It's not transport they're organising, it's our execution.

Stop that ! We shouldn't have surrendered.

What's done is done.

Sometimes...

there are things we can undo.

We could go and inspect the basement, now.

Long live the Lib�ration, by God.

Where did you hide it ?

Plan B.

You're not drinking ?

I expected anything but that !

But... also, it has to be said you were away a long time, huh.

When one leaves a woman...

she can do anything.

It's not because I went, that she's like this.

It's rather the opposite.

Well, well, meanwhile we must celebrate the Lib�ration.

I hope you're going to organise a Grand Ball for us.

Something unforgettable.

Oh yes. A big People's Party.

An explosion of joy.

These are the orders of DRM. Military Intelligence Directorate)

So, you're not drinking.

Go ahead.

Otherwise, as for the situation here...

what do you plan to do, then ?

Hey, no nonsense, eh ?

Well, okay, my Lucienne's not perfect but...

She's all I've got.

Oh, no. Nonsense isn't my style, unfortunately.

Anyway, I'm stuck. If they find out that...

my wife...

Well, they don't have to find out. That's all.

Plan B.

The Boche can't talk.

His vocal cords are kaputt.

And his 'Boche-ness' isn't written all over his mug, huh.

It might as well be the words steak tartare.

Who knows ?

Lucienne...

the Boche obviously...

You...

and then me.

But I'm silent as the grave.

Besides, I'm going to go, because if I understand...

you'll soon need my bedroom.

Hey, get up.

It's fine, I'll replace you. Go and rest.

Damn, do you realize that we're free ! Yes.

But the war continues, you know.

Did you call together the CDL ?

10 o'clock tomorrow morning.

Edmond asked that the Municipal Councilors, or part of them, be present.

He gave me a list

He exaggerates.

Well, we'll see tomorrow.

Your two trucks will arrive. My assistant Hector's fixing it.

You'll see he's a good guy. Once the trucks arrive, load and send them off.

What do you have planned for an escort ?

I haven't planned anything.

In Besan�on...

are people aware 15 Miliciens are going to arrive ?

I suppose so. So they need an escort.

To avoid them arriving in pieces.

How many men ?

Three guys to a truck should be fine.

Good. you'll look after it ? Me !

No, wait, I'm not going to...

Don't tell me you're hostile to working for the Provisional Government.

For the General, for France.

No need to give me a speech, Monsieur B�riot.

It's just that I'm tired.

But sure... you can count on me. Good.

Guys !

You're on Transport Detail tonight.

Hey, but we don't want to miss the Ball !

When is this Ball ?

Not tonight anyway. Maybe tomorrow.

Ah, well here's Hector. Get ready.

Is this it ? Are we starting ? A matter of minutes.

Come on, guys, let's go.

Chief, here we go.

Sheath your knife.

The head of the Maquis Antoine, in whom I have confidence.

Victor Dupuy.

I've got bad news.

They've learned we're evacuating the Miliciens, and...

the hotheads have punctured the truck tyres.

We're looking for a mechanic but it'll take time.

You mean we're stuck here ?

At least until tomorrow afternoon.

We're not going to leave them here all night.

They won't die.

You gave them your word for a dignified treatment.

In '42 Jews were herded here for 3 days, it seems a just reward.

Most of these guys were not here in '42.

No matter. It's the idea that counts.

You're sure the trucks will be here tomorrow ? Sure ? No.

But I hope so.

What do we do if they don't arrive ?

We'll notify you. Good !

The Miliciens are going to sleep here tonight. Each day has it's own troubles.

They have to be told of the situation. I prefer that it's you that does it.

But what do I tell them ?

What's going on ?

Things are not turning out exactly as planned.

We can't transfer you for now.

The buses are broken down.

Well... the tires were slashed.

By who ? No matter.

You'll have to sleep here.

Death to the Milice ! To the gallows like Marie Germain.

So we sleep here, and afterwards ?

Well tomorrow, if all goes well, the buses will be repaired.

And you'll be transferred as planned.

If all goes well !

And if all doesn't go well ?

Don't worry. It's just a minor problem.

Where's the Pr�fet ? I want to talk to him. He's busy.

Addressing the issue of the buses, in fact.

He gave his word. He should come and explain.

The Pr�fet can do nothing.

There's no mechanic.

Oh, it was you who was right, Xavier.

Where's Xavier gone ?

I don't know.

Holy God, the cellar. But maybe that's the best thing to do.

Alban, leave it. Get back here.

Wait !

Subtitles by Rod Clarke Whitby, Ontario. Oct 2015