Original subtitles

[BIRDSONG]

[ORGAN MUSIC PLAYING]

- Good morning. - Good morning.

Hello, Christine!

- Good morning, Herr von Grotjahn. - Morning. Morning, sir.

Aren't you pleased with the way Lina decorated the church for us?

Oh, she loved doing it, Fräulein Christine.

Father is a long time.

I'm afraid this is for the last time, Herr Pastor.

Oh, not the last time, Heinrich.

You'll be coming back to Altdorf?

A Stormtrooper goes where he's told.

Oh, you're a Stormtrooper now, are you?

Well, it's a job, Herr Pastor.

I've been out of work so long.

I'm glad you've got it.

Be fine to be working again. And for Germany, too.

I wish you the best of luck, Heinrich.

I shall never be able to thank you enough,

you know, for all you've done for me.

You will thank me by doing well with your life.

Now, goodbye. I'm looking forward to our next meeting.

So am I. I shall never be able to thank you enough...

Oh, God bless you, God bless you.

- Good day, Hans. - Good day, Friedrich.

Morning, Werner.

I'm beginning to think my sermons must be pretty good,

- to get you here so often. - Yes, I enjoy them very much, sir.

Father, Uncle Paul will be waiting.

Good Heavens, we mustn't keep a general waiting.

Particularly this general!

- Friedrich, you're late again! - I'm sorry, Paul.

Had me pacing up and down here like a confounded sentry.

- You might have waited inside. - What, me?

[SHIVERING] Give me the willies.

Well, got a kiss for an old soldier?

[CHUCKLING]

You look as radiant as a rose in May.

Come on! Well, come on! Don't be standing about here all day.

Don't be late home, you two. I've got something special for dinner.

Oh, well, if it's a question between his conscience and my stomach,

- stomach wins! - [ALL LAUGHING]

Friedrich, what's our good deed for today?

Well, I thought we might call on Frau Kemp.

Mmm, it's a good deed. A good deal too good for me.

Herr Pastor! Herr Pastor!

Oh, it's that infernal bore Pippermann.

I was looking for you at the church.

I have an important matter to discuss.

You will excuse us, General?

Oh, you can rely on the general's discretion.

Well, it's that barmaid at the inn.

Oh, it's a shocking story,

but, of course, I've got no actual proof, but it looks to me...

In that case, why waste your breath repeating it?

- Yes, but, Herr Pastor... - Herr Pippermann,

I'm sure your dislike of scandal-mongering

is as great as mine. Good day to you.

Poisonous rat.

Pity you stopped him, though.

He was just getting to the interesting details.

My dear Paul, if I listened to all the village gossip...

I know, I know, I know, but still, she's a nice little piece, that barmaid.

A pair of fine legs.

- Oh, I haven't noticed them. - Pity.

Here we are.

Well, it's your good deed, you know.

I'm going to do some of my sentry stuff.

- Oh, but you needn't, er... - Oh, it's jolly good. Keep you fit.

Well, don't be long. I'm as empty as a drum.

Yes, and almost as noisy as well! [CHUCKLING]

[KNOCKING]

- Morning, Klara. - Good morning, Herr Pastor.

- How's your aunt? - She's always cheerful

- when she knows you're coming. - Good.

[COUGHING]

Good morning, Frau Kemp.

Oh, it is nice to see you here, Pastor.

You are looking better.

We'll be having you in church again soon.

Here's something to make you feel better still.

Thank you,

but you shouldn't have done that, Pastor.

Oh.

Oh! A whole chicken!

What a beauty. And what a size!

I shall never be able to eat all that.

You needn't eat it in one mouthful, you know.

- If my Erich were here, he would. - Ah.

He's got such an appetite, that boy.

- Well, how's he getting on? - Oh, he's getting on wonderfully well.

- I've got a new picture of him... - Now, now, now.

There's no need to go racing round the room

just because we're talking about your boy.

It's on the table there.

Oh!

- Why, he's getting bigger than ever. - And important, too.

Do you know, they've made him one of the special bodyguard

- of Captain Röhm. - Oh?

I expect he'll be home to see me soon,

so I'm knitting this pullover as a surprise for him.

You need quite a bit of wool for my Erich.

Almost twice as much as for anyone else.

He's so strong and big, Herr Pastor.

You wouldn't believe it, but he takes me up in his arms

like as if I were a bundle of feathers,

and calls me his "little mother".

- [CHUCKLING] - His "little mother"!

I remember when he was a little boy...

- ...and all that Erich said was, "Well..." - [KNOCKING]

Goodness gracious, what's that?

I'm afraid that's General von Grotjahn,

beating his drum for lunch. I must go.

Now, take good care of yourself.

I'll be along to see you soon.

Thank you, Pastor. Thank you for coming.

[DOOR CLOSING]

Oh, Erich...

- Must you do this? - Yes, of course, silly.

They'll be back in a moment and Julia's busy with the dinner.

No, not that way.

Look, Christine...

I wanted to ask you something.

Yes, what is it?

You'll put down one beside each place.

How can I talk to you when you won't keep still for a moment?

There, that looks right.

Oh, no, I forgot the flowers.

- Oh, Christine, please listen. - Oh, I am listening.

Be serious for a moment.

I can't talk to you when you won't keep still.

All right, now I'm perfectly serious.

What is it you wanted to tell me?

Well...

You know I'm leaving here tomorrow,

and I shall be gone for several weeks, perhaps longer.

But there's something I've got to tell you.

Something I've been wanting to tell you for a long time.

- Is it so difficult? - It is, Christine.

I mean, it's difficult to tell you.

It's upsetting to have known a girl all your life.

Whenever you came home, she was there,

just a little bit different, but the same Christine.

Part of one's life.

And now, everything's changed.

Has it?

You see, if we'd only just met, and I'd fallen in love with you,

well, it would be easier to say.

But you have said it.

Yes.

Seems I have.

You don't mind, Christine?

You know, there should be new words

that no-one's ever used before.

I love you, Christine.

- I could eat a horse. - Could you?

Yes, I had two in the last war.

Father, Pastor,

we've got a surprise for you.

Surprise, nonsense! I've known it for years.

Why didn't you ask her months ago? I don't know. I should.

I shall be sorry to lose you, Christine.

But I'm very glad it's you, Werner.

Well, this calls for a celebration.

- A schnapps? - Did you ever know me refuse?

You're marrying the son of an old drunkard, my dear.

Pity, but the regiment... er... oh...

No, let me do that.

JULIA: Look! Look!

It is empty!

I opened the pot, and my beautiful chicken has gone!

Nineteen years I've been with you, Herr Pastor,

but this is the end.

I can set a trap to stop the mice from taking my food,

but what can I do about you?

GENERAL: Good Lord, you haven't pinched the dinner?

- Who was it this time, Father? - Frau Kemp.

You ought to be horse-whipped.

Don't worry, Uncle Paul.

I've learned to keep something in reserve.

PASTOR: No, no, no, old boy.

Didn't seem so very funny at the time, you know.

How was I to know she was the Colonel's daughter?

- Oh, Paul. - It's all right. Don't worry.

She'll soon learn a thing or two, marrying into my family.

I hear we're going to have some Stormtroopers stationed in the village.

Stormtroopers? Rubbish!

A lot of riff-raff in uniform.

Created an awful lot of trouble in Berlin, you know.

Don't you think those stories are exaggerated?

Not a bit. Got friends in the Ministry.

They couldn't stand 'em.

Well, I suppose such a vast change of administration

is bound to bring with it some early violence.

Well, we haven't felt much of it here.

Well, I don't believe in being dictated to by an ex-corporal.

Bad discipline.

Anyhow, we've got something more important to talk about today.

- Eh, Werner? - Mmm?

When are you two going to get hitched up?

- There's no hurry, Paul. - There you go again.

What a passion you have for keeping people waiting.

[CHUCKLING]

- When will you be back? - I don't know.

Perhaps in only a few weeks' time.

- Make it soon. - Yes, you'd better.

They tell me the Stormtroop Leader's a very good-looking fella.

[ALL CHUCKLING]

["HORST WESSEL SONG" PLAYING]

- Good morning, Herr Pastor. - Good morning, Herr Veit.

The New Order catching up with us, eh?

Yes, I'm losing my little Lina, too.

- Oh? - You won't be losing me, Daddy.

Yes, she's off to a labour camp.

I shall only be gone for a short time.

And, besides, I shall be helping to build a greater Germany.

Really?

Our Führer says it's the young people

that will lift our country to its rightful place in the world.

Well, these are big thoughts for such a little girl.

Oh, she's become a great politician since the Stormtroopers came.

But, you know, I'm afraid she's not strong enough

to go to a labour camp.

You wait, Daddy. When I come back, I shall be very strong.

Well, I hope so. Come along, say goodbye to the Herr Pastor.

- Goodbye, Herr Pastor. - Goodbye, Lina, and good luck.

We'll all miss you, especially Christine.

This is Pastor Hall's house?

Yes, sir. Just a minute, please.

Fräulein Christine, there's a Stormtrooper here.

Well, show him in.

[CLICKING HEELS] Heil Hitler.

The Herr Pastor, please. Stormtroop Leader Gerte.

Good morning. I'm afraid my father isn't in.

You are his daughter?

Er... Yes. Would you care to sit down?

No, thank you, no. I'm exceedingly busy.

I've no time to wait about.

But if you're quite sure he won't be long?

Oh, I'm sure he won't. Will you have a cigarette?

Thank you.

What do you think of our village?

Very backward, I'm afraid.

Quite untouched by the new spirit of National Socialism.

That's why I'm here.

To put new life into the place.

We're very happy here.

Perhaps that's why we're not so keen on changes.

Happiness is not our main concern.

Then, what is?

The greatness and the glory of Germany.

And, to this end, all petty personal happiness

must be sacrificed.

Everything that stands in the way shall be crushed.

Sounds very ruthless.

Rather like digging up all the plants in one's garden,

and only trying to grow one.

Rather a stiff and prickly looking plant, too.

We have a colossal task ahead of us,

and we shall achieve it.

If we receive voluntary help, we shall be thankful.

If not, we shall find other means to get it.

But Germany must be great, and must be feared.

Well, why should Germany, or any country,

want to be feared?

You are a woman. Women were not meant to understand.

[CHUCKLING] You don't approve of women?

On the contrary. [HEELS CLICKING]

- [DOOR OPENING] - Oh, here's Father.

Hello, Christine.

Father, this is Stormtroop Leader Gerte,

who's going to change our village completely.

- This is my father. - Heil Hitler.

How do you do? Sit down, we must have a chat.

Then, I think I'll leave you.

I'm sure you two men have things to discuss

far beyond my poor woman's brain.

Do you know, I believe she's pulling our leg?

- Huh? - Sit down.

Thank you.

Herr Pastor,

I am told that you have great influence among the villagers.

Well, I've always tried to earn their friendship.

My purpose in coming here is to secure your co-operation.

Of course. Anything I can do.

Co-operation for what, exactly?

To bring Altdorf into line with the rest of the Reich.

To instil the one doctrine.

"Nation and Fatherland."

As our Führer has told us, we are fighting for our security.

For the existence and increase of our race.

For the nourishment of its children. The purity of its blood.

The fulfilment of the mission appointed for the Fatherland

by the Creator of the Universe.

I see, yes.

It's rather a tall order.

Of course, I'm not interested in politics.

I'm so full of the villagers, and their little worries and troubles.

- They're quite big to them, of course. - That is just where you can help.

I've always believed in rendering unto Caesar

that which is Caesar's.

And, in this village, it seems that you are to be Caesar.

Exactly. Now, we can get down to business.

First of all, who are the people

who should be dealt with?

"Dealt with"?

Communists, socialists, pacifists, Jews, enemies of the State.

Oh, I'm afraid I don't regard the villagers

as either socialists or communists or even nationalists,

and the few Jews we have are quite good people.

We don't recognise "good Jews" or "bad Jews".

Just "Jews".

But I certainly don't know any "enemies of the State".

You're not being very helpful, Herr Pastor.

I'm sorry, but I can't help it.

You see, I know these people. I like them.

I don't regard them as saints,

but there isn't one whom I'd describe as "wholly bad".

In that case, Herr Pastor, I am afraid I'm wasting my time.

I wish you good day.

Goodbye. I don't think you'll find your task so sweeping as you suppose.

There's nothing much the matter with our village.

We shall see.

Well, come in again, won't you? Any time you feel like it.

Thank you. Heil Hitler!

[HALF-HEARTEDLY] Heil Hitler...

Good morning.

Oh, morning.

Gardening?

You're very observant.

May I help?

But surely it's beneath the dignity of a Stormtroop Leader to stoop so low?

- Fräulein Hall... - I thought you'd gone.

What do I do?

Well, you...

You pull them out like this,

and then, you... you throw them there, like that.

Nice little garden you have here, haven't you?

Yes, I love gardening. Don't you?

Oh, I have my duties, which take most of my time.

You take yourself so seriously, don't you?

Life is serious, Fräulein.

Yes, but you must relax sometimes.

I'd like to know what you do when you're off duty.

I'd like to see you rolling in the grass, or...

or making yourself sick with toffees.

I'd like to see you at meals.

Do you click your heels at table, and hold your fork like a bayonet?

Perhaps if the Fräulein were to invite me?

Oh, yes, of course. Um... Perhaps you'll be busy?

I have no special duties on Tuesday,

if that night would be convenient.

Tuesday'll be fine.

♪ Angels in the height, adore him

♪ Ye behold him face to face

♪ Saints triumphant, bow before him

♪ Gathered in from every race

♪ Alleluia! Alleluia!

♪ Praise with us the God of grace

♪ Amen ♪

Now, you sang that very nicely, children.

Now, the lesson from the Scripture today

is the story of David and Goliath.

Now, this story shows that it isn't always the big and the strong

- who win the battle of the... - [DOOR CLOSING]

Herr Ritter wants to see you, Herr Pastor.

Well, will you please tell Herr Ritter

that I haven't finished the Scripture lesson yet...

Herr Ritter said that the children must get ready

for the outdoor exercises.

All right, I'll see Herr Ritter.

And remember, you are in the Hitler Youth movement,

to be trained as future soldiers for the Fatherland.

[KNOCKING]

Well, you may go now. I'm busy.

- Heil Hitler. - Heil Hitler.

- [KNOCKING] - Come in.

Morning, Herr Ritter.

You wanted to see me?

Yes, I've wanted to establish contact with you before, but...

You can't imagine what a state I found this place.

I simply don't know where to start.

Well, couldn't Herr Körner help you?

Herr Körner's been superseded.

I see.

He's taught in this school for thirty years.

Precisely.

There are new things to be taught now,

and that's what I wanted to see you about.

- Now, regarding the Scripture lessons... - I'll sit down, if you don't mind.

As I was saying, regarding the Scripture lessons,

the new regulations contain nothing against them in principle,

provided they're taught along the Party lines.

And what exactly are "the Party lines"?

Well, briefly, avoid the Old Testament as much as possible,

try to connect the text of the Bible with current events,

develop love of the Führer and the nation...

Oh yes, avoid any reference to the Jews as "the chosen people",

but don't enlarge on "pity" too much.

And never refer to "love" in the sentimental, humanitarian way,

but rather in the active, Nordic sense.

Give the example of Winter Relief.

Is that all, Herr Ritter?

Yes, I think so, Herr Pastor.

If you like, you can take this little booklet along with you.

It may help you to understand the Party lines.

Oh, I think I do understand.

Very well.

If you have any questions in the future,

I shall always try to spare you a few moments.

Thank you. I don't think I'll disturb you very much.

Good day.

["HORST WESSEL SONG" PLAYING]

[SHOUTING]

[DESTRUCTION CONTINUES]

[STORMTROOPERS LAUGHING]

What has happened, Herr Marah?

Nothing much, Herr Pastor.

What is the reason for it?

My mother's mother was Jewish.

Why didn't the neighbours do something?

They've learned to keep away when unpleasant things happen.

They couldn't have done much, anyway.

Well, let me help you.

Thank you, Herr Pastor,

but there's not much to be done now.

Good night.

Or, should we say,

"Heil Hitler"?

"Wilhelm Scharf.

"Investigations indicate that he is suspected of communist sympathies."

Shall I have him arrested?

No.

Have him watched.

See who his friends are. We may get a bigger bag.

Yes.

"Number 33. Franz Went, smallholder..."

- [KNOCKING] - Come!

Heil Hitler! Pastor Hall to see you.

I'll get rid of him. No need for you to see him.

I'll see him.

This pastor has a lot of influence here.

Herr Stormtroop Leader.

A number of things have happened in this village.

I can't believe it, but I'm told that your Stormtroopers are responsible.

What is your complaint, Herr Pastor?

Well, firstly, a number of obscene posters have been put up in the village.

As a direct consequence,

a band of hooligans have smashed old Marah's shop.

Everybody knows that Marah's a harmless and decent old man.

I ordered the posters to be put there, Herr Pastor,

and I'm also aware of what happened to his shop.

- Surely you don't sanction... - He is a Jew.

There is no place for Jews in the Third Reich.

I believe that every man has the right

to live in friendliness with his neighbour,

no matter what his race or creed.

- These are dangerous beliefs. - Quiet.

I suggest, Herr Pastor,

that it would be better for you to keep such views to yourself.

The new Germany does not tolerate criticisms

of its most sacred beliefs.

I put this to you as a friend.

I thank you,

but I cannot be silent in the face of this attempt

to bring to the fore the worst instincts of our people.

As I say, I wish to be friends with you.

I recognise that you have a task which demands a certain attitude.

But I must warn you not to go too far.

I take it there is to be no redress?

In this case, I'm afraid not.

But I'm sure you will soon see our point of view.

By the way, I happened to see your daughter the other day.

She was kind enough to ask me to dinner.

I see.

- Good day, Herr Stormtroop Leader. - Heil Hitler.

These religious people.

Got to handle them with kid gloves.

And their daughters, too, Fritz?

[GROANING]

Easy round the liver.

Friedrich!

You want to let Stefan have a go at you.

You'd never be the same man again.

Friedrich?

I don't believe you've heard a damn word I've been saying.

I'd never have believed such things could happen in Altdorf.

First, the Stormtroopers smashing up the shops,

then setting on people whose politics they didn't like.

And now, it's spread, like some dreadful disease,

to my own people.

I don't seem able to...

to reach them anymore.

Yes, that's enough. That's enough.

Enough is as good as a feast.

Now, Friedrich,

what's worrying you?

The baker, Scharf, was beaten up in the inn last night.

Mmm, I heard.

He said that Hitler might be wrong.

Oh, blasted rabble!

Same thing's going on all over the country.

Look at this. I got this from a friend.

Today, in Amsterdam.

Oh, horrible, horrible!

Shooting one's own comrades.

Fellows who've fought by one's side.

When I think of what Germany meant to the world...

This couldn't have happened in our day.

We had values and loyalties then.

I've tried to see their point of view.

There must be something in it,

if a whole nation can be swept off its feet.

I've even had that Stormtroop Leader to the house.

You've what?

Yes, I'm asking him again tonight.

It was magnificent.

Sixty thousand people, cheering like mad.

But when the Führer rose to speak,

you could hear a pin drop.

No-one dropped one, did they?

It's not a joking matter, Fräulein Hall.

No, Stormtroop Leader is right, Christine.

Please, go on with your story.

I think not, Herr Pastor.

Seems to me that the ideals of National Socialism

find little sympathy in this house.

Because we don't understand them.

If, so far, I have not been attracted to National Socialism,

it's because it seems to me to encourage the two things

I've always tried to fight against.

Lust for power, and fear.

Perhaps I'm wrong.

We believe in the rule of the strong.

The glory of Germany can only survive

if we cut the canker from the organism.

As doctors, you're not always very gentle.

Surgeons must have courage to cut.

True, but they must also have a thorough knowledge of the human body.

Otherwise, they'd be merely murderers.

- Herr Pastor... - Oh, don't worry about Daddy.

He's always dropping bricks.

Oh, please, please.

I didn't mean anything personal in any way.

I'm afraid we can find no common ground.

Unless you admit the right of a superior race

to shape its life according to its historic mission.

Well, we Christians believe that the spirit dominates, or should.

And anybody who believes with us is one with us.

There are many pastors who understand their task

as our Führer wishes it to be understood.

You despise men, don't you?

No, I don't think so.

A man has only to obey to be happy.

Obedience is not the final virtue.

With us, it is.

I take orders from one who knows men,

and yet doesn't despise them.

He trusts them with this great danger of freedom.

He gives them choice, though they often choose wrong.

For when a man loses his freedom,

he ceases to be a man.

If you please, sir, Klara is here.

Herr Pastor, please, come quickly. Frau Kemp!

- Please, come quickly! - Yes, yes, I'll come at once.

Excuse me. Look after our guest, Christine.

[SOBBING]

Frau Kemp...

Frau Kemp, it is Pastor Hall.

Tell me about it.

I will help you.

Now, tell me what happened.

It may not be so bad as it seems.

He...

is dead.

They've killed him.

He's gone.

They've killed him.

Tell me everything.

I was sitting here, in this room,

knitting a pullover for Erich.

So big, he is.

And a man came to the door.

He asked for Frau Kemp.

Klara brought him in,

and he told me to send her away.

Oh, then... [SOBBING]

Then, he brought me this.

And there's a paper, too.

PASTOR: Almighty God.

And the man said,

I wasn't to tell anyone that Erich was shot,

or to have him buried,

as he was a traitor.

He said it twice, I think.

That I wasn't to tell anybody that Erich was shot.

Oh, Pastor.

I can't understand it.

It can't be.

Erich was so tall and strong,

they made him one of Captain Röhm's bodyguards.

And now...

[SOBBING]

PASTOR: These are the mortal remains of Erich Kemp,

who was a fine man, and a good son.

One we shall always be proud to have known,

and to have called our friend.

And, if we bury him in the dark of night,

it is not to his shame that we do so.

No grudging hatred of man can keep from him the place

which, by his merit and his faith,

he will hold in the Kingdom of Love,

which passes understanding.

Ashes to ashes,

dust to dust.

[ORGAN MUSIC PLAYING]

- Good morning. - Hello.

- Oh, Herr Veit, I had news... - Excuse me.

- Hello, Uncle Paul. - Morning, Christine.

You don't look too happy.

It's hard to believe that people could change in so short a while.

Oh, no guts, that's what's the matter with them.

Afraid to be too pleasant,

because of the stand your father's taken up.

Oh, by the way, I've got some news for you about Werner.

Yes, I know. He's coming home.

Mmm. About time.

- Tell Father I've gone home, will you? - I will if I wait.

He's late again, you know.

He's been late every Sunday for the last five years.

Or have you been early?

Never thought of that.

Fräulein Hall!

Will you come inside for a few minutes?

- I want to speak to you. - I'm sorry. I'm busy.

The Pastor and the General haven't gone by yet.

I think you'd be advised to hear what I've got to say.

It's about your father.

Very well.

Won't you sit down?

I've waited specially for you,

because you seem most anxious to avoid me whenever possible.

Quite frankly, I don't believe we've got very much to talk about.

What was it you wanted to tell me about my father?

Can't we have a talk like friends?

Cigarette?

Why don't you say what you've got to, and let me go?

- Very well. - [SNAPPING CASE SHUT]

Perhaps you'd care to have a look at this.

This is an account of your father's activities against the State,

beginning with the funeral of the Kemp boy,

the speech he made then,

and everything he has said and done since.

Today, Fräulein Hall, I received a letter

found on a Mr Marah,

as he was about to leave the country,

which, for reasons of no interest to you,

we did not consider the right course for him to take.

No doubt, you recognise your father's handwriting?

What about it?

He asked a friend of his to help Marah.

This can't be a crime, even according to your ideas.

Your father has recommended, as his personal friend,

an enemy of the State.

Have you called me here to display your powers?

To admire your horrible spy system,

which has turned a happy village

into a crowd of informers and frightened people?

Do you want me to congratulate you on your achievements?

Really!

This is not like the Pastor's lovely, gentle daughter.

Now, listen to me, will you?

Every paper in this file is enough to send your father to prison.

Men have been beheaded for much smaller offences.

Perhaps you'd like to know why your father wasn't taken away

after we found out about the funeral?

Why he was allowed to continue with his activities?

I'll tell you why.

Because someone has protected him.

No, not the Father in Heaven, as you might suppose,

but Stormtroop Leader Fritz Gerte.

Why have you done all this?

You know very well why.

What do you expect me to do about it?

You're a clever girl, Christine, and I want you to use your brains.

Ask yourself whether yours is the right attitude

towards someone who is risking so much for your sake.

I'll talk to Father.

I promise you he'll be more careful.

That is very good, Christine, but I'm afraid it is not quite enough.

What do you want?

Think of me as someone...

who has helped you,

and who does not enjoy being treated like a piece of dirt.

Take your time to think over what I've said.

- Can I go now? - Certainly.

CHRISTINE: Father?

Yes, my dear?

- You weren't sleeping. - No, I couldn't get off somehow.

You're worried, aren't you?

Yes, I am a little.

Pippermann came to me after the service today.

Said they all wanted me to stop my criticisms.

Will you?

I don't know. I don't want to make it hard for the people.

Father...

Perhaps you could be a...

Well, a little more careful.

Oh, is the new spirit winning you, too?

No, of course not. But...

I do think you underrate the danger.

Oh, I don't think there is any, my dear.

By the way, I didn't see little Lina in church this morning.

I know. She practically used to live here.

Since she came back from the labour camp,

she hasn't called once.

I would never have believed that the Reich...

Well, don't begin now.

When you start doubting friends, there's only one thing to do,

and that's to go straight to them and have it out.

- Is it? - Yes, my dear.

That's what we're going to do. Come along.

Oh.

- Hello, Herr Pastor. - Good afternoon, Herr Veit.

I wanted to speak to you at church today,

but you left so quickly.

You see, I...

had some urgent business, Fräulein Christine.

Well, aren't you going to ask us in, Herr Veit?

Of course, Herr Pastor. Come in, please.

I'm sorry. You see, I wasn't expecting you.

Uninvited guests on the Sabbath, eh, Herr Veit?

Oh, it isn't that. I...

Where is Lina? We haven't seen her since she came back.

- Oh, Lina isn't very well. - Oh, the poor dear.

- That's why I, er... - Is she in her room?

- I'll go up and see her. - Fräulein...

She's asleep. I... I don't want her disturbed.

Oh, don't worry, Herr Veit. I'll go very quietly.

Fräulein Christine...

I'm sorry there isn't a fire.

Herr Veit, we've been friends for a long time.

Won't you tell me what's the matter?

[SOBBING]

Christine...

- Christine... - Oh, Lina, darling.

Yes, ssh. Quiet. It'll be all right.

- Christine... - Ssh...

Lina...

Lina, tell me what's the matter.

Oh, I can't believe it.

Lina's little more than a child herself.

I couldn't believe it either, but it's true.

It's true.

I should never have let her go to the labour camp.

I didn't know what was the matter.

I didn't understand.

Now, I've brought disgrace on Daddy.

He can't hold up his head anymore.

Do you know the name of the boy?

Yes. Lina did tell me.

Helmut Weber.

Helmut Weber.

And the camp?

Kombach.

My dear Pastor, hundreds of girls pass through this camp every month.

You can't expect me to enquire into the morals of each one of them.

It isn't a question of morals in this case.

I've known the girl all her life.

- She's only a child. - Yes, yes, I know.

A young, innocent girl suddenly finds herself in trouble,

through no fault of her own.

It's an old story. I hear it every day.

And you do nothing about it?

This is a labour camp, not a kindergarten.

My job is to turn these boys and girls

into virile, obedient German citizens,

conscious of the destiny of their race.

Herr Kommandant,

I fear that you and I speak a different language,

but this, I hope, I can make you understand.

This girl, Lina, came here filled with pride in the belief

that she could serve her Führer and her Fatherland.

She has returned home, broken in spirit,

humiliated, dismayed.

Surely that is not the way you're going to make her

"conscious of the destiny of her race"?

Well, what do you suggest I can do?

We can, at any rate, try and undo some of the evil that's been done.

I'd like to speak to the boy responsible.

Very well, if you think it worth your while.

- The name? - Helmut Weber.

Helmut Weber?

Why, you must be mad.

This boy is the nephew of one of the biggest men in the country.

Someone right at the top.

I am not concerned with his social position.

I want to ask if he'd be prepared

- to marry her. - Marry? You are mad.

A boy with a brilliant career ahead of him?

And what of the girl's career?

She seems to have fixed that for herself.

The supreme career of every true German woman,

to be the mother of future Germans.

Herr Kommandant, this girl is only fourteen.

- She isn't old enough... - Biologically speaking,

she has proved that she is.

Herr Pastor, you're making a lot of fuss about nothing.

What has happened to this girl is, after all, what she was made for.

To call it a tragedy is reactionary nonsense,

and National Socialism has no time for that sort of thing.

Now, I'm afraid I'm busy. Good day.

[BELL JANGLING]

Hello, Father.

Well?

Dr Köhl is up with her now.

I've been looking after her while Herr Veit was out.

- And how is she? - Father, she's so miserable.

- Hello, Hans. - Ah, Friedrich.

Christine told me where you'd gone.

- Any news? - They'll do nothing.

Hmm, I was afraid of that.

Father, I'll go up to her.

How is she?

I must tell you the truth.

- I don't think Lina's going to live. - What?

It's an ordeal even for a grown woman.

She's such a delicate little thing.

She hasn't the strength, or the will.

But there must be something we can do?

Yes, we can pray for her. That's about all there is to do.

The only real way we could help her, we daren't.

It's a crime against a state wanting soldiers for the next war.

But isn't there anything I can do?

If you can alter her frame of mind,

make her feel happier,

free her from shame and fear,

she might have a chance.

But you mustn't worry about it, Lina.

- [KNOCKING] - Who's that?

It's me. Pastor Hall.

Don't let him come in. Don't let him come in.

Oh, don't be silly, dear.

Come in, Father.

Hello, Lina.

Well?

Haven't you got a smile for an old friend?

Oh, Herr Pastor, I'm so ashamed.

Now, you have nothing to be ashamed of.

No-one can blame you for something that's happened without your fault,

or your understanding.

They will, Herr Pastor. I know they will.

They'll say I've been wicked,

and they'll point at me and stare.

They'll say I'm bad,

and I've brought disgrace on them all.

I couldn't stand it, Herr Pastor.

I couldn't stand it!

I'd rather die!

PASTOR: Quiet, Lina, quiet.

You're imagining horrors that'll never happen.

The people here are your friends.

They're not going to turn against you now,

just because you had a little trouble.

No, it'll make them love you all the more.

- Do you really think so, Herr Pastor? - I know it will.

You're just frightening yourself.

Why, you were even scared of me.

Now, you're coming to church next Sunday.

I'll look out for you,

and you'll sit there, as you always used to,

listening to the sermon,

with your big blue eyes wide open.

Do you mean I may come to church?

I insist. You must.

Now, I shall be disappointed if you don't.

You won't disappoint me, will you?

I promise.

And, Lina...

I want you to remember one thing more.

It's the world's most beautiful story.

How a young mother,

almost a child, like you,

had to ride on a donkey.

And she was so poor, and friendless,

that she could only find shelter in the stable.

There were people who despised even her,

refused to let her in.

There've always been wicked and silly people in the world.

I'm afraid that hasn't changed much in two thousand years.

But here, you're among friends.

And even if one should be unjust, or say cruel things to you,

just remember

what they said to her.

Will you do that for me?

I promise.

PASTOR: Now, forget about such things.

What may seem ugly and frightening now

can become a thing of great beauty.

Goodbye, dear.

Now, get dressed, Lina, and come downstairs.

- And don't forget next Sunday. - I won't forget.

Why, Herr Veit. Are you ill?

No, I'm not ill.

If you're worrying about Lina, I can ease your mind.

I've convinced her that the people here

will be sympathetic and understanding.

They won't, Herr Pastor. It isn't true.

Now, you're imagining things.

VEIT: It isn't imagination. I've heard the things

they're saying about Lina.

PASTOR: What things are they saying?

Oh, cruel, heartless things.

But I don't believe that anyone even knows.

Oh, they all know. They're all talking about it.

Pippermann's got hold of it somehow.

He says she's a Jezebel who ought to be turned out of the village.

PASTOR: I shouldn't pay any attention to Pippermann.

- We all know what he is. - It's not only Pippermann.

The Frau Linde says

that even if she shows her face in the street...

Don't worry. They won't do anything.

I'll see to that.

What can you do?

I'll go to every one of the villagers if need be.

I'll make them see how unjust, how despicable they're being.

Oh, people aren't like they used to be.

They've become bitter and cruel.

Herr Veit, I implore you,

don't let Lina even suspect the things that are being said.

But she will hear.

I promise you, I will stop these evil tongues.

- Thank you, Herr Pastor. - I'll go up and tell her you're home.

Now, she'll be down in a minute.

Don't let her see that you've been upset.

No, I won't.

Well, you're very good to us all, Herr Pastor.

[SCREAMING]

PASTOR: Lina didn't kill herself.

She was murdered by National Socialism.

CHRISTINE: There's nothing we can do now.

PASTOR: I can do what I should have done before.

If I hadn't failed in my duty,

Lina might be alive tonight.

CHRISTINE: But they're too strong.

PASTOR: Truth is strong. Honesty and faith are strong.

My weapons are the weapons of God.

I will make my people see the evil of this faith they're embracing.

Father, you mustn't! These people will stop at nothing.

Already, they have records of things you've said and done.

I, too, have a record of what they have done.

Oppression, brutality.

On Sunday, in the pulpit, I will read it.

It will be its own indictment.

I will pray my people to join me in fighting this vile disease.

CHRISTINE: Father, I'm afraid.

Christine,

we can think of ourselves no longer.

It is the test that I knew was coming, and I shall not cry,

"O Lord, why hast thou chosen me?"

One litre today, please.

Sorry, only half a litre allowed.

New order of the Nazis. We have to draw in our belts.

They'll be drawing their belts around their necks

before our Pastor's finished with them.

He's going to give them something to think about.

What's the Pastor going to do?

He's got a whole list of everything bad that's happened

since the Stormtroopers came here.

He's going to urge the village to fight National Socialism.

And do you know what else she told me?

Thanks for the information, Pippermann.

I shan't forget.

Thank you, Herr Stormtroop Leader,

but, with me, duty is its own reward,

and I have never been one to try to profit

by the small services I give my neighbours.

Yes, yes, yes. Good day.

But, if the Herr Stormtroop Leader

feels impelled to make some return for the favour I have done him,

then, er... perhaps the next time his men's boots need repairing?

I can assure the Herr Stormtroop Leader I use only the very best leather.

All right, Pippermann. They shall come to you,

even if you use the very best cardboard.

- Now, get out. - Thank you, Herr Stormtroop Leader.

That finally cooks your Pastor's goose, I suppose.

Shall I arrest him?

No.

Now, keep your eyes shut.

Now, you can open 'em.

Uncle, what is this?

- Werner! - Christine!

Darling!

Let's have a look at you.

There's a line that wasn't there before.

And a wrinkle round your mouth.

You've been laughing too much.

Darling, it's lovely to have you back.

- So many things have happened. - I know, darling.

I've heard of nothing else since I came back.

Don't let's worry about that now.

[CLEARING THROAT]

There's nothing I enjoy more than disturbing a couple of lovers.

I suppose it is because nobody wants to hug me nowadays.

- Don't be silly, Uncle Paul. - It's funny, you know.

You only get the nicest bit of the joint

when you've got no teeth left to bite it with.

By the way, have you told her?

- Well, do you think I should, sir? - Well, why not?

- She's got to know some time. - All right.

- Well, you're going to be married. - Yes, I know that.

Ah, but you don't know you're going to be married tomorrow.

- Don't be silly. - No, I mean it. Look.

Christine, I've been offered the most wonderful job in America,

and they want me to leave at once.

Oh.

I know it's a bit of a rush, but...

Well, it's the chance I've been waiting for,

and I mustn't lose it.

Well, Friedrich, it's all fixed up.

Oh, splendid, splendid.

Daddy...

Werner, I can't go yet.

- Not until I know... - Paul, this little girl of mine

imagines I can't get on without her protection.

Nonsense. I'll look after the old scoundrel.

I can do. I may be an old warhorse, but I'm not a lame one.

No, I...

- I can't go. - But, Christine...

Nonsense. My dear, you're overwrought.

What you want's a change of air.

You're right, Paul. You're right.

Well, let's get to the wedding feast. Come along!

Unless, of course, you've pinched the dinner again?

The Pastor, please.

- He's engaged at the moment. I... - Where's his study?

It's there, but he's not in it.

Please tell him I'm waiting for him.

Would you come out a moment, Herr Pastor, please?

Excuse me, please.

Now, he's going to keep us waiting again!

So it is true you've decided to denounce

National Socialism from the pulpit.

Your information, as usual, is correct.

I have come here to warn you for the last time, Pastor.

Please put those notes back on my desk.

No. I have the right to confiscate dangerous documents,

wherever I find them.

You're wasting your time, Herr Gerte. I shall still speak.

Very well.

Will you please call Fräulein Christine here?

I wish to speak to her.

No, I'm afraid that's impossible.

It would be in your interest as well as hers,

if you call her here at once.

I am not going to interrupt the little family party we're now having.

Christine is getting married to General von Grotjahn's son.

They're leaving Altdorf immediately.

I don't think there'll be time for another talk.

I see.

You'll excuse me.

"A little of what you fancy does you good,"

as the girl said to the soldier.

Don't you think you'd better try another kind of story, Father?

No, no, Werner. Your father's going to be allowed to say what he likes tonight.

Nobody's going to be shocked.

Oh, well you won't get another whistle out of me.

Primitive Puritan!

What's the good of saying things if nobody's going to be shocked?

Well, thank Heaven this isn't going to be one of your sniffy weddings,

with uncles and aunts staring every stitch off the bride's back.

Look at all the presents I shall be missing.

Pretty tough on me, you know.

I shall have to be inside the church tomorrow.

Can't go pacing about waiting outside for you, Friedrich.

Well, I promise I'll make it short.

Well, that's something to be hoped for.

CHRISTINE: It doesn't seem real at all.

You know, I simply can't believe I'm going to leave Altdorf.

Oh, don't get sentimental. I shall cry into me wine.

Oh, there's no harm in looking back

when there's so much to look forward to.

We'd better toast the young couple, Paul.

- What, me? - Mmm.

I can fight, and curse, and command, and spit,

but don't ask me to make a speech.

- Besides, that's your job, anyway. - Oh, all right.

Here's to you, Christine. And to you, Werner.

And to your future in a free and great country.

Here's to your strength and your happiness,

and the lives that you build for yourselves, without interference.

And here's to the day when we shall come back

and take you both away with us.

And here's to our future grandchildren.

The little soldier, the little parson,

and the kicks they'll give each other all day long.

WERNER: I shouldn't be surprised if the little parson

got the better of the little soldier.

Well, at least you know what's coming to you, me boy.

[ALL LAUGHING]

Pastor Friedrich Hall.

You are now a prisoner of the State. Please, come.

May God be praised.

Daddy! You can't take him! He hasn't done anything!

How dare you? How dare you?

Pastor Hall is an enemy to National Socialism,

and a traitor to the State.

March!

Why are they waiting?

What are they going to do?

Prisoners party, forward!

- [HEAVY BLOWS] - [PRISONERS GROANING]

Line up here.

Here they are. Thirty-two of them.

- Heil Hitler. - Heil Hitler.

Now, listen to me, you dirty scum.

What some of you have experienced before

is nothing to what you're going to get here.

You're coming inside a concentration camp,

and that means you're coming to hell.

Any attempt at opposing authority,

and you'll be shot out of hand.

And you'll be wise if you keep away from the wire fence around this camp.

It's charged with a thousand volts of electricity.

The guards have orders to shoot anyone who approaches it.

Every bullet costs twelve pfennig,

and that is just what you're worth.

No more, no less.

Now, get over to that shed. We're going to make you look pretty.

Oi, you there. You with the cap.

You mean me?

Yes. Come here.

GUARD: You see what I mean about keeping away from that fence.

What are you hanging about for? Get into that shed!

You are finished. Next.

[WHISPERING] Watch your step with that man.

He's the Black Superior,

put over prisoners like you and me because he's a hardened criminal.

He's got a free hand.

Please, you mustn't cut my beard. It's against my religion.

A Jew with a religion!

Put your head back, or I'll cut your blasted throat.

Next.

- Name? - Friedrich Hall.

- Profession? - Pastor.

Well, you'll soon get out of that here.

Don't expect to be treated soft because you've got a degree

and know the Lord's Prayer by heart.

Watch your step.

Next.

I've got a pleasant surprise for you.

You've been assigned to Barrack Seven.

My barrack.

Mind you jump to it when I tell you what to do.

Barrack Seven, left dress!

Number Two, pull your belly in.

Number Four, half a pace to your rear.

You! Did you hear me?

- I didn't know you were addressing me. - Well, you do now.

That should be good enough to draw back your right shoulder,

and place your hands down the seam of your trousers.

We don't stand for any individualism.

PRISONER: Here, Freundlich!

Put him in the rear rank. He'll spoil the whole damn squad.

Shut your ugly mug.

Were you put in charge of this squad, or was I?

We're now going to join the rest of the camp.

Barrack Seven,

left turn!

Quick march!

He's been there ten hours.

They said he was slow with his work.

GUARD: Left! Left! Left! Right! Left!

Pick 'em up, you lazy little...

Left! Right! Left!

Squad, halt!

Right turn!

Wake up, there. Wake up!

Heinrich Degan!

Why, Herr Pastor!

Get back in the line there!

What the hell do you think you're up to?

GUARD: Squad, left dress!

Squad, hut!

Heil Hitler.

- Anything to report? - Fifteen men ill,

twenty-seven in detention cells, twenty-two new arrivals.

Punishments?

- Johann Herder. - On what grounds?

Because, while peeling potatoes,

he started making propaganda against the State.

Herder, step forward.

What exactly did you say? No lies, please.

We were... We were peeling potatoes.

Then, a phrase came into my mind,

which the Apostle Paul wrote.

"A seed shall be sown in unrighteousness,

"but shall arise in glory.

"It shall be sown in weakness,

"but shall arise in strength."

That's meant to be a threat, isn't it?

A warning, Herr Kommandant.

The world is full of sin.

Antichrist rules on Earth.

By "Antichrist", perhaps you mean our leader?

I mean the spirit of evil, sir.

Corporal Ludecker.

Twenty-five lashes, tomorrow morning.

The entire camp to be present.

See to it.

But I'm too old for such treatment.

I gave my sons to the Fatherland during the war.

I'm seventy-four years old.

That's something you should have thought of before. Fall in.

Get back into line.

There are a number of new arrivals here today,

and I want to make it quite clear

that I'll have no slackness in the camp.

Greater Germany allows no weakness,

no failures,

no excuses.

You will learn to realise that the State is greater than the individual.

There will be special exercise before the evening meal.

Corporal Ludecker, you will take over the squad.

Heil Hitler.

Squad...!

Left! Right! Left! Right! Left!

Come here, you.

Can't you run? What's your name?

- Erwin Kohn. - Immigrant, aren't you?

Yes, sir.

Didn't the Paris ladies in their undies please you?

What did you come back for?

What do you think's going to happen to you?

That I'll be allowed to live.

You'll be lucky if you're allowed to die.

Get back in the line and run!

Left! Left! Left! Right! Left!

Left! Right! Left! Right! Left! Right! Left!

[DOOR BEING LOCKED]

[LABOURED BREATHING]

[COUGHING]

[COUGHING]

There's your lot.

Sit up, my boy.

Here, this will make you feel better.

Thank you.

Isn't it yours?

No, no, I couldn't eat it.

I feel a little sick.

FREUNDLICH: Here, you fat-bellied swine. Give me some of that.

We're all equal here, you know.

And someone's pinched that half-loaf of bread of mine.

Was it you?

Well? You stole it from Herder.

You damned liar!

Not so quick with your hands.

I've knocked off better men than you in my time.

All right, Karsch, you've been asking for it!

Shut up, the pair of you!

Haven't you anything better to do than bash your own faces?

Don't we see enough violence without that?

You shut your mouth, or you'll see some violence, all right.

Oh, God, if I could only get out of here.

Why the devil did you come back,

if you were safely in Paris?

Why?

Every morning in Paris, I went for a walk in the Bois de Boulogne.

One morning in April, I saw buds on the branches of a tree,

and everything smelt of spring,

and everybody was laughing and happy for no reason.

I...

don't know why.

Suddenly, I felt homesick.

I couldn't bear the thought of everybody

speaking in a foreign language.

I saw the birches on the Wannsee and smelt the scent of the Mark.

I rushed back to my hotel,

packed my bag,

borrowed my railway fare,

and came back here.

Can you understand it?

Not me.

I prefer my freedom.

But isn't it your Fatherland also?

My Fatherland is...

wherever freedom is.

ERWIN: I didn't want to believe any longer

what was written in the French newspapers.

"It isn't possible," I said to myself.

"I've known these men, Müller and Schmidt.

"They were kind-hearted men who lived and let live.

"They can't have become murderers and sadists overnight."

I felt I had to see them,

take them by the hand.

"There you are, runaway," they said.

Then we'd go to...

Alexanderplatz, and have a beer.

There was one Jew here whom they boiled, salted and pickled.

I can't stand it. I can't stand it any longer!

Tried to make them understand, but they won't listen.

Oh, God, get me out of here! [SOBBING]

Steady, boy, steady.

Stop that.

[WAILING INTENSIFIES]

Did you hear what I said?

Stop blubberin', or I'll lay you out.

I'm sorry.

You'll soon settle down.

But don't start that stuff again.

Hey, you. Come out here.

Come out here, you stinking pig.

He's talking to you.

Get outside.

Lights out!

Why have they taken him?

To be beaten up.

To make a bit of private sport for the guard.

They come and pick their victims every night.

[MAN SCREAMING]

[SCREAMING CONTINUES]

"Our Father, which art in Heaven,

"Hallowed be thy name.

"Thy kingdom come..."

[INAUDIBLE]

[DOOR OPENING]

- [DOOR CLOSING] - [KEYS JANGLING]

[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]

GENERAL: Don't let him see that you've been worrying too much.

[WEAKLY] Christine!

Daddy! Oh, Daddy!

Oh, my Christine, my Christine.

How are you?

Are you all right?

I'm all right.

- Hello, Paul. - Hello, old man.

It's good to see you.

Is it...

Is it very bad?

Not so bad I can't endure it.

That's the important thing.

Father, we're going to get you out of here soon.

Uncle Paul has been working like mad,

seeing his friends, and pulling strings.

It's only a matter of time, old fellow.

Thank you, Paul.

And you too, Christine.

Seeing you has given me fresh courage.

Sorry, Fräulein, it's time for you to go.

But we've only ju...

But you're Heinrich Degan!

Visiting time's up.

Goodbye, Christine.

I shall think of you.

Don't let them get you down, old man.

Please God, I won't.

Herr Pastor...

[INAUDIBLE]

Mmm, this is a surprise.

I haven't seen you since...

the time I asked you here.

- I've seen my father. - Have you?

That's why I've come to you.

This is flattering.

Do you think your future husband would approve?

Listen, Fritz Gerte, I'm not in a conversational mood.

I've just come back from a visit...

to hell.

Last time I was here, you told me to think.

Well,

I've done some thinking these last few weeks.

And the conclusion you've come to?

Fritz Gerte,

you got my father into a concentration camp.

You must get him out.

So that you and young von Grotjahn can take him off to America?

I might have appealed to you once,

but I've learned things lately.

If you get my father out,

I'll do whatever you say.

You have a generous nature, Christine.

Very well,

I'll get him out of the camp.

That's how it is, isn't it?

Yes.

That's how it is.

Very well, Stormtroop Leader Gerte.

The terms of the order are quite clear.

Conduct the Stormtroop Leader to Barrack Seven.

He wishes to speak to the prisoner Friedrich Hall.

Very good, Herr Kommandant.

Heil Hitler.

Get up.

In there.

Stay outside.

I want a few words with you, unofficially.

Yes.

Please, forget for a moment that I am your superior officer.

You aren't a young man any longer, Pastor Hall.

This camp is hard, and we can't make exceptions.

I have done everything I can.

Thank you.

But I intend to do more.

At great risk to myself, I am going to get you out of here.

- Get me out? - Yes.

Merciful God.

You've only to sign this, and you will be released.

What does it say?

Just a paper, saying that you will in future refrain

from any criticisms of the Party or the Führer.

Naturally, you'll have to keep quiet about everything you have seen.

Well?

I will not keep quiet at man's behest

when God commands me to speak.

Don't be a fool, Hall. God can't help you here.

No, no, I will not sign.

When I leave this place, I'll shout its horrors from the house-tops.

You are making things damnably difficult.

PASTOR: These evils cry aloud to Heaven for a voice to denounce them.

GERTE: Silence!

PASTOR: No, there'll be no silence now.

You and I stand face to face, unmasked in the sight of God.

The words I speak will belong to another.

Not to me, but they shall be spoken.

GERTE: You damn fool. If they hear you, you will be flogged.

PASTOR: I dare you to do it.

They're here... The time has come!

Hall, I implore you.

I denounce you in the name of God!

And, with you, I denounce the rulers of this country,

their whole system, this vile growth bred in darkness and hate,

which tortures bodies' lives and murders souls, decrees that

men should be kicked and beaten like beasts of the field,

drags them on their face when they're too weak to walk,

and flogs them to death when they whisper the words of God.

- Stop that man! - I denounce this Hitler,

architect of evil.

Creator of human misery.

- [HEAVY BLOW] - [PRISONERS GASPING]

Damn you, you swine.

COMMANDANT: Put him in solitary confinement.

Tomorrow, he's to receive twenty-five lashes

before the assembled camp,

and the same every morning until further notice.

I suggest, Herr Stormtroop Leader, that you go.

COMMANDANT: Prisoner, forward.

[COUGHING]

Well, his number's up.

Damn fool, to start preaching like that.

Shut up. If only Germany had more like him.

Start the punishment. The prisoner will count.

[WHIP CRACKING]

[WHIP CRACKING]

Stop.

I ordered the prisoner to count.

Count, d'you hear? Count!

Begin again.

- [WHIP CRACKING] - One...

- [WHIP CRACKING] - Speak up.

- Speak up! - PASTOR: Two.

They'll flog him again tomorrow.

I can get him out of the camp, all right,

but that's about all. The rest's up to you.

But it must be done tonight.

Is this a trap?

Do you want to see him shot?

Why do you want to help him?

They'll flog him again tomorrow.

I can't bear it.

[QUIET CHATTERING]

[KEYS JANGLING]

Hey.

You, there.

Him?

Kick him awake!

He wants you.

Get up.

[GROANING]

Get up.

[PRISONERS MUTTERING]

He's had lashing today.

You can't do any more to him.

Have your fun with someone else.

Any other volunteers?

- Who's there? - It's me.

- You got a cigarette? - Sure.

[WHISPERING] Herr Pastor, quick.

[ALARM BLARING]

What the devil's that?

Keep your eyes open.

Shoot anyone who tries to escape.

Come on, down.

Keep away from the doors and the windows.

Anybody seen will be shot.

Get to the wires. Quickly!

[ALARM CONTINUES BLARING]

[GUNSHOT]

[BRAKES SQUEALING]

[GUNSHOT]

Werner, quick!

[MULTIPLE GUNSHOTS]

[BIRDSONG]

Christine!

Father.

Father, dear.

Where is this?

It's all right, darling.

You're at Uncle Paul's.

Why am I at Uncle Paul's?

We brought you here last night, after you escaped.

Escaped, I remember.

There was...

the lights, and then the wires.

Degan. Where is Degan?

Degan was killed.

[GROANING]

Father...

Uncle Paul is going to get you away from here,

and you're going to stay with a friend of his.

And then, when Werner and I go to America,

you're coming with us.

- Isn't he, Werner? - Of course he is.

- We're just going to kidnap you, sir. - Thank you, Werner.

God has been very good to me and my friends.

Where is Paul?

He's planning your escape, just as if it was a major campaign.

And, as soon as he's got you safely hidden away,

he's going to the Minister of War, in full uniform,

just to insist on your being set free.

Free...

- [MARCHING FOOTSTEPS] - MAN: Squad, halt!

Right turn!

WERNER: It's Fritz Gerte and his Stormtroopers!

We were, at least, allowed to dream.

Werner, help Father to get dressed. Then, tell Uncle Paul.

We must get him out by the back way.

I want to see General von Grotjahn.

This way.

Wait here.

Christine.

Well?

Have you any news?

- Is he going to be released? - Released?

My father. You promised...

Don't tell me you don't know what's happened.

To Father?

What have they done to him? Tell me.

He's escaped.

- When? - Last night.

He hasn't been recaptured?

Not yet.

Where's the General?

- You're not suggesting that... - The General has a car.

A car was used in your father's escape.

Aren't you being rather ridiculous?

I intend to examine his car.

PASTOR: That won't be necessary.

- Father! - You're my prisoner.

Why did you come down?

Degan has been killed.

I am not going to let anyone else suffer for my sake.

What the hell's going on?

Pastor Hall is my prisoner.

He's nothing of the sort.

Pastor Hall's under my protection. I'll answer for him.

Please, Paul, and you, too, Christine,

you mustn't become involved in this.

- Let me go with him. - I won't.

I won't!

If you dare touch him, I'll tell the whole story

of how you bargained for Father's safety.

Come on, you.

Gerte, I'm master in this house,

and I never did like rags about the place.

You're all under arrest.

About turn!

Even you won't get away with this, General.

Werner, take this toy soldier down to the cellar.

He'll probably drink some of my Tocai.

I don't think so, Father.

The Stormtroop Leader's going to be rather busy

for the next quarter of an hour. Get on!

Go on!

- [BELL TOLLING] - Well, that's that. Now...

Better get a move on, quick, before they come after their leader.

- Are you ready, Friedrich? - Why, it's Sunday.

You and Werner, take him out the back way.

Better push the car as far as the road,

and then make for Colonel von Kohl's house...

I'd forgotten there was such a day.

CHRISTINE: Uncle, you must come too.

GENERAL: Don't worry, lady. They won't touch me.

- Morning service is beginning. - CHRISTINE: You can't stay here now.

- At any moment... - GENERAL: Oh, don't worry about me.

I'm enjoying myself. You go along to von Kohl's,

and get him to lend your father some clothes.

Paul?

Could we get as far as the church?

What do you mean?

- My place is in the pulpit. - Father!

Not wise, old fellow. They'll shoot you on sight, you know.

Were you wise in what you did?

Yes, that's it.

Paul, would you desert your men on the eve of a great battle?

Don't be damn silly.

That is what you're asking of me.

Father, darling, please listen to me.

I've always stood by you.

Even when I realised the dangers into which you were running,

I didn't ask you to give in, keep silent,

because I knew, in my heart, that you had to have your way.

But now, what you want to do is insane!

Would you have me creep through my own back door, like a criminal?

Yes, because you have the right to live.

Because we need you, too.

I cannot sacrifice the truth, even for you.

But they won't let you preach.

GENERAL: She's right, old man.

There's a new pastor. Nazi brand.

Father, they'll kill you.

I shall live.

It will be a fire that no might can put out.

Even a very little flame shines very brightly in the darkness.

The meek will tell the meek, and they will become strong again.

One man will tell another that Antichrist rules,

and they will find strength to follow my example.

Shall we go?

You make me very proud.

I've got my pride, too.

I've been proud of my uniform all my life.

My father was proud of it, and his father before him.

So, if you don't mind, old fella,

I'll come too.

NAZI PASTOR: The Gospel according to Saint Matthew, Chapter Ten,

Verses Thirteen, Fourteen, and Fifteen.

"And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words,

"as ye go forth out of that house on that city,

"shake off the dust of your feet.

"Verily, I say unto you,

"it shall be more tolerable from the land of Sodom and Gomorrah

"in the Day of Judgement than for that city."

[CONGREGATION MURMURING]

The Pastor's here. Can't you see?

Get out.

I have little time in which to speak to you,

and so I want you to listen with your hearts.

The text for this, my last sermon to you,

is from Saint Paul.

"Put on the whole armour of God,

"that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

"For we wrestle not against the flesh and blood,

"but against principalities, against powers,

"against rulers of the darkness of the world,

"against spiritual wickedness in high places.

"Stand therefore, gird loins about with truth,

"and having on the breastplate of righteousness."

Some of you may have heard me quote those words before.

But I want you today

to understand them as, perhaps, you never have before.

I myself have never understood those words

as I do at this moment,

in the great clearness of evening light,

with the shadows approaching.

Do you really think it'll be necessary to use violence?

You'll keep out of this. You've done your part, I'll do mine.

Remember my orders. He's to be shot trying to escape.

- And if he doesn't try to escape? - He'll be shot trying to escape.

We all know that we are men,

and it does not seem anything special to us.

Yet, at one moment in our lives,

the realisation that we are men

may fill us with an ecstasy of happiness,

of wonder, and of meaning.

Men were meant to fight with the shining sword of the spirit.

Men are not mute animals, who have to bear injustice silently.

They have been given a voice, and that voice is meant to be used

as a sword, to fight against the evil things.

Lies,

wickedness,

cruelty.

The enemies have not changed since Saint Paul wrote those words.

Only their disguises change,

and the voice of man, raised in protest,

must be a trumpet of God.

And it will be heard.

You can shut one mouth,

a hundred mouths, a thousand.

But the voice will be heard.

in spite of stakes, pillories, barbed wire,

stronger,

louder,

more irresistible.

You have heard of men enduring the agony of death

with a smile upon their lips.

Because they have the knowledge of something bigger

than the mere strength of life, of the body.

They die as soldiers

on the battlefield of the spirit.

Listen...

Halt!

The same sound of tramping feet

was heard by a far greater one than I.

Does it matter, that they have come to fetch me?

You know I shall be with you, here, when I have gone.

You know that my voice will be in your hearts.

You will give my message to your children.

I shall be with you every Sunday when you pray.

I shall be with you when you stand up

and fight against that which you know to be wrong.

I shall be with you when you cry in despair,

and I shall be with you when you triumph

over the enemies of God.

Let us pray.

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