All language subtitles for Der Große König (The Great King) 1942

THE GREAT KING

THE WORK ON THIS MOVIE BEGAN

IN THE EARLY SUMMER
OF THE YEAR 1940.

THE ESSENTIAL SCENES
STRICTLY ABIDE

BY THE HISTORICAL FACTS

AND COVER
ABOVE ALL THE TRIALS

OF THE SEVEN YEARS' WAR,

WHERE THE OUTSTANDING
PERSONALITY OF THE KING

HAD TO W1THST AND A TEST.

PRECISELY HERE HE GREW
TO A GREATNESS

UNMATCHED IN HUMAN HISTORY.

THE MOST IMPORTANT
STATEMENTS OF THE KING

ORIGINATE FROM
HIS OWN MOUTH.

Germany is in a terrible crisis.

We live in a time
that will determine everything

and will change the face of Europe.

Before its determination, you will
have to survive dreadful things.

But upon its development, the sky
will clear up and become bright.

And no matter how great
the number of my enemies is,

I believe in my good cause and the
admirable braveness of our troops,

from the marshal
to the youngest soldier!

The Army attacks!

The Prussians are attacking!

Tell the Cossacks
to get ready to attack!

Yes, sir!

The Austrian artillery will join in
when the cemetery is attacked!

We are ready to go!
Long live Maria Theresa!

The Austrians are coming!

Child, Luise, hurry UP!

For God's sake!

- Franz! Where is Franz?
- Franz!

Don't cry! Don't cry!
It's all right!

Franz!

- What's the matter?
- It's just a scratch!

Take the child away!
Look, Father! Our beautiful mill!

I'll follow later.
Wait for me in Lebus.

Watch out! It's burning!

The Regiment of Bernburg is stuck!
The Hussars can't move on!

So we bypass the field of Bernburg,
attack from the right wing,

and connect at the left wing
with Seydlitz!

Regiment of Bernburg, ready to attack!

- What is it?
- This is suicide!

I'm telling you, it's suicide!

- Stand still, you spineless coward!
- I'm not insane!

Signal to collect troops!

- Where is His Majesty?
- Not here.

Report to General Schenkendorf.

What is it?

Report from Colonel Bernburg.
The regiment has been fought off.

Fought off, Lieutenant?

It fell apart, General.

I hope you're not saying
the regiment took flight.

The left wing beaten, the right wing
annihilated, the center--

Took flight.

Just say it as it is, Finken.

Took flight.

A new word for us.
We have to swallow it.

The Bernburg taking flight.

Well, more bad news?
Let's hear!

Seydliu has been beaten,
my General!

The whole left wing annihilated!

Follow me, gentlemen.

Let's go look for death,
since it can't seem to find us.

- Stop! What are you doing?
- But I have to bandage you.

Tearing the flag apart?
Dress my wound with the flag?

For God's sake,
I don't have anything else.

What do you need the old,
torn-up flag for?

Old, torn-up flag?
How do you like that?

What a thing to say!

The flag almost cost you your life,
and the dame...

- What's your name, anyway?
- Luise.

Luise wants to tear it up.

She is indeed a whimsical girl.

Here, use this bandage.

That poor guy
doesn't need it anymore.

You think it's better to take away
the bandage of a dead man

than to use a tom-up flag?

Don't talk nonsense!

Go on!

Not everything is lost
as long as we have our flag.

But you don't understand that.
How could you?

You are just a little girl.

But very pFettY!

Go ahead, now.
Don't stop. Carry on.

Does it hurt?

- Whose carriage is it out there?
- It's mine.

We'll take it
to the next casualty station.

MUSK we?

Well, they're dying like flies
in our hands.

But I have to go to Lebus,
but then...

Well, take it already,
but bring it back soon.

All right.

You've seen the last
of that carriage.

Please don't say that.
Don't say that.

Do you really think they'll
bring it back? You are naive.

But my parents, and my brother!

This is terrible! Terrible!

You're right about that.
Everything is terrible.

Take the fastest route to Vienna.

Report to Her Imperial Majesty.

With all humility before God,

who gave His blessing
to the troops and brave allies

of Her most gracious
Imperial Majesty,

General Laudon reports
that Her Majesty's archenemy,

the King of Prussia,

has been smashed at today's battle
at Kunersdorf.

In fact, in such a way
that no wonder should be capable

of ever making him rise again.

And that the House of Habsburg
will also triumph in the same way,

through the grace of heaven,

over every one of its enemies
in the future,

and invokes Your loyal General
above Your Imperial Majesty's head

and above the heads
of Your Imperial Majesty's children.

I am cold, Schenkendorf.

But that's your coat, Schenkendorf.
Now you're going to be cold.

I'm not cold, Your Majesty.

You have hot blood, Schenkendorf.
Mine is frozen.

- Have you seen that, Schenkendorf?
- What, Your Majesty?

The Prussians were fleeing.

The Regiment of Bernburg,
Your Majesty.

But they are Prussians.

The Regiment of Bernburg.
Aren't they, Schenkendorf?

I have seen wounds
in the backs of soldiers! Back wounds!

They didn't exist in Prussia...

until today!

Your Majesty should get some rest.

I'm shivering, Schenkendorf!
The King of Prussia shivers!

Have you ever seen me do that?

It's very cold, Your Majesty.

Kunersdorf.

When I heard that name
for the first time...

I've been here as a young man.

Kunersdorf.

That this would
be the name of my end?

Kunersdorf.

And where to now, Your Majesty?

To hell, Schenkendorf.
It's warm there. I have to defrost.

I'm unable to move any limb.

Dessau! Clear the house over there
at once for His Majesty.

Yes, sir.

The evening air is poison,
Your Majesty.

- Poison?
- Your Majesty.

Kunersdorf.
A page in history.

A small page, two lines, perhaps.
Under which Prussia lies buried.

Dust, Schenkendorf.

Does Your Majesty
want to stay here?

Do you think I am glued on here?

To turn into stone?

To turn into the monument
of my shame?

I have to write.
It's the only thing I have left.

Where is the house?
The house that's still standing?

Over there, next to the mill,
Your Majesty.

No entry!

I want to get out of here!
I just want to get my belongings!

- I need my belongings!
- You stupid damsel!

I must be allowed
to take my belongings,

since you are already
throwing me out of my own house!

Let the woman be.

Rather, bring me a board, some cloth,
or anything else you can find

so I can close the window.

Everything is riddled and shot apart!

Get a measure of wood
to light the candle again.

I'm sure you have plenty of light,
Major!

Our whole mill lightens your room!

What are you doing there?

I take what I care about.

And what you have not burned yet
or shot apart.

And that picture there...

It shall burn.
He who burned our mill.

That's what he turned
our country into!

What a great sovereign!

Get a measure of wood.

From where?
There is no fire in our oven anymore.

Do you hate him a lot?

There aren't many left
who could hate him.

The whole country
is littered with corpses.

Every village, every house,
every barn:

dead bodies everywhere.

Animals and children!

Yes, that's terrible.
But there's worse.

The war is the worst.

Who wanted it? I didn't!
Nor did my father!

You, perhaps?

No.

We're just poor millers!

Why do we have to suffer
and pay for the King's war?

Leave, my child.

He doesn't have to worry about
where he'll find a carriage now

to haul off his last belongings!

Or whether he'll find a roof
over his head!

He can sit at home
in his beautiful castle!

Get up.
You're sitting on my coat.

Now the mill is burning out.

Go, at last.

Are you injured?

No.

Can I help you?

Yes. Leave me alone.

What are you doing here, woman?
Get out!

Don't make a fuss.

- They hate me.
- Why?

- Your Majesty--
- Don't answer.

This Ietter will go
via express messenger

to Count Finkenstein in Berlin.

“Kunersdorf, August 12, 1759.

This morning at 11:00,
I attacked the enemy.

We drove them as far as
the jewish cemetery near Frankfurt.

All my troops have worked wonders,

but this churchyard brought us
enormous casualties.

Our men were in disarray.
Two horses died under me.

My misfortune is that I'm still alive.

Our casualties are very serious.

Of an army of 48,000 men

I have now, as I write this,
less than 3,000 left. "

- 30,000.
- 3,000.

But that's impossible.

Yes, Your Majesty, it is...

“Everyone's fleeing, and I have
no command over my men anymore.

Everyone in Berlin would be well
advised to have his safety in mind.

This is a horrible disaster.
I will not survive it.

I have no more resources,
and, without lying,

it appears to me that all is lost.

I will not survive the downfall
of my fatherland.

Goodbye, forever,

Frederick. “

Aunt Elisabeth.

It is the King's wish that Her Majesty
leave for Magdeburg at once

and take the treasury along.

Get a hold of yourself, my boy.

I will travel as soon as possible.

Notify the headquarters at once.

I will try immediately
to get through to the King.

Send me to the headquarters
to see the King.

No, Royal Highness.
Children shouldn't be in war.

Your MaiestY-

We have to see him, Aunt Elisabeth.
We have to get his assurance.

- We have to be with him.
- Child, what are you talking about?

You're not able to ride
with your injury yet, Major!

I'll take a carriage, Excellency.
You can depend on it.

I will get through.

And if something happens to you?
Or if you're arrested?

We still don't even know
where the Russians are!

The papers may,
under no circumstances,

fall into the wrong hands!

They won't fall into the wrong hands.

And if I should be forced to,
I will eat them, Excellency!

The King often thought
there would be no way out,

but he always found one in the end.

But the King needs you.

He doesn't need me.
Neither in bad nor in good days.

Not even in death?

Never. Never.

Good luck with your trip.

Just take my carriage.
It's down at Schoenhauser Avenue--

Are you eavesdropping?

A Prussian Prince is not
eavesdropping. He's listening.

Major Rochow,
you're going to see the King.

You have to take me with you.

I cannot do that.
I don't have an authorization for it.

Who has to issue it?

The Queen. But I'm glad
I don't have it, Prince.

I'm in a hurry.

Peace. That's the only choice
we have left.

The King has not passed
the Supreme Command on to me

to initiate peace negotiations,

but to protect his capital.

I bet the Russians
are already in Berlin.

Let's face the facts.
The King surrenders.

And if he won't do it,
we'll have to force him.

Gentlemen! Gentlemen!

Let's not forget
we are Prussian generals!

That's a revolt!

It's no fun anymore to be an officer.

The impression that it's no fun
for you anymore, Colonel Bernburg,

I've already had for three days.

What are you saying, General?

In my opinion, Colonel, your regiment
was a crying shame at Kunersdorf.

Half of my men are dead.

What about the rest, Colonel?

Was I supposed to senselessly
sacrifice the rest of them, too?

Is this a slaughterhouse,
or are we waging a war?

"Senselessly“?

The conduct of Regiment of Bernburg

was crucial to the outcome
of the battle.

Just let it be, Seydlitz.
It's all over and lost anyway.

Berlin was reeling in victory.

The news of the lost battle

caused a storm of outrage
and disappointment.

Why? Please answer me.
Why, for God's sake,

did you send out a messenger
of victory to Berlin too soon?

Were you not notified,
my dear brother,

that the battle was already won?

The victory was taken from me
by a circumstance I couldn't assess.

What circumstance?

The Prussians took flight.

They failed at the impossible.

What does that mean?

Not more than I said.
They failed at the impossible.

What was impossible?
An order? A plan of action?

What was impossible?

I plead for your criticism, General!

- I'm not entitled to that.
- I command it.

Then I do not begin
at the sad ending.

You asked the impossible
of the whole nation!

All of Europe is against Prussia!

That's what you have accomplished!

Not only did you stand
against the Austrians

and the Russians at Kunersdorf,

but your army was spread out
and scattered everywhere,

waiting for the countless enemies!

If you would have pursued

the politics of decreasing
the number of your enemies,

instead of increasing it every year,

we would have had
an honorable peace long ago,

and Prussia would be blooming!

I didn't ask for your political
criticism. You're not versed in that.

I ask you as a General,

as the Generalissimo of
the Prussian Army that you are today,

what was wrong about the plan
for the battle of Kunersdorf?

What was the impossible
I've asked for?

You underestimated
the number of the Russians!

Correct.

You underestimated
the aggressiveness of the Austrians!

Correct.

You attacked at least
two days too early.

If you would have waited
until the Prussians

had barricaded their positions,

so they would have been able
to cope with the stampede,

we would still have them today.

It wasn't about holding positions,
but taking positions!

Why did you rush Seydliiz
into battle against his will?

Why did you let
the Regiment of Bernburg

approach the fire-breathing walls
of the cemetery,

where they broke down?

This position was not to be taken.
Never, and under no circumstances.

Not even by the Prussians!

If you would have--!

Would have, would have, would have!
If they would have listened!

Just listened!
Listened to the orders of their King!

They would have stalled
at that position!

They would have
let themselves be gunned down!

They would have built a wall
of corpses, of Prussian corpses!

And kept the Austrians there
until Tauenlzien, with his cannons,

would have made it through the mud!

Until they would have brought
the cannons to Miihlberg!

I would have needed two hours!
Only two hours, perhaps just one.

But I couldn't count on my Prussians
taking flight, my dear brother!

That's why we were bleeding
to death in Kunersdorf!

And Prussia has to pay for that today!

That a few soldiers held their lives

in higher regard
than the life of Prussia!

Prussia lived under our father.

He was a great soldier,
possibly even greater than you.

He was the one
who established the army.

But he kept the peace,
and he kept measure.

He built villages and cities.
He built roads.

He turned swampland
into prosperous farmland.

A life's work for peace.

And to conserve this peace,
I have to wage war.

A war that will be the end
of a free Germany.

What Germany are you referring to?

This antiquated,
only of bygone splendor,

living Roman Empire
of a German nation?

This utopia should go under.

And there has to appear
a German Empire led by Prussia!

Only Prussia has the material and
moral requirements for this calling!

Not Habsburg!

Habsburg has proven itself
incapable of such leadership,

since it is willing to share its power
over Germany with foreign nations

who don't even care
about the well-being of the Germans.

It is sad that this war
is leading nations of one bloodline

against each other!

This fact pains me
more than anything.

But the historical imperatives
are stronger than our wishes.

So I have asked you to come here,
Generalissimo,

to get to know your instructions

for the Supreme Commander
of the Silesian Army,

General von Finken.

It is no longer necessary.

The Generals will receive
their instructions from me again.

- Then I am released from duty?
- Yes.

It is unfortunate that we get along
with each other so poorly, Heinrich.

When did you ever have
fraternal emotions, Your Majesty?

If I would have died at Kunersdorf,
and I came close twice,

then you would be,
according to my will,

the King of Prussia today.

It wasn't according to destiny
that this will was to be found on me.

You've already pushed a brother
aside that way once,

without saying you mistreated him.

So he died from grief about it.

Well, you'll have to excuse me.
I am on duty.

Generals.

Are the gentlemen debating?

What are your reports?

Your Majesty, we heard
about your illness--

I know, you're concerned
about my well-being.

May I ask you,
Supreme Commander?

The Prussian Army
is 28,000 men strong again.

That's barely more than half.

Two days before the battle,
we were 48,000 strong.

What did you decide?

To beg you to make peace,
Your Majesty.

With who? The Russians?

As well as with the Austrians, the
French, the Saxons, and the Swedes.

- You don't know any other way out?
- No other, Your Majesty.

None of my generals
holds a different view?

- Seydliiz?
- No, Your Majesty.

- Schenkendorf?
- His Majesty has to make peace.

Otherwise, our soldiers
will force us to make peace.

Tauenizien?

Trying to snatch away victory
from such superiority

equals tempting God.

And it will be our downfall
to defy destiny.

So you want to surrender?

Zieten, do you agree, too?

I take the Supreme Command back
from the hands of General von Finken.

We've gained time.

The Russians
remained in their positions.

General Saltykov doesn't take
advantage of his victory.

We will thwart the enemy,

save Berlin, or let ourselves
be slaughtered.

Whoever is afraid to follow me
may go home.

I won't stand in his way.

One more thing.

Colonel Bernburg,
line up your regiment

at the exit of the village of Lebus.

Luise, just wait
until we've arrived in Lebus.

Your father--

- I am cold.
- Do you want your coat?

Niehoff, hand over her coat.

So, here you go.

We're still not in Lebus.
They will never wait that long.

Then you have to stay with us, Luise!

Since we got you in trouble
to begin with.

What am I supposed to do
amongst soldiers?

It's not that bad
amongst soldiers, Luise.

Where else are you going to go?
Home, perhaps?

To Kunersdorf? Well, see.

This cursed King! He's got
a lot to answer for, that devil!

He's a devil, all right.
But cursed he is not.

You only have to see him once.
You would talk differently.

I have no desire at all for your King.

Now, calm down, Luise.

After all, he is your King, too.

I see something! I see something!

Here, hold the reins,
because I really see something!

See? You're already laughing again!

But the goose
doesn't belong to you, Sergeant.

It belongs to me now.
It's loot, just like our horse.

- A fine dinner we have here.
- Are you feeling better?

Yes, I'm all right.
Just a little exhausted, still.

- Well, lay back down, then.
- Yes.

And where is my nursemaid,
Niehoff?

Since when am I his nursemaid,
Sergeant?

My name is Paul Treskow,
but you may call me Paul.

And this is my friend,
Friedrich Ernst Niehoff.

You may call him Niehoff.

And take your hands off him.
We won't even start that.

Listen up! Order of the King!

All the injured and scattered men
of the Regiment of Bernburg

have to concentrate at the exit
of the village Lebus

at 6:00 in the evening!

Understood!

There! Go now!

But we don't have to hurry, Paul.

They won't start without us.
We have the flag.

The flag will be retracted,
the officers lose their stripes,

and the soldiers
their bands and brocades!

And the drummers
won't tabor the march anymore!

Only one woodblock and one drum
will set the pace,

and proclaim
at the front of the regiment:

“Here come those who would
rather live than be victorious!"

MOVE!

Long live the King!

He died with the words,
"Long live the King!“

I can't be bothered with that.
He was fleeing battle.

And he was fleeing life.
He had no ethical conscience.

Go.

Von Renew,
you came at the fight “ma.

You'll take over the Regiment
of Bernburg, Colonel von Reizow.

Your Majesty,
I will build up the regiment--

It's all right.

I know it is difficult
to lead a dishonored regiment.

Bear it like I have to bear it.

- You can go.
- Your Majesty.

You may keep your stripes.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Well, you're some cadet.

Running away and coming to field
without order!

I apologize, Uncle.

- Uncle? I am your King, Lieutenant!
- Your Majesty!

Well, first eat something, my boy.

I don't need anything to eat
right now, Your Majesty.

But you were traveling all day.

Go on. Sit down.

What's new in Berlin?
Are the people very angry with me?

Not in my presence, Your Majesty.

- I see, but otherwise you think, yes.
- I don't know.

I know it. I know the Berliner.
They have a loose tongue.

But, othenlvise, they are quite useful.

You have to go back, Heinrich.

I beg you, Your Majesty.
Please let me stay.

I don't want to endanger you.

- Can you smell something?
- Chocolate.

Yes, chocolate.
A rare product these days, isn't it?

- Did you really?
- Do you want to try it?

- Rather not.
- You don't know it. Special blend.

Only for His Majesty.
Only for his personal use.

- Alfons!
- Try it already.

- That's not possible.
- Try it!

- That's not possible, Alfons.
- I see, you're making difficulties!

- I'm no murderer.
- Murderer?

Don't you love your fatherland?

Besides, you've been paid very well,
you two-faced pig.

First you take money,
and then you back out?

- Alfons!
- You!

You won't trick us again.

I'll stay here tonight and watch you.

When I leave for Vienna
tomorrow morning,

I'd like to take good news along.

Understood, my friend?

You are the hope of the state,
Heinrich.

Do you know that?

You make me unhappy, Your Majesty--

It's not about our happiness,
Heinrich.

I'd also be happy to keep you here.

But I don't have the right
to such happiness.

We're not allowed
to do what we want.

Do you think I want to wage war?

I have to. I have to.

Come here.

Put all your diligence
into your studies.

You know, I don't think a great deal
of your brother, the Crown Prince.

Time marches on. We can arrange
that you'll be in my place one day.

Prepare for it.

So, my boy, now I'm on duty.

- May I wait for Your Majesty?
- Yes, yes. You can wait here.

We have to walk around like convicts!

I don't care at all.

Whether I have that Prussian cheese
on here or not,

it's the same thing to me after all.

Hopefully he'll also take away
the red lapels and gold buttons soon,

and we'll be civilians again!

Civilians! Civilians!
What more can you ask for?

You're about to run off again,
aren't you?

Have you already forgotten
your last gauntlet?

Look at that. How do you smuggle
all that over the border?

As a messenger, young lady.
Borders don't exist for a messenger.

And where did you get the money?

Well, let's hear!
Where did you get it?

Well, that, on the other hand,
is a state secret.

- Here you are!
- Well, hello!

What kind of surprises
do you have for us?

- Leave me alone.
- You can't do that.

May I introduce myself?
Alfons. The "beautiful" Alfons!

Would you like to drink with me?
To the King?

Paul.

You don't have to ask Paul
for permission.

- You may drink to the King with me.
- No, I don't drink.

- What are you doing here?
- You.

If the King is dead tomorrow,
it'll be your fault.

- If you don't shut your dirty mouth--
- But what did I say?

What happened?

Who tore up your uniform like that?

This guy. "The old Fritz. "

Stupid jokes on top of everything!

What's the matter?

Let's go, Luise.

- The King tore up your uniforms?
- Yes, the King. The King did it.

Hide the jiggers!
The King is inspecting the camp!

The King!

- Where is the King?
- Just go down there, little lady.

- But, Royal Highness!
- Light the candle.

- And where is Your Majesty sleeping?
- Well, bring me my coat.

You mBY 9°-

Who is sleeping in there?

The replacement of the guard,
Your Majesty.

Then I'll eat here.
Just put my dinner down here.

In the hall, Your Majesty?

We take off tomorrow morning at 3:00,
towards Torgau.

The carriage will take the Prince
back to Berlin as soon as he awakes.

And what if he refuses?

Then tell him it's the King's order.

- Good night, Dessau.
- Good night, Your Majesty.

- What's that?
- Chocolate, Your Majesty.

Where did you get that?

Via certain byways, Your Majesty.

BywaYS.

Contraband from Wanna.

Contraband!

You know, I don't make
special demands.

Wake me quietly tomorrow morning
so the Prince doesn't wake up.

You may have the rest of the food.

- Good night.
- Good night.

Franz! What's the matter?

Franz!

Poison?

From the House of Habsburg!

Guard!

VIENNA

It couldn't have happened
in a different way.

The story would have lost its meaning

if Frederick wouldn't
have been beaten at Kunersdorf.

- Why?
- Why?

Your question is a little
straightforward, General Laudon.

I also expect a straightforward
answer, dear Count.

Only Habsburg has
the legitimate leadership of Germany.

This little Marquis of Brandenburg
is acting up like a king.

Let me remind you of the case
of your Royal Crown.

Which your dear grandfather

took beyond the Empire's border
to Ktinigsberg, where he put it,

in an act of megalomania,
and on his own authority,

over his elector's coronet.

Perhaps you're right,

and the legitimacy of his royalty
has not been proven--

The opposite has been proven,
General Laudon.

Good, good, but he has proven
that he is born to be king,

and not only on the battlefield,
Count Kaunitz.

As you know, General Laudon
has the tendency

to let a discussion of the opponent
stray so far from the truth

that his own achievements
are eclipsed by it.

But concerning a thief, this chivalry
appears to be a little out of place,

and, furthermore, very dangerous.

The tendency to underestimate
the opponent

also has its perils, dear Count.

And it appears to me,
even the greater ones.

When the Empire was in peril to life,
it wasn't saved

by one of the crowned heads
of legitimate kings, but...

by this guy here.

Prince Eugene of Savoy.

And in reverence of this memento,

let us talk with respect
about a great man.

- About a great king.
- General Laudon? A dispatch.

But, Excellency,
isn't that taking it too far?

To compare the victor
of Yugoslavia and Belgrade,

this most loyal servant
of his Emperor,

this genius of a commander,

with the defeated King of Prussia?

May I interrupt
your historical excursion?

The Prussians
are marching towards Torgau.

With a new army.

46,000 men.

The minuet has begun.
Her Majesty welcomes you.

We are singing,
and he is marching.

Should I get a doctor for you,
Your Majesty?

Leave me alone with your doctors.

They only tell me it's gout.
I can feel that myself.

This awful music!

And he's out of tune, as well.

Should I tell him to stop,
Your Majesty?

No.

The leper clanger shall clang on.

It shall not leave
the ears of the Bernburger.

His Majesty regrets that he will not
be able to see the generals.

His Majesty feels below par.

His Majesty wishes
to hear the generals' concerns

from the mouth of his Royal Highness,
Prince Heinrich.

The King wishes not to see

the Civil Deputation
of the cities Berlin and Magdeburg.

He suggests to contact the president

of the Royal Government's Cabinet
in Berlin, the Count von Finkenstein.

His Majesty believes
you could have saved yourself

this exhausting detour.

Good morning, gentlemen.
My regards to Berlin.

The citizens of the cities of Prussia
are weary of this war.

I see. The citizens of the cities
of Prussia are weary of this war.

So are we, Mayor!

Eventually, the whole war
plays out on the back of the citizens.

Who has to pay for it?

The people are moaning much more
than His Majesty seems to know.

Calm down, gentlemen.
His Majesty is well aware of that.

People mutter and rant everywhere,

and believe me, they don't
even exclude the King himself.

Well, that's not that bad.
That's the nature of the matter.

Nobody believes in victory anymore.

That's terrible.
They may rant. The soldiers rant, too.

And it's understandable
that you all are weary of the war.

So are we, Mayor, believe me.
But to doubt victory is high treason.

You're lucky you're only allowed
to bring forward your opinions to me,

here in the antechamber.

Because with His Majesty?
Well, so...

Please leave me alone now.
I have work to do.

My dear, you're not versed in that.

I'm old enough to know
what I'm talking about.

And I am your brother.

I speak for the whole Royal House.

Only a miracle could save you now.

But no one in the family
believes in such a miracle.

We agree on that, my dear.
I don't believe in miracles, either.

- There is one way out.
- I'm curious.

An alliance with France.

A plea for peace.
Form an alliance with the French.

Hand me the bottle.

Think about yourself, too.
You are ill.

Yes, I have gout.
But not in the head, thank God.

An alliance with France!
You guys are dilettantes.

The French are the most natural
allies of Prussia!

- An alliance means Prussia's safety!
- Nonsense!

The intention of the Pact of
Versailles is to fragment Prussia!

I know this Pompadour state!

They would like the map to look like
it did after the Thirty Years' War!

Nothing but small duchies,
and each one as weak as possible!

But you can count on it, I won't give
away one district! Not one village!

And if it should take 10 years!
Or 20!

The French will give us
an honorable peace, and they will--

They will, they will! Kid's stuff!

I know where you get these ideas.

The Margraves of Bayreuth

has started peace negotiations
with Versailles behind my back.

It's a conspiracy.
I'm well aware of that.

But I'm telling you, the French will
always be enemies of Prussia!

As long as Prussia
still has to expand its territory.

My successors may become
the allies of France one day

if they have rounded off
their state enough!

You will destroy the Monarchy.

I am the King.
That's my concern.

Just like you defamed
the Regiment of Bernburg.

The regiment of the old Dessau,
who was a friend of our father.

You will put Prussia
to shame in the same way.

It disagrees with
the tradition of our Royal House.

Tradition!
What does tradition mean to you?

A foreign word for arrogance,
laziness, and gutlessness.

You must be blind.

You don't even see
what's happening in the country.

You don't know anything about
the voice of citizens or the nobility.

You're conspiring against me.
All of you. My own family.

And I know so are
many of my generals.

But I have no room
for traitors in my state.

Not even highborn traitors.

You should be decapitated.

You, Heini! You, Heini!

- What's the matter?
- I can't go on!

None of us can.
But we don't make a fuss like you.

We have to walk on and walk on.
Nothing but walk on.

Day and night.
Down to our bare bones.

We don't walk. We march.

The King wins his war with my legs.

Not with mine anymore.

Soon, I will only march
in one direction.

The opposite way.

You're really something.

Zieten, you won't attack
until I give the command.

Not before, Zieten.

You'll hear about the exact time
of your attack from my adjutant.

Zieten will initiate our attack.

And if Daun is forced
to defend himself

with all his forces in the South,

I will attack from behind,
from the North.

I hand over the command
of the Bernburg privates to Zieten,

so he can secure the flank.

We have to avoid at all cost
an attack by the enemy.

My plan is based on that.

An attack from all sides
precisely at the same time.

And don't fire unnecessarily,
especially not too early.

Approach the enemy
up to 10 or 20 feet,

fire a volley straight up his nose,

and then finish him off
with your bayonet into his ribs!

Drum that into your privates.

Where the enemy retreats,
the cavalry must compactly attack,

drive in their horses full throttle,
and pack a punch!

In three days, we'll either be
victorious at Torgau, or we shall die.

Well?

According to the latest news,
we face 65,000 Austrians.

65,000?

Oh, "W!

20,000 would be more dangerous.

For 65,000,
the space is much too small.

General Zieten believes, Daun has
a position that no one can penetrate.

I agree. No one can.

Daun lies behind
the Siptiiz Heights.

His position is surrounded
by woods, ponds, banks,

and impassable territory.

Nobody will get in. That's right.

But 65,000 in such a small space?

If we don't let them out,
they'll step on each other's toes.

And that, Dessau,
is why we must not let them out.

Because then they're lost.

We'll show them
a battle of destruction

like we haven't seen since Cannes.

The archetype of a battle
of encirclement.

Colonel.

On the King's order,
Regiment of Bernburg falls into line

with the lefl: wing of General Zieten.

Just leave me alone for three minutes.

Look, we don't have time. We don't
have a church, nor do we have rings.

I'm not suited
to be a minister at all.

But that's not that important.

Only love is important.

Well, put your hands together.

So, now we beg our dear God

that your husband will get out alive
from this dirty war.

And you, Luise,
be a good soldier's wife.

Well, that's it.

Now hurry up. Join your company.

Sergeant Treskow, everyone's
ready to march in 10 minutes.

Paul!

Paul!

I've embroidered it all day.

It came out beautiful, Luise.

At least I have something from you.

Now it can start again.

I'm with you, too.

- I'll always be with you. Right, Paul?
- Yes.

- Ensign! Tie it to the rifle!
- Fine.

Luise, today we'll
get our honor back.

Your honor.

As long as you come back.

Come, now.

We have to celebrate our wedding,
right, Luise?

Hold the rifle!

Are you really crying, little Luise?

That's so nice.

Let's walk on a little.

I've never experienced that.

No one was crying over me
when it started.

Two! Three! Four!

Now you have to stay here,
all right?

It's starting to get ticklish.

Bye, my wife.

Take care, Paul.

Can you read the clock on the spire?

5:40, Your Majesty.

We'll take the same way back.

Exactly at 6:15,
Zieten shall start the attack.

Hurry up! HUFFY "P!

Adjutant von Weber,
go to General Zieten at once.

Take the bugler with you
and deliver the King's order.

Zieten shall start the attack
at 6:15 sharp. Repeat.

On the King's order, General Zieten
shall start the attack at 6:15 sharp.

Take the shortest way
through the heathland,

over the small bridge by Radenthein.

Be careful. The whole area
is covered with Austrians.

Should you get cutoff,
immediately give the signal to attack.

No matter, where you are.
Hurry up.

- Herr Rampen!
- Your Excellency?

Your Excellency.

I'm under the impression
that His Majesty doesn't need us.

Go and ask courteously
when we'll receive our pension.

At the Chamber of Commerce
in Potsdam, Your Excellency?

Something is wrong here.

I'm telling you,
something is wrong here.

'Fume?

It strikes 6:00, Your Excellency.

Yes, 6:00.

It strikes 13:00, my friend.

Order of General Zieten!

A reliable man has to go down to the
road between Siptitz and Grotilz.

Siptitz and Grotilz?

And signal the arrival
of the King's adjutant.

- Take a bugler with you! Hurry up!
- Yes, Colonel!

Make sure the road
is clear of the enemy!

Order for Genera Eaten.
But hurry up.

Stupid nonsense.

We're waiting here,
pinned down like apes.

No adjutant. No signal.

What's His Majesty thinking?

You! Lay down!

But these guys are Austrians.

Rochow said the road was clear.

- It was just a patrol.
- More men!

That's a whole regiment.

Might as well be five regiments.
We're only the advance party.

Let's hurry back to Eaten.

Look!

They're lining up to attack.

They're coming at us from behind.

Go! Blow!

Are you crazy? I'm supposed to blow
when the adjutant arrives.

How is he supposed to come
on this road now, you idiot?

Blow!

I won't be court-martialed?

Give me that junk, you idiot!

Thank God!

The signal to attack!

Let's play up these Imperials!

- Where is General Daun?
- What's going on?

The Prussians
are attacking from all sides.

All roads are closed off.

Then let's fire all 400 cannons.

Until they smolder.

Have you ever heard fire like this?

It's like Judgment Day.

Like the trombones of death.

For Heaven's sake! My King!

Directly beneath the heart.

What are you doing with me?

Can you not be of real use?

But His Majesty is injured.

- Nonsense!
- His Majesty is bleeding!

That's a shameless accusation,
I'm telling you!

The King is not injured.

Give me my hat!

The bullet that kills me
will come from up there.

Forward!

To victory!

We won!

We won!

We won!

Victory, Your Majesty, victory!

The King has won at Torgau!

We have destroyed 65,000!

I embrace you
and all your brave Prussians.

Stronger hearts don't exist.

The banners of victory, Your Majesty.

The old Prussian banners.

Goebelin, Hohenfriedberg, Leuthen,
and now the banner of Torgau, too!

Zieten.

Your MaiestY-

Your Majesty,
the Regiment of Bemburg is waiting.

Regiment of Bernburg.

Brave men!

All is forgiven and forgotten!

But today I will never forget!

Long live our Fritz!

One! Two! Three!

Long live our Fritz!

Paul!

Paul!

Paul!

Paul!

Little Luise!

Paul!

Little Luise!

- Paul!
- Luise!

The King said all is forgiven
and forgotten!

Be quiet.

I love you.

The adjutant fell?

By Gratin?

Nonsense!

How then did you receive
the order to attack?

I received the signal, Your Majesty.

From the adjutant?

How is that possible,
if the adjutant fell by Grotitz?

Sergeant Treskow
of the Regiment of Bernburg

had orders to wait for the adjutant at
the junction of Siptitz and Grotilz,

because he was running late.

He was supposed to give a signal

as soon as the adjutant
arrived at the junction.

So what?

Did he, perhaps,
give the order to sound for attack?

Are you not going to answer,
gentlemen?

A sergeant gave the signal to attack?

In his sole discretion?

Silence!

A present from the 5th Company!

See, Luise?

Now you're a real soldier's wife.

Custom made.

Short-waned.

Like a general!

Just be careful that she doesn't
start wearing pants, too.

I am so happy, Paul.

I am so happy-

- Sergeant Treskow?
- Here!

Go to Colonel Rochow at once!

Sergeant.

You had the order to signal
the arrival of the King's adjutant.

Did you give the order
to sound for attack?

- No, Colonel--
- No?

- Is that Sergeant Treskow?
- Yes, Your Majesty.

And he denies giving the order?

You did not give the order
to sound for attack?

No, Your Majesty.
I blew the bugle for attack myself.

How could you?

I knew it was against His Majesty's
orders for us to get attacked.

And, therefore,
I blew the bugle for attack.

Without an order?

The Austrians were going
to attack us from behind.

Did you also know that wasn't
according to the King's plan?

No, Your Majesty.

Well, it wasn't according to my plan.

The battle could have taken
a different course.

Only that saves you
from instant execution.

You'll be tied to the wheel
for three days.

Guard.

Arrest the Sergeant.

Sergeant Treskow
will be promoted to Lieutenant.

But he has to do the three days.
Discipline is necessary.

Nevertheless,

I reward determined and
independent actions of my soldiers.

And what happens to me
if the artillery leaves tomorrow?

Then you'll walk after us
for three days.

Tied down like a dog.

No, Colonel.

Not with me!

Get away from here!

Move on, rabble!

If the adjutant
would have given the signal,

he would have been highly decorated.

But our kind
will be tied to the wheel.

No, no.

Here ends the love of the fatherland.

Be reasonable, Treskow.

You don't even know
what the King has planned for you.

- You don't understand him.
- I don't want to understand.

I don't need to understand.

God knows
I've always been for the King.

I would have let myself
be cut into pieces for him.

Don't make yourself unhappy
now that you just got married.

Easy for you to say.

He took me away,
straight from my wedding party!

Treskow, you forget yourself.

Far from it, Colonel.
I bethink myself.

Until now, I had forgotten myself.

We fought like lions at Kunersdorf,

and he took away our bands
and our honor.

And now after Torgau,
he has me tied to the wheel.

No, no.

AT THE RUSSIAN HEADQUARTERS
IN TORUN

Thank God!

Now this nonsense is finally over!

A little moresavair-faire gentlemen.

The Czarina is dead.
Long live the Czar!

Long live the Czar!

Without me, gentlemen!

I wonder, whether the young
gentlemen will remain as enthusiastic

when they find out
we'll soon be allies of the Prussians.

I think, then more than ever.

The Russian Guard has often shown
a fatal adoration

for the commanding genius
of the Prussian King.

And the Russian people?

They will not be asked.

But the priests will give
their opinion without being asked.

They will preach it to the people
from their lecterns.

Yes, you're right.

The clergy doesn't love him.

And the priests have always
been the stronger ones.

Here, we would need
Peter the Great for that.

And not this one here.

To deal with
such a dangerous opponent.

And Katharina, his wife?

It was a love match once.

Yes, it was.

But it's different today.

Yes.

If we follow the young Czar's orders,
my dear General,

it is absolutely
in the realm of possibilities--

That we'll have to answer for our
deeds in front of another regent.

That's what you mean, General,
isn't it?

Yes.

We understand each other.

It's clear as daylight to me that
the Czar's calculation doesn't add up.

He is half Russian.

He's not able to feel like a Russian,
this former Duke of Holstein.

His absurd fondness for his enemy
will entice him to become a copycat.

He'll try to turn us Russians
into Prussians, dear Chernyshev.

That's why it is advisable to act
with extreme caution and reservation.

What does that mean?

That we have to meet clear orders.

If we don't,

we might have to go to bed one night
with our head in our arms.

I have a proposal to make.

Russia is big,
and the Czar is far away.

It's difficult to keep an eye on us.

Fortunately, it's two of us,
Chernyshev.

We separate,
but still remain together.

You'll join Frederick
with your 20,000.

Just tell him you're bringing 30,000.

He'll welcome you even more.

And I'll remain here, in Prussia,
in Torun, with my 60,000 men.

We'll call it a stronghold
against the Swedes.

What if Frederick wins?

Then we've secured East Prussia
and Pomerania for him.

And what if he loses?

Then Russia will thank us, no matter
who comes to the Czar's throne.

We'll return home with East Prussia
and Pomerania as our loot.

Very good.

Stop!

Turn on the lights.

They're Russians.

They're negotiators.

I'd like to see the King of Prussia.

Take it easy, gentleman.
Take it easy.

I can't bring the first negotiator
to the King of Prussia.

I won't negotiate with anyone else.

Well, come down then.

- What are you, anyway?
- Lieutenant!

That's your authentication,
Lieutenant?

That's an authentication
for General Chernyshev.

Yes, well...

Please leave us alone, gentlemen.

I am General Chernyshev,
Your Majesty.

And why this guise, General?

The matter is important.

I wanted to show up myself.

And I was afraid,
the notice of my presence

would cause too much noise
in the camp.

That's why...

Please have a seat, General.

Frankly speaking,

I've been expecting a message
from my friend, Czar Peter III.

A message of peace, General.

I bring you more than that,
Your Majesty.

It is the first official act
of my Imperial Master

after the demise of her blessed
Majesty, Czarina Elisabeth,

to not only offer you peace,
but a military alliance, as well.

I'm bringing you 30,000 Russians.

To support me?

They're under the Supreme Command
of Your Majesty!

Do you also snuff, General?

I'd like to hold it just once,
the tin the world's talking about.

You like it? You may keep it.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Bless you, Your MaiestY!

When can I have the Russians?

Right away, Your Majesty.

It's starting to snow
sooner than usual this year.

And Your Majesty doesn't want
to experience a second winter camp

like in Brusewiiz.

The Count von Finkenstein.

Pardon me, Your Majesty.
It is urgent.

Why are you here
and not in the field?

I ask for your permission
to excuse myself.

I will wait until His Majesty
calls for me.

Is something wrong with Heinrich?

The Queen is asking Your Majesty
to come to Berlin at once.

Prince Heinrich is sick.

Is he dead?

Finkenstein, don't lie to me.

No, Your Majesty,
but the Prince is very sick.

What does he have?
What's the matter with him?

The smallpox.

Finkenstein,
he is all I have left in this world.

He is the last one who has my heart.

He must not be taken from me.

Not to waste time, it would be best

if Your Majesty would just take
my carriage to go to Berlin.

No, you're going to Berlin.

I can't leave here.

Now less than ever.

This Russian with his grinning
grimace is offering me his friendship.

They already dare
to enter the lion's den.

How far it must have come,
Finkenstein,

for them to think they can play
with me so clumsily?

But if we really play cat and mouse
here, I won't be the mouse.

Notify me of any changes.

His Majesty does not wish
to see the Prince once more?

I am on duty!

Don't you want to talk?

I'm telling you, if you got me
out of bed and ifs not important,

you'll get a nasty surprise!

I only came to you, Colonel,
because I'm at a complete loss.

But you've married us,
and you've always been so kind.

Colonel, what happens
to deserters if I...?

I mean, when you...

catch them?

Who wants to desert?

Colonel, give me your word
that you won't punish the deserters.

I'm supposed to give you my word
not to punish deserters?

Yes.

Tell me, what did you even
come here for?

I just don't want it to happen.

Do you think, it makes sense
to beat around the bush like that?

Treskow?

Right?

Well, look at that.

He's sliding more and more.

Now he's tied to the wheel
for the third time

because he can't keep up
his discipline.

He already threw away the promotion
the King had planned for him.

And in addition to that,
he's deserting.

Look at that.

Look at that.

- So, Paul Treskow wants to desert!
- No.

- What a coward.
- No, he is not a coward!

He just can't get over it
that you've tied him to the--

Nonsense!

He can't get over it!
A lame excuse!

He heard we're attacking tonight!

And he wants to let his comrades
attack by themselves!

Am I right?

But he is not even aware of that.

No one knows
it's starting again tonight.

Arrest Treskow immediately!

Keep that woman from running away!

Guard!

Hurry UP!

Go! Before the guard returns!

Go! What are you waiting for?

I've been tied to that wheel for so
long, a minute doesn't count at all.

But every second counts!

If they find us with these clothes,
they'll shoot us!

Don't get so worked up.

Worked up? This is about our life!

Goddamn life!

A deserter's life!

Well, I don't want to get shot!
Not me!

Or do you already regret
that I cut you loose?

You've lost your guts, have you?

See, God damn it?
Someone's coming.

Paul!

What are you doing?

Take that thing off!

Paul.

It's starting again tonight.

You can't let the others go alone.

What does that mean,
"It's starting again tonight“?

You're supposed to attack.

Without us!

Treskow, don't slow yourself down!

Why?

How do you know that?

From Rochow.

Then I'll go alone!

That idiot's beyond help!

This woman will be your misfortune!

Well, tie me up again.

They're already after you.
They'll be here soon.

Here they are already.

Well, that was close.

Or, to tell the truth,
your wife was your guardian angel.

I don't want the Colonel
to think I'm a coward.

I'm not a coward, Colonel.

I ask for my punishment, Colonel.

Is General Chemyshev
in the castle?

General Chernyshev
is having dinner with the King.

Announce me, then.

- I'm not sure I can do that.
- I can't wait.

I come with urgent
and secret instructions.

Very well, then. I'll try.
After you.

Long live my sublime friend,
Czar Peter III.

We've completely forgotten
how to celebrate festivities.

Well, we also have a few years
of hunger behind us in Prussia.

I have invited you
to a prosperous table

not for the unimportant reason that I
live to see my 50th birthday today...

Oh, Your MBjESTY-

but for a feeling of appreciation
towards my high guests

who have placed
the great surprise of their--

if very tardily recognized--
friendship on the birthday table.

I've decided to decorate
Your High Sovereign

with the Black Eagle First Class.

I enjoy doing so even more,

since the main part
of the Russian expedition army,

under the supreme command
of the reliable General Saltykov,

exerts itself for the protection
of this old country of origin

of the Black Eagle decoration
so conspicuously.

I am sure I can't give greater
pleasure to my Monarch,

than being the bearer of this message
and this illustrious decoration.

Yes?

A message for General Chernyshev.

Please.

An express courier from General
Saltykov is expecting to see him.

I ask Your Majesty to excuse me.
I'll be back immediately.

Please go ahead, General.

DESSBU.

You are responsible
for General Saltykov's courier

to remain with us as our guest.

As you command, Your Majesty.

The Czar assassinated?

Catherine, Empress of Russia.

Catherine II.

This came about faster than I thought.

What is Saltykov saying?

I was ordered to
press you to hurry along.

The order for General Saltykov,
and you, General,

is the first official
act of the new government.

How am I supposed to do that?

How am I supposed to retract 20,000
men without the King noticing?

How do they imagine
that in Petersburg?

General Saltykov advises
the General to be careful.

Do they know in Petersburg this is the
eve of a crucial battle for the King?

That if he should win, the whole
free army will be after me?

What's the advice I shall bring
to General Saltykov?

Well, tell him I will try
to isolate my troops in a way

that the Prussians will lose control
over my movements.

And then, as soon as the Prussians
show any signs of weakness,

I will change sides to the Austrians.
That's all I can do.

It's my mission to go from here via
byways to the Austrian headquarters,

and inform General Daun
about our standby.

Very well then.

I agree with General Saltykov.

Hurry UP-

I'll have fresh horses
prepared for you.

Attention!

The Russian courier will be assigned
to a quarter on the top floor.

He'll be guarded by four men
and is not allowed to leave the room.

At your command.

You're liable for it with your head.

It was meant to be worn on a heart
which now is no longer beating.

My friends are leaving me.

To send the decoration to the widow
of the deceased, as we normally do,

seems to be out of place in this case.

What's your opinion, General?

Oh, well...

Since you don't share
new information with me,

that you've certainly received
from your new government,

I assume our relationship
remains unaffected

by the tragic circumstances.

Yes, Your Majesty.

That's right.

Of course, Your Majesty.

How diplomatic and loyal, General.

Well?

Too bad your officers

don't seem to have
the same attitude as you, General.

Why, Your Majesty?

I had the General's courier assigned
to a quarter in the house.

He preferred to violently
check out of his room.

My guard acted according to duty.

He was shot.

How could His Majesty order
to shoot a courier of my Czarina?

The fact he tried to leave
the castle by force

absolutely justifies my actions.

Good to know
I can be sure of your attitude.

You relieve me of the awkward duty
to communicate to my army

that we house the enemy
within our own camp.

But for reasons of security,
I have to ask for your épée.

Your Maiestvm -

Here, have it.

The battle will be over in three days,
then you will get your épée back.

I will have the order that was given
for the Russians to attack cancelled.

Since the circumstances
have changed,

I certainly won't ask
the Russians to fight for me.

But their position to march,
dear General,

has to be maintained in pretense

so Daun still expects their attack

and will only turn half
of his force towards me.

After the battle, you may travel
accompanied by my best wishes

and my best regards
to your new Empress.

For God's sake,
does he not go to sleep?

No.

He broke the habit of sleeping.

This guy's better off.

He's able to sleep.

And after all, he's only a servant.

When he stops pacing,
it's almost like something is missing.

It's like a clock that stops ticking.

This book belongs to Heinrich,
the Prince of Prussia.

“This book belongs to Heinrich,
the Prince of Prussia. "

Is someone there?

Is someone here?

No, Your Majesty.
Just the guard.

Still no messenger from Berlin?

No, Your Majesty.

What time is it?

Almost 2:00 in the morning,
Your Majesty.

Wake me as soon as
the courier arrives.

Yes, Your Majesty.

When did it happen?

At 2:00 in the morning.

That's terrible.

And the King?

What does he say?

I don't even want to know.

And especially now,
just before the attack.

Too bad.

Well, goodbye.

When you see him, Zieten,
no condolences, no word about it.

Certainly not.

- Your Majesty?
- General von Zieten.

General von Zieten.

General von Zieten.

You have the custody
of Prince Frederick Wilhelm,

who will be my successor one day.

I had different plans.

But Our Lord, who you carry on about,
Eaten, has dashed my hopes.

Even the pain, Your Majesty,
shall not make the man impudent.

God's ways are not our ways.

Impudent?

Are you calling me impudent, Zieten?

Are you aware of what I have lost?

What your God has taken from me?

Your Majesty is better versed
in Greek literature than I am.

Whom the Gods love,
they call home sooner.

Then I'll be 1,000 years old, Zieten.

They sure don't love me.

Not the Greek, nor the Roman,
nor Zieten's Gods.

I wrote the Prince
to join us in the field.

Read the letter, fonuard it,
and take care of the Prince.

I resent him, that bastard.

Frankly speaking.

And one thing I bar you from, Zieten.

You're supposed to teach military
classes, not religious classes.

Go, old friend, you understand me.

If Your Majesty believes
I can turn the Prince into a king--

He'll never be that.

That's something you don't become,
but something you are.

Goodbye.

I am busy.

And ask Colonel Rochow to come in.

He keeps lingering around the house
like a cat beating around the bush.

But I have to talk to the King!
I have to!

You silly girl.
Anybody could ask.

This gambler is under arrest?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Execute him at once.

And then chase the woman away.

And this... . What's his name?

Sergeant Treskow.

Right, Treskow.

What's going on with him?

He used to be my best soldier,
Your Majesty.

Until Torgau.

I know. I know.

Who is that woman down there?

Sergeant Treskow's wife.

Tears?

Tears everywhere.

They even cry
about someone like that.

A deserter without honor.

He is not without honor.

It was exactly his violated sense
of honor that became his misfortune.

I plead for my Sergeant, Your Majesty.

I'd like to talk to Treskow,
but there is no time now.

After the attack.

Paul!

Paul!

Paul!

Forward, Ensign.

Tauenlzien shall point all his cannons

at the gun powder depot
of Schweidnitz!

Your MaiestY-

Remain seated.
Who is that?

Sergeant Treskow
reports to the cemetery.

Paul!

Well, Treskow.

Goodbye, my comrade.

Goodbye.

To all my dead soldiers.

Berlin
March 30, 1763

Our Prussians!
Where is the King?

If he would only come.

If he would only come at last.

A message from His Majesty, the King.

His Majesty has interrupted his travel
to stop over in Kunersdorf.

He will not arrive here
before late afternoon.

So write it down, and let me know
how much rye you need

to bake enough
bread for the whole village.

And with it, how many horses and
cows and seeds for the summer crop.

And send it to me in Berlin.

Who rebuilt the mill over there?

All of us, Your Majesty.

Ah, it's you.

Who is the miller?

I am, Your Majesty.

Do you stand all by yourself now?

No, Your Majesty.

I stand alone.

The bells toll. I hear the fireworks.

He must be in Berlin.

The Berliners cheer for him,
Your Majesty.

Did you also do that after Kunersdorf?

I ask Your Majesty
to change carriages.

Into the Royal carriage?

No, you can't ask me to do that.

My Generals, you have represented
me so often and with such honor,

I can't think of anyone
who would be better suited

to accept the gratitude
of the people.

Chaflottenburg!

Shut the door.

Is Your Majesty expecting
the Queen and the Royal Suite?

Let's begin.

Is Your Majesty alone?

Yes.

BLACK EAGLE
OF FREDERICK THE GREAT,

LIKE THE SUN YOU COVER

THE DESERTED AND HOMELESS

WITH YOUR GOLDEN WINGS