Original subtitles

SOMEWHERE IN BERLIN

We can start now. Hello, Paul!

Catch him!

Catch him!

Catch him!

There!

You go that way!

- Open up! - Not so noisy. Take it easy!

- Let me out at once! - No way!

Hurry up!

What are you doing here?

What am I doing?

Looking for my dog. Did you see him?

- A dog? No... - See?

Let me out or he'll get away.

- So that's why you ran. - Hurry up.

Or he'll get away!

What kind of dog?

A big one. Brown.

Four legs, a tail in the back.

- Can I help look? - He's gone now.

- You won't lock anyone up now! - My key!

- I want my key back! - Your this. Your that. Stop bragging!

- I'm guarding my father's cellar. - Don't let burglars take debris, sonny.

- I want the key! - I don't have it.

- Yes, you do! - What?

It's in your pocket. Look.

- You know lots of tricks! - You ain't seen nothing!

I can make your eyes pop out.

- We didn't get him. - He was fast!

- My money! - Be careful next time.

Easy for you to say.

He stole 900 marks, officer! 900 marks.

So you know how much it was.

900 marks? That'd buy a lot of vegetables.

- What's your name? - I don't know yours either.

- It's Waldemar. - Mine is Gustav.

- I have to go home. Mom will be mad. - Watch this.

Swell!

I think it's tattered.

Mom can fix that.

- I don't know where you live. - Come with me.

My friend Willi!

- At 3! - The others?

- Coming too. It's important! - Okay, see you at three, bye!

Bye.

Be more careful!

Save your remarks!

Mr. Waldemar!

Where are you?

- Working? - I'm hungry.

It almost got broken. Those little beasts!

They're showing off all the time.

Making too much noise for my taste!

But I wasn't much different than them when I was their age.

Adults forget how they were.

You're right about that. But we must draw a line somewhere!

A lesson wouldn't harm them.

Kids will be kids.

Always were, always will be. Times change, not kids.

Here I am! Did you forget your invitation?

- No. - Gustav!

Come here.

Where were you yesterday?

Don't lie! I know you skipped school.

Wait for me in your room. Get ready to be taught a lesson.

- He'll get ready all right. - I have to be a father to him.

- That's uncle Kalle. - I always played hooky myself.

Did great anyway!

- Mom, I thought you might... - My name is Waldemar Hunke.

I heard you can sew real good.

I just had a little accident.

- Mr. Waldemar aims better than Willi! - One of the little talents of mine.

See the torn seam? Tailors are hard to find these days.

Sure.

The soup is saved!

You wish!

He's a magician too! Do it again!

Empty.

Hokus, pokus, fidibus...

Waldemar says one, two, three... has the twist where it will be.

Pick it up!

- Look! - Keep it.

- Do you want some soup? -With great pleasure!

- Where's the sausage? - It's all gone.

There was a piece left. We'll talk later.

- Maybe the cat. - We don't have a cat.

My husband was killed in 1914 in Flanders.

But I had the boy...

It was a very difficult time. I managed things all by myself.

But I was happy.

My life had a meaning. But now...

My poor, poor boy.

What do the doctors say? No hope at all?

You mean well, Mr. Eckmann. But it's my problem.

There were complaints again. I can't get him away from the window.

I'll come see him tomorrow.

- My turn now! - Don't pull too hard.

Keep practicing.

My father.

He's a POW. My boy wouldn't recognize him.

We don't hear anything now.

- Not knowing is the worst part. - Much obliged.

When he comes back...

A man!

- Are you Gustav? - What do you want?

Police!

- The kids were playing with fireworks. - Come in.

- Good day. - Hello.

Come!

- Do you know a Mr. Birke? - Yes.

- Did he sell you fireworks? - Yes.

How did you pay him?

With food?

Food you snitched! And parents ask why food is missing.

The cat.

I think we'll go to Mr. Birke together.

- Is it okay? - Yes, we had lunch.

- Can I come too? - Of course.

I always say: if you study too hard they'll make you work.

Stop teaching kids nonsense, Birke!

His head is full of nonsense already! Help me instead!

It's lunch time!

- We're closed from 1 to 3 pm. - Mr. Birke?

What's it to you? Who are you?

Police!

- You're Birke, Mrs. Schelp's subtenant? - That's me.

We hear you sell fireworks to minors.

- Is that against the law? - Worse, you took their food for it.

- You can't be serious! - The boy reported it.

Children lie all the time.

What are you doing?

Don't squeal!

You thought you had me this time.

You're some crime busters!

You stole the rockets at the Pankow Fair!

Try to prove that!

I acquired them legally.

They were harmless firecrackers.

- Not rockets! - Check it out yourself!

Of course, suit yourself.

I told you it's only small stuff.

Such a fuss for that.

It's harmless!

Is it harmless for kids to rob their parents?

You won't get away with that!

A summons for Monday.

You did great, Willi. Always stay tough!

I'm fed up with your antics.

- Look for another place to stay! - You can't be serious!

One, two, three, four, five six, seven, eight, nine.

The ninth notice! Going for a dozen? I'm a faithful soul so I'll stay!

And for dinner...

potato pancakes.

- I hid the lard too! - A hell of a guy!

And potatoes? Where do I get the potatoes?

Here! We'll have them by dinner time!

It's child's play.

Not the ideal home for the boy.

- The woman seems okay. - She's too weak to raise him.

She's not his real mother. She took him in.

His parents were refugees. They're missing.

That awful boarder of hers will lead him astray.

I'll keep an eye on him.

Where's the boy?

He split and he knows why.

- He'll get his lesson later. -Don't be too lenient with him.

- Next time you'll be held responsible. - I work and can't watch him all day.

The main thing: no more fireworks!

Aim! Fire!

- We're not allowed! - We'll get punished anyway!

- I won't do it! - Issue ammunition!

Fall in, soldiers!

- You said issue ammunition! - Want four weeks for insubordination?

You're letting me down.

These are my rockets!

Willi, do you want me to help you?

- I stole them from Birke. - If he finds out!

He steals them too!

Occupy the bunker with five men. The others the hills!

- The bunker is my cellar. - Then take a commando!

Issue ammunition!

Fire!

Fire!

Take cover!

Swell!

Shell the bunker! Your grenades!

- What about our fingers? - Professor, you fail today.

When they light, throw them.

We'll get the bunker!

Aim! Fire!

Lotte, go away! It's not for girls!

Duck!

- What a blast! - We'll get them! Ignite it.

How can I? With what?

- No matches left? - I'll get some.

Got a light?

- Aiming at the moon? - At the lunatic.

Leave him alone!

Knock it off!

- What's wrong? - Double trouble!

Come out!

I'm getting out.

The war's over! Come here at once!

- Well? - No way!

You're some warriors!

Face the music, you little cowards!

Come on!

I won't bite your head off! Come on inside.

What do you have there?

Show me that!

That's what they look like!

They're very dangerous!

What if you had hit somebody? I don't dare think of the outcome.

- You're old enough to know better. - Nothing happened.

Really?

And that? It could have been me!

Reckless abandon!

You there! You could listen too!

Nothing better to do?

Always waging war, shooting and destroying.

What would your parents say?

He doesn't know what happened to them.

It's okay.

Such a nice painting...

- Maybe we can fix it up again. - It's like that tree in the yard.

I enjoyed painting every little leaf!

Now I must start again!

- Are you mad? - We didn't mean to.

I know that. But my picture is ruined!

Your damn shooting! Promise you won't do it again!

- We promise! - You have our word of honor!

Save your word. Shake hands!

Okay, get lost.

Don't forget!

I'll play war again. It's the best game!

- You gave your word! - I was standing on one leg.

I'll tell him so!

Tattletale!

Captain was standing on one leg...

You ran away and left me in the lurch. You were supposed to deliver the box.

Now it's too late. Tomorrow is Sunday.

You skipped school too. Uncle Kalle told me.

What will become of you?

What will your father say when he comes back?

God knows where you were! And inviting guys like Waldemar!

- I only thought... - Always mischief.

- You have the cops on our tail. - We promised to stop.

- Who is "we"? - Me, Willi Mouse, Captain and...

I don't like Willi at all. You are to stop seeing him!

He's my friend!

- Gustav is my friend! - He reported us to the cops!

- It's not his fault! - Who's fault is it then?

You'll stay home tomorrow. Sunday or not.

Save your remarks!

Mr. Steidel, take a walk with me.

It's Sunday.

You can't stay buried in here!

It's not much of a life.

Standing all day long at the window.

There's nothing out there.

There!

Get out!

Our bunker! We blew the ammunition up!

The garages belonged to his father.

- He'll build them again! - If he's alive.

He'll come back! Mother and Uncle Kalle think so too.

- Come and help me. - It's too boring.

I wonder what he wants. He looks so dirty.

He's hungry!

Hungry?

Mother won't let me bring any more strangers home.

Maybe she'll make an exception.

- Uncle Kalle! - Guess what I brought you!

- Where? - Close your eyes.

- Onions! - For your soup.

Thank you!

Who's he bringing this time?

Damn onions!

The boy!

Kalle, my old friend.

I knew you would come back!

We'll take care of you.

Remember the hole in the sleeve?

I had to sacrifice the vest to fix it!

You can hardly see the spot.

- And no moths either! - I cleaned it!

I waited so long to see you in that suit again.

When will you rebuild the garages?

Father!

Nothing but rags!

He suffered so much. We must get him back on his feet.

We'll manage it.

He'll love this.

Did you sleep well?

The suit is double your size.

I wondered what it would feel like.

Wearing my old clothes again.

And now...

You'll get used to them again.

It's my own crop! Doesn't taste so bad.

Try it.

Thank you.

It shoots!

Get rid of it!

Look what I found!

How did it get, there?

- You must know. - I have no clue.

- It was under the dresser. - Somebody put it there.

- The man hid it! - Waldemar!

I told you he was bad news.

- A lot of money! - Surely he stole it.

- What's going on? - Gustav brings strangers home.

But to hide so much money under the dresser...

The police were here!

The police?

- What for? - Nothing serious. I'll explain later.

These are 900 marks. Now what?

Let's keep them!

If only we could...

There's an address.

I'll take it there.

No, I'd better do it.

Is there a Timmel here?

He's the owner of the joint. Go in, but be careful!

Thank you.

You'd better stay outside.

Wherever you look It's hustle, bustle, merriment.

If you don't see it You're the one to blame.

When's a sourpuss like you to find

Hustle, bustle, merriment and fame?

What are you doing here? They're rehearsing!

- Where did you get it? - I found it.

Strange. Belongs to my old lady.

Rosa!

Does this look familiar?

Anything else?

- I thought... - You must be joking!

100 marks are missing! I had 1000 marks!

That's outrageous!

Make it snappy!

Riffraff.

Well? What did they give you?

- Is that all? - That's all.

No, it's about laughter and merriment.

More spirit, ladies!

People want to have fun!

Are we going to the garages?

- What for? - You promised.

Nothing matters now.

In the old days I would have torn the joint down.

He treated me like a boy!

- Can't have been that bad. - It was.

I can't handle it anymore. It's too much for me.

Am I supposed to start all over again?

The garages can stay as they are.

It's a dump anyway!

What about your boy?

He believed in you!

He guarded your dump for so long.

He told the world that you'd rebuild it all.

You're letting him down. That burns me up.

Don't let Gustav down!

My father will rebuild everything!

Garages, one for motorcycles.

- A repair center and... - Are you crazy?

- He can't lift a stone! - He can to!

I saw him sitting here.

You can't do much with a raggedy Andy like that.

Beat him, Gustav!

Meanie!

Show him, Captain!

That's the way!

You dirty coward! Sneaking up on me!

- What's going on? - Acting like tramps!

Shame!

- Gustav started! - Captain did!

- Liar! - You should know better.

- Save your remarks! - Come with me!

Let him go! He didn't do anything!

Hurray!

- Chicken! - Coward!

What are you waiting for?

Get going. Move it!

- Does it still hurt? - I can take it.

Come on!

Nice fabric. From before the war.

I see you were gone a long time. Look in the mirror!

It looks better now.

More waist?

But Mr. Hanske, does that matter?

Don't say that, Mr. Iller.

Nice clothes make a man feel good.

On Sunday walks.

But leave some extra material in case he gains weight.

That'll be the day hell freezes over.

If only my father had more to eat...

- Is he always hungry? - Yes.

- Will you be home later? - Mm-hm.

You won't get away with it! We'll show no mercy.

- What you did is a crime! - But why, lieutenant?

The kids tore the store down to get the stuff!

I couldn't say no.

I guess I'm soft-hearted.

And this is my reward!

Put it any way you like.

The fact remains: you took food for it!

And where did the kids get it from?

You encouraged them to steal. From their own parents!

You'll have to prove it first.

Think what you want, but I don't call that stealing.

FOR GUSTAV'S DAD FROM A FRIEND

Hello!

Willi?

Well, I'll be damned!

For my dear dad.

Well, well.

- Where's the money? - Dad took it back.

I don't buy that!

Tell me where the money is! Where is it?

I don't have it. I swear!

I see.

It was a gift.

Shut up! How much money is left?

Tell me!

It belongs to my father!

- He's a robber! - Call the police!

Be my guest. Those things are stolen!

Stolen?

Then you make such a fuss.

Where did you get it?

Nice to meet you.

Tell me where you got it.

I didn't...

For my dear dad.

Well?

Willi sent it because you're always hungry.

You thief!

Get out!

I'll make mincemeat out of you!

I'm the one who was robbed.

- They're a pack of thieves! - I keep saying it's a rotten generation.

Willi meant well. They all laughed at me.

Captain said you're dirty and we got into a fight.

Then Willi hit him.

Then he asked me if you're hungry.

Because you should build the garages.

I told you. Willi is bad news.

- He's my friend! - Who knows where he got the stuff.

- I can ask him. - Tomorrow. Now stay here.

Where are you?

Come inside!

Come on!

I'm afraid to go home.

So you'll stay here.

You alone are to blame.

Who taught the boy how to steal?

That's right! You did.

You complain and play innocent.

But if he doesn't show up

I'll go to the police tomorrow!

Enough!

Police? You can't be serious.

I had enough for today.

Hypocrite! Now you object.

You never complained about eating it.

Take a look at yourself first!

I'll beat him to a pulp when he comes back!

Even if you go to the police.

I'm sorry to disturb you so late.

- I'm Mrs. Schelp from the stationer's. - Of course.

- Is Willi here by any chance? - No, please come in.

I was so worried.

He's never stayed out so long before.

He's a friend of your son. I was hoping maybe...

I don't know where to look.

And then Birke hit me. I meant well.

Stealing is always wrong even if you mean well.

- But adults can do everything. - They get punished like everyone else.

Feels good to go for a walk. Like the old days.

We used to do this a lot in the past.

It's enough for two.

I don't know where Willi is.

But I know where the things are.

Really?

Paul, what's on your mind?

Tell me.

I can't forget what you told me about the boy.

Not to let him down.

You're right.

But I have so many problems myself.

I know it's not easy for you.

All those years out there, always in the mud.

Then my time as a POW.

Thinking of home is all that keeps you going.

About your wife.

Your boy.

Your garages.

I pictured everything like before.

Then I come back.

Everything I worked so hard for is ruined.

Not there anymore.

It isn't easy to bear.

But at least you found Grete and the boy alive.

Their lives hung by a thread.

I'm not ungrateful, Karl.

I mean that

But when I think about my family and how we'll manage.

It's all up to you.

You might say it's hopeless.

But what's the point then?

- You might as well give up. - Give me a little more time.

I've forgotten how it feels.

To be a human being.

But I'll learn how again.

Let me go find him.

- It's the middle of the night. - In the morning then?

- Look where? - I'll find him.

He'll check with you first. Maybe Willi will be home by then.

Go straight to bed.

- Night, Mom. Night, Mrs. Schelp. - Good night.

Till tomorrow.

Your boy is so lucky. He has a real home.

But Willi...

This was my Diana. Always carried my paint around.

I always had to keep an eye on her.

Or she would eat the blue paint.

Blue was her favorite.

We had a dog too. His name was Karo.

He was chained up and bit everyone.

But he never bit me.

I was so little back then I could even crawl into his doghouse.

It was warm there and nobody could find me.

Everybody was looking for me.

Don't be afraid. Nobody will find you here.

Tomorrow I'm going with you to set things straight.

I just know Willi has a good heart.

Thank God the things are back.

At least Birke will calm down.

Schelp is mistaken if she thinks I'll forget it.

The rascal will be punished. Nobody makes a fool of me!

That's the way.

I'll take this now and send someone for the flour.

And the cigars?

Two boxes!

Same kind as last time.

Swell!

Hello, Mrs. Schelp.

Hello, I waited for you.

- Is Willi back? - No. I need help.

I'll find him.

He shouldn't come now. Birke is mad.

- Dad said he can come to our house. - Let me know.

Of course. I'm in a hurry.

You're robbing me. Taking the shirt off my back!

Here. You can count it yourself.

I have to charge for the risk, Timmel.

I won't sleep until the goods are gone.

I don't like it in here. The police are already after me.

I had so much trouble recently.

But before they catch me...

Well, Birke.

Sooner than you think.

Don't touch it!

Mr. Timmel himself.

Two birds with one stone. A clear case of supply and demand.

I don't understand. What do you want?

- We were watching you. - Me?

- Your luck ran out. - What do you mean?

We heard it all from behind the door.

- What did you hear? - We can see it too!

I didn't mean to, lieutenant.

You'll have time to think about what you meant.

Müller, take the loot. The gentlemen are coming too.

- It's scandalous. - I'm protesting!

Save it for later.

"Come now or you're chicken yourself. Captain"

Wash behind your ears too!

I'll talk to Birke alone first.

Don't worry. Everything will be okay.

- Who's chicken? - You threw stones at us from behind!

- You snuck up behind me. - Chicken!

- Take it back! - Skip it!

- I'm not talking to you anymore. - Now he's chickening out.

Take your medicine, coward!

Let's see who has the guts to climb up there.

- Are you nuts? - You don't dare either!

- We'll see about that. - Willi, don't do it!

Willi, don't do it!

- I'm ready to go! - Is Willi here?

He was gone all night after Birke kicked him out.

- I just came from Mrs. Schelp. - Don't worry, your pal is here.

Where is he?

Mr. Eckmann, look!

Willi! Get down at once!

Can't you hear me?

Get down!

Willi, stop! Come down!

Hurray!

For heaven's sake!

Be careful! You'll break your neck!

- A hero! - Come back!

- Willi! - Save your...

Very serious.

Don't let him go home. Not back there.

I know. Don't be afraid.

We won't let your friend down.

He needs plenty of rest. The doctor is very worried.

That's why I came alone.

- You know all about my son? - Yes I do. Gustav told me.

He sits by his side all day long. To keep watch, he says.

I let him.

I didn't want you to be surprised.

Can Mr. Iller sit here for a while?

Willi, you have company.

Gustav's father has come to see you.

You're such a fine boy. I'm very grateful.

You meant well.

It's true. You helped me a lot.

- The garages. - I'll rebuild them.

I want to help. When will you begin?

- Tomorrow? - No.

Not so soon.

First you must get better.

Back on your feet again.

Then I'll come.

Nice...

Tell Gustav to wait. I'll be there.

Good morning.

You two little ones.

- You can come some other time. - Yes.

I'm glad you came. He kept asking about you.

Will he...

Soldiers die!

He's not a soldier. He's just a little boy!

Why?

LOTTE IS STUPID.

You're no fun anymore.

Why have fun at all?

If I had 50 pfennigs I could go to a fair, if there was one.

Got a light?

Looking for a whipping?

- It's my cigarette! - I'll show you whose it is!

You're so stupid!

- Wanna make some money? - How?

- Cigarettes, but keep quiet. - Okay.

- What's wrong? - Willi promised not to let me down.

I know.

Gustav, what's the matter? Come.

- What's wrong? - Willi...

I'm so alone.

Not you. He was the one who was alone.

That's why he had to die. But you're alive.

I am alive.

I lost my boy too and I don't know why.

I tried to find a reason. That was the hardest part.

Then I told myself: try harder!

I worked from dawn to dusk.

Work kept me going.

I found something to live for. That's why I didn't lose my mind.

You're so young, Gustav. You can't understand it.

I do, Uncle Kalle. I'll try harder too.

- Can I help you, Gustav? - Yes.

Maxe!

Come with me!

Otto, Peter! Come on, something's going on!

Paul, come down!

- What's the matter? - It's important!

- Come with me! - Where to?

- To the garages. - Why?

You'll see.

They're coming!

- I'll buy a car when they're ready. - Not so fast.

How will we do that? With our bare hands?

Ready, steady, go!

Alternative Ending

Yes.

Father, what are you doing?

- Father, what are you doing there? - As you see. I'm looking for something.

Here was my lathe.

You can look for a long time. It's long gone.

That too!

- Now you are starting again. - Oh, there is no sense at all.

- The old junk. - I'll help you!

- What can we two do? - First you have to clean up properly here.

We with our few hands? Nothing can be done!

I was thinking the same thing.

- Father, can you whistle? - Yes, why?

- Oh, just whistle. -Why?

Oh, please whistle. But do it well!

- What's going on now? - We want to help!

- Help? - Yes, I already brought something.

Me too!

- You are a bunch of guys... - They're my friends!

Do you have any idea how fast it goes when we all give a hand?

- What are you doing here? - We want to clean up!

Trying to get out of it, aren't you?

Well then hold it... Come on then!