All language subtitles for Der schweigende Stern (Kurt Maetzig, 1960).english

You are watching the
German-Polish co-production

THE SILENT STAR

made by the DEFA Studio
for Feature Films and Film Polski

based on the novel
The Astronauts by Stanislaw Lem

adapted to film by Fethke, Kohlhaase,
Reisch, Rücker, and Stenbock-Fermor

in collaboration
with the director.

Photographer
Joachim Hasler

Special Effects
Ernst Kunstmann

Sets
Anatol Radzinowicz and Alfred Hirschmeier

Music and Sound Effects
Andrzej Markowski

Electronic music recorded by Polish Radio
and the DEFA Symphony Orchestra

Sound
Kurt Eppers and Günter Witt

Editor
Lena Neumann

Assistant Director
Hans-Joachim Kasprzik

Directorial Assistants
Doris Borkmann and Hieronim Przybyl

Assistant Photographer
Detlef Hertelt

Production Managers
Martin Sonnabend and Henryk Szlachet

Costumes
Elli-Charlotte Löffler

Make Up
Alois Strasser and Christa Grewald

Starring

Yoko Tani
as the Japanese Doctor

Oldrich Lukes
as the American Nuclear Physicist

Ignacy Machowski
as the Polish Chief Engineer

Julius Ongewe
as the African TV Technician

Michail N. Postnikow
as the Soviet Astronaut

Kurt Rackelmann
as the Indian Mathematician

Günther Simon
as the German Pilot

Tang Hua-Ta
as the Chinese Linguist

Lucina Winnicka
as the TV Reporter

many actors from different countries
and Omega the Robot

Executive Producers
Hans Mahlich and Edward Zajicek

Director
Kurt Maetzig

In 1970 an unusual rock was found at
a construction site in the Gobi Desert.

The specimen's strange appearance
caught the attention of scientists.

Tests revealed an interior
vessel that contained a cylinder.

Further analysis indicated the
material was extraterrestrial in origin.

It was not made by humankind.

Where did it come from?

Then they remembered
that in Siberia in 1908

an explosion had occurred that
was the size of a hydrogen bomb.

It was visible from
hundreds of kilometers away.

It was thought to
be a giant meteor.

The flight path and impact location
were later sought by Soviet expeditions

but no remains were ever
found of the Tongu meteor.

Astronomers and astronauts
led by the Soviet Prof. Arsenyev,

the man who launched the
first spaceship to the moon.

Leader of the International
World Federation for Space Research,

gave the first thorough
explanation to the world.

According to our calculations
confirmed by the Lunar Station's findings

the mysterious Tongu meteor

was likely the explosion of a
spaceship from another planet.

This hypothesis occupied
scientists all over the world.

In New York many are waiting for
American atomic physicist Prof. Hawling.

Prof. Hawling, isn't
this another fairy tale?

How could the cylinder have landed so
far away from the location of the crash?

How is it possible?

We believe when
the retro-rockets failed

the spaceship's passengers tried to
save what they considered most valuable.

Their only option.

I believe that this cylinder contains
a magnetic recording of a document

that was composed in a
language unknown to us.

The world's largest computer was provided
for an international translation commission

to decipher this
unknown language.

This is the Chinese
linguist Chen Yu.

His work in biology is as highly acclaimed
as his contribution to linguistics.

He succeeded in transforming
inorganic substances into food.

Now feeding a growing world
population is no longer a problem.

He is leading the translation
commission together with Prof. Sikarna,

a world-famous mathematician
with the genius of Einstein.

We don't yet have the
translation commission's results,

but our experiments in
astronomical research continue.

There is no doubt.

This spaceship was launched
within our solar system,

from a position
inside Earth's orbit.

Given that no life
can exist on Mercury,

it could only have been
launched from one location:

Our morning and evening
star, the planet Venus.

Now!

-Our Earth's elements.
-Correct.

It's certainly a chemical physical
analysis of the Earth's surface.

-But Professor...
-Shhh!

These are the first words of
beings from another planet!

Yes.

But unfortunately,

the cylinder containing
the message was damaged.

Probably a result of high
temperatures endured during the crash.

We don't know the content of the
message sent by the Venusians.

Using chemical and radioactive treatments
we'll try to recover the missing text.

-Chen Yu...
-Yes, we don't know much.

But what we do know is that Venus is
inhabited by highly-developed beings.

My concern is,

why is Venus silent?

Now we understand their language
but can we communicate with them?

We have to try...

I propose,

we approach all
governments with the request

that they aim all radio and radar
transmissions toward Venus.

We'll call Venus!

Polar station calling
Lunar Station Luna 3.

This is Lunar Station Luna 3.

Venus is still silent.

Our signals are reaching the
planet but there is no response.

Good afternoon.

-May I request an interview?
-We have great news.

As you know, we're building the largest
spaceship ever made, the Cosmokrator I.

It was intended
for flight to Mars.

Our government will offer it to the
International Space Research Federation.

It will fly to Venus.

-Is it ready for launch?
-Should flight be attempted?

-What do our rocket scientists say?
-Has Venus answered yet?

No, Venus is still silent.
Regardless, we're flying.

Who is flying?

Here are some members of the
team who are preparing for takeoff.

They'll make up the largest collective of
the best astrophysicists and astronauts.

They are the Cosmokrator's crew.

Why not just a team of Soviet
scientists? It's their rocket!

Landing on Venus cannot
concern only one nation.

We are not only
internationalists in politics.

In a peaceful world we don't
keep our successes to ourselves.

Take Luna 3 for example,
the socialist lunar station.

We don't use it
as a military base.

Engineers and physicists
from all nations work there.

Has Hawling responded
to your invitation yet?

We haven't yet heard from our great
American colleague and friend, Hawling.

But we're certain he'll reply.

Hawling, your
stubbornness is exhausting!

Be reasonable and
forget about this flight!

I appeal to the consortium to
accept that nothing will deter me!

I belong in that team!

They are more interested
in our rocket than in you.

At this pace we'll have
our own rocket in no time.

But by then it will be too late.
We're just getting older, George!

Too bad we'll be delayed.
Arsenyev was faster.

Which is why it's an even
greater travesty to delay.

The delay is not my fault.

I've been working 20 years for you
since our atomic bomb test in the Pacific.

Have a whisky, Hawling.

I've given you 20 years. Give
me the chance to fulfill my dream.

Two things have impressed
me about you since day one:

Your genius and
your rationality.

Now suddenly you're
talking about dreams.

You're allowing yourself to become
involved in an ill-conceived adventure.

Everyone has his adventure.

Your adventure was...

Hiroshima.

His is the flight to Venus.

Your adventures are behind
you. His are yet to come.

Dear Weimann, thank
you for the lecture.

It's a pleasure to become acquainted
with your progressive convictions.

But it would be better to allow
the men here to talk business.

Hawling is my student,
my best student.

He has learned more
than physics from us.

I could never do what I wanted.

I wanted to work in Göttingen
as a German scholar.

The Nazis drove me
out of the university.

I wanted to make useful
atomic energy here in America.

I built the atomic bomb.

I never wanted it to be dropped.

But they talked me into it.

History doesn't
have to repeat itself!

Should no generation
ever fulfill its dreams?

I am tired.

Excuse me.

Hawling!

We're weaker without you.
But you're nothing without us.

It won't end well.

-All engines are functioning perfectly.
-It's still too early to celebrate.

We'll launch in two
days at night fall.

-Then we have a lot to do.
-See you, Soltyk.

Talua, check the
radar device again.

Will do, Professor.

How's Mona?

She telegraphed that
she's flying in tomorrow.

The pilot is bringing Hawling.

Do you know Brinkmann?
He's our German pilot on board.

Survived three rocket
explosions and he's still flying.

I think you'll like him.

This is Intervision.

We have broadcast the tests
of Cosmokrator's engines.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have won the grand prize.

I will cover the launch of
the spaceship to Venus.

We know you'd all like to be here
but unfortunately that's impossible.

Only scientists and technicians
involved with the launch are permitted.

I will represent you as the
only observer allowed here.

Your participation is possible
by watching these reports.

At this moment, I see that
the rest of the crew is arriving.

Here's the man central to the
operation: Polish chief engineer, Soltyk.

What is it?

I'll be there.

-The tool supplies are complete.
-Good.

Station A reports that the stellar
charts have been corrected.

Afternoon, Soltyk!

-The flight was excellent.
-The rattle-trap still runs great.

But show me your miraculous
jet-propelled elasticopter.

Everything's miraculous
here. Omega, come here!

Omega, what's the weather
forecast for the next 6 hours?

Barometer falling 4 points.

Fantastic! Your
invention of course?

Oh, nothing special.

-My 20th son.
-Don't be so modest.

What else can he do?

He automatically takes
measurements and analyzes them.

Omega's latest improvement
is electronic memory.

Wonderful. Maybe we could pass
the time playing chess with him.

Back from America? Hop in.

To the meadow.

A little bit too crazy
for just two days.

Some people don't understand
what it means that I'm joining you,

that it isn't just for
science. They don't get it.

This is it. I was
here yesterday too.

Thanks. You can drive back.

Do you like it here?
Beautiful view, isn't it?

You'll never guess what
I want to do, Hawling.

I want to sit down
on the earth, literally.

The smell of grass!

What do you think:
Is there grass on Venus?

-My son asks questions like that.
-Yours too?

I am supposed to
give his drawing to you.

A house, garden, and a rocket in front.
You and I are inside it.

The star we're flying to shines above.
The world is perfect in his eyes.

He likes drawing
rockets and stars.

You have to visit us,
Arsenyev, as soon as we return.

Yes, Hawling, if we return.

Venus is still silent.

And this strange cylinder offers us
nothing more than we already know.

Just words without meaning.

Do you really think it contains
something that would delay the launch?

I'm not clairvoyant.

Let's go.

The Cosmokrator's
crew is now complete.

Eight volunteers, each
an undisputed expert.

Seven men and...

one brave woman, who practiced medicine
for two years at the Lunar Station.

Sumiko!

Brinkmann?

Have I changed much?

I don't know... Maybe you
wore your hair down then.

-Dr. Brinkmann?
-Yes?

-Your suitcase!
-Oh, thanks!

Raimund Brinkmann,
who's known not only for his forgetfulness.

I misplace things
but I have forgotten nothing

even after all these years.

No, Brinkmann.

There's no room for extra
baggage on a journey like this one.

The evening is approaching.

Two nights and
one day until launch.

We must sign off.

We won't be able to see or interview
Cosmokrator's passengers for a while.

For 50 hours they will be in a deep,
artificially-induced sleep

which will help them adjust to
this difficult journey into space.

Signing off. Goodbye.

Brinkmann, in two minutes you
will sleep, whether you like it or not.

You can see and
hear your heartbeat.

I'm glad you're
coming with us, Sumiko.

Now I'll always be near you.

Your heartbeat is normal.

Sumiko...

-my heart beats...
-Brinkmann, no!

Please Raimund,
never mention it again.

Good night, Raimund.

-You must sleep now too, Dr. Ogimura.
-Yes, you're right.

This is Intervision
calling the world.

In a few moments
Cosmokrator's crew will arrive.

These are the final minutes
before takeoff to Venus.

Tension is mounting among the scientists
and technicians here on the base.

And now, here comes the crew.

These are the astronauts.

Professor Sikarna, please,
a few words for our viewers.

Get down!

We've done what was necessary.
We're ready, and that's it.

Next is Professor
Hawling from America.

Today is an important
day in the history of science.

Greetings to all my friends
wherever they may be,

especially my old
teacher, Weimann.

I'm happy to be part of this expedition,
for humankind and for my country.

The interviews have begun. I'm
standing in front of the radar vehicle.

-Radio control, no word from the charter?
-We'll find out.

-Dr. Sumiko Ogimura.
-Please, a few words from you too.

My husband was a
radiologist and astrophysicist.

He died installing the solar reflector
when we were stationed at Luna 3.

I am continuing his work.

I have chosen this profession because
I was born after WWII ended in Japan.

And because my mother was
killed by the Hiroshima bomb.

This era didn't begin well.

But I believe we'll
improve things.

Please, a few words for
our viewers, Dr. Chen Yu.

We will encounter life
forms we have never seen.

A great moment in our
endeavors to understand nature.

This is the beginning
of a new science.

Human knowledge will
surpass the heavens.

Thank you. Greetings
to all! Goodbye.

-Please, Professor.
-Star reporter Jeanne Moreau interviews...

We have our calculations.

We trust them, although
no one knows the dangers.

We thank all those who have
helped prepare for this flight.

We're certain we will return
within four months. Soltyk, please.

Our technical equipment is perfect,
the robots are functioning without error.

Mitya will begin
college in 6 years.

I always imagined
he'd study physics.

But let him decide for himself.

Technical skills often
emerge as late as mid-career.

Be patient with him.
Promise me that.

Mother, why did you travel
all this way? I'll return soon.

My boy, be careful.

-Sumiko, just a moment please.
-Goodbye and good luck!

This is my mother.

Take care, son.

Mona dear, can you hear me?

We're taking off
and you're not here.

Forgive me, radio listeners
but I must speak to you, Mona.

Don't worry, we have
the best technology.

My Mona, do you hear me?

Don't cry. Say
hello to my father.

Our spaceship is launching. I'm
so happy that I'm flying to the stars.

Now the African crew
member is boarding.

Time synchronization:

51, 52...

...60. Thank you.

Clear for takeoff.

Breathe calmly.

Relax. Don't tense up.

-Ignition system engaged.
-Ten seconds to lift-off.

Nine seconds...

-Stand by.
-Three seconds...

Zero!

Luna 3 to Urania. Cosmokrator
is showing on our radar.

How do you feel?

Like I'm in heaven.

We left heaven
behind at cosmic speed.

I have to ease this
pressure on my chest.

Careful, we're still weightless.
Keep your seatbelt fastened.

Soltyk, you can
switch to ionic drive.

Hawling, careful. I'm
switching to artificial gravity.

I can't help it.

This is Luna 3.
Come in Cosmokrator.

Hello Luna 3. We
read you loud and clear.

Minus two. Plus
five. Course normal.

-The hyperbolic trajectory is precise.
-Passing the moon at 2,000 km.

That's the Sinus Roris crater.

And that's our station, Luna 3.

That's the solar reflector.
They're signaling us.

Her husband was killed there.
I brought him back to the camp.

But he was already dead.

We were friends.

Sumiko is a wonderful woman.

You should know
everyone respects your grief.

Many tears were shed when
Ogimura perished on that mountain.

Every woman interested
in science, -all in China are-

are pleased that you're continuing
his work and flying with us.

I know, Chen Yu. You
want to console me.

You mean well. But who
knows about me in China?

Believe me, your picture is
everywhere even in my daughter's room.

She's studying astromedicine and
knows about your work at the Lunar Station.

Everyone knows you're
the most distinguished.

This is Luna 3.

We've discovered a
cloud of meteorites.

Its position has shifted
with intense speed.

We're receiving you. Over.

Coordinates of trajectory are:

Alpha X, 17 degrees, 2 minutes,

Beta Y, 84, 32 minutes.

Hello, Captain. Luna 3 has warned
us that meteorites are approaching.

Prof. Sikarna, we have the
latest meteorite report for you.

We'll reach the meteorite cloud in
48 hours unless its trajectory changes.

Remain in constant
contact with Luna 3.

Cosmokrator to Luna 3.
Requesting update on our course.

Today I am beginning
a personal log book.

Cosmokrator's
center is often vacant.

The predictor not only
keeps the ship on course,

but can adjust direction and
speed if irregularities occur.

For the next 30 days auto-pilot
will take over navigation

because no human could control
the ship's complicated mechanisms.

Thus far, we have traveled
over 4 million kilometers.

Liquid food, which is easily
ingested during weightlessness

is thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Dr. Ogimura strictly monitors the
diet and health of all crew members.

Engineer Soltyk is
usually in his workshop.

His robots require
precise maintenance.

His robots help eliminate the
hard, physical work on Earth.

The Polish cybernetician
has to be everywhere.

He is Arsenyev's right hand.

Prof. Sikarna is still working
on the message from Venus.

He and Chen Yu want to
decipher the magnetic cylinder.

They lock themselves up with
Marax and work for hours on end.

The computer runs continually but
no one knows what the outcome will be.

Captain Arsenyev makes
sure we're still on course.

The predictor accelerated the
jets for 17 seconds last night.

Probably to avoid meteorites.

But we don't expect
them until tomorrow.

Your robots are more
cautious than we are.

Prof. Hawling practices
his hobby in his free time.

He has beaten all of us but
found a master in Omega.

King G8.

King E6.

Unbelievable.

He plays an
impenetrable endgame.

I thought I had the guy
beat but his king to E6

has forced me into
the corner to H8.

King to F7.

Checkmate. Next move.

Congratulations. This is the tenth
match I have lost. And lost badly.

Your brilliantly constructed
Omega is missing something.

What do you mean?

If he had a soul, he would
have let Hawling win once too.

Think about it, okay?

Just a tiny bit of soul.

Meteorites!

Pull out the acceleration fuse!

Brinkmann! Check on
Chen Yu and Sikarna!

How could this happen?

I thought the Cosmokrator
automatically avoids meteor clouds.

Yes, but the accelerator
couldn't go fast enough

because we had the fuse set
at 8 g. We had to pull it out first.

Hawling, how far off course?

Twelve degrees, 17 minutes.

-Speed?
-Constant. 44 per second.

The main cloud can't be far.

We're heading straight
for it at maximum speed.

Auto-pilot. Power
down. I'm decelerating.

The engines aren't engaging.

What's wrong, Soltyk?

Meteor fragments have
damaged thrust propeller 3.

It must be repaired externally.

Now it's my turn.

-When will the main cloud appear?
-At any moment.

Brinkmann, help me!

Prof. Sikarna, Chen
Yu! Are you alright?

We're fine.

Please, we need details on our
course, the coordinates and corrections.

Sit down and
fasten your seatbelts.

The main cloud is in view. The
engines could engage any moment.

Repairs complete.

Soltyk is back!

Cosmokrator to Luna 3.
Meteorite cloud encountered.

All is well on board.

It's been 3 weeks since takeoff.

Despite our incredible speed
the stars seem to stand still.

In ten days we will reach Venus.

But it is emitting
powerful disturbances.

Contact with Earth
has nearly ceased.

Nothing. I can't get through.
Too much disturbance.

Alpha X, 32
degrees, 8 minutes...

Beta Y...

But life aboard the
Cosmokrator goes on as usual.

What are you making?

A little bit of soul for Omega.

Those ten lost games
really got to Hawling.

He should enjoy
playing chess again.

You could also make me
happy, Engineer Soltyk.

I always have to chase
you with your meals.

It won't happen again.

That's what Sikarna
always says too.

Professor.

What is it? Not
important right now.

I am responsible for your
health. You haven't eaten in days.

I don't have time. Please!

Sumiko!

Leave him alone. He's nervous.

Soon you'll understand why.

Knight to E6. Check!

I don't get it.

King E8.

Checkmate.

Congratulations, Hawling.
A well-deserved victory.

A clear, consistent
endgame. Bravo, Hawling.

Your first win.

Playing against your child
prodigy wasn't so easy.

But the human spirit
conquers the machine.

I'm happy for you, my friend.

Your turn.

Everyone report to Marax.

The cosmic message.

Please.

We have deciphered that small portion
of the cylinder that was unreadable.

I'll translate:

"After the second reversal of elements
the planet's radiation will commence."

"The planet's leading species
can be eliminated easily."

"When the ionization's intensity falls
50% the great movement will begin."

That means...

an attack on our Earth.

An invasion by the Venusians.

The cosmic report was
not a message to humans.

It was a blueprint
for aggression.

We must contact
Earth immediately.

Wait!

Let him go.

Are we helping Earth if
they know what we know?

Earth is in danger.
We must warn them.

No! Earth has been in peril over
50 years but nothing has happened.

We don't know how Venusians
calculate time or how long they live.

If people knew of the danger,
unrest and hysteria would break out.

Their fear could
wipe everything out.

Massive panic would
spread across the globe.

No, Hawling. You're mistaken.

How many years has
humanity faced atomic death?

And humanity has conquered it.

Everyone has known all
along what the threat has been.

No. There will be no panic.

What do you think?

I'm certain we'll make
contact with the Venusians.

And if they're planning war we should
be able to make peace with them.

Talua, contact Earth.

I can't get through Venus' disturbance.
Our transmissions are absorbed.

Earth can't hear us.

Does anyone think
we should turn back?

No.

Oh, nonsense.

Turn back now? No.

Never.

No.

Soltyk, speed!

We're flying 50
thousand an hour.

We'll reach Venus in 3 days.

Talua, check our course.

Hawling, the latest readings.

Gamma rays are increasing logarithmically.
But I'll recheck the readings.

-Please.
-Alright.

-Nerves?
-Not nerves.

What then?

When I heard you were
coming I was very happy.

Now I wish you weren't here.

Why, Brinkmann?

I'm a scientist and researcher
just the same as you.

You're also a woman.

I brought Ogimura back from
the lunar mountains, dead.

I'm worried I'll have to bring
you back from somewhere, too.

Your role is to preserve life,

to bring a child into the world.
That is what's on my mind.

I never told you how I
got to know Ogimura.

He was examining my radiation
exposure that also killed my mother.

I will never be able to
have a baby, he told me.

It would be deformed. A monster.

Everything was decided for me

by the Hiroshima bomb.

Three thousand kilometers.

On our 31st day we've
nearly reached our destination.

Every attempt to contact
Luna 3 has been unsuccessful.

The atomic engines
have slowed our speed.

Prof. Arsenyev pilots the ship
into an elliptical orbit around Venus.

We're a satellite
of the silent star.

We've been trying in vain for hours to
make radio contact with the Venusians.

A thick blanket of clouds
surrounds the planet.

2,500 kilometers.

The first analysis of Venus'
atmosphere: 26% carbon dioxide.

14% formaldehyde.

No oxygen. Highly toxic.

We have an important
decision to make.

We can land and
take off only once.

If unprepared, we could die.

Therefore, one of
us has to go out first.

In such poor visibility I'll fly
the jet-propelled elasticopter.

You'll need to locate our landing surface.
At 10km altitude we'll await your report.

-Ready for launch.
-1,500 kilometers.

-Well...
-No farewells.

Stations, everyone.

Exactly 1,000 kilometers.

Attention!

We're now entering
Venus' atmosphere.

This is central command.

We're flying at an altitude of 20
km at a speed of 1.5 km per second.

Ready for takeoff?

Ready for takeoff.

Stay clear.

And...

blast off!

Brinkmann! Hello, Brinkmann!

Hello!

What's wrong with your radio?

I'm not reading you.

Your radio is malfunctioning!

I can't understand you.
Your radio isn't working.

-Talua, what's wrong with the transmitter?
-Atmospheric disturbance. We're cut off.

Arsenyev, can you hear me?

I'm descending below
800 meters. Still no visibility.

On radar the area
looks mountainous.

I see land, Arsenyev.

I see something.

I don't know what it is.
Looks like a glass forest.

Cosmokrator! I cannot
hear you anymore!

I'm preparing for landing.

We've lost all contact
with Brinkmann.

Altitude?

1,200 meters.

Omega, forward.

I don't get it.

At this short distance the radar waves
should penetrate even the thickest clouds.

But for over an hour now
there's this peculiar lightning.

There is only one explanation:
the atmosphere has been ionized.

-But from what?
-Atomic radiation.

That means they're
attacking us. And Brinkmann?

I have to descend lower.

We must break through the cloud
cover if we want to find Brinkmann.

We must!

Please come in,
Cosmokrator, come in.

-Omega.
-I hear you.

Here danger.

Go Omega. Keep going.

Radioactivity.

Eight Curie.

When dangerous?

After eight minutes.

Omega, come back!

Cosmokrator.

I can't hear you.

Hello!

Do you read me?

This damned radioactive forest
won't let radio waves through.

Go Omega. Faster!

Damn, they're attacking us.

Cosmokrator, do you read me?

Our copter is gone.

A glow of fire, like a flare!

The predictor indicates a shock
wave, probably from an explosion.

Distance: 200 kilometers.

Brinkmann!

Or a signal from the Venusians.

We are going to have to
make an impromptu landing.

Talua, use the sonar locator. Try
to make contact with Brinkmann.

Omega, come back!

-Retro-rockets.
-Thrust!

18, 21, 24...

The fuel exploded.

Poor Brinkmann.

This was the cause:
a power cable.

Soltyk, move the caterpillar in
case the voltage surges again.

Omega!

-What luck! And we thought...
-Yes, I was lucky.

You sure did choose
a lousy place to land.

-Why?
-A power cable.

Brinkmann, your copter was
downed by an induction current.

This underground power cable
must lead to the Venusians.

You won't need to look
far. I found them already.

I've got some of them.

What do you think?

I wonder if it is a life form.

It must be examined,
immediately!

Yes, Chen Yu.

Hawling, we'll follow the
power cable with the caterpillar.

Omega, come.

Turtle, come in.

We followed the cable.

There is something
peculiar here.

A white sphere.
Wonder what it is?

Is it life or a
machine, Hawling?

Can't say.

No idea.

Everything is so
strange here. It's as if...

...we tried to read a book in a
foreign language. It'll take days.

Maybe then we'll understand.

As soon as the instruments can be
read I'll need all the figures I can get.

Okay, Professor.

-Talua, call the Venusians.
-In all frequencies.

With a TV camera through the
tip of the ship, I observe Venus.

Is this the calm
before the storm?

Why aren't the
Venusians answering?

Are these metallic insects
truly the rulers of this planet?

Chen Yu is working intensively to
solve the mystery of these creatures.

We have thoroughly
investigated your Venusians.

-They're not dangerous, not living beings.
-I thought I found something important.

You have no idea how important.

Listen to one that
we loaded into Marax.

Those were Venusian voices

that are trapped in crystals
inside these metal insects.

In other words, a tiny notation
device for language and sound...

...that can be decoded.

We'll give it a try.

This cave Brinkmann
fell into is an archive.

A gigantic Venusian library.

But where are they?
Why are they hiding?

Our landing must have attracted
attention but they do nothing!

My copter's explosion.
Is that nothing?

Bring me updated readings,
numbers and material from this archive.

Research continues
according to plan.

Of particular interest
is the radioactive forest.

The heavy protective suits
make everything more difficult.

The supply cables to the
sphere are being investigated.

All work is complicated
by the storms on this planet.

A boring Easter egg...

Nothing's happening.

I don't know...

Chen Yu is examining the sand.

Sometimes it's radioactive,
sometimes clean.

He is looking for signs of life.

On Earth, pollen and seeds
survive hundreds of centuries.

Dusk and storms announce
the night which lasts 16 days.

The fieldwork
must be interrupted.

We evaluate the results
of our expeditions.

So you think the glass
forest is a biological formation.

Perhaps.

A dried-out seabed.

You're mistaken. It isn't
a natural occurrence.

Prof. Sikarna, with the computer's
help, has calculated a probable scenario.

I think the glass forest was an
energy emitter for outer space.

It could destroy all life within a
radius of millions of kilometers.

So are we dealing with
a deed of the Venusians?

Yes. This dangerous forest was
the work of Venusian aggressors.

This facility was
somehow destroyed.

Maybe Venus disarmed.

Unfortunately, you're wrong.

Those metal insects you brought
me reveal something else entirely.

You don't want to tell us?

You're alluding to
something, Sikarna.

There still isn't a
complete picture.

But some kind of catastrophe
must have happened on Venus.

All tests amount to
nothing and make no sense.

Everything is
fragmented, broken.

If it was a catastrophe that
changed everything so senselessly,

then it must have been a disaster
of unimaginable dimensions.

We can only figure it out

if we systematically
continue our research.

Here, the white sphere, where
the various power cables originate

seems to be a giant transformer.

Something like a
magnetic power plant.

It's odd though, that there is
sporadic voltage in the main power line.

It's as if someone is
sitting at the other end,

and doesn't realize that
the generator isn't working.

But he still keeps
trying to activate it.

What should we do?

We'll explore the main line
and follow it to the other end.

Reporting to Cosmokrator.
We've been driving several hours.

We're following the power
cable. No sign of the Venusians.

The cable has to end somewhere.

Arsenyev, should we keep going?

We're trying to pave the
way. Follow us with caution.

Arsenyev, what is that?

My first impression is
that nothing here is organic.

These were buildings.

The temperature here must
have been as hot as the sun's.

An unimaginable catastrophe must
have wiped out every form of life.

What are you thinking
about, Sumiko?

Hiroshima.

And I worked for
that. Twenty years.

Here it is.

The power cable continues
here. We'll have to go inside.

This is probably the entrance.

Omega, come. Let's go inside.

Venus and Earth in their orbits?

Maybe it's a model for
instructing space pilots.

This instruction had
a graver purpose.

Come here, a shaft.

This was probably the
Venusian's headquarters.

-Who could have used these switches?
-And where is the energy source?

This entire facility
still carries voltage.

Omega!

What is that?

I don't know.

-What could it be?
-Maybe a life form.

An animal?

It looks like the
sludge contains life.

Omega, stop!

The mass is growing!

Go faster. It's coming out
of the crevices! Come on!

Hold on!

Come on, Sumiko!

Don't be afraid, Sumiko.
We'll find a way out.

Don't shoot! Soltyk!

What's going on?

Where are the others?
I don't see them.

Do you know what that is?

That is a targeting device
intended to destroy our planet.

Remember the cosmic report?

After the second rotation the
planet's radiation will begin.

From this point the lethal atomic rays
were supposed to aim at our planet.

It seems to be the nerve center
where the energy source was controlled.

Hello Professor, please come!
The glass forest is radiating energy.

Show me the sphere!

Look!

Gravity is increasing.

That's what I expected.

That's not possible.

Yes it is.

Now everything is clear.

The sphere is creating a gravity field
that changes Venus' force of attraction.

Now the bow is being
tightened, so to speak.

If it's inverted, the force of attraction
disappears and we'll be hurled into space.

I wonder who put this
huge facility into operation.

Call Arsenyev, quickly!

Arsenyev! Hawling! Come in!

Their shadows.

Projected onto the wall

when the explosion
surprised them all.

The atomic explosion.

The only thing left of their
existence: their shadows.

Marax translates all commands
from the underground headquarters.

Look at the
decoders it utilizes.

That's incredible!

E=mc squared.

That is Einstein's
great formula.

Yes, but as a circular process.
It's closing to become a ring.

Interesting.
Elongated formations.

How is that possible? Seeds?

Where did you find them?

In the top layer
of the sediment.

The wind probably carried
them in just days ago.

If these seeds are still fertile
then life does exist on this planet.

Prof. Sikarna requests
crew to report to Marax.

Examinations of the metal insects
reveal a part of this planet's history.

And the sounds from their
headquarters leave no doubt:

There were aggressors who
planned an attack on Earth.

But the attack
wasn't carried out.

The aggressors
destroyed themselves.

The lethal atomic power
slipped from their hands,

and a chain reaction ensued.
They became the victims.

Only their shadows remain.

And their evil apparatus, which
was partly destroyed but still functions.

Especially if the energy source
is triggered by a foreign hand.

What? Are you saying
that we activated it?

When the stone fell into the
mass what happened then?

The mass flung it back
out like an irritable animal.

And then something terrible
happened: it suddenly grew.

Tell what happened
next, exactly and in detail.

-The mass got bigger?
-Yes.

We saw no way out. It chased us.

And then?

I deployed the neutron
ray gun and shot into it.

You shouldn't have done that.

-It is what started the atomic reaction.
-But it saved us.

The mass collapsed into
itself and disappeared.

In the underground
headquarters the planetarium...

...or rather the targeting device,
set the whole thing in motion.

When?

17 hundred hours, 36 minutes.

And from this moment on
the sphere took on a red glow.

Which means that the
mass converted to energy.

A process like the atomic bomb.

But the Venusians
could reverse it at will.

They could convert mass into
energy and energy into mass.

-A circular process.
-Fantastic.

But how do you explain
this sludgy mush?

This mass can be transformed into energy.
Electric, gravitational and the like.

If we could convert all the energy
of Earth's power plants into mass

then there would be
about 60 kilos of it.

But Venus has an energy source
with a mass beyond comprehension.

These are only my assumptions.

The Venusians are, or rather
were, so much more advanced

that we're facing an enigma.

Stop, Omega!

The radioactive
energy is increasing!

Brinkmann! Secure
the other robot.

Talua, come and help me.

The glass forest...

The radiation emitted from the glass forest
have damaged Omega's electronic brain.

The predictor won't work either.

Look! The glass forest.

If the radiation
continues to rise

the Cosmokrator's shield won't
be able to protect us anymore.

He has suffered internal
injuries. I have to operate!

Soltyk, start the engines.
We must take off immediately!

Impossible.

The gravity field has us pinned.

And the instrument
panel... see for yourself!

The Cosmokrator is
a heap of useless tin.

The only chance...

We should be able to reverse the
sphere and forest's lethal energy

and to convert it
back into mass.

-But how?
-I'm going back to the Venusian city.

When you shot at the plasma stream,
thereby changing mass to energy,

I noticed a change in the nerve
center at the bottom of the shaft.

I know where and how
the process advanced.

Can the small rocket be used?

Impossible. The gravity field.

But our turtle can make it.

You can't go alone.
I'll go with you.

We're entering
the Venusian city.

The storm is getting worse.

How is Arsenyev doing?

Sumiko is already operating.

Sumiko will manage.

Swab.

Soltyk, can you do it?

Yes, I've repaired everything.

Chen Yu, answer! Where are you?

We're beginning the
descent to the nerve center.

My spacesuit! I'll suffocate!

I'm coming!

Go down, Talua.

The others' lives depend on us.

Send help! Cosmokrator!

I'm suffocating.

-The sphere is white again.
-But Chen Yu!

Talua switched it over.

But my suit is punctured.

Do you read me? I can't seal it!

Try!

Gravity has normalized. I'll fly
immediately with the small rocket.

I'm coming to get you, Chen Yu.

I'm bringing oxygen.

Hold on! Brinkmann's coming!

I must talk to him! Chen
Yu, do you hear me?

Your reagents, listen!

They're germinating!
Living cells!

You were right.

There is life on Venus.

Yes, Sumiko.

Life.

The retro-rockets, Soltyk!

Talua! Chen Yu! Brinkmann!

You're in grave
danger. Return at once!

We can't keep the Cosmokrator
down. The reversal has begun.

The energy field is
acting as a catapult.

Retro-rockets on full power.

Brinkmann, can you hear us?

We're being hurled into space!

Sumiko!

Go back!

Hawling, go back!

Cosmokrator, where are you?

Do you hear me?
I can't fly back!

I'm being pulled away! I
can't hear you anymore!

Cosmokrator, you're flying!

You're flying...

Greet the Earth and Mona.

Arsenyev, can you hear me?

Luna 3 to Urania.

The Cosmokrator is approaching.

We're not getting a response.

I greet the Earth.

I greet everyone.

We have accomplished much.

But we gave, and lost much too.

So much.

To Earth we announce the
bequest of three great people.

Talua saved our expedition.

Chen Yu discovered
life on Venus.

And Brinkmann was the first
to set foot on a foreign planet.

Don't ever forget them, friends.

Humanity should hear
about the atomic destruction

that occurred on another planet.

A lethal threat from
above imperiled our Earth.

We witnessed what
was intended for us,

and how this attack ended.

Two things must be
done, for everyone:

We must make sure our
Earth continues to blossom.

And then we should try to
discover life on other planets.

And we should do it soon.

As soon as possible, friends.

THE END