All language subtitles for Schachnovelle (Gerd Oswald, 1960) ENG

The Royal Game

My watch must be running slow,
Captain.

I'm the first officier, and
your watch is on time.

Shouldn't we have cast off,
then?

We're wainting for an important
passenger, Company orders

- He should arrive any moment.
- My name is Maclver.

You probably think I can't wait,
as so many people here.

They act as if the devil were
on their heels

A terrible feeling and hard to
shake off once you've had it

You continentals should be
accustomed by now.

What's hapening to you just now
is nothing new.

This time it seems to be
something new.

I could even happen to you
on your island.

Excuse me, please.

Here is your man!

These 3 suitcases in Mr.
Czentovics' cabin, that in mine

Mr. Czentovic?
First Officer Nadis.

Couldn't get a better ship?

There was no other ship. We have
to keep to our scheduled dates.

One could almost think
it's a refugee ship.

One could almost be right.
Mostly, Austrians and Czechs.

but you'll easily find some of,
your own countrymen.

I don't think I'll have time
to mix whith them.

Czentovic... Czento... Czento..

Do you play chess, Mr. Maclver?

Of course...

Your remarkable fellow passenger
is the World Chess Champion.

As someone who has spent much
time at a chess board...

I thank you for having waited
for him.

Thanks, but Mr Czentovic is not
the man we're waiting for.

How did you get me out?

Don't give it another thought,
Werner. It's over and done with

It's never over.

No one's after you any more,
Werner. Try to understand...

You're of occupied Austria,
you're in a free country.

Do you think they care?

You've done much for me.
otherwise you wouldn't be here.

Thank you.

We'll never get to the ship
in time, never.

We're just about to get there.

Just about, what do you mean?

We're already 34 minutes late.

A ship has rules. A schedule.

Tell the captain. I insist we
weight anchor inmediately.

Of couse, Mirko, but I don't
think we...

Yes Sir

I wouldn't dare say that
I'm as good as him.

but I did win a few tournaments

Do you play chess as well?

Sure, from Budapest to Prague.
In caffee houses.

but I'm atraid I'm hopeless
amateur.

But surely, as a man of the
church.. of the cloth.

I mean, you had surely enought
time to play...

and you probably play
extremely well

Yes, from time to time. But when
I had spare time...

my thoughts were usually
busy with other things

We're about to depart, and
the Captain's sorry for the delay.

But in such troubled times, rules
can't be strictly followed

Extraordinary, and now I hear
we're not going straight to New York

Tomorrow we go to Venice to pick
up a few more passengers.

You mean, more rabble.

Your time schedule doesn't seem
as strict as my chess schedules

I hope I'll be able to
keep then anyway

Set the chess men, Baranov

Excuse me for bothering you.
My name is Maclver.

Hoped to see you last year in
Scotland but something happened.

The Glasgow Chess Club, you
wanted to play a tournament there

I'd love to play with you. Of
course, when you're both ready

I'm sorry this is only practice

Only for Mr. Czentovic.
He trains.

But a regular match could be
at much more use to him

Let's say, something like
a competition.

Some of us against you with
the right to consult among us

That should be of interes
to you

I don't think so. Excuse me.

You must understand, he must be
on his own without disturbances.

Well, then after you training.

You probably don't know that Mr.
Czentovic is a professional...

and doesn't play amateurs,
of course,

Listen. I'm no beginner!
On the country, in Glasgow...

You must understand, sir,
We only play for money.

- Undoubtly, a rule.
- Yes.

As his manager. I must insist
on certain rules.

- What's the price?
- You're a Scotsman, right?

In your currency, 50 pounds,
Per match.

- 50 pounds per match?
- Yes.

May I suggest something,
Mr. Maclver?

Play me, instead, for free
and on top of it. You'll win.

Excuse me, but given
the present circunstances...

we must insit on cash

The check is drawn against the
Bank of England, it's as cash

- Today, perhaps.
- And next years as well.

- Uncertainty forces us.
- My dear friend...

this check is backed by the
British govermment itself.

Let me assure you, no
uncertainty whatsoever.

My compliments, you're one
of the sages of this world.

If you can say what's
in store for you, for us all.

See? What did I tell you?

You've been lucky
once agains

My truck... I'm so sorry

Now do you believe me?

They don't care any more
about you, Werner

They have their sights
an other people.

On other disputes

Give the Master a sign
after each move... like this

Probably another rule.
The Man may not sit with us.

Not even when playing.

Well at long last.

Yes but... what did I say?
How much did I betray?

Yes, I must know...
how much did I betray?

Now you're safe. Come

May I say how happy we are
to have you among us?

I think Mr. von Basil wishes
to go straight to his cabin.

Yes sir.
The gentleman's bagage?

I don't seen to have any, do I?

You have yourself. All the rest
can be replaced.

The steward is at your disposal.
Just say what you want.

Now tell the Captain that we're
all very grateful.

And we're grateful to you
Bishop Ambros

Why are you doing all this
for me?

Why? Because we aprpreciate you,
Mr. von Basil?

You're as esteemed on our ship
as in your own country.

Perhaps you'd like to rest. Your
journey must have been tiring.

Dinner is at 08:00 pm
Mr. von Basil

The Captain would like
your presence at his table.

His table?

With other people?

Only a few, Mr. von Basil

I don't think I'll be able to.
Please...

Thank your Captain for me
and excuse me.

What ever you decide. it's OK

If you need anything,
please ring.

- If I need anything?
- You only have to ring.

Only have to ring?

Only have to ring.

Listen, how often do we have
to give him a sign?

Perhaps he wants us to break
a glass with each move.

- A mighty entrance for him.
- Patience gentleman, patience.

He'll be ready for you
in a moment.

Mirko..

The question is are we ready
for him, Mr. Maclver?

Pawn to F5: that's the
prescribed move in this case.

Your last move was also
prescribed.

No fear, gentleman. We're about
to set a wonderful trap for him.

You've set a wonderful trap
Mr. Maclver.

And he chased us into it.

Baranov

Have them bring me a glass
of hot milk into my cabin.

Yes Mirko.

- And some biscuits.
- Yes, of course.

I'm going to retire soon.

Biscuit, hot milk...

That's the possibility I see

You can correct me if I'm wrong.

Until now, we didn't succeed.

Let's not quarrel, gentlemen.

You propose to take our pawn
to the queen?

- Of course.
- A wrong move, if ever...

- What do you think, rabbit?
- Me?

I believe in surviving.

And if a new quuen heps us
to hold out...

Hold out... that gives us
a completely new star.

OK, With your permission.

No you can't do that,
Excuse me?

If your pawn goes to the queen.
he'll take it with his bishop.

You can recover it
with your knight...

but he'll take his pawn to d7
and threaten your rook.

If you check his king,
you'll lose a man...

and then in nine to ten moves
the whole match...

It's practically the same match
as Alekhine played...

at the international tournament
against Bolgoljubow in 1922.

Excuse me. I'm sorry

No, no... stay with us.

We're glad for your help.
What would you proposed?

The main thing is do not move
the pawn...

get the king out of the danger
area from g8 to h7.

Wait, wait. How do you know
that's the right move?

It's obvious. Then your opponent
will direct his attack...

against the other flank you
stop him with the rook.

With another move, you can
force a draw.

A draw... tables...

Yes. You can't get any thing else.

Compared to what we expected.
This'd be a victory.

Now the rook, from c8 to c4.

Welcome,

Here, take my seat.
Move. Please.

Please, gentlemen.
The Master is thinking.

May I save you the trip?

Yake as much time as you wish,
but whatever you do...

It's tables

- Tables
- Finished. Out. The end.

Tables.

You've done it! And against
the World Chess Champion.

Didn't you know? You were
playing Czentovic.

Would you be interested
in another match tomorrow?

Yes. Of course. But you'll have
to play only him.

After 3 p.m. I'll be
at your disposal.

But that's impossible,
gentlemen

I'm sorry.
I've no right to interfere.

He'll be here. We'll take care
he does.

I'd like to know, why we've never
met and where you've played.

Nowhere. I've never
played before.

That knight I moved against you...

was the first chess man I've
ever touched in my life.

Mr. von Basil. Welcome to
the "Metropol". Welcome.

Thank you Karl.
For not saying "Heil!".

I'm sick of that. I've heard
enough for my whole life.

They marched in quickly. This
morning still Austria, and now?

Still Austria.

The ball hasn't been cancelled
and they still play Strauss

A ball in Vienna is not
the whole nation.

And I must tell you that many
wanted it cacelled.

Rash, they called it, daring
a provocation.

And you? What did you say?
After all, it's your hotel.

Me? I thought, what would Werner
von Vasil think of me...

- If I'd give in so quickly.
- Karl.

Many are dancing only becaouse
they asked the same question.

Fiddlesticks. They wanted
to be here.

But you helped them want it.
That is decisive.

Thank you. Thank you, Karl.

- Hello.
- Hello.

I've heard that today he did
his legal transactions...

as if nothing were the matter.

Except, of course,
his clients interests.

I wonder if it weren't better and
more reasonable to play along...

and look the truth in the face.

I think that even to smile would
be high treason.

And you'd lose it all to prove
your stalwart uprightness?

I'm only looking at it from
their point of view.

THey can also consider it
a provocation.

An intentional insult.

- They'll act upon it, trust me.
- I fear it, too.

We even seriously thought
of inviting the Gestapo.

Do you think we were wrong?

I think you're pulling my leg,
Werner.

Who'd dare something like that?
Pleased to see you, Madam

We wouldn't have missed it for
all the gold in the world, right?

Ballerina Andreny.

Who's the lucky man this seasons?

I see she's still wearing
the Trade Minister necklace.

If that proves anything.

You're completely out of touch,
dear countess

The Minister was dismissed two
months ago. By her.

Shortly after a change in the
Minister's financial status.

Who's the new man? Do you know
him, Mr. von Basil?

Never saw him. But what I think
is important...

is that she came.

My dear Mr. von Basil

Of all your perfomances,
this is the best.

We're glad that you wish
to spend the evening with us.

Thanks to my friend, who invited
me. I think you know Mr. Berger

We were never introduced, but
Mr. von Basil's name precedes him.

I don't have your advantage
sir.

Mr. Berger represents the German
Reich's Gestapo in Austria

He was appointed today.

I'm at a loss to decide,
who of you two works faster.

Why not say that it's all in
the spirit of the new order?

What do you specialize in,
Mr. Berger?

Culture.

I had hopped to meet
more friends of yours, Irene.

Don't be hard on them,
Mr. Berger

Viennese, waltzes exert an
irresisitible effect on us.

Not as exciting as your own
music, but then tastes differ.

This might came as a shock to
you, Mr. von Basil, but...

we know and admire every bar of
your worthy Johann Strauss.

He could have been ours, but
belongs to Vienna. Let it be so.

Wonderful. Then you won't object
if the ballerina...

danced her first Vienna waltz
with a Viennese and...

- this might came as a shock...
- Please don't say it.

...but this waltz
is not bt Strauss.

Why did you insult him?
You're not usually like that.

And why did you insult Austria?

You confuse your Austria
with that of other people.

Not everyone thinks like you
not even those present.

Looking around, I can tell you
who'll survive and who won't

Unless one learns to bow down.

If you don't bow, you break. At
least in ballet, as I've learned.

What good's a broken man? Not for
Austria or anything else.

I know those words. I can almost
hear him saying them.

And you quote him very nicely.

I can be more explicit. He knows
more about you than the others.

He knows less about what you
mean to this country...

than what you've done for
a certain group of people.

The money, the works of art you
have secured outside the country

Your friend doesn't look like
an art connoisseur to me.

In spite of his cultural
position.

He's more interested in money,
but I think he wants then back.

I'd like to know why you're
telling me all this.

I cannot say we're friends...

even though we've met a lot.
We were friendly to each other.

- I must go back to him.
- Do something for me.

Tell him I know nothing...

and that you couldn't get
anywhere with me.

I'm sorry. Did I offend you?

Nor only now. You've only asked
me to dance to provoke him.

Excuse me. I did not intend to
ruin such a profitable relation.

I wouldn't allow you to.
Good evening, Mr. von Basil

Good evening.

You're leaving early.
Mr. von Basil.

It was an exhausting day, Franz.

Thank you, Mr von Basil.

Good night, my boy.

Mr. von Basil

Let's go home

There are some who
won't change, right?

...for Germany only wants equal
living rights...

Josef, can't you tune
to something more cheerful?

I'm sorry, sir.

I only tuned this station
by chance,

Josef.

There's nothing else
in all the stations.

Switch it off.

Are you not feeling well?

No, I'm sorry.

I'm alright, nothing should
be wrong with me now.

Josef, this is not our way home.

No, Mr. von Basil. I was about to tell you.

Bishop Ambros.

His emineces asked me an hour
ago to drive you here.

Here in the Prater? Who'd think
you'd come here?

That's what I was counting on.
No, I'm getting into your car.

I don't know if I'm good at these
things, but I'll try.

Since when does Your Eminence
indulge in these secret escapades?

Since I know you're in
serious danger.

The new master know everything
you did for me...

for the monastery and for
the Austrian Diocese.

We've talked about in tonight.
Yes, let's go home, Josef.

Let's see if His Eminence
prefers part or sherry today.

Listen Werner. You're in danger.

They won't forgive you for talking
the Church's treasures abroad.

They'll do anything to get you
to tell them where they are now

- Let them try...
- That's what they are doing.

Bishop Froehlich has been
interrogated for ten hours.

Now it's Father Lucke's turn.
Sooner or later, they'll take you.

Please, Werner, do me this favor.
Leave Austria.

- Now, in this situation...
- I know what you want to say.

Austria needs you more than ever.
But as a whole...

Not as a broken man.

Mr. von Basil, that car has been
following me for a while now.

It's my own. I forgot. I told
my driver to follow us.

Let's see if I have
something better.

A good, old napoleon cognac.

No. I've got to go back
to my nonastery.

But first I want an answer.

The Church too needs you
intact, Werner.

Well. I've still many things
to do.

I've got to destroy documents
which might implicate the Diocese.

- How long will you need?
- A week, ten days...

That's too much. Werner,
too much.

Eminence, that's something
I've got to decide for myself.

Don't go around seeing ghosts.
We'll keep in touch.

Alright, I'll wait.

it would be superfluous
to tell you...

"Make yourself comfortable",
wouldn't it?

Your janitor did that
when he let me in.

He was very nice: he seems
to have done it before.

I'll have to have a talk with him.
One can be too well brought up.

Shall we drink to ourselves?
I haven't got the time nor you.

They've issued a warrant
for your arrest.

I know. I was there
when he signed it

Your friend, Mr. Berger?

You only have 3 or 4 hours,
or perhaps a few minutes left.

I must go, even though
it's comfortable here.

- No wait.
- If you've dangerous documents...

destroy them as soon
as possible.

What you're saying
is true?

No, it's a trick. I'm doing
this for my own good...

I left under a pretext.
I must go back.

- To him?
- Yes.

That's what I'm thinking:
He'll never forgive you.

You've gone against
you own best interest.

Those are not interest
worth keeping...

Aren't they, Mr. von Basil?

Yes... in any case. I'm very
thankful for what you did.

Perhaps one day I'll be able
to find out...

why you did it.

You wouldn't believe it. I was
offered a contract at the opera...

- as I never had before.
- Congratulations.

And tonight I've met many
new interesting people.

All in all,
a very successful day.

Y only came here, to pay part
of my debts.

A small favor for Austria.

- You must hurry.
- You too.

Thank you.

Please, don't
I'll find my way out.

- SECTION V -

Please ask them to treat
the furniture more carefully.

There's no need to get nervous.

The Reich pays for any damages
caused when requisitioning

- Have you heard anything, Karl?
- The hotel has a new manager.

We've been here for 2 hours.
If they refuse to speak to us...

- they should let us sleep.
- Perhaps they will

I had to clear the whole eastern
wing. Even my own office.

I'd rather not greet you under
these circunstances.

Nothing will happen
to any of us, gentlemen.

Mr. von Basil. Excellency...

and Mr. Trauber, isn't it?

Gentlemen, I don't what
to say. Except, perhaps...

when moving so quickly, there
are always little difficulties.

There was no need to have these
gentlemen come here tonight.

Believe me, I'm extremly sorry.

Do you mean we can leave now?

Yes?

Of course. It's more than enough
if we meet tomorrow morning.

If there's no transportation,
do not worry.

I'll have you picked up.

- Just a moment Mr. von Basil.
- Yes.

I didn't mean you could
leave us already.

I didn't assume it.

I thought we could speak a while
in my office.

It won't take long. I can
imagine how tired you must be.

I'm afraid I'm a bit tired too.

Vienna, Mr. von Basil,
what a city!

You really took the trouble
to tour it?

Yes, just now. With our prima
ballerina as a superb guide.

She's a devoted compratiot,
isn't she?

Yes, from St. Stephan's Cathedral
to the Vienna Woods, your flat.

She'd do anything
for a tourist to feel at home.

Please...

You might be interested to know
that Irene and I spoke of you.

How very flattering for me.

We looked forward to you
rolling with us through Vienna...

perhaps small outings, in the
spirit of mutual cooperation...

As a symbol of brotherhood...

- Let me be frank...
- Weren't you, up to now?

We're both not average men,
and I hope, reasonable ones.

There's much to win for you...
and for your country...

if you come to terms with
the situation...

- if you accept it...
- If I publicity approve you.

I hope you'll admit in time that
your conduct was unreasonable...

You should start considering
the situation realistically.

I'm referring of the treasures
of the Church.

Which you would like to have in
Germany, isn't that what you mean?

Austria is now Germany too,
Mr. von Basil.

There you're temporarily right.

I openly admit that I find
violence, at least, of the sort...

that some of my countrymen think
to apply utterly detestable.

Please don't use it.

There's no danger of that.

And I'd be sorry to have to
change my attitude with you.

I appreciate that.

Violence leads to nothing,
especially with intellectuals.

With them you have to proceed
in a completely different way.

- Such as?
- Via their intellect.

One should starve them
spiritually, Mr. von Basil.

One should take every ounce
of spiritual food from them.

And that is really successful?

It never fails.
Not with me, anyhow.

- May I be frank, Mr. Berger?
- Please do.

When I met you tonight,
I thought...

that you were not really
any different from your people.

just a little more classy,
of course.

- I understand.
- Since then I've had no reason...

to change my mind.

Perhaps you're even worse
because you're intelligent.

If you think I'd willingly
participate...

in any of your
disgusting machinations...

then I'm sorry for you.

Willingly you mean?

Mr. von Basil will remain
with us after all.

I'd say for about three weeks...
not longer, not at all.

You probably know the eastern
wing of this house quite well.

You surely are acquainted with
your neighbors.

Ex-chancellor's Schuschnik's flat
is next to you and Rothschild's...

Baron Rothschild's is even
closer. You must like that.

I can only see how much
you like it.

Now I'm really tired.

I'm sorry. The gentleman
will escort you.

Another think, Mr. von Basil...

should you have any complaints
or suggestions...

or should you wish to talk to me
about anything...

you only have to ring.

I don't know the price of this
charming flat...

but i assume it won't be
excessive

Don't you think so too?

Well, let's see what I still
have with me

Here, for example an Autrian
passport. Seen one before?

My suitcase. As I say, if your
residence isn't first clas..

be grateful for good service.

Well, very neat.

Did you pack it yourself?

Such a shy man!

May I help you?

This is a newspaper article,
it is of no value.

You could leave me my pencil!

You forgot my shoes!

Well, Moonface?

Whata tasty breakfast have you
thought out for me?

Perhaps two eggs in a glass?
Do you really wish to spoil me?

Or a tasty piece ok cake.
Together with the morning paper?

Why bread rolls,
that's nice of you!

You thought of my favorite
breakfast...

stale bread rolls!
With marmalade!

That's really...

And today's not even Sunday.

But of course, it is Sunday.

It's the fourth Sunday since
my arrival!

You're not deaf,
you can hear me.

You know quite well that today's
the fourth Sunday.

Ask him, how many Sundays
he still wants

You talk to him, or any of them.

Ask him. Ask those below,
ask them.

Mondgesicht, tell them I can make
it another four Sundays...

or twenty, or any number
they wish.

Because their methods won't work
with me, not with me.

Tell them, Mondgesicht,
tell them that!

That was wonderful.

Excellent, wonderful, fantastic.

And do you know why?
Because not once...

not even once did you
keep to that piece of crap...

this abominable ballet,
that claims to be...

a true cultural contribution...

How are you, Mr. Berger?

Irene

I didn't expect you so early, and
particularly not in such a mood.

I'm sorry... this morning
we had quite a rush.

I thought we might go and eat
somewhere cozy.

Yes, we could drive out,
to the Kerwenzel.

Not today. The weather
is not good either.

What is there,
apart from the weather?

If you must know,
I'm really angry.

My department head from Berlin
could arrive any moment.

I've got to keep in touch with
the office should he want me...

...or at any time, if he just
raises a finger.

But he cannot complain of your
lack of success!

He expects miracles. If a single
case takes too long...

he acts as if we only
had had failures.

Just a second.
I won't take long.

Hans.

perhaps Mr. von Basil
will never give in.

He must. This is a proven method.
There's no way he can win.

Not the slightest chance.

It's just a matter of time.

Time.

...that due to the bad weather,
the apricot...

the apricot harvest...

of 1922 was far below
the previous years...

...that due to the bad weather,
the apricot harvest of 1922...

was far below the previous
one, one...

Far below the previous...

Oh Mondgesicht, my faithful
Mondgesicht...

Do come in. Don't be afraid.

Today's shaving day. You know,
I think we'll give it a pass.

I've decided not to go out today.
Because it rains.

Did you hear? I don't want
a shave.

Mondgesicht, you can hear me.

You're not deaf, Mondgesicht.
You are a human being

You can hear, speak...

and read.

Mondgesicht, do you know what it
means, to read?

To see words printed on paper.

Mondgesicht!

Open your mouth, or I'll kill you!

And if I...

if I have to kill you.

But, but, Mondgesicht...

Please, forgive me, Mondgesicht.

I didn't mean to, Please
forgive me. Come on...

Forgive me, Mondgesicht.

Also... Mondgesicht, please!

Go down and tell them...

Tell them that I'm prepared
to talk to Berger.

You have failed, Berger.

How long have you been going
according to plan with him?

Six weeks? Seven?

I can only say, sir, that some
take longer than others.

People are different. They have
to be treated differently

I'm sorry, but Mrs Andreny says
she can't wait any longer.

Tell him I'll him tonight.

Mrs. Andreny say she'll see you tonight.

Excuse me.

You're quite right.

Each case is to be dealt with
differently. The only question...

Just a moment.

Irene...

I told her to wait for you.

I'm really sorry, but I'm about
to finish.

Then we'll go end, and
without interruptions.

Berger

I'll be with you
in a second.

Please... wait for me.

If you hurry.

See you in a moment.

Mr. Berger is
a very successful man.

What I wanted to say before
we were interrupted is...

that my method has not detours.
The direct way is the best.

If we need confessions
we force them out.

Can't you understand
that I'm in a...

Really? What do you say?

Now?

Bring him here.

Excuse me, you were saying?

Nothing that could
interest you.

You're right, Mr. Hartmann.

I am interest. But I do
not quite share your opinion.

From now on,
please turn to me first.

Then I'll report
to Mr. Berger.

I, and not you.

These are the rules.
And rules do not change...

certainly not here.

The sooner you understand it,
the better it'll be for you.

You cannot go in unannounced.

It's all right. The lady is
welcome. close the door.

You have seen him.

I kept him as a surprise
for Mr. Hartmann.

The gentleman who caused you
such worries is ready now.

He gives in. May I... excuse me.

Yes.

I see. Yes.

Wait a moment.

It wears one down... waiting.

Irene, may I introduce you
to Mr. Hartmann of Berlin?

A born pessimist. Irene Andreny.

My pleasure.

Hans Berger told me me how useful you
were to him, introducing him...

to your circle of friends.

Won't you sit down,
Mrs. Andreny?

May I thank you for the service
you rendered to your friends?

And to us.

Helmut..

You should've heard how I bent
that nasty guy into shape.

They remind me of those
French Revolutionary upstarts.

-Did you know what I mean?
- Yes.

Upstarts, idiots, dummies...

jumping jacks, tin soldiers.

What were they, after all,
in civilian life?

I can tell you: plumbers, ticket
collectors, shoe shine boys...

street cleaners, bailiffs...

Bureaucrats and idiots!

I can recognize them
on the spot, Helmut.

I was an inspector
at the gas works.

The living proof that methods are
right when properly applied.

- By refusing the slightest edge...
- It's alright, Berger.

the system succeeds
without fail.

Please, excuse me.

Nor just now. I wanted to talk
to you about tonight.

Perhaps Mr. Hartmann would come
with us?

You'd give me much pleasure,
little lady.

A small party?
You can bring him in.

Werner..

Mrs. Andreny...

Did you want tell us
something, Mr. von Basil?

Excuse me.

May I sit down, or would you
prefer me to stand?

As you wish.

Then I'll stand. The question
is trivial in itself.

We're interested in some services
you rendered to the Church.

- The Church?
- Yes. What else?

Apricots.

Pardon me?

The apricot harvest. In this
terrible year, 1922...

Don't you remember? I thought
no one would ever forget.

The question is how to use
our experiences of 1922.

That's absurd.

Not for a farmer, Mr. Berger.

He made a fool of you,
and you of me.

- Mr. Hartmann, I have...
- Your infallible system...

- has cost me too much time.
- Do you mean by that...

that you cannot come to
celebrate with us tonight?

What a pity! Perhaps Mr. von Basil
could come instead.

- Bring him back.
- We'd better cancel tonight...

- and every other night.
- Don't talk nonsense, Irene.

I have another engagement even
if he's here and I'm not.

Won't such a rendez vous
lose its attraction?

I'll get used to it.

I'll sense you presence.

You treat me like this because
you think I've failed.

No.

Something happened.
Something changed his attitude.

I'll get the reason out of him.
I'll break him.

It's too late for you.
Much too late.

Perhaps for me as well.

.snaH eyb dooG

What was it?

What was it?

"150 Chess Masters Games"

Alekhine vs Pokolokov...
Pokolikov

International Tournament,1922

Tc4 to c8.

SC x D4L to c3

BxTW to d3

Knight takes Bishop

T is the rook.

Rook goes to A3 after A6

Black pawn... B means pawn, yes

Oh, Moonface

I missed you these last days.

Were you ill? Seriously ill?

That has a few advantages.

If you're not here,
at least you can speak...

talk to your family.

Have you got a family?

Or to your friends.

Friends...

Black...

Very good Black.
We have to cover that.

White, White is very dangerous.
We have to cover that.

Introduce a new combination.

A new combination?
A new combination?

c5... and then c6. Yes

And how do we stop this now?

And how do we stop this now?

What an unexpected pleasure...

- Are you hoarding bread, Mr. von Basil?
- Yes.

Do you think that we could
possibly run out?

Well, I like a snack
before going to bed

You seem to take it with you
into bed.

It is healthy to let the light
burn all night?

This seems to be your latest
habit as our men tell me.

Lately I've been suffering
from insomnia.

No wonder, if you eat at night.

I'd do without, if I were you.

I don't want to your health
to suffer.

I appreciate
your concern, Mr. Berger.

But perhaps it's not the food.

What do you mean?

Maybe the result of a diversion,
if you know what I mean.

An intellectual stimulation.

For example...

...a book.
A book could cause that.

A fascinationg toy.

Chess men, nearly as
entertaining as real men.

I think we better take out
the light altogether...

Mr. von Basil must be
quiet at all times.

Irene

I want to talk to Mrs. Andreny.

Excuse me Pepi.
I have to talk of business.

I won't be but a moment.

Irene, I forgot,
I have to do a few things

May I?

This might interest you.

Your friend's days as hotel
guest are coming to an end.

Why not?

Soon we'll know all
we want to know.

Unfortunately, I had to take
away a book he found.

For him, it's something
like a life vest.

He doesn't need life vest,
he'll never give up.

That's what he's doing just now...

...but he doesn't know it yet.

He's showing all signs
and symptoms.

And this time,
nothing will save him.

Is that why you're always waiting
for me,...

...following me or whatever?

To boast of what you think of the
success you seem so sure of?

In some things I can't succeed
at all

I'm totally inept.

I miss you terribly, Irene.

But since you wish so much that
I lose the duel with your friend...

may I reveal something to you?

If i fail, he fails and has much
more to lose than I do.

Torture, or something like that?

My departmental head, Hartmann,
never uses that word...

but he is sold on the goodness of
the physical persuasion method.

We're in the same boat, Irene.
In one sense at least.

We don't have much time.

I wish us luck...

It was a pleasure to see you again.

If we move c4, pawn.

yes...

pawn c4... takes.

three squares to the right,
white rook...

always up, there...

Good.

And now black,
let's see what we can do.

I'm worried, worried.

I'm afraid the whites have got us...

Very arrogant, the whites after
the last two matches.

How could we...

yes, let us collect them
in joy...

white pawns on the line,
white bishop.

white pawns are good.

It seems white was careful
with its bishop.

Somehow black knight to c6
and opens the way...

for the black queen.

Yes. Move, made...

...made...

Tables... from a hapeless
position to tables.

Yes, yes, do you agree with us,
whites?

Yes.

Tables.

Bishop Ambross.

And you're Mrs. Andreny,
of course.

I remember we met once,
Your Eminence.

I know, I'm not one of those
waiting for you around here.

My car is down there,
I won't keep you long

Everyone is welcome here.
Anytime

Especialy people with problems.

This has to do with
Werner von Basil.

You'll be surprised to know that
I know what he did for the Church.

- But what I'd love to know is...
- What we did for him.

Yes.

- We have prayed.
- Excuse me. Your Eminence.

If I were a believer, I wouldn't
say what I'm about to say...

but your prayers sidn't help
and there's no time to lose.

You surely could do something,
at least the Church could.

Something that works or people
who have no time for prayers.

Some believers would feel
less compassion...

but would have more
understanding for the Church.

As to what you suggest,
we cannot help you.

I've bothered you in vain,
I haven't much time left.

I'll try to use it.

What do you intend to do?

Something you surely wouldn't
approve of, Your Eminence.

It's based on what I know
of a certain type of man.

Good-bye. Your Eminence.
Thank you.

To the Metropol Hotel.

Well, pawn to B2.

That's your place...

That's where I moved you to.

Stay put, stay put.

All men in one place.

Black, done...

let's go.

White, black...

White, black...

White, black, White, black...

White, black, White, black,
White, black...

White, black, White,

White pawn moves.

Where is my pawn?

Where is my pawn?
It should be there!

Black, you took it with you,
you stole it...

You're a cheat.
Yes, you're a cheat.

A terrible liar...

a lying cheat,
that's what you are.

I don't want you here.
I don't want you here...

No, I don't wont you here.
I don't wont you here...

Please hurry.

They're bringing him down.

You already brought him
down once.

But this time you can take him
to the basement.

And I'll go with you.

That would be superfluous,
captain.

You've never seen anyone
so willing to cooperate.

Eight prisioners delivered.

No, no...

You can't leave them standing
like that!

Get out off that square.

Come on, black rook, go to C4.

Two, white queen, here, here...

here, depends...

white rook here,

white rook here so...

here, here...

How can I play while you're
standing there. Don't you see?

You say ready to cooperate?

Look at him! He's not a human
being any more

He's worn down, finished,
he's of no use to anyone.

You didn't leave anything.

- I really don't think that...
- It's as hopeless as it looks?

You want to tell me that there's
something left, don't you?

Well, I'll give you another
chance to prove it.

But this time with my methods,
not yours! bring him down!

Sorry to bother you, Mr. Berger

I've been trying to reach you.
Miss Andreny is here.

I had to see you.

Why?

To ask you...

to ask you if you want me back.

If you want me, you have
to tell me, Hans.

- If I ever needed you...
- Prove that you're a human being.

It's simple, very simple. A bit
of understanding and help.

You want me to release von Basil.

The captain is waiting for you.

That's what you wanted to do
for him, to sell yourself.

To bargain,
like a common streetwalker.

That's what you wanted to do to me.
You miserable, wretched...

Keep her here.

Try to give us your full
attention, Mr. von Basil.

Give me your attention,
Mr. von Basil.

We have much to talk about.

What did I say? What did I say?

You forced it out of me,
How much?

Please Mr. von Basil,
your move.

Answer me.

I don't know what you're talking
about, why we're still playing.

Give up.

Answer me, do you understand?
I want to know what happened...

I want to know what I said.

- Don't get excited, calm down.
- Mr. von Basil, what's the matter?

- He didn't do anything to you.
- If you only knew!

You don't know what he did
to me

Wouldn't you rather stop
the game, Mr. von Basil?

Yes, after this game
he shouldn't play any more.

The Venetian passengers
are coming.

Let me go!

May I take you to your cabin?

I just want an answer.
And he'll give it to me.

He'll give it to me.
What did I tell them?

Answer me. What did I tell them?

Nothing, nothing, Werner.

You said nothing to anyone.

Neither to Berger,
nor to Hartmann. To no one.

Irene Andreny...
Irene Andreny...

Don't you want to finish this
endless game once and for all?

You have, you said, Berger...

Arrested me...

That was another
of his mistakes.

The Gestapo had no use for me
or for Mr. Berger, any longer.

This is insufferable.

Would you kindly stop talking
for a moment?

He had to go, Werner.
He disappeared suddenly.

He had to go, because
he failed. You won.

You were stronger,
you beat them.

Excuse me, sir.

I confused you
with someone else.

Something about you
reminded me of...

I almost thought you were
one of them.

Does this mean that you finally
give up?

Why?

Do you want me to move?

Yes...

Mate!

Mate, mate...

Does any of you know
what mate is?

I only see a rash
pointless move.

Right, it's not mate.

Are you sure? Absolutely sure?

Sorry Mr. Czentovic,...

...but the longer I look at it...

the more I see a mate.

Anyhow, Mr. Czentovic reminds
him of one of those who...

oh, when I think of it!

Baranov, not even you can see
a mate here.

No, no,

there's nothing here.

Nothing at all.

Now everything will be fine.

That's all I wanted to know

Irene...

I come just like this.
I brought nothing with me.

Good,...

...so we won't take any
memories with us.

What a pity...

...he wasn't bad...

...for an amateur.