All language subtitles for Helen.Of.Troy.1956.1080p.BluRay.x264.AAC5.1-[YTS.MX].engHI

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NARRATOR: Here was Troy
3,000 years ago,

a city of destiny...

so situated that
it dominated the Hellespont,

today known as the Dardanelles.

This was the only sea route
to and from the east.

As a result,
Troy grew prosperous,

a tempting prize of war

for the Greek nations.

The Trojans had long memories
of the time when the Greeks,

led by Sparta,

had pillaged and burned
the city of their fathers.

They had prepared
strong defenses

against the possibility
of future assault.

That is why new Troy,
their rebuilt city,

was guarded by mighty walls,

an impregnable shelter

for a happy people
in love with beauty.

In the palace square
and the busy streets,

the industrious citizens were
enjoying the works of peace

as though this carefree era
would last forever.

There was Lord Aeneas,

nephew of King Priam,

on his way to the palace

where the future of Troy
was being weighed

by the royal council.

And so we've locked out
the understanding of nations

and we've locked in the poison.

Trojans jumping at every rumor,
pointing fingers at each other.

I tell you there's only
one solution.

Have your way.
Go to Sparta.

Go wherever you will,

but don't try to drag
the destiny of Troy with you.

What destiny, to live
like a crab in a shell?

We live well. We tax the traders
at the sea gate.

That's our blood.
- Stupidity!

We'll choke on our own fat

unless we sail
our own ships of trade.

But how can we,
when every harbor is an enemy's?

Oh, I'm sick
of your crazy dreams.

Careful, brother.

Paris has always been able
to crack your neck.

And you can thrash us both.

Tell him he's a fool, Hector!

My sons, the fool is the man
who makes a quarrel of a debate.

Paris, I bless your plan
to sail to Sparta.

I know I can trust you
not to beg for peace.

I'll simply try to convince
the Greeks

that our power
makes a treaty advisable.

I'd convince them.

I'd take 100 ships of war and
burn the soil of Sparta black!

I'm sure you would, Polydorus,
and create endless war.

And you, Hector,
do you aspire to anything

but to excel
at swordplay and boxing?

Yes, sire.
The javelin and the discus.

Hector's a good son, Priam.

And a good husband, my lord.

Is that not sufficient glory?

By your leave, sire, the ship of
Paris is ready to sail.

Do the gods approve the day
and the hour?

The omens are good, my king,
and also the prophecies,

with but one exception.

One troubled priestess
of the temple.

My daughter.

Don't be angry, Priam.

Cassandra is ill.

Sick in the mind.

Arise, Paris, and go.

The virgin Cassandra
does make one point

that causes me much concern.

Prince Paris, it appears,

gives all his worship
to one goddess alone.

Aphrodite.

I'm not sure
I worship anything.

No.

Admiration is the better word.

Admiration for the beauty
of a marble image.

It was not the goddess of beauty

who taught us to arm
against our enemies

but Athena,
the goddess of wisdom

and the patroness
of the horses of war.

Athena does not rejoice in this.

This solitary adoration
of yours.

Neither is she delighted,
my prince,

that you undertake
a mission of peace.

And I suppose
that evil horse of hers

will spring out and trample me.

Very well.

Let it come, my lord,

if that's the price of living
in a world of fables.

CASSANDRA:
Do not say that, Paris.

Do not seek peace elsewhere,
dear brother,

until first you have
pacified Athena.

My little Cassandra,
there can be no postponement.

So come along and give me your
blessing for a happy voyage.

I cannot bless what I see
in your future.

PRIAM: Cassandra!

Cassandra, stop this.

But, Father, it's true.

What I see and feel is true.

Go, Paris.

Come, Cassandra.

Come and rest a while.

How can I, Mother?

Oh, I wish
it hadn't been given me,

this agony I live with.

[Dramatic music plays]

Paris!

Paris, don't go.
Please don't go.

Cassandra, I must sail at once.

If you have any love at all
for Troy,

don't bring
this dreadful thing upon us.

And I thought
you loved me best of all.

I do, but the noise,
the storm grows so great.

The screaming of horses,
the cries of dying men.

[Crying]

Take care of her.

My dear, my dear.

Perhaps it could not
be otherwise.

What must be, no one can change.

[Cheering]

[Dramatic music plays]

Where are we today?

Elysium?
- Far from it.

We're nearing Sparta,
a harsh military land,

where a man will cut off his arm
to prove he's brave.

I wonder what
the women look like.

My profound cousin Aeneas.

To think deeply, Paris,
one must think of women.

They bring all life
into the world and much death.

They sway the destinies of men.

Not my destiny.

[Wind blowing]

What's the matter?

Oh, just a quickening
of the breeze.

But I don't like
the hot breath of it.

Oh, it's nothing.

Only one drifting cloud
up there.

[Dramatic music plays]

Up the mast with you!

I command you!
Climb the mast!

Drop the sail!

My prince, the ropes are fouled,

and these men refuse
to climb the mast.

I'll flay them!

No!

There's only one way
to cure these fantasies.

No, my prince, not you.

No!

Paris!

Paris!

[Screams]

Paris!

Paris! Paris!

Paris!

[Dramatic music plays]

[Dog barking]

HELEN: Megas!

[Romantic music plays]

Aphrodite.

What?

Some ship had bad luck.

She does exist.

Who?

PARIS: The fairest goddess.

CORA: This creature is crazy.

But with a nice
sort of craziness.

What was your ship?

The Dolphin, of Troy.

A Trojan.

Cut him loose, Andros.

Maybe we can warm some life
into him

before we turn him over
to the soldiers.

Women! Why warm a man
to cut his throat?

- [Dog barking]
- Oh.

Cover him up, quickly.

We're looking for our sovereign
lady, the Queen of Sparta.

She came to the shore to visit
a nurse of her childhood days.

My lady.

I left orders
not to be disturbed here.

MAN: But there are certain
developments which make

this beach unsafe today.

A strange ship was sighted,
milady,

running out of the storm.

We couldn't go after her
because of the heavy seas.

She might have been Trojan.

It's possible she left spies
on our shores.

You see Trojan phantoms
everywhere.

This was no phantom ship.

The emblem of
the royal House of Troy.

MAN: The king would
want me to insist

that his queen return
to the palace at once.

Inform King Menelaus that Cora
is taking excellent care of me.

Go along now.

Very well, my lady.

[Dramatic music plays]

Andraste!

Andraste, help us
carry this man.

A man, my lady?

How interesting!

I can't risk hiding a Trojan.

Yes.

What if he's a warrior
and only pretending?

You must be careful.

Women who are always careful
miss much in life, Andraste.

He doesn't seem to recover.

But his heart beats.

Give him some broth, Cora,

and we'll turn him over
to the soldiers.

- Good.
- Oh, no!

- They'll kill him.
- I still say good.

And I, too, would say so,

if he were
as unattractive as you.

Thank you.

To whom am I indebted
for this gallant defense?

Nobody of importance.

I am only a slave.

Now tell us about yourself,
Trojan.

Did I mention that?

My memory is clouded.

But I do recall
I thought you a vision.

A goddess.

Dear Aphrodite,

allow me to present myself.

Prince Paris of Troy.

We'll dispense with impudence.

You're a bit impudent yourself
for whatever you are, a slave?

Silence!
You're addressing --

A slave of the palace, Andros.

Of what importance is that?

I tell you truly,
I am Prince Paris.

I come to offer a treaty
of peace to King Menelaus.

But of course,
you don't believe me.

My articles of identity,

all the gifts I was bringing
to the Court of Sparta --

My crew won't come near
a Spartan harbor now.

They'll swear the gods
hurled lightning at me.

Perhaps I do believe you.

The sea has damaged
your appearance,

but not your manner.

You must leave here
at nightfall.

Follow the coast.

You'll reach a cove
where Phoenician ships put in.

No.
I still have a mission.

Do as I tell you!

Our soldiers have a habit of

plunging a dagger
into strangers.

And why should that worry you?

Never mind.

The feelings of a slave
are of no importance.

They are to me.

In any place but Sparta,
one so fair would be a queen.

In Troy, we'd make songs
about you.

King Menelaus
would not permit that here.

Because you'd make his queen
look plain.

Oh, she would be pained
to hear you say that.

Do you know her?

She -- She owns me.

I'm her shadow.

And I always thought I knew her.

No, I don't believe anyone knows
Queen Helen very well,

including Helen.

Not even the king?

Great power doesn't
need knowledge.

Wait.

I only ask these questions
because I must go to the palace.

Oh, don't chance it.

I intend to be discreet,
so prepare me.

If Menelaus is
deaf to my errand,

I'll ask the queen for help.
- That you must never do! I --

Oh, if you were old and ugly,
maybe then she could help you.

But you're not old, nor ugly.

It's late, Andros.

We must get the fish to market.

Gladly.

If the soldiers find him here,
I don't want to be involved.

I wouldn't mind.

We must get back to the palace,
Andraste.

I've stayed here too long.

Promise me
we'll meet again.

[Romantic music plays]

You can go back now.

Supplies, for your voyage home.

So you still hope
I won't go to the palace?

More than ever.

The kings of Greece
are gathering there

to consider a war against Troy.

Then my mission was well-timed.

When will they be in council?
- Tomorrow, perhaps.

But tonight,

there are only you and I.

Under the magic
of the moonlight.

Here.

See what I brought you?

My dear little slave girl,

I don't want what you steal
from the palace.

I only want what I steal
from the palace.

No, my prince.

Very well, then,
I'll borrow you.

But we'll be quite honest
about it.

I'll offer to buy you
from the queen.

Oh, no!
That would mean death!

Nonsense.

I'll explain to her
that you're no slave to me

but my future Princess of Troy.

Let me go, Paris.

Don't you believe
I could love a slave?

Yes, I believe.

My heart believes and loves you.

My heart is yours, Paris,
but I can never be.

You must not seek out the queen,

nor anyone at the palace.

And this moment
must be our last.

Don't ask me why.

Call it magic, call it a dream.

And never speak of it to anyone.

[Romantic music plays]

Hear our Spartan host,
King Menelaus.

Are you sure
Ulysses is coming?

His ship was not far
behind mine.

This great Ithacan refused
to leave his wife and farm.

He's so sick of war,
he wouldn't let go of the plow.

Till his own child
was cast in front of it,

to convince him
the glory of Greece

comes ahead of
sweet contentment.

You can have the glory.
I'll take Troy's gold.

[Laughter]

Not my share, brother.

Ulysses, King of Ithaca!

MENELAUS: Greetings, friend.

You're acquainted with everyone.

Ajax, Prince of Salamis.

Nestor, King of Pylos.

Diomedes, ruler of Aetolia.

And I think you know my brother,
King Agamemnon of Mycenae.

Greetings, fellow pirates.

[Laughter]

It is a righteous war
we plan, Ulysses,

a war of defensive aggression.

A very neat sort of
righteousness.

You think the Trojans
built their citadel

for any lover of peace?

Have you not heard of
the sons of Priam?

Polydorus begs for war!

Hector wants only a challenge.

And Paris is the equal
of any man

with a cestus,
the bow, and the javelin.

Will you believe
such men want peace?

All the more reason
why we cannot plan

without Achilles of Thessaly.

But he hates my brother and me
so much, I --

He hates you almost as much
as he loves war.

In fact, in order to lock
himself from all temptation

of joining with us,

he hid himself securely
in a house of women.

[Laughter]

That's where I found him,
hiding from all persuasion

dressed as a woman!

[Laughter]

- Did you persuade him?
- Oh, yes.

He's here at the stables, seeing
to the care of his horses.

Achilles, a blushing girl.

I shall commend him for the
beauty of his face and figure.

[Fanfare plays]

The man who blows his own horn.

Commend him, Menelaus.

I commend you, Achilles.

And I despise you.

And you, Agamemnon.

But it seems we must unite,

so I am here to lead you.

- Lead us, Achilles?
- Of course.

I and my good friend Patroclus.

Since we were boys together,

we could stand alone
and defy an army.

- I question that.
- Who?

I, Ajax.

My imitator.

You disgusting glory-hunter.

To imitate him, I'd need to wear
three layers of armor.

That's where he gets
his reputation

for having such
an invulnerable hide.

Silence this fool, Menelaus.

I would prefer not to be
angered by him.

[Laughs]

The truth of the matter is,

his skin's as tender
as his vanity.

And especially his heel.

Why, he can't even stand
the touch of leather against it.

I do not fight with my feet,
Ajax.

Take your ease, my prince.

I'll handle this buffoon.

MENELAUS: Enough of this.

We must remain united.

Impossible.

We've never been united,
and we never will be.

Keep my horses ready.

Patroclus,
we shall leave this place.

I see no ethical purpose
for a raid on Troy.

- Nor I.
- Now, wait.

Wait.

Here.

You talk of ethics.

Here's the sign of a Trojan ship
that was prowling our shores.

No peaceful trader,

but a royal ship
of the House of Priam.

PARIS: It was my ship, sire.

I am Paris of Troy.

- And you are King Menelaus?
- Yes.

I'm sorry to present myself
dressed like this.

I was swept overboard
in the storm.

But fortunately, this gathering
of the most royal of Greece

makes my mission easier.

How did you know we were here?

I beg my lord's indulgence,
I know.

And so I'm saved from journeying
to each king

if you decide against
certain offers of peace

I bring from Troy.

- What?
- Troy does not plan war?

You are wrong, Menelaus.

Stop this or lose
your Trojan plunder.

MENELAUS: Where did you find
this impostor?

He came to the palace, master.

I thought perhaps
you'd wish to question him.

You interrupt a busy council!

- Hear him.
- This is our business.

He's only some
wandering vagabond.

See the rags he wears.

These roving jesters
come often to my palace.

And they never fail to have
some nimble talent.

What do you do besides
this royal imposture?

It seems I try to do
the impossible.

The cesti.

If he's Paris, he should have
some skill with the cesti.

Brilliant, brother, brilliant.

MENELAUS: You heard,
Ajax, Achilles?

Achilles is weary from travel.

Achilles did not make his
reputation fighting children.

[Dramatic music plays]

This Sparta, my son,
is a viper's nest.

I shall see that
you're not forced to --

If we offend the pretender,
I give him leave to go.

No.

After all, part of my task
was to spread civilization.

But I must exact an agreement.

If I come fairly out
of this fight,

will you believe
that I am Paris

and hear the Trojan peace terms?

If your head's still
on your shoulders, yes.

[Laughter]

[Dramatic music plays]

[Laughter]

Paris!

[Dramatic music plays]

My good Trojan, you have used
a Spartan persuasion on me --

courage.

My courage almost failed me
at the thought of meeting Ajax.

You shall rest.

And tomorrow we shall talk.

About your adventures,
your voyage,

and the secret of the charm

that makes even me
call you "friend."

And Troy shall call Sparta
"friend."

Alpheus, find quarters
for our guest.

And, Alpheus,

they say the Trojans
have great eyes for beauty.

Find him a slave
and see that she is beautiful.

There is one slave
in your palace, sire,

for whom I would gladly
become a slave myself.

Menelaus!

You expressed a wish yesterday
to present your guests to me.

A proud wish.

Helen, Queen of Sparta,
wife to Menelaus,

I present Paris,
Prince Royal of Troy.

Why are you here, Trojan?

To study our arts and culture?

Yes, my lady.

The art of self-preservation.

Trojan impudence!

By your leave, my lord,

I shall receive the Greeks
at some happier moment.

[Dramatic music plays]

I heard my lady was truly
Spartan this afternoon.

My heart behaved like a fool.

I'm sure Menelaus could
hear it beating.

[Mid-tempo music plays]

[Dramatic music plays]

Tell your servants to go.

You may go.

- Get out!
- When will you learn?

The man can neither
speak nor hear.

What did you think
of the Trojan?

You saw what I thought.

Yes, I saw what you thought.

Of this Trojan anyway.

What is this game
you're playing?

Helen, you reveal yourself.

So does he.

Speak plainly.

If I've given you some offense,
punish me,

but don't welcome a stranger
with one hand

and strike him with the other!

So now we're fond of Trojans?

I might do many things with him.

I might send him home
with his appearance altered.

I might hold him hostage
to bleed tribute out of Priam.

I imagined once
I had married a king.

You married a king.

I married a robber.

Why did you marry him?
Why did you marry him?

When a king takes spoils,
he robs no one.

When he kills,
he commits no murder.

He fulfills justice.

The way of a Spartan.

I understand these things.

You do not.

I understand enough.

Then understand your place
in the palace, nowhere else!

You've seen this man before.

Admit it.

Your silence condemns you.

You've been out of
the palace secretly.

Admit it.
You know this man.

Silent as ever.
No words for me.

No words for your husband.
I am your husband!

- Don't.
- Say "husband" to me.

Say "husband" to me.

[Dramatic music plays]

I can think of many ways of
dealing with your Trojan, Helen.

Andraste.

I am the slave sent
to the Prince of Troy.

The queen's handmaiden, eh?

The king commands me
to entertain his guests.

A fine old Greek custom,
but guest?

He's in a prison,
if he only knew it.

Oh, I'm instructed
that he shall not know it.

Must King Menelaus command you
himself to admit me?

The royal temper's
already running a fever.

Shall I tell the king
you said that?

Get to your business,
you little troublemaker.

You should be in bed.

Yes, I should but --

But your mistress has sent you
to play another trick on me.

No.
She sent me to help you escape.

Escape?

Those two soldiers
on watch down there,

are they going to help me too?

You're a captive.

The king plans tortures for you.

You must leave quickly.

Return to the fisherman's hut.

I'll go a distance with you
to point the way.

My good friend Menelaus.

The door is also watched.

Then what chance have I?

[Dramatic music plays]

[Groans]

[Screams]

Helen thought to give you
the look of a merchant.

Any fool could see
you're a prince.

- Shh. Soldiers.
- MAN: Fisherman!

- Yes?
- MAN: Fisherman!

Yes?

What do you want?

A cup of wine, friend.

Our throats are salted
by the breeze.

Oh. Cora, the wineskin.

The captain's an idiot.

Does he think the fellow
will try to swim back to Troy?

He'd be deep
in the forest by now.

Here.
Take it with you.

Go now, and remember, there will
be many soldiers above,

so you'd best try along
the rocks underneath the cliff.

You must get to a cove
beyond the tower.

There, a small boat will fetch
you out to the ship.

Wings of Mercury speed you.

Why do you wait?

It was just a foolish hope.

- I half-imagined she'd come.
- Here?

She sent you garments,

arranged for a Phoenician ship
to take you home.

What more, Trojan?

I didn't really
expect her to come.

- I only hoped.
- Don't even breathe it.

If she should show her face here
and be recognized --

I know.

And I wish I could repay you
for your kindness.

And for the queen,

tell her she'll walk
in all my dreams.

[Mid-tempo music plays]

[Dramatic music plays]

HELEN: Wait!

The ship is not yet in the cove.

Helen.

Andraste, you are free.

Go as far away
as you can from Sparta.

My lady.

You made it clear to Adelphus
what I said?

- He is far off by this time.
- Then be on your way.

Freedom is made of quicksilver
sometimes.

Go. Hurry.

[Mid-tempo music plays]

Helen.

Helen is the queen.

The girl you thought you knew
was quite nameless

and without reality.

I can't believe that.

It was she who helped me
to escape.

No. That was the queen
who hates cruelty.

She would have done the same
for any slave.

PARIS: I see.

She is the queen
who comes here to say this.

She will always remember
the gentle Paris.

And she will do her small part
to turn this nation from war.

- You're not a Spartan.
- I am.

The daughter of a king who chose
a Spartan husband for me.

A man you despised.

I despise oppression,
as do many others here.

We need to be Spartan
to endure it.

And we need to be understood.

You are.

You, not Menelaus,
will be Sparta to me.

I shall tell my father
there is still great hope.

I'll tell Troy what
I've seen and heard.

The Greek rulers divided,
unable to find a cause for war,

even the Spartan people.

[Dramatic music plays]

Stop worrying.

The kings have been
carousing all night.

And so she is real,
that one I loved.

Yes.

The gods sometimes change
the bravest of intentions.

They are kind.

I'll never doubt them again.

Oh, Helen.

Helen, you are a slave as long
as Menelaus possesses you.

Come away to freedom.
Come to Troy with me.

And destroy the hope of peace
you were taking home with you?

No.

If even one Trojan dies
on the walls, I'm a failure.

Forgive me, Helen.

You are two women,
both wise and good.

I am two men.

One fairly good,
I try to believe.

The other, very bad indeed.

One is a man.

The other just a boy, I think.

Paris, let him be so always.

Never let him grow old.

[Romantic music plays]

Helen.

The ship.

And now I must go back.

It is a way the gods have

to give with one hand
and take with two.

Oh, no.

This is not goodbye.

You shall still be with me
across the sea.

And you with me.

And always young, Paris,
remember?

What is remembered
is forever young.

Halt!
Stand still, Trojan.

My lady, I ask that you
remove yourself --

Send your archers away, Alpheus.

I beg the queen
to stand out of danger.

You wouldn't dare.
You'll die.

ALPHEUS: I can no more than
lose my own life,

and it's lost if I let him go.

[Dramatic music plays]

Silence!

Helen!

Helen! Helen!

You lie.
She's in there.

- No, master.
- She's in there.

- Break the locks!
- Break them.

She's in there.

Break!

[Dramatic music plays]

It's true.

The Trojan's taken Helen.

He's carried her away.

By force, against her will.

To think of her struggles,
her fruitless cries for help.

We had our differences,
but she was my wife.

It goes deeper than that.

This is the assault
of all women in Greece.

Shame.
Shame on every Greek nation.

Then man your ships.

Follow them.

Ulysses, why do you sit there?

Brother, she must be
restored to me.

- Not now, Menelaus. Later.
- Yes. Now, now, now!

Will you not stand with me,
even in death?

Menelaus, we will reclaim her,

and with her,
all the loot of Troy.

But only if you wait.

We'll send out a call
to every city in Greece.

All Greeks united
in a war of honor.

Yes. That's what the future
will probably call it.

I call it that now.

This Prince of Troy
has asked for war, not peace.

Ulysses.

I'm sure you'll agree with me

that it is my duty
to become our leader.

Leader?

I'll see no one but Achilles
as leader.

It is my duty,
my consecrated duty

to become our leader
to avenge my dear brother.

Quite, quite, Agamemnon.

And I will follow you.

And tell you what to do,
as usual.

And I will persuade
the sensitive Achilles

with certain
fascinating facts

about the great store of gold
to be found in Troy.

I seek no treasure.

I will kill.

So shall we all, brother.

To defend your honor.

[Mid-tempo music plays]

Who are they?

I don't know, but I know
the color of their gold.

Sparta is the past, Helen.

Troy is this way.

What will they call us there?

A woman who left her husband.

A prince turned thief.

What else can we ever be?

Two people in love.

Against the world, if need be.

If I could make a bargain
with the gods,

we would escape the world,

never landing on any shore.

A lovely dream,
but somewhere we must land.

Paris, there's an island
called Pelagos.

The sea can feed us.

And there are little houses
near the village well.

Let's go there.

I cannot.

I was born to an obligation.

Paris, son of Priam,
heir to responsibility.

I could leave the kingdoms of
the world and never miss them.

But you...

Helen, our life together
will fade if I run from this.

It will become a slight thing
that any storm can tear apart.

No, Paris.

Forgive me.

I forget you are a woman,
not a goddess.

Captain.

You know the island
of Pelagos?

It's far southward,

through the Cytherean straits.

Sail southward.

Captain.

CAPTAIN: Yes?

We have decided otherwise.

Sail north to Troy.

[Romantic music plays]

[Fanfare plays]

[Cheering]

What is it?

You'll have to see to believe,
Lord Aeneas.

Wait.

Aeneas, call the queen.

Paris!

My brother.
- Paris.

Come and meet my brothers.

Hector, Polydorus.

I told you about them.

Lucky Paris.

You could fall into
the black pit of Hades

and come out with your arms
full of sunshine.

He's always had a fine flair
for surprises.

I'm very happy to see that you
diverted your mission, Paris,

to an enterprise
more to your talents.

Come.

Aeneas.

Paris.

Paris.
- I should have had faith.

The great god Zeus
would never let him die

and with him our hopes of peace.

It's a miracle.
Tell us what happened, Paris.

Here is your miracle.

I would never have seen
Troy again but for her.

It would have taken a sea sprite
to save you from that storm.

How could one so tender
have managed it?

Postpone your questions.

She suffered an ordeal that --

that I shan't relate
in her presence.

It's enough that our son
has been given back to us

by you, my dear.

You are welcome, my child.

Paris, call the high steward.

See that she is made
comfortable.

Later, you shall give me a full
account of your adventures.

At your command, Father.

My perfect brother seems to have
forgotten his courtliness.

By what name, my lady,
shall we know you?

- My name is --
- Her name is death.

- Cassandra!
- Forgive my sister.

She suffers an illness.

Wait.

You were going to say?

I am Helen, Queen of Sparta.

The wife of King Menelaus?

His wife no more.

The goddess of beauty,
Aphrodite,

come down to Earth
in mortal form.

She will bring the disaster
I have prophesied.

Her name will be written
in letters of fire.

Helen.

Helen of Troy.

And she saved my life again

but at such risk to herself
that I couldn't leave her

to the mercy of the Spartans.

I can see I've
troubled you, sire.

But in your affection for me
and mine for you

I hope you will judge me fairly.

I would never have believed
that this could happen,

not through this son of mine.

This son who shared my hope
of everlasting peace.

Who promised that he would
bring it to us.

And what have you brought?

Dishonor.

You have united the Greeks.

You have kindled a flame
that will weld them

together against us.

This will bring them
to our very shores.

That should delight you.

You may have to answer for
the death of many a good Trojan.

You have presumed too much
upon our affection.

Paris, send her back to Sparta

and make your peace
with Menelaus.

I'll never send her back.

You reject every word
of wisdom?

My love has no logic.

It could only choose
between Troy and Pelagos.

Helen wanted to go to Pelagos,

but I had to bring you
the warning.

And she had the courage
to come with me.

But she was right.

There is no heart in Troy.

We'll seek it elsewhere.

The coward's way
to avoid the fight?

You exceed the rights
of a brother.

And you,
you scorn every Trojan duty.

The damage is done.

Go or stay.
It matters not.

I shall not see you again.

Priam.

[Dramatic music plays]

Bring to the council chamber
the masters of the armories

and the stewards
of the granaries.

Tell them I want an estimate
of Troy's ability

to withstand a siege.

There were times
when I almost forgot

that I had
other children, Paris.

Others to die, perhaps.

Destiny, Paris.

Destiny.

Every Trojan woman with son
or husband will curse you.

[Dramatic music plays]

Well, don't worry, brother.

A war may clear the atmosphere.

War, the only thing
that could make you happy.

Keep out of my way, or you'll
never live to enjoy it.

Lord Aeneas.

You may go.

The ship that brought you
to Troy is still in the harbor.

My charioteer
will take you there.

I see.

AENEAS: Or if my lady prefers,
I'll arrange for a royal escort.

No, I won't delay.

Wait for us.

My chariot will be
in the courtyard.

Athena wields much power,
it seems.

If I return to Menelaus --

No.

Pelagos?

Yes, I'll take you to Pelagos.

[Romantic music plays]

You said our lives would fade
if you ran away.

I also said that you'd be happy
in Troy.

[Indistinct shouting]

Paris, the word has spread.

And they are not armed
with flowers this time.

Quickly, before they
overrun the courtyard.

They won't, as long
as they enjoy their carnival.

Take Helen to the harbor.

Don't show yourself to them.

See her aboard the ship.

Paris!

Dog!

[Indistinct shouting]

You expect us to fight a war
for your amusement?

My brave Trojans,

will you show as much spirit
against the Spartan army

as against one Spartan woman?

Can you stand alone,
each, in battle

or do you need the cowardice
of numbers to make you bold?

Go home and search
your hearts, Trojans,

for all this
must be answered soon.

[Dramatic music plays]

You can leave safely now.

Without you?

I've gained a victory
of a sort tonight.

I mustn't lose it, Helen.

There's no Pelagos
if I'm there alone.

[Romantic music plays]

But there's always one island
where the storm can't touch us.

It's anyplace, Paris,
where we're together.

- Here?
- Oh, yes, even here.

NARRATOR: The news reached Troy

that the Greeks were about to
sail with the mightiest armada

ever known to man.

The Trojans prepared for war.

[Dramatic music plays]

Our beacon signals have never
warned of so many ships, sire.

That's all right.
We're ready for them.

- Hundreds.
- Many more than we can count.

500, 600. More.

No less than 1,000 ships.

We're prepared to make them pay
a heavy price.

What shall we pay?

Aeneas, bring them here.

Let them see.

Yes, sire.

[Dramatic music plays]

Faster. Faster.

See what you have
brought upon us?

Father.

The face that launched
1,000 ships.

[Dramatic music plays]

Now remember, these Trojan walls
are our strength

and our substance,

so let no eager fool attempt
to charge this plain

until these ramparts
have served their purpose.

Well, to your posts.

Hector, where is my place?

Beside your Spartan woman.

Come with me, brother.

I'll share Spartan blood
with you.

You can have my share.

[Dramatic music plays]

AGAMEMNON:
No Trojans to greet us?

I had hoped they'd be foolish
enough to scatter their forces.

Where do we make camp,
Agamemnon?

Camp? No, onwards.

Every moment of delay,
my Helen suffers.

Our camp is the Trojan palace.

We must attack at once.

Against Troy's walls, Achilles?
No.

We must equip
to take this fortress.

Ulysses is right.

We must prepare.

NARRATOR: The canny counsel
of Ulysses prevailed.

The Greeks consolidated
their beachhead

and built machines for attack

on a scale big enough
to match the Trojan walls.

[Dramatic music plays]

[Fanfare plays]

[Dramatic music plays]

[Dramatic music plays]

[Dramatic music plays]

Follow Achilles!

Hector.

To the ramps. Back!

We're outflanked!

Fall back!

Greeks, return to your towers!

To the ramps!

Back!

Back!

[Dramatic music plays]

[Cheering]

Polydorus.

It's a good war, Paris.

Hector, the man of peace,

now our greatest warrior.

Thank Helen for your destiny.

Thank Paris.

I thank him for my life.

Oh, great Zeus, king of all,

we give to you Polydorus,
Prince of Troy.

I pray you, judge him with
compassion and understanding.

Let not Athena's hatred
feed on my defenseless son

but on our sorrow here.

We, the living dead of Troy,
shall pay his debt

in the years of siege to come.

NARRATOR: And the Greeks did
prepare for years of siege.

They unloaded provisions
from their ships,

and as time went on
they looted and raped

the small surrounding villages.

[Dramatic music plays]

Take your hands off her!

What's this, a warrior
commanding his commander?

She's mine, Agamemnon.

Great as you are,
I'm still your chieftain,

protector
of all the spoils of war.

- Take her to my quarters.
- No.

Agamemnon, if you take
this girl, I shall sail home.

Then fly, mighty warrior.

- Fly.
- Agamemnon!

He didn't mean that, Achilles.
Come on.

AGAMEMNON: Sail home,
great warrior.

No, Achilles.

Out!

Out! Out!

Achilles, Agamemnon does not
speak for all our people.

Dogs! Jackals!

I'll never fight
his battles again.

But for Greece, you'll fight.

No more.

NARRATOR:
During these years of stalemate,

the Trojans,
from the safety of their walls,

constantly harassed
the invaders

with night raids on their camps.

[Dramatic music plays]

Helen, how perfect.

The girl you fell
in love with?

Always keep that image
with you, Paris.

I shan't need to.

I have the source of its magic.

Right here,
I hold its living warmth,

and its spirit is always with me
on the ramparts.

Then it can't be lost, can it?

What has been lived and shared
is never lost.

Never, Helen.

But if you should lose me,

could you resign yourself
to that?

Don't worry,
nothing will happen to you.

Nothing endures on Earth, Paris,

neither sorrow nor happiness
or people in love.

Dear Helen,
she looks for shadows

in the one bright place in Troy.

People in love
should not be blind.

They should look to the future
and prepare for separation.

But not so gloomily, my love.

I'll meet you in Elysium,

where an age of years
is just a wink of time.

You charter a ship.

I'll take the flying horse,
Pegasus.

To our island, Paris?

Oh, goddess come to Earth,

make me immortal with your kiss

and we'll live on nectar
and ambrosia.

But I'm not sure I like
being so ethereal.

Nor I.

How many years, fellow Trojans,
shall we suffer?

Our only respite,
a truce to burn our dead.

The holiday of a Troy
that once knew happy times.

Must the Trojans always
set their funeral pyre

so near this house?

How long will they accuse me?

They lost many loved ones,
my lady.

MAN: Lulled by the promises
of peace forever.

I, for one, believe we might
have had that peace...

I thought I could escape
from it, but there is no place.

And no victory for anybody.

- Go. Leave me.
- Prince Paris commanded me

to stay with you
while he's on duty.

Leave me, I tell you.

MAN: No, friends!

Hear me, Trojans.

Cast her to the Spartans.

Cast Paris out of Troy.

If you haven't
the fiber for this...

HECUBA: Helen, don't go out.

Their mood is dangerous.

I've sent soldiers
to disperse them.

You've come to ask me
to leave Troy.

No, Helen. No.

But for Paris,
I would have lost Hector.

I must love my sons equally

and whomsoever they love.

You are good.

The high priest says that even
the gods fight each other.

Some for Athena and Greece,
some for Troy and Aphrodite.

How, then, could I blame you
for this war?

I could stop it.

- There's no one who could.
- I could.

If I return to the Greeks,
to Menelaus.

Go back to someone
you so despise?

Oh, if it would
bring an end to war

and restores Paris
to the love of the Trojans.

He'd never let you go.

And could I ever leave him?

You must help me to decide.

Would you defy the Fates?

No mortal should attempt
so much, Helen.

And yet I wonder

is one so lovely quite mortal?

Lovely? No.

I am everything I was determined
not to be.

I have only been selfish.

All the despair, the pain,
and the tears I've brought.

How different
from that island dream.

Return to your King of Troy
and tell him we will receive

the surrender of Helen
at the appointed place.

But warn him there must be
no treachery or deceit.

I assure you, my lord,
no deceit exists.

It is her own wish to return
to King Menelaus.

It's her own wish.
You hear that, brother?

I've heard it often.

MENELAUS: Wait, herald.

Tell your master from
King Menelaus that we demand --

No, no, no.
Nothing else.

Nothing else,
only the return of Helen.

The Trojans wish to make peace.

As men of peace,
we accept their offer.

Have we suffered all this
to return home empty-handed?

Empty-handed, Menelaus?

With Helen returned,
integrity satisfied?

You are too outspoken, brother.

When the Trojans have
handed over Helen,

there'll be time enough
to teach them

that we're not
so easily bought off.

But I'd like your friend
Achilles with us,

in case they prove
to be troublesome.

He still refuses to fight
so long as you're in command

and your lovesick jackass of
a brother brays upon this beach.

Then he'll get not one obol
of Trojan tribute.

Helen?

Helen.

Where is she?

She's not here, Paris.

Not here?

Where?

She's gone to the camp
of the Greeks.

[Dramatic music plays]

To Menelaus?

She was determined
to end the destruction

and restore you
to the hearts of the Trojans.

And you conspired with her --

She was not a captive here,
Paris,

but a woman of
self-determination,

a queen with more courage
than I would have had

to sail against
the tides of heaven.

He shan't take her.

The hour has passed, Paris.

You can't prevent it.

[Dramatic music plays]

[Music ends]

[Dramatic music plays]

[Birds chirping]

Wait, Trojans.

You've returned
the wife of Menelaus,

but that isn't all your debt.

Debt?

We recognize no claim of debt.

No? Then tell me who pays
for the Greek blood

shed on this plain?

Trojan blood has paid in full.

Trojan blood is not
valid currency in Sparta,

nor does it pay for
the launching of 1,000 ships.

MAN: The terms of this truce
were clearly stated.

The return of Helen,

in exchange for which
you agreed

to sail from these shores.
- You trusting fools.

Two things only will suffice --
Half the treasury of Troy

before we depart,

and after that,
1,000 talents every year.

Take these nobles as security!

[Shouts]

Here's payment for you,
Menelaus!

MAN: To the gates with her,
Paris! To the gates!

Bring her back to Troy!

[Indistinct shouting]

Follow them!

After them! After them!

[Dramatic music plays]

Back!
Turn back!

Don't go too close
to the Trojan walls.

Not against Hector.

Patroclus! Patroclus!

Hyah!

Hyah! Hyah! Hyah!

[Dramatic music plays]

- Bring me my armor.
- Yes, master.

Thank you, Trojan,
for bringing us

the body of Patroclus.

Thank you very much.

My son, Greek treachery
has proved that theirs

is not a war of honor.

Helen, through you, we have
learned that they seek plunder,

not justice.

I ask forgiveness of you both.

Cassandra,

we have found there is
great wisdom in you.

What more can you tell us?

New storms shall ride the sky,

but the guilt will be Athena's,
not Helen's.

Thank you, Cassandra.

PRIAM: Such courage must not
go unrewarded.

Helen, you will be
a princess of Troy.

Where is Hector and Andromache?

They are to bestow the laurels.

Where is Hector?

By the Scaean gates, sire.

He anticipates a call
to single combat

for the death of Patroclus.

I killed him.

Any Greek challenge
would come to me.

But Hector didn't want you
to be challenged by Achilles.

He was devoted to Patroclus.

Hector sent him
the corpse of his friend

with personal compliments.

No one can match Achilles,
not even Hector.

This must not happen.

He cried like an animal
in grief, my lord,

and then called for his armor.

Ah, so he comes.

ANDROMACHE: Hector! Hector!

It is done, Andromache.

Achilles?

By his hand, my father
and my brothers fell.

Yet while you live,
I still have them all in you.

I intend to live, Andromache,

for you

and for our son.

This helmet always
frightens him.

Let's pray that
he may never need one,

that he finds peace.

[Fanfare plays]

Arms to bear.

[Cheering]

[Dramatic music plays]

If Achilles wins, we move.

We strike at once!
To the palace!

And if Achilles dies,

we retire to consider
a certain plan of mine.

[Dramatic music plays]

[Cheering]

[Dramatic music plays]

[Dramatic music plays]

There's an immortal shield
around him.

Mighty Zeus,
help me find a weakness.

Achilles is dead!

So dies Greek courage,

but not Greek cunning.

[Dramatic music plays]

Defeated by men,
deserted by the gods.

I used to number the months
by a battle,

a pestilence, a famine.

Now it's all one long nightmare.

I fought wars since most of you
were sucklings,

but never one like this.

Let's take our ships
and sail back home.

That we shall do.

I have a plan that first
required a Trojan victory.

That much, at least,
is accomplished.

You speak treason.

As you will,
but let's be realistic.

The greatest army on Earth
has lost its war.

What are you dreaming, Ulysses?

I'm dreaming of my wife,
the good, constant Penelope.

And in my dreams,
I see myself returning to her

with all the treasures of Troy.

But how?

Has this anything to do
with the work

that Apagos and his men have
been doing in the woodlands?

They're building a monument to
the triumph of Paris and Helen.

A gift from the goddess Athena.

A sacred horse,
so big and so beautiful

that Troy cannot help
taking it to her heart.

Remember, blow the retreat
loud enough for Troy to hear.

Let the ships sail,

but make sure you keep
a sufficient force

here in the woodlands.
- The ships will return at dawn.

But are you sure the Trojans

will take this monstrosity
into the city?

I promise.

Their gratitude to Athena for
her victory will be tremendous.

And they'll give a loving
welcome to her wondrous horse.

And to Bacchus,
the god of grapes.

Make ready, men of Greece!

[Horns blowing]

First they sounded retreat,

and now the call
to man the oars.

Their torches are moving back
to the sea.

- MAN: Aboard the ships?
- MAN #2: We'll soon know.

Lord Aeneas has gone
to the shore with scouts.

[Dramatic music plays]

Sire, they've sailed.

The last of their ships
has gone to sea.

Sound the cry!

Light the victory torch.

Carry it through the streets.

Good, Priam. Good.

Our heroes would
wish us to rejoice.

MAN: Light the victory torch!

You'll see a Troy
you've never known before.

I see it in your faces.

[Triumphant music plays]

[Cheering]

Open it! Open it!

Let us look at the world again!

The night smiles on us.

Look, Priam.

MAN #2: I was trying to tell you
of it, sire.

Some strange monument
that the Greeks

have left at our doorstep.

[Cheering]

Beware the Greeks bearing gifts.

My sister speaks truly.

It is a thing of evil that
should be burnt upon the plain.

I agree.

The enemy doesn't give
joyful presents.

My children, this is no gift
from the Greeks

but some symbol of worship
they were forced to abandon.

Sire, the people beg permission

to bring this amazing prize
into the square.

They have fought
long and bravely.

I cannot deny them.

Father, please hear me.

It is not the end of ruin,
but the beginning.

We must not be ungrateful
to a goddess

who has proved herself
our goddess.

Bring in her sacred horse.

It shall be a monument
to Trojan valor.

Yes, sire.

It is a great and perfect thing.

How childish I was
to have misgivings.

And I to be afraid
of a wooden giant.

What was that for?

Athena.
So forgiving of a rival goddess.

Are you jealous, Aphrodite?

I'm only Helen

who wonders if she'll
ever be a Trojan, really.

When the Trojan people
look upon that plain,

won't they always think
of Helen of Sparta?

There is peace everywhere now.

We're not bound to remain here.

Wherever you wish to go, Helen,
I'll take you.

MAN: Hail to Prince Paris
and his Helen!

WOMAN: Hail to Helen!

- All hail to Paris!
- Hail to Helen!

Destiny, Paris.

Destiny.

There is no escape, it seems.

Not even from happiness.

No, and I am happy.

Very happy.

[Dramatic music plays]

[Celebratory music plays]

[Laughs]

[Screaming]

[Soft music plays]

[Dramatic music plays]

[Fanfare plays]

[Groans]

[Dramatic music plays]

Men of Sparta!
Men of Sparta, to the palace!

[Dramatic music plays]

Forward!

[Dramatic music plays]

Troy is lost,
but you must not die.

While the Greeks are
intent on plunder,

make for the north gate.

Do you think
I would leave you now?

- Or I?
- Obey your king.

Aeneas, take care of Andromache
and my grandson.

[Pounding on door]

Paris, Helen,

I command you, go.

[Somber music plays]

Magnificent leadership,
Agamemnon.

Athena will reward you
with all the glory.

[Screaming]

[Dramatic music plays]

All of you, break in!

Helen!

Take them!

The rest of you, search!

Find her!

[Dramatic music plays]

[Screams]

[Dramatic music plays]

Don't let me get lost, Paris.

Never.

Paris!

Paris!

Paris!

[Dramatic music plays]

Paris!

[Screaming]

Oh, Paris!

Paris!

Paris!

I thought I was lost!

The gods are with us.

Come.

[Dramatic music plays]

Paris!

[Groans]

[Dramatic music plays]

For a moment, I thought...

that you were
that little slave girl.

Oh, I am.

Whatever your love
wishes me to be,

whatever is in your heart.

You are my heart.

[Somber music plays]

Paris.

No.

[Crying]

My ship has returned for you.

Go there.

Wash his blood from you.

That can never be.
It's my blood.

[Dramatic music plays]

It can't be lost, Paris,
can it?

What has been lived
and shared is never lost.

PARIS: Never, Helen.

HELEN: Then this is not goodbye.

You shall always be with me.

PARIS: And you with me.

[Dramatic music plays]