Original subtitles

Comrades!

Comrades.

Every one of us experiences these sweltering March days.

Whom?

Whom do those young rebels serve?

Those who confuse our students, their passionate hearts and minds.

As you know, the political authorities called our crew, our...

well-established worker's collective

for help to reestablish law and order at the universities.

We will answer this call.

Will we answer this call?

But before we go there, I would like you to...

know the answer for the questions that arose.

It is desirable to quote some fragments from the lately published booklet.

Quote:

Let's start with a several fundamental remainders.

There are America's aggression acts in Vietnam.

The previous year brought Israel's aggression.

That's it as far as the general background is concerned. And now our affairs.

Extracting particular fragments from the Constitution

which treat of freedom of speech, print, assemblies and so on,

for all the citizens is an absurd intervention.

There is no and there will be no freedom of speech in our country for those,

who are harmful to the prevalent majority of our citizens.

On the yard of the Warsaw University the students

were chanting a slogan "There's no bread without freedom".

It is worth discussion, since there is a rational core in it.

But the primary, indisputable slogan is:

"There's no freedom without bread".

The comrade has not worked in the party's apparatus so far,

but it does not mean he has not worked for the party.

Despite his young age he accomplished many responsible political assignments.

The secretariat of the Central Committee recommending him

for the position of the First Secretary of the Voivodeship Committee

believes that he will cope with difficult assaignments which wait for him

in your area.

Thank you all, dear comrades

for the trust you show me.

SILENCE

- May I? - When the red light on the camera switches on.

I think there is a great need for explaining

the dramatical events which took place in our political life.

People inside and outside the party demand it.

I can present my point of view,

I mean the point of view of the First Secretary of the Voivodeship Committee

for the events of June 1976.

Gentlemen from Solidarnosc claimed that I should excuse myself.

Here you are.

I can explain everything in this matter.

It was... Friday.

On the previous day I came back from Warsaw,

from the Seym's session,

at which the prime minister announced the increase in prizes.

SHORT WORKING DAY

THIS FILM IS BASED ON TRUE EVENTS, BUT ALL THE CHARACTERS ARE FICTIONAL

Comrade marshall [Speaker], the upper chamber.

The Government would like to present

to the Seym significant problems

concerning the state and economy of all citizens and all families.

The necessity of solving these problems

is dictated by our duty and the will of continuing the strategy

of dynamic socio-economical progress of our country.

We do not waste our time in the seventies.

The country is growing beautiful. The cities are expanding.

New roads and railways are being built. The number of municipal appliances is growing...

... we propose to increase the prices of meat and its products in a diverse way.

Prices of the most exquisite selection of meat would increase the most,

such as ham, smoked ham, loin, sausage, pork loin,

shortage of which with the recent prices is the biggest.

However, prices of the most popular kinds of meat, pork fat and lard

would increase approximately by a half.

Therefore, prices of meat and its products will rise by 69%.

So you know everything.

In that case - see you tomorrow.

Everything except the new prices.

You will learn about them tomorrow at noon.

- Maybe at least some examples? - Unfortunately, I cannot tell you anything.

I wish you all the best. Goodnight.

Duty? It's me. Bring me the new price list.

I know it's here, it was delivered today.

It doesn't matter, I'll take the seal off.

Bring it here at once.

It stinks in here.

Comrades brought the post.

Can we stay?

Stay, stay.

Meat and its products.

Pork...

Not portioned, not packed.

Pork loin - 100 zloties.

Partially boneless pork loin

136 zloties

'Extra' sirloin - 136 zloties

- Yes? - KW duty speaking.

There is a report from the metal works.

The first shift does not work, they start to argue.

- Send a car, I'll be ready in a minute. - I'm sending the car right now.

- Hello. - You start early today, boss. - Let's go, Heniu.

It's 6:15 a.m., Friday, 25th June.

Today is one of the longest days this year.

Lucja and Wilhelm celebrate their nameday today,

Jan celebrated yesterday.

Maryla Rodowicz sings a song for our celebrants.

Heniu, turn to the metal works.

Let's go back.

THE PARTY'S PROGRAM IS THE PEOPLE'S PROGRAM

Is anyone here?

Bronek!

Regardless of what happens,

I start every day with winding up my clock.

It's a present I got when I was abroad.

Then I feed the fish.

I give them Dafne in the mornings.

Later they'll get worms.

I like watching them eating.

They've the biggest appetite for worms.

Thank you.

- Yes? - It's the metal works. Is there the first one?

- Yes, speaking. - Secretary, people are coming out to the yard!

- How many? - All of them.

- Who's the loudest? - I have all the names written down.

- And what do they want? - They want to go to other works!

Listen, you have to keep them on the yard.

Good. Bring the secretaries and Bogusia here.

Later don't go anywhere, stay in the car.

So it began.

- Did they predict anything in Warsaw? - Not at all, have you heard what the prime minister said?

I wonder what's happening in other places.

- Yes? - Here you are, at last.

Have you heard? People came out to the yard in the metal works.

- You'll keep them there, I hope. - We will try. How's in Warsaw?

- It's fine. Call me as soon as possible. - So long.

Maybe you'll go there, to the yard?

Maybe firstly I'll find out how are the others?

Listen, take a list of all big works,

check how many people there are in each plant and how many party members.

Yes?

It's the metal works, boss.

Yeah?

We asked them to stay but they don't listen. They open the gates.

- Now? - Yes, I see it from my window.

- Listen, they go out! - How many?

The whole shift! Secretary, they're going out!

- Where are they going? - They yelled about going to the repair works.

Listen, call the repair works. Warn them that they're coming.

- The repair works? - Yes.

A group of people from the metal works is coming to you.

- What shall we do? - Well... What shall they do?

Stop them.

- If they go out to the streets, we won't be able to control them. - Stop them.

Using force?

No, make it quietly. Maybe we'll be able to talk to them.

- Try to talk to them. - OK.

I sense that... It may be bad.

Hello!

Hey, have you heard? They came to Polbut!

How do you know?

Girls called. People from the metal works told them to go.

Do you think they'll go?

- For sure. Why wouldn't they? - Right.

- Hello? - It's Polbut.

- They're there, right? - No, they're gone.

- What? - Our people waited for them.

- And so what? - They're gone!

- Where did they go? - It seems like to you, secretary.

Thank you.

Secretary, the captain from the Voivodeship Headquarters.

Fine, let him in.

- Good morning, secretary. - Hello.

- They're coming. - I know.

- About 5.000 people. - Yes, I know.

We're getting the special forces.

Good, as much as you can, with decent equippment.

- The commanding officer comes to see you. - I'm here all the time.

And what if they come here?

Maybe you'll manage, maybe they won't come, huh?

Please bring me a loud-hailer.

Fine, and a man for contacting.

So what are we going to do, boss?

I don't know.

We'll wait.

So we'll wait.

No, it can't be hushed up.

We could stop them, but we won't manage to do it now.

Miracles don't happen.

We won't fight with them in front of the committee. Too risky.

It never ended well... for the authorities.

- Yes? - Where are they now?

- They passed the deli and they approach the yard. - What will they demand?

Surely something from you, concerning the prices.

We think that maybe you should get out of there.

- No, I think we should talk to them. - Will you cope with this?

- I talked to a crowd a couple of times. - If you think so.

- I will try to talk to them and end it appropriately. - Fine.

- They brought the speaking-tube. - Bring it here, please.

One, two, three... How does it work?

One, two, three.

"Testing"

Oh, damn.

Oh, damn!

Comrades!

Citi... Citizens!

Ladies and gentlemen

Ladies and gentlemen!

They're coming!

[Polish national anthem]

['Boze, cos Polske' ('God save Poland') - - a very important religious and patriotic song]

- Will you try? - I will.

But I sense that...

No.

I can't do it at the moment.

No, there's no conference now.

I can deal with it myself, there's no use in involving the boss.

Yes, I'm writing it down.

Lucznik, multifunctional, of course.

More or less in a couple of days.

Call us. Goodbye.

People! Citizens!

Why did you come here?

Go home, go to work!

- You should go to work yourself! - ...making trouble for us and yourselves!

Fuck off!

Get the fuck out of here!

Be calm, please!

- What is it? - Everything is fine...

- Don't go in there! - Get a doctor.

- I got the doctor already. - Come on.

Excuse me. Stethoscope, please.

The secretary! The secretary!

The secretary!

Well, there's a plenty of people.

Ringleaders, hooligans,

groups of some ridiculous politicians, of course.

But what if it's the working class and a fair protest?

It will turn out later.

Anyway, it's better not to have too many things on.

Hell knows what will occur to their heads.

Cowards! Cowards!

I'll have to promise them something. It doesn't matter what, it costs nothing.

Otherwise, it won't work out.

I'm the secretary of the Voivodeship Committee!

We can't hear you!

I'm the secretary of the Voivodeship Committee!

I've been here for a year.

As you know, we've been having many problems

and we solved them together.

I think we can solve this problem together too!

- We've no money! - The reforms aren't final yet!

It's a proposal!

Call Warsaw!

I will call Warsaw!

And I will tell them that:

People gathered in front of the Voivodeship Committee

to protest against the increase of prices

and demand this decision to be withdrawn! Will this be fine?

- Now I'm going to call them. - He won't make the call!

We don't believe you!

Then come with me!

But not everyone! Let a delegation come in here!

We'll see if he calls or not! We'll make sure he calls!

Well, they bought it.

They're tough while being in a crowd.

I wonder how they will behave while being alone in an unfamiliar place.

Yes, that was a good move.

Come with me, please.

Warsaw, please, 4243.

Would you like to sit down?

Hello? Yes? It's Warsaw.

- What is it? - Comrade secretary, I have some information to convey.

People gathered in front of the committee protest against the increase of prices

and demand the decision to be withdrawn.

Hey, listen, you have to talk to them.

People gathered in front of the committee protest against the increase of prices!

And demand the decision to be withdrawn.

So what? Did I convey the information as we agreed?

- You did, sir. - Fine, so tell the people I did.

He called Warsaw and conveyed the protest!

We don't believe!

- Say something. - But what?

Tell them who you are.

My name is Gralak! You know me!

He talked to Warsaw and told them we don't agree with the new prices!

When will the new prices be cancelled, huh?

I conveyed your protest to Warsaw! I said that:

People gathered in front of the committee disagree with the increase of prices

and demand the decision to be withdrawn!

That's that he said!

And so what?!

What did they say? To whom did he talk?

I'm coming down there!

Tomorrow the Seym has its gathering...

All...

the protests will be considered tomorrow!

We won't wait for the Seym!

All the protests will be looked into tomorrow!

They whistle. Let them whistle, we'll see if they'll whistle tomorrow.

Listen, we think you should get out of there.

They demand an answer.

You have to get out of the buidling, do you hear me?

Comrade secretary, what about the decision concerning the increase?

There is no decision.

Uh, that was harsh.

Did they intend me to be written off?

They always look for a scapegoat.

Well, what else could they do?

Change the politics because someone's yelling by the window in some province?

- Yes? - Hello, it's Karol.

- Hello. - What's your situation like?

Well... They're standing in front of the building.

- How do you play it? - That's the problem, how.

- Maybe talk to them? - I had this idea before.

They want the increases to be withdrawn.

That's a problem indeed.

Don't you know what do they plan to do?

I know there is some dissent, but nothing more.

- Couldn't you find out something more? - I'll try.

I'll call you later.

After the last increase the party split, this one may split too.

He says there is some dissent.

If I knew who he was talking about, I'd know what to do.

They're telling me to go out.

If they're to split, maybe it would be better to stay?

And what if they stay?

I can always say that I defend the party and I stand guard.

Get into the building!

Anyway, it's better to stay.

They came in!

- Hello? - Who's this?

- The chief of the KW office. - Is he going out?

No, comrade secretary, the comrade secretary isn't going out.

Why isn't he?! Don't hang up!

- Keep the connection! - Fine, I'm not hanging up.

I haven't promised them enough. They whistled for Seym, that's justified.

Maybe I'll give them a time limit of two hours for the reply?

I'll have two hours then.

I'll land Warsaw with it.

We'll see how they wriggle out of this. Or maybe...

Damn, that's risky.

Or maybe go down and say - yes, you're right,

and along with the working class demand changes in the management.

- But what exactly to demand? - Are you there? Hello?

Aren't you up to something? Rethink it, will you?

People!

It will always be like this! They'll always do what they want!

They've always done that! What happened in 1956?

They promised things and later did them the other way round!

And what was in 1970? Gierek promised many things!

And what does he do now? What does he do?!

He builds another Poland! And he wants people to help him!

He promises another things! It will always be like that!

We should demand more than bread! We should demand freedom!

I wonder what they are up to...

Karol was mysterious...

Or he doesn't want to talk about it on the phone.

I wish I knew something... Anything.

Sit down, Bronek, sit. It'll be over soon.

And this Bogusia's guy...

She must be still there. Yes, that's a good idea.

Bogusia!

We've to watch what the authorities are doing!

Otherwise they'll soon forget what they'd promised!

Here the working class has to rule! Not the red bourgeoisie!

They're cheerful.

That's a pity some of them aren't here.

They'll stop laughing in a moment.

So, come on!

That's him!

Do you eat this for breakfast?! See what do workers eat!

Do you hear me?!

Madam!

Madam, be precise, what is it?

The payment! How much?! How am I supposed to live on this?!

The citizen is accused of hooliganism

while taking part in a street gathering on 25th June,

whose participants undertook a violent attempt on public servants,

as well as buildings and devices of nationalised economy.

This attempt resulted in injuries of 75 Civil Militia officers

and damages in public property to the amount of over 28,000,000 zloties.

This act is specified by paragraph 275 of the Penal Code.

I received a message!

Your protest is carefully examined by the authorities!

When will be the answer?

There's nothing to consider! When will they withdraw the increase?

We'll have the reply...

in two hours!

We'll wait in here!

Fine! We'll all wait.

We want bread and freedom!

So what, let's throw his ass through the window.

I don't know.

Gentlemen, drop it.

Yes...

That's how they pay me back for the last year.

Brutes.

How much have I done for them in this year?

Every day, from morning till night.

OK.

Have it, I don't feel offended.

An activist doesn't feel offended with the working class,

even when it's mistaken.

...they are in front of the building. We'll put vodka by the gates.

- They'll destroy the shopwindows. - We'll give them vodka, it always works.

Boss!

What is it?

Do you know what they want to do with you?

I don't know, Heniu.

They will hang you, boss.

They are building gallows.

I can't see anything, Heniu.

They will hang...

Take it easy, Heniu...

Come on, you'll take a shower and go to sleep. Come, take it easy.

Take care of him. He's upset and talking nonsense.

OK, of course.

Hello? Are you there?

I'm here.

- Did you give them the time limit? - Yes. We'll wait for the reply for two hours.

Did you really have to do this?

Yes, I had to. I promised to give the answer in two hours.

- Can't you leave the place? - No. I'm waiting.

What are you waiting for? Next time you'll be thrown out the window.

- How do you know? - Don't be silly.

- Give me a cigarette. - You're quitting.

It started in other places too, I made some phone calls.

They're calling for help everywhere.

I don't know if I'll get enough tear gas, shileds or helmets in this mess.

- Even enough people. - Maybe they're prematurely scared.

No. Something's going on in Lodz, Klodzko and near Warsaw.

- That's strange... - That's better for you.

If it happens everywhere, it means that it's not the worst in here.

Wait.

4297, please.

- Yes? - Karol, you were to find out something.

There's some dissent in the management, that's it.

I told the people we'd give the answer concerning the prices!

Could you check it out?

You think we're to change the whole affair for you?

Not only for me, for sure!

Then you're wrong.

Listen, something's going on in Lodz, near Warsaw.

How long do you want to wait?

Talk to your boss.

But he was in your town the day before yesterday.

- You told him it was going to be fine. - That's what we thought then!

If the first said it was going to be fine,

now he has to admit he didn't recognise the situation properly.

Karol... There're 20,000 people in front of the building.

Can you hear them? Listen.

What is this? Hello?!

What is going on in there?

- What? - What's that noise?

It's nothing. They're just destroying the slogan.

"THE PARTY'S PROGRAM" is on the ground,

"IS THE PEOPLE'S PROGRAM" is left standing.

- You're just in time. - You can see that I'm here when needed.

Yes, thank you. Can you see this shaggy one?

How long have you been married?

- What do you want from my husband? - We want to help him.

- We can arrange a lawyer. - I wonder who will pay for this.

We will pay for everything. Maybe you need help too, madam?

- Who are you? - We...

Well... People.

Don't feel embarrassed if you need money or something...

If you really want to be so kind...

It's really hard.

They want to throw my ass through the window.

If there were comrades from Warsaw in here, no-one would even look at me.

I... I did everything I could.

I'm OK.

Even from the point of view of the people standing in the yard.

I stayed regardless of what Warsaw tells me to do.

They can't accuse me of anything.

Anything that I've done.

And what I think... That's my own business.

There's freedom of thought.

They won't take a look into my head. Nor into my soul.

Even if they will, they won't start with me.

They'll find some other guys earlier.

There will be a plenty of them, a plenty...

I'd like to see it.

Did you come to see me?

To see you, sir? No, not at all.

May I help you?

STRIKE IN THE SHIPYARD LASTS

It's Polish Radio Warsaw. We announce a message.

Today, at 16:35, in Gdansk Shipyard,

Governmental Commission and Inter-Enterprise Strike Committee

signed an agreement

- ...concerning 21 demands. - They signed it.

Don't you have a sweet? I'm giving up smoking.

No, I don't have.

Hell knows who that guy was.

Anyway, he saw I'm not doing anything.

I can't just sit like this, they'll say I was passive.

The accusation will be - he didn't call the party activists.

Then I will call them.

Anyway, a couple of experienced party activists would be useful in here.

They would mix in the crowd and it would change the proportions.

And...

If those two are still waiting for me by the windowsill...

- Hello? - Committee?

- Committee? - I'm calling the Voievodship Committee.

- Is is the Works Committee? - No, I'm calling the Voievodship Committee!

- Hello? - Wait a moment, I'm putting you through.

- Hello? - Hello.

- Did you call? - What?

Oh, it's you.

No, I didn't call. But whom?

Mom, it's 25th, Lucja's nameday. Forgot it?

- No, I didn't forget it. - So what?

Something came up unexpectedly in here. What's up?

Nothing much. Marek is learning.

Listen, Anka, this blonde, sits with him all the time and disturbs him.

Hello?

Why are you silent? Will you come tomorrow?

I don't know.

How come you don't know? There're two other Jans.

I don't know, really. Take care.

- With Obroncow Pokoju works? - Yes?

- With the committee, please. - I'm putting you through.

The committee.

Send about 20 comrades to the main building, please. Maybe they'll help.

I'm sorry, comrade, but there's no-one in here.

- But where are they? - I don't know, they went somewhere.

Oh, they're flying.

After all.

Maybe it'll be better.

Everything will stay the same. Maybe it will be better like this.

Oh, I'm glad you're here. Hello.

- I came here to get you. - Why is that?

- Unfortunately. Come on, it's time. - I've something to do in here.

You can believe me. Come on, it's time.

Listen, maybe... Take care of them first.

They have to be brought to the hospital.

- Can you manage by yourself? - Yes!

I went to see them by myself!

Come on, let's go.

Take it easy.

- Are you staying in here? - I've an order.

I can't go out right now. I'm waiting.

For what?

For the reply. We promised people it'll be in two hours.

There won't be any reply from Warsaw.

Hello? 4243.

- Hello? It's me. - Hello.

- I remind that we have an hour left. - For what?

- For the reply we've promised! - The reply you've promised.

You'll learn about everything in the evening. Listen to the news.

There's 6 hours left to the news!

That's why I say it again: you have to leave at once!

- Did the commanding officer come? - Yes, he's here.

That's fine. Don't hang up.

45 minutes.

- Will they come to their senses? - I don't know.

They took the railwaytracks into pieces near Warsaw.

- And where are your people? - Some of them are in the town.

- What are they doing? - They're roaming the streets.

How many people do you have?

Enough. Are you ready?

Me?

- Marchlewski's works. - It's PUWP committee.

KW secretary speaking. I need some comrades.

- There're no comrades in here. - So where are they?

They're near the committee! Don't you know what's going on today?

Well? You see yourself what people I have in here.

Don't worry. We'll know where everyone of them was.

Hello? Are you still there?

- He's here. - Who is this?

Voievodeship Commanding Officer speaking.

Fine. So you'll be leaving the building soon?

- Yes, in a moment. - OK.

- Why are they making that noise? - They're building something.

What are they building?

Ah, yes. A barricade.

The Local Council of Solidarnosc informs

that there has been created a working committee

which receives complaints of dismissed people

and those who were victimized during the events

of June 1976 that took place in our town.

Solidarnosc demands creating a Seym committee

which will conduct an investigation,

rehabilitate the harmed ones and indicate the guilty ones.

They're preparing something.

Yes.

Are we going? There're 15 minutes left.

So? Let's go. You're with me.

The citizen is accused of behaving in the manner of a hooligan...

WE CORRECT OUR MISTAKES BY DEEDS

NOT EVERYONE OF US IS GUILTY Punish the guilty ones!

WE WILL DO EVERYTHING TO REGAIN YOUR TRUST, COMRADE GIEREK

Gierek, Gierek!

WORKING CLASS IS WITH YOU, COMRADE GIEREK We support the Party's politics!

We support! We support!

We want to help your husband. We can arrange a lawyer.

- I wonder who will pay for this. - We will pay for everything.

...in Gdansk Shipyard an agreement has been signed...

They signed it.

[It's Lech Walesa]

Gentlemen from Solidarnosc claimed that I should excuse myself.

Here you are. I can explain everything in this matter.

It was Friday. I received the first phone call before 6 a.m.

They called from the metal works.

The first shift did not work and started to argue.

The previous day I was walking home on foot

and I saw lights switched on in many windows.

People were celebrating Jan's birthday.

Watching those windows... I don't mean to...

Watching those windows... I was feeling uneasy.