Original subtitles

Can't he hurry up a bit?

Don't worry. We're not very far, are we?

I have a bad feeling.

- What are you talking about? - Nonsense.

Love is nonsense?

Don't tell me you speak English.

Fluently.

"Love" is the only word I know.

I don't understand.

Take me to the bridge.

A FRENCH TOWN

The Rope

Uncuff them.

Are you sure?

We were looking for you.

And? Are you happy now?

You could say so.

You may be useful.

It won't be long till you go. Your days are numbered.

How's Marcel Larcher doing?

Will you to give us up to the Germans?

Are you in a rush?

He'll hand you over to the Milice, not the Germans.

We're French above all!

Can I go?

No.

- Are you in a rush, too? - I've stuff to do.

Your stuff can wait.

- Have a drink. - No, thank you.

Marcel was replaced.

We're so insignificant.

What are you waiting for?

We'll wait.

Besides,

we don't have much time left...

So I'm enjoying.

You can enjoy, too.

I would get you a drink, but times are hard.

Handcuff them.

Mr. Sub-prefect.

What will you do with them?

The Résistance will agree to negotiate Antoine back.

Who knows about this arrest?

The woman who turned them in, and my guys.

The few that are left.

Be careful, Marchetti.

If the Milice hears you didn't hand over the ones who killed the chief,

the Resistance will be the least of our problems.

They're leaving, right?

They're in town now,

cooking up who-knows-what with the Krauts.

I'll try to negotiate.

If it fails, you'll hand over Antoine and the girl. Understood?

I love you.

Will you love me forever?

How much time is "forever"?

Take me.

I love you so much.

I love you too.

A storm's coming?

Yes, a storm.

It's the Americans, who are storming Besançon.

- What are we going to do? - I don't know.

We can't go to Switzerland or go back to Villeneuve.

We have little gas left.

We're out of luck.

And yet you smile.

Well, yes.

I'm not scared when I'm with you.

- You should be. - No.

You'll always find a solution.

I wish I was as proud of me as you are.

We need to go to Germany.

We might have a chance with our marriage certificate.

Come on, let's go.

Where the hell are they?

Maybe we should get out.

They told us to wait here.

At least we're not getting soaked.

It's quite impolite to make us wait.

Unlike us, they're in no rush.

Besides, ours is a job that requires patience.

- Mr. Sub-prefect. - Inspector?

Who will we be representing?

I mean, apart from ourselves.

France...

is gravely ill.

But it's not dead yet.

It's funny to represent an ill entity.

Open the windows, if you don't mind.

Do you think they'll negotiate?

They agreed to meet us. They want Antoine back.

If I were them, I wouldn't.

I would send you packing.

If you were them, France would be healthy.

It's easing up.

Not for long, though.

Search them!

Did you think we'd come armed?

I only believe in what I see.

- Marie Germain's not here? - Where are our comrades?

They're safe.

Meaning?

If we come to an agreement, we'll set them free.

They will be no "agreement".

You care for Antoine and the girl, right?

Yes.

Then we'll have to reach agreement.

Did you hear that? Besançon is falling down.

You don't represent anything or anyone here.

Shall we go?

Give us 10 minutes. They'll say where Antoine is.

Calm down, take it easy...

We represent a legitimate power.

Sure! Bunch of traitors.

A power that will soon be replaced by another...

legitimate power, on which you depend.

Either we talk responsibly...

We can't!

Then why are why here?

- I was against. - Let it go already.

I don't know if we'll reach agreement,

but we're listening. What do you propose?

Remember, the CDL has not authorized you.

Shut up or you'll get a slap in the face.

Maybe we could have a seat, no?

All right.

But I want no underlings. Just the two of you. He's out.

Good. Loriot, go back to the base.

If we're not back in two hours, you know what to do. Go!

Yes, tonight. Don't worry.

No, I can't right now.

We'll talk about it at another time.

As soon as Marchetti arrives, I'll leave.

Why didn't Marchetti turn us in?

I have no idea.

As long as we're not with the Milice, we stand a chance.

- If they hand us over... - Put that away!

Liberation is close. We can talk about it.

I'm not scared of talking. I'm scared of what they'll do to me.

They do things to women.

We're not there yet!

Can you uncuff us?

Only if I cut my hand off.

- Chief. - What's that?

It's funny.

I've thought about what Marcel

could have been thinking before he...

I wonder what he was thinking at that moment.

- If he was thinking about you? - No.

I mean, yes, but not only.

Was he thinking about Gustave, Daniel, his wife?

Or maybe about something else.

A memory...

a regret...

What are you thinking about now?

Nothing.

- That's what happens usually. - Not in my case.

You're thinking about Marcel.

You can be such a pain!

I do what I can.

I'm thinking about life.

The beauty of it.

My daughter.

My father,

who used to make me laugh.

I think about what you and I could've done.

I think about a story Marcel used to tell me.

A story?

Some bedtime story he used to tell Gustave.

It's about a boy who looks for the source of gold.

Do you know it?

No.

No one ever read me a story. Except for Claude.

Marcel would tell it to me when I couldn't sleep.

What was the story about?

Do you think it hurts when you swallow the pill?

What do you want in exchange?

- A sworn statement. - Saying what?

That our families will be safe.

We'll be granted an evaluation

and a fair trial.

Why not Legion of Honor, while we're at it?

You can fool around, but the clock's ticking.

Things could change in 2 hours from now.

- Do you want a written document? - Of course.

- Impossible. - Why?

It would have no value.

Are you saying your signature's worthless?

The only one that counts is the prefect's.

And he's not here for the moment.

De Kervern, right?

What would make him refuse?

Nothing. But he doesn't have to sign.

So we have no guarantee.

See, we're playing fair with you.

You have to do better than that.

We can't.

If we go back empty-handed, your friends will be executed.

Good grief!

Why are we even talking with these bastards?

We're going to suspend the meeting for a few minutes.

We need to see the big picture. Fernand!

Raymond!

Did you hear a scream?

No.

A woman's scream.

A voice calling me.

A female voice?

Raymond hears voices.

You think you're Joan of Arc?

"Raymond... Raymond...

"I'm here to save France from the Anglois invaders".

German invaders, moron!

We need ropes. Where can we find a few?

Ropes?

Well, yes. We're not from here.

- Solid hemp ropes. - What do you want those for?

Hey! Look!

- Who are they? - I don't know.

- Are you kidding me? - I was just asked to keep them.

They look like the people who killed the chief.

I haven't been informed.

Who are you?

Huh? What are you doing here?

Why are you here?

Hey! Why are you here?

We'll take them

and we'll see if Alban can identify them.

Where are the keys?

The handcuff keys! Hurry up!

What's going on here?

- Who are they? - None of your business.

This is a police station.

- You refuse to cooperate? - I respond to my chief.

Everybody must help us.

I've been a cop forever.

Take your brother with you and clear off.

Move it.

We'll come back. Come here, you!

Thank you.

It was nothing.

Thank you for stopping by.

I beg you, let us go.

They don't know us, but they'll give our description.

You can go.

He stays.

Accept his offer. Come on.

I won't leave you.

Dying is pointless, Suzanne.

It's one of the things I've learned.

I've learned that letting die can be worse.

We leave together or stay together.

What does this "A" stand for?

It's very important. Vital, even.

- What can it be? - Guess.

A for... "affection".

Affection is something you show, not something you write.

Maybe it's...

An A for...

"Assets"?

Hortense! I'm German, remember?

"Assets" in German is "Vermögen", with a V.

Then maybe...

Achtung!

It could be.

It's an important word of my vocabulary.

But it's not that.

Then... I don't know.

A...

It's just my blood type.

Really? "A" is your blood type?

You know, we SS are very important people.

If we need a transfusion

but we're not able to speak...

I don't even know what my blood type is.

Do you want some?

This is my blood.

We gave it a thought.

In exchange for the liberation of our comrades,

we will give you a written guarantee.

We will grant the following: Security for your families.

For those who have one.

As for the public officials,

residency under surveillance

and a fair trial, if applicable.

I thought it was worthless.

We made inquiries. I'll be the deputy prefect.

It seems possible.

However...

Militiamen are out of the agreement, of course,

as well as the RG groups, special brigades... and SPACs.

There are none in Villeneuve.

And those who killed one or more of our comrades.

- Like myself. - Like yourself, yes.

You can't do that...

The Captain is acting in good faith.

Yes, we can, Mr. Servier.

I won't individualize the situation.

Marchetti has murdered.

He epitomizes repression, deportation.

He's not savable.

You can go ahead and go down with him.

You'll take all the rest with you.

There is no way that I will ever think about...

Leave it.

I think he's right. I'm not savable.

- Marchetti... - It's OK. It's alright.

Do you commit to enforce this document for all my men,

undercover and uniformed officers?

If we get Suzanne and Antoine back alive.

Do you want to live, madam?

As much as you do.

When will the Americans relieve you on the bridge?

How many are they?

How many weapons?

I will shoot you on your knee, first.

Then, on your elbow.

I swear you're going to speak.

And I swear you won't shoot. We're too close to the bridge.

You're lucky.

But you will have to wait.

- The militiamen are back. - What?

They're at the front door.

- Go while you still can. - Shut up.

I'll make you pay for this.

Good. I'll see you again.

There are two others. They're armed.

- What else? - They're talking.

Now they're pointing at our windows.

About time. Well?

We need to let them go right now.

The militiamen are out there.

Yes, I saw them. Sorbier, handcuffs.

Go to the basement. These idiots don't know about it.

Take rue des Plantes and hand them over to the FFI.

They're at Tilleuls intersection.

What does the agreement say?

Residency under surveillance. Except for a few people.

You signed an agreement with our comrades?

Communication is everything.

What about you, Jean?

Don't worry about me.

Hurry up and take care of them. Otherwise, we're screwed.

Jean, do you still need me?

No, I'm fine. You can go.

I'm supposed to go to Switzerland tonight with my wife.

Do you think it's worth it?

If you have a good plan, why not.

Do you want to come?

My brother-in-law is staying.

I have 3 visas.

No, I'm OK. You go.

Marshall

Here we are

Before you

The savior of France

We, your people

Swear to you

That we'll follow your footsteps

Marshall

Here we are

Before you The savior of France

Where are the prisoners?

I don't know, gentlemen. I've just arrived.

They killed chief Janvier. Where are they?

I don't know. As you may see, there's been a stampede.

He's screwing with us. You're lying.

- Take him! Take him! - Don't touch me.

Come on, walk.

Come on! Blanchon will decide what to do with him.

She's taking too long.

It's just 20 km, with detours and all.

Should we send someone else?

No, it's pointless.

We shouldn't have let her go.

Marie, where the hell are you?

She'll be fine. She's the chief.

We're here just to watch the bridge.

- No Germans? - No, no.

Keep walking.

Chief!

The cops had jailed those who killed Janvier.

They released them without informing us.

That's why we brought him.

- Is he saying the truth? - Yes.

Why did you do that for?

To reach agreement with the future authorities.

But they say I'm the only one who isn't...

"savable".

You can join the Milice.

I don't think I will.

Leave him alone. We have other chiefs to spank.

- Do you know what an order is? - Yes.

Then shut up. He's on our side.

We need him. To hell with the rest.

Chief! Major Schneider would like to start.

Start what?

Chief... Do we have to watch this?

Of course we do. Otherwise, we can kiss our train goodbye.

I don't like it either but we don't have a choice.

Come. You might be able to help us.

Come on, let's go.

Go help them.

The major's going to speak. Tell them to be quiet.

Silence, please. The German Major is going to speak.

Silence!

German soldiers were cowardly murdered in Villeneuve

by terrorists.

The population had 6 hours to hand them over to us.

The ultimatum has expired.

Watch.

Watch closely, people of Villeneuve.

And tell your neighbors what the cost is

of aggressing the German army.

This girl is linked to the terrorists.

She could join the others.

I don't hang women.

It wouldn't be civilized.

You will never understand that!

She was carrying a detonator.

She's an experienced terrorist.

But today, we're only killing innocent people.

We want to make an impression on the masses!

And then again, I don't hang women.

So?

Not interested. We'll be leaving afterwards.

Give her to the French. She's their problem now.

The major wants me to hand this terrorist over.

What for? We're leaving.

- Where? - To Belfort.

- We leave at 4. - Schneider wants to speak to you.

I'm coming.

You're worse than I imagined.

People like you lack of imagination.

The Germans are dreadful, but you...

- You kill your own people. - Shut up.

How can you let this happen?

You could tell Schneider that 3 are more than enough.

4.

For the rest of your life,

you will remember the moment when you became a subhuman.

I said shut up.

Or what? I'm already screwed.

How can you be so cold and indifferent?

You, take the ladder and the rope. Hurry up.

You don't know me.

You don't know me either.

You won't do it. You're not a brave man.

It takes courage to kill. All you know

is chasing and torturing while sitting behind your desk.

Take her up.

Come on, quick. Take her up.

Are you going to shut up now?

You won't do it. You never go all the way.

You are one big coward.

You're not a fighter, nor a man.

You're nothing but a vile servant.

Where on earth is she?

She wants to control everything herself.

She can be a pain.

Yes.

But she's the comrade I admire the most.

Low-key courage is so rare.

Either there's no courage or it isn't low-key.

Or both.

- Germans! - Oh, my God!

- They're coming! - How many are they?

- A lot. - What do you mean "a lot"?

A comrade says it's 3 trucks, a side-car

and an armored car.

Can we stop them?

They'll kill us like flies. It's suicide.

- We can't let them pass. - Well, I don't want to die.

We're winning this war.

Let's get out of here.

OK, we're off.

We're leaving!

Goddamn.

There's Schneider, 3 trucks,

the kubelwagen... There's everybody.

They're leaving Villeneuve!

When Marie finds out...

She'll be pissed we didn't blow up the bridge.

- Do you have any news of Max? - Not since yesterday.

I don't think he made it.

Max is unbreakable.

I hope he is.

Without you... I would have swallowed that pill.

We wouldn't have killed Janvier.

You wouldn't have been arrested, so no pill to take.

Why do you play down your role?

You saved me.

The Krauts are gone! They exited Villeneuve!

We're free!

Did you hear that?

- The Germans are gone! - Yes!

Is it true?

- They're gone. - Freedom!

Villeneuve is a free town!

Villeneuve is free!

It's over! We're free!

Subtitles: Eclair Media