All language subtitles for Fantasmi del Mare (Francesco de Robertis, 1948).ENG

GHOSTS OF THE SEA

A naval base.

This is the world in which
the story takes place.

Tugs and floating cranes
extinguish the fires to rest.

While on another dock,

the smoke of the ships rise,
ready to go to sea.

These ships are alive.

But further away, almost secluded,

still and silent,

there's a ship on
which life is over forever.

It is a great battleship,
decommissioned.

It is now part of
a world outside reality.

A world of memories
that become blurred over time,

of old stories
that turn into legends,

of legends

that the imagination of sailors,
populate with ghosts.

Only one tenuous thread

keeps it tied to
the world of the living.

It is this old guard
of the arsenal,

that every evening at sunset,

climbs aboard for the night watch.

Left anchor!

Down!

Hey there, look!
Stop!

What does he want?

I can't hear him, Captain.

You can't set sail here!
Go away!

Grab the bow!
Let him get on board!

What is it?
- You can't moor here, Captain.

Why?
- I can tell you why but…

only in secret.

Fine then, come.

The point of anchorage given to us
by the arsenal command is here,

look, alongside Alfa2.
- Yes.

But the arsenal
command doesn't know.

Only I know.

There, near that ship,

no one can drop anchor.

On board, there are 7 men

who guard the ship with me.

And whatever may be the fate…

of that ship,

nobody will be able to
remove them from it.

Because they are not living men:

They are ghosts!

Here they are.

All 7 of them are on this page,

I have marked them down
because I was their fate.

Because I killed them.

The waters facing the Alfa2
belong to the dead.

It must remain clear tonight
because it's an important night.

Your ship still belongs to the living
and cannot stay here.

Now the sergeant remembers:

The old man was the gunnery
officer on the battleship.

During his last voyage,

to prevent the sudden
flooding of an area

from jeopardizing
the safety of the ship,

he closed a watertight door,

blocking 7 men inside who died.

This is an important night
because it is the anniversary.

The old guard will go down
the silent and empty hull,

until he reaches
the watertight door.

The door is closed
and shored up by beams,

because beyond that wall,
there is the flooded room

that still holds
the bodies of 7 sailors.

Through the wall, he will listen
to the murmur of water,

then from the water will be heard
a guitar sound, then a whistle,

then little by little, all the noises
and the voices of the ship,

as if the ship came to life with
its living men and 7 deaths,

who tonight will relive
the hours that preceded,

that accompanied their last trip.

But the guard
in his tormented hallucination,

is not the only one
who believes in ghosts.

It is story that
all sailors believe,

because of something that for years
no one has managed to explain:

When the ship arrived at the base,

someone put one white rose
on the captain's coffin,

as if to symbolize the 7
who could not have been buried.

But while transferring the remains,
the flower fell into the sea.

Every year since,
on the same day at dawn,

a white rose appears on the waters
near the mooring chains.

Some say it is one
of the many dried flowers,

thrown in by other vessels
and carried by the current.

But the rose is always
fresh and alive.

Others say that every year,

it is a young woman who
leaves that rose on the sea.

But in reality,
no one has ever seen her.

What is certain,
is that on every anniversary,

the old guard goes down
at dawn after the night watch

and always finds a rose floating
on the water next to the chains.

And so, he picks it up,

and takes it to the cemetery.

Good morning, Sergeant.
- Good morning.

Let's go, come down!

That day Sergeant Arena
was making a quick patrol

before going to attend
to his land duties.

In this hall, he met
the first of the 7 persons,

even if his name was the last among
those written in the book.

How long have you been on board?
- 3 days.

How old are you?
- 15.

You're a cadet mechanic?
- Yes, Marshal, Sir.

Sergeant!
- Yes, Sergeant, Sir.

Excuse me, Sergeant.
- What is it?

When Alfa2 completes
the repairs to its machines,

will it leave Pola?
- Yes.

And the cadet mechanics,

do they send them
on land to school?

Where else should you go?
- No, I meant…

What's your name?
- Totò Fani. Tommaso Fani.

Totò? In the city, there's
a library for sailors called Totò.

Yes, in front of the arsenal.

There's a lady dressed in black
behind the desk. - Yes.

Of course. I remember her
from 15 years ago.

She is my mother.

He met the second person
in the barber's room,

but he already knew him well.

Don Genna'!

Must I stand?

No, don't strain yourself.
It might hurt.

You're too good.

Your orders, Sergeant?

Do you always sing?

No.

The thing is that
I'm a humanitarian.

I sing to comfort others.

And who are you comforting now?

2 condemned men.

And when I say condemned, I mean,

anyone who for any reason,
finds himself,

may God free us of them,

in the hands of
the barber on board.

And tell me,

why do you keep your guitar
on the ground in the ironing room?

Because mine is a precious guitar.

Sergeant, the first year
of the war, it saved my life.

It kept me afloat in the sea.

And now, as a personal debt,

I must watch out for its life.

This is a battleship, Sergeant.
It's not a safe place…

for a guitar.
- By the way,

you've already shipped out
10 times in 3 years.

It's time for you to get
a good post on land.

Want to go to Naples?

No, Sergeant,
a train is more dangerous.

You never know what will
happen to the guitar.

Well, I could locate
you here in Pola.

This way the guitar runs no risks.
It'd stay in the good hands…

of the owner of the ironing.

No, thank you, Sergeant.

I would like it but…

but you should never tempt fate.

It is spiteful.

And you must let it unfold
without interference.

The motorboat ordered for the gunnery
officer is ready by the ladder!

Hello, Sergeant Arena.
- Hello.

Grab the prow!

Going to land, he met by chance
in the ironing room the third person.

Dina, you want to drive me crazy?
You said that yesterday.

Let go and I'll explain!

May I come in?

I'll wait for you tonight.

Please see to my things:

2 waistcoats, 2 shirts
and 3 pairs of socks.

I came for…
- The laundry. I noticed.

What's your ship?
- CT21.

We're probably leaving tonight.

For a mission.
- I understand.

Go now!

SERGEANT BANTI
CT21

And keep quiet!
- Hello, Sergeant Arena.

Hello, is Dario's laundry ready?

No, not yet.
- And why not?

Because he's set for tomorrow.

Always tomorrow here.
- Leaving already?

I've the tailor and the hospital today.
Don't forget the guitar…

and the guitar player!

Goodbye, Bepi!
- At your orders! Goodbye!

But the girl is not discouraged,
she trusts.

She's sure he'll come
back and marry her.

And he will come back.

He returns but you don't.
- Here I am, I'm here!

The jacket was fine
but it's better to try it on again.

He has come back alive after
2 sinkings. Raise your arm.

Very good.
Finally, these 2 kids will marry.

Do you feel comfortable?
You're like a model!

They've prepared their nest with
many sacrifices and they're all set.

They only need
authorization from HQ.

Take off your pants.
They are such a nice couple!

Really nice.

By the way,

could you do something
to assist with the paperwork?

The girl's going to have
a baby, you see.

If she doesn't get married soon…
- What can I do?

I am not a midwife.
- Ah, great! Anna, listen, how lucky!

Sergeant Arena said he will interest
himself soon in your paperwork!

Come and thank him!
He's here…

Remain seated.

What's your boyfriend's name?

Deputy Chief Electrician Luigi Serra.
Serial number: 2036.

He was on ship during the war,
had 2 sinkings, 1 eulogy written…

Yes, I know.

Sit. Is he on land now?
- Yes, at the depot.

OK, tell him to go in my name
to Sergeant De Marzi,

the Command Secretary. Got it?
- Yes, thanks.

Excuse me,
I'm heating up the irons.

It's in this atmosphere
of deep emotion,

that Arena bumped into
the fourth person.

The fifth person was waiting
at the head of this queue.

Next! Just the next one,
the others may go. Tomorrow.

Oh, here's our Sergeant Arena.
- May I, Colonel?

No, come in,
it's a pleasure to see you.

What's your name?
- Stanislao Kopovich.

Have a seat.
Wait one moment, I'll be quick.

Medical records?
- Here.

"Shot by aircraft…"
- The third time! - Hush.

"Splinter above the right lung,
bone lesion of the left knee.

Last X-ray on August 3rd."
- Let's X-ray the knee.

The chest X-ray in the afternoon.

If you want to undress,
you may go to my office.

No, thanks, I didn't come
to get my photo taken.

All the better. Well then?

I want to know how is the sailor
in military prison, Dario Altesi.

I found him rather annoyed
with the visit.

He said he didn't ask for it.
Turn down the lights.

That's true, Colonel,
that's why I asked.

Is he your relative?

Increase tension.
- No, Sir, but I saw him born.

And he has been with me
since the start of the war.

How is he?
- Very well. The lights.

That's enough for this morning.

Your protégé is fine, don't worry.

Thank you, Colonel, but he must
still spend 5 days in prison.

So? - Couldn't you
prescribe him something…

to raise him up?

Bring him some good books
that can raise his spirit.

Thanks, Colonel and please excuse me.
- No worries. Goodbye.

This is the sixth person.

What's in this basket?
- Salad for a friend.

Where are you going?
- The traffic lights of Punta Croce.

Why?
- What's your name?

Your name. - Carlino Rivotti.
Would you like some?

I'll give you some!
I'll report you.

Take this basket and throw it away!

Yes, Sergeant?

How may I help you?

Ah, yes, I would like…

I'd like a book for someone who…

A moral book.
- An educational book?

Yes.

A modern author?
- Yes, modern.

Here, I think this will do.

30 lire?
- Yes.

But I give a discount to the navy.

25 lire.
- Ah, thank you.

I'll get your change.

10 YEARS AT SING-SING

Faster up those stairs!

The seventh and last person

occupied first place in
the heart of Sergeant Arena's world.

9!

And the laundry?
- It'll be ready by tomorrow.

Can I bother you about it tomorrow?
- It's no bother and you know it.

Well, yard time is over.

Thanks so much for the book and…
- Wait a moment.

What is it?

Your father is in Pola.

Did he arrive with the squadron?
- No, they stayed to work in Venice.

What is he doing here then?

He came for you.
- For me?

Don't talk nonsense.
- Why don't you believe it?

Because it's impossible.
And I'll prove it you.

Has he come alone?

Answer me.

No.
- I knew it.

He brought his wife, right?
- Yes.

And I bet you rushed to open the doors
and windows to make the house ready…

I knew nothing.
I had a note this morning.

What did it say?
- He wants to see you.

He wants an explanation.

Does he know I'm here?

No.

He can't believe he can
reproach me that I'm in jail.

Maybe he wants to get you out.

Yes, maybe but only for the pleasure
of showing me his authority.

But Dario, you are crazy.

I'm not crazy.
I see things as they are.

Whether he lets me out
or comes to see me,

is still a humiliation.

And now I have no
desire to see him.

When we meet as equals, we'll talk then.
- But Dario!

The opportunity will come soon,
since the war won't last long.

Bring me back in.

I'm coming!

Sorry, if I made you wait!

My wife?
- She's in the garden.

You need help, Captain?
- No. How are you?

Fine. You look beat.
- You may say old.

Ah, you've got the most
beautiful rose of my garden.

Your wife gave it to me.
- I planted them, you remember?

I remember, Captain.

A few days before the war broke out.
- Indeed.

These roses are my last memory
of a house and world at peace.

Well, take it on board.
But don't ruin it, eh?

Thanks, don't worry.
Are you staying here for awhile?

I have 20 days leave,
excepting complications, of course.

Then I'll send you help.
- No, thanks, we can do it all.

Silvia is preparing Dario's room.

In fact, she's down in the basement
looking for something to raise the bed.

Right, Dario has grown a bit.

Well, tell me about him.
Sit down a minute.

No, thanks, Captain.
I must go now.

But tell me how he is.

Good. He is fine.

Did you tell him I was here?

No, Captain.
- And why?

Because…

He is not on board.
- Did he disembark?

No. He's on land for…

For what?

To serve out a punishment.

What did he do?

Disobeyed orders.

Whom did he rebel against?

Against me.

I had to report it because…

there were other sailors.

And if you were alone?
- Captain,

you know I'm very fond of Dario.
- That's not fondness,

it's weakness.
- He's a boy.

Why you have not seen fit
to tell him I'm here?

Well…

given that he's in prison,
not to depress him.

Let's change the subject.

What do they think of the war here?

Here, as everywhere, Captain.

Sailors who never sailed
cannot wait for the war to end,

whether well or badly, to go home.

And those on board?

I don't know.

We never talk about it.

Well, I don't want
to waste your time.

Captain?
- What?

Some photos of Dario.
- Ah, thanks.

And thanks for everything.
- Tell your lady I say goodbye.

Andrea, your roses are
really beautiful,

but my pomegranates
are a real marvel.

In truth, they're nothing special,

your roses or my pomegranates
but they give so much joy.

Because it's as if they were reminders
that sooner or later, we'll resume

our countryside plans
and nobody will separate us.

Look what I found:

It even has holes.

Dario?

Yes?

I'll be right back. I'll take them
to his room and… - No, forget it.

They won't be needed.
- But…

what's the matter?

Did Sergeant Arena already leave?

Yes, Sergeant Arena wasn't
born to be a diplomat.

He's no good at lying.

But… did he speak of Dario?

No, he tried not to say
but I understood him.

My son…

with his unjust resentment
has put a bulkhead between us.

Is the radio on?

No.

Let's go to the girls
of the ironing shop.

Let's go and set them free!

Even Adele is carousing with us!

Girls, put away your work
right away and go home.

Exit one at a time from the alley door
in 5 minute intervals, got it?

Wait!
Let me go first, I'm in a hurry!

And mind you, straight home!

Without looking at anyone.
Got it?

Take that!

Let go of me!
- Shut up! Don't be scared.

Where are you…
- Don't be a fool! Come on!

Good night, Ma'am.

Don Genna'?

Don Genna'?

The war has ended.

Hey!

One of you must go
pick up the laundry!

Return to your
Chief Officer quickly!

Hurry!

I run a big risk going into town.
- What happened?

The sergeant wanted to report me
for walking with an ironing girl.

But I ran away and he didn't
get my name. Understand?

If he sees me, there'll be trouble.
You go get the laundry.

I have to bring a basket of vegetables?
- Sure.

No, no, no!
- Come here! Listen, I'll explain.

Instead of a basket,
you'll put the vegetables in a suitcase.

Besides, if they asked us
to get the laundry, it means

the Chief Officer has
something important to do.

No, no, no!
- Listen here!

A very urgent movement!
Come, come inside!

They are rearming Alfa2.
They must send 600 men on board.

They asked 2 members from us.

Received! Who do we send?

In the meantime, we can send
that plague over there!

And maybe the other could be,
one of those who tend the garden.

Both are the same,
they've never seen a ship.

Right but which of
the two do we send?

Ah, let's do it by chance.

Out here there's one who picks up
the laundry. Let's send him.

Alright then. Come in!

May I come in?

Stand up!

Where do you come from?
- The traffic light of Punta Croce.

What were you doing there?
- Farming. - Sergeant!

Note down this sack of crackers.
Send him back to land.

Your name? - Antonio.
- Your last name, ass!

Antonio Sperandio.
All these questions!

Attention, we'll give you the sack!
- Grab the rope!

Secure the bowline on the bollard!

Ready?
- Pull the rope!

What is it, boatswain?
The torpedo is docking!

Step in line. Hurry, in line.
Come on, let's go.

Sergeant, I must go
on land to pick up…

The laundry, I know.
Get in line now.

The rest of you, hurry!

Move in 2 lines,
ordered by rank! Silence!

Alfa2, is the captain on board?
- He has not yet embarked.

There's only the gunnery officer.
- Let him know I had an order

to give him two thirds of the crew
and to remain waiting here!

Very well, Captain.

Yes, dear, OK.

HQ realized that I can't
reach the squadron by land,

so they assured me tonight
a transport will take us to Venice.

I wanted to tell you I can't go home,
because they gave me an assignment.

No, it's something quick,
I assure you.

For heaven's sake,
don't leave home, for any reason!

Or with all this nonsense,
we may lose each other.

Got it?

No, I haven't been able
to see to Dario.

But until tonight,
we've time to do everything.

And calmly.

Yes, dear,
I'll call you later. Bye.

Where is the gunnery officer?

In the second tower.

Mr Renzi, they informed us

that a senior officer is coming
to take temporary command.

Good, tell the officers to meet
at the ladder. I'll be right back.

I'm here to replace
temporarily the captain,

who'll take command
of the ship tonight.

All must be done to enable Alfa2
to move as quickly as possible.

No further instructions.

Get back to your posts.
You gentlemen, follow me.

The 2 engines?

The right one will be ready tonight.
The left one, not before tomorrow.

How long have they been off? - 3 months.
- Artillery? - The systems are in place

because we had no major work,
but the crew is a disaster, Sir.

On board, there are people
from everywhere, of all kinds.

And if we were to leave…
- How many are senior? - 200.

And new?
- 600, Sir.

Plus those sent to us
from the hospital.

Hospital?
- Yes

A group of convalescents
that had to go on leave today.

We really can't say for sure…

Excuse me one moment.

Hello.
- How are you, old pirate?

A task for you from the Admiral.
- What's new?

Now let's talk.
- Come, the officers are here.

Wait, you better inform them later.
- Then let's go to my office.

On the torpedo,
we had all the amenities.

Here we camp like gypsies.

Wow, 2:45.
- Yes, 2:45.

Where are you going?

Sergeant, I must go on land…
- To get the laundry, I know.

But the DT hasn't given anyone
permission yet to go to land.

Sorry.

More news about the situation
you'll hear on the phone.

Stay by it.

As for your wife…
- I wanted to talk to you about her.

I'll call her and try to explain.
But whatever happens…

Don't worry,
we'll take care of everything.

Thank you.
- Good luck.

The situation is getting worse.

They've occupied Trieste
and are marching to Pola.

We can't tell how long the line
between Trieste and Pola will hold out.

The defense of the city
wouldn't last 15 minutes

and if they get to Pola,
in few minutes they'll be at the dock.

But not aboard, Captain.

Yes, but to defend ourselves…

we would need to destroy the city.

There would be no other choice.

We need to leave Pola.

Meanwhile, I asked the tows
to take us outside the harbor

but it won't solve anything
if we can't count on one engine.

Sir, even if we could get
the right one ready,

it'll take 3 hours to heat it up.

Plus, we only have 50 tons of fuel,
and if it doesn't arrive in time…

No, it won't arrive.
The base doesn't have anymore.

Well, then?

The torpedo here will give us
all the fuel it has on board,

until its last drop.

It was the only unit
that could act as our protection.

Right, but even there,
there was no choice.

As soon as it gives up its fuel,

it will sink itself.

Come, let's hurry with
the preparations!

Renzi!
- Your orders?

Among the senior crew,
are we leaving anyone

who is sick or anything?

There's a sailor being punished
but I've already ordered him on board.

Alright. Thanks.

Hello?

Give me Villa Altesi
4334 right away.

Yes, a civil line.

Out of order?

Since when?

Thank you.

Come in.

What do you want?
- I'd like…

To stay in the hospital, right?

No, I'm fine.

I want to be listed with
those embarking on the Alfa2.

How do you know you're fine?
- I feel…

Your name? - Kopovich.
- When did you do your Xray?

Yesterday.
- Let's see.

I feel well
and I want to go aboard.

Rest assured that if you are well,
you'll definitely go on board.

"Lesion in the right lung, healed."
Coppola, right?

No.

Kopovich.

Ah, Stanislao Kopovich?

Yes, but I'm healed too.

You have a lung lesion too.

What?

I'm not healed?

And I can't embark?

But I must. I must get away!

Soon Pola will be bombed.
It'll be destroyed by air!

For God's sake, let me go!
- I can't!

The list is done by the Colonel.
Now, go away. Go!

Bonardi?
- Yes, Colonel, I'll be right there.

Wait, don't go!
- Let go, you're crazy!

You're shaking worse
than a little boy.

Shame on you.

Outside the harbor,
we'll moor at buoy no. 6.

But there'll be 2 meters of water
under the keel at that point.

Indeed.
That is precisely the point.

Those 2 meters of water will have
their part in this ship's fate.

Hello? Yes, alright.

The tows are coming.

Do we still have crew on land?

Yes, Sir, I sent someone on land
to pick up the linen, the sailor…

who was in prison.

The tows are here, Sir.
- Good.

The SG is not mine.
- That's mine.

I'm already missing a pair of socks.
- I've got 2 pairs, one must be yours.

Look what a mess the girls made!

Girls do that
when they lose their heads

and I'd really like to
know who is to blame.

Well, are you OK now?
- Yes.

Then, wrap it up. March!
- How much do I owe?

Isn't the cost written down?
- What is this nonsense?

Why haven't you given us the bill?
- I haven't had time.

Pay another time, alright?
- OK.

Are you sure there'll be
another time for me? - Move it!

Hey!

Your aunt sends word she's better,
so there's no need,

for you to go see her at 3:00.

Young man?

Since your undergarments,

got mixed up with the other 2,

due to a maritime superstition,
you 3 will always be united…

in good and bad luck.

Amen.

Where are you embarking?

Alfa2.
- Me too.

Me too. For how long?

2 hours.
- 1 hour for me. And you?

Well, a bit longer.

Well? Are you leaving or
do I have to kick you out?

Fine! Fine!
- Come on, get moving!

Bye, I gotta go.

Alfa2 has set anchor.
What's going on?

How long have you been on land?
- I'm just back from leave.

You should've missed your train.
- Why? What is it?

Don't you know they're coming?

When did they turn it on?
- Probably a half hour ago.

I have time.
- Look, that's the last ride.

Yes but Alfa2's engines
won't be ready for 2 hours.

Hey, are you a senior?

38 months. See you later.
- Bye.

Well, I'll try too.

Luigi, are you coming from the ship?

How long do you have?

I don't know.
Maybe a few minutes or…

It depends.

Depends on what?

On what I'll tell you right now.

Listen Anna, it's something…

very important.

What is it?

Alfa2 has turned the boilers on and
must leave before they get here.

You understand?
- Yes.

Maybe I'll make it, maybe not.
It's a matter of minutes.

Is that clear?
- Yes, Luigi.

Good. But us, you and me,

what Alfa2 does…

may not…

concern us at all.

Do you understand?
- No, I don't understand.

Hey, the traffic light's laundry is gone.
A guy from Alfa2 took it.

And what is Alfa2?
- Obviously a ship.

Leave that suitcase
and go get it back.

Damn! How can I get on board?

Young man,

there are much more
difficult things in life.

To get on a boat is easy.

You go to the pier, you ask
which boat is going to that ship

you get inside and…

and wait for things to happen.

I've a few minutes. Try to get out.
- How? What would I say to the boss?

Invent some excuse.
Don't give me a hard time!

Not so loud, she can see and hear you!
- Don't worry, if she comes out…

can she see me now?

See? What is it?

Go away, she's coming!

Say, what are you doing in here?
- I'm… I'm rinsing the laundry.

And you're not done yet?
- Yes, I am.

Oh, good!
And there's nobody outside, is there?

No, nobody.
- Fine, go on, I'll empty it.

No, don't worry.
If Alfa2 manages to leave

with all the chaos on board,
who'll notice I'm missing?

And if they get here before then,
with the confusion that will ensue,

you think they'll worry about me?

You're not convinced?

No, Luigi.

What do we solve in that way?

Nothing.

You would be hidden inside here…

like a thief.

Like somebody who is a murderer.

And I'd die of fright,
every time there's a knock.

And it wouldn't be
so bad for me but…

but for the baby.

Come here.

Don't be mad at me.

I've already waited once
and you came back.

I'll wait again.

I mean, this time,

we will wait.

Is this motorboat going to Alfa2?
- Yes, it is.

Come on, get on! Hurry!

Look who's here.
We're setting sail together, eh?

Come in.
- Your orders, Sir?

What orders does that motorboat have?
- To take those from the hospital

and to leave when they see the flag.
- OK, thanks.

I called the DM and his men.
- They're here, Sir. - Come in!

I want news on the left engine.

He's dealing with it,
as he's the only long time officer

but the rest are working on the right
and before tomorrow the left can't…

Hello?

Yes?

Received.

The line of defense has collapsed.

It's full steam ahead, at least
until they arrive at the dock.

Understood?
We can start the steam, Sir,

but the engine doesn't always…
- Just get us going.

The two cases were examined
and discussed by Pola Command.

A moment before
the harbor falls into their hands,

I will raise the Sigma
or Alpha signal.

Sigma will mean "I'm sailing",

Alpha, "I am sinking".

Quid… hora.

The time is coming.

Now you can go on board.

Thank Lady Adele
for her kind hospitality.

And I'll thank her too.

They are the ships where
I sang and played for 3 years.

I'll leave you as a memento.

Thanks for everything and..

and good luck.
- Won't you leave before they come?

Well, it's all destiny, dear Adele.

Sometimes one makes
his destiny with his own hands.

One believes that because fate is witty
and likes to give one illusions.

When the war is over,

what will you do?

Well, what I did before.

What did you do before?
- A house musician.

You went to play in the houses?
- No.

I used to play at my house,

on terra firma.

I would look at the sea
from a distance, from the window.

If someone wanted to hear me play…
when they left…

they would give me something
if they liked it.

Wouldn't you like
a more secure life?

More secure?

And what life today is secure?

What did you mean?
- Nothing.

I meant you were on
board the entire war,

and now that it's over,
you should get a land post, right?

If you like,
Sergeant Arena could help you.

We talked about it.

Think about it.

You still have time.

Thank you, Adele.

Thanks for everything

but destiny is stronger
than us and…

and we shouldn't oppose it.

It wasn't meant to be.

Goodbye and good luck, Lady Adele.

Did you call me, Sir?

Yes.

But I also wanted to
talk to the gunnery officer.

He's out with the officers
arranging the sinking maneuvers.

Yes, Admiral?

Yes, Admiral.

The first patrols are here.

Let them know I'm going on the bridge
and I'll give all orders from there.

Yes, Sir.
- Wait a minute, sorry.

Sir?
- For my wife.

Entrust it to a worker going on land.
There's a phone number on the envelope.

Will do, Sir.
- Thank you.

Maybe he is at the commands unit?

Please, Miss, call me
as soon as you know.

Yes, thanks.

Andrea?

Oh, Dario…

Won't you even invite me in?
- Of course, sorry!

I wasn't expected.
- No, please.

My father's not in?

No, but I expect him
at any moment.

Sorry, I…
- Wait, Dario!

You came to talk to your father,
that's just,

but though I'm only the second wife,
I deserve to know why.

I thought you knew already.
- No, I don't.

Maybe because I haven't
had time to get to know you.

But not even your father knows
and he knows you.

He knows me?

Yes!

At least, in your utopias
of a free, superman!

No, don't worry, I just wanted
to get to the point that concerns me.

Why did you leave the house
the day we got married?

I didn't want to be in the way.

You only hurt us.

Then your father realized
an explanation was needed,

man to man,
because you weren't a boy anymore.

But then the war broke out
and separated everyone.

Two days ago, Andrea was ordered to…
- Sgt Arena told me the rest.

You know nothing!

He couldn't have told you of the fear
and joy with which we ran here,

to finally find you
after 3 years of war,

and thank God for such a miracle.

But you, Dario,
with this absurd behavior,

you've achieved nothing but
alienating your father more.

Why, Dario? Tell me.

Am I the cause?

Answer me.
- It's not about you.

What wrong has your father done?
- None.

Well then?
- That's what exasperates me.

But Dario you realize that…
- I know.

I seem like a fanatic?
- Oh, no… - Let me speak.

I've every right to reproach him that
he should've built another family

when I was a child
because I needed it then.

Now it only helps him.

And I can only feel like a stranger

in a house where there is a woman,
who means nothing to me.

You are right.

I don't think you can blame him

for being faithful to your
mother's memory for 15 years.

You saw it too, eh?

I don't blame him at all.

I am inferior to him
in that respect.

I find it senseless to speak of
a son's inferiority to his father!

He was never a father to me!

He only treated and spoke to me
like a man used to command.

But I can't even
blame him for that.

Because he got to command,
after learning to obey.

Discipline runs in his blood,

while I have rebellion in mine.
And use it.

Yesterday, I didn't want to see him
because I was in prison.

But today, I'm a sailor
who departs with his ship,

Before leaving, went to his father,
who is here in pleasant repose.

Finally, a meeting which
won't humiliate me. Understand?

I don't understand you.

But perhaps it's best
that you 2 didn't meet.

I doubt your arguments would've
lead to a reconciliation.

In fact, I came for an explanation.

Yes, I noticed.

Well, nothing remains but
to wish you a happy stay.

I thought it was lost,
that photograph of my mother.

Thanks also for the daisies.

Dario,

is Alfa2 leaving Pola?

Yes.

Hello?

Hello?

Yes, it's me.

Who is speaking please?

But where is he?
Yes, the Captain.

Thank you.

It was a worker who has
a letter from Andrea.

Your father took command of Alfa2.

But…

What's going on?
- They're at the ports of Pola!

I must run to the dock!
- Where are you going? Don't be foolish!

Soon the dock and port
will be an inferno.

Dario!

Dario!
- Don't worry,

he is now Captain Altesi,
and I'm just a sailor on board,

it'll be difficult to meet.

Get down! Down!

Don't set sail! If they get to the dock,
they'll kill us. Let's go on board!

If I don't see the mainsail,
I'm not moving from here!

They're setting sail!

Shut up, fool, they're passing
the bight on the buoy!

The reinforcement buoy!

Pull the telephone cable!
- It's all pulled!

Let the Sergeant know that
the phone line is going to break!

From checkpoint number 3,

the first armored patrols have
entered the city.

Hello? Hello?

Captain, we are
completely isolated from land!

The buoy phone is broken.

This is no longer any use.
All hands to their stations!

Let's get the boat back on board!
Send the cadets down!

Stern, all hands to their stations!
- Raise the flag!

They raised the flag!
- Flag to shore!

Let's go, hurry!

Wait a minute! One moment!

Your mother is on the dock.
- My mother?

Yes, I let her know. If there's
chaos on land, go home. Got it?

Yes, Sergeant.
- Sir, the phone.

I'm coming.

Come on, bring the roller!

OK, Sir, as soon as they come up,
I'll pull up the ladder.

When you are able, please let me
know if all are on aboard.

Thank you.

What is it?
- Right engine is not responding.

Hello? Hello?

The phone at the bridge is down!

I'll go up to get the OK.
- OK, engineer.

Lieutenant?
- Andreani.

Power?
- Kingston 10.5.

Saracinesca 25 and 3 quarters.

It closes to the right,
it opens to the left.

Can it be handled alone?
- At the sound of the loudspeaker.

I must remind you, Sir,

to give steam right away,
we risk destroying everything.

I am aware but have no time for
weighing risks. It's either do or die.

Very well, Sir, since our
telephone line is no longer secure,

the precise moment,
I'll give steam,

I will signal a long black smoke
from the smokestack of the stern.

However, understand that if water is
not seen moving from the propeller,

it is a sign that there is no hope.

Understood.

Come, Renzi!

Quickly, move aside!
Make way for the coming motorboat!

Move aside and go straight to land!

Master, leave the cadets at the dock
and go to the arsenal, got it?

All right!

Let's go, guys!

Hurry! Jump on board!

Silence! Your temporary place
to sleep is Room 21 at the bow!

Go on, move!
- Hurry up!

Pull up the ladder!

Why are they pulling up the ladder?
- Don't worry, it's just an exercise.

Every now and then, they pull up
the ladder. It's good exercise.

You think he bought it?
- Careful or you'll get it.

There is an officer inside.
The trumpeter is in place.

Have they checked under the keel?
- Yes, Sir, 2 meters of water.

Well, inform the crew.
- Immediately, Sir.

Everyone attention!

Any man for any reason,
found below the second bridge

in the case that
an alarm bell goes off,

must leave his post and go
to the gun deck within 2 minutes.

All is in order here, Captain.

The ladder is up,
the deck is clear,

and everyone is inside.
- Thank you.

They are going full steam, Sir.
- OK, I'm coming.

Hello, this is the control room.

Right engine ready!
- Make the smoke!

Open it!

Open it some more!

Open the valve!
- Open the valve!

The engine has started!

Come on, normal power!

Raise sigma!
- Raise sigma!

Drop the buoy!
- Drop the buoy!

It's dropped!

Totò! Totò!
Totino!

Totino!

Vito, have you seen my son?
- I don't know, look in the back.

Did you see my son?

Yes I saw him: he hid on
board to leave with the ship.

The ship?

...even temporarily, we can rest easy.
- Heading! Heading!

The medical officer said that the burns
reported by the mechanic are not serious

but rest is absolutely needed.

From now on, you'll be
responsible for the engine system.

Yes, Sir, any orders?
- Move slowly, nothing else.

And the crew, Sir?
- How are they?

The new ones are nervous,
so I put at least one senior among them.

It'd be good to know where
we're going, Sir. - I don't even know.

I'm still waiting instructions
from Pola command.

But I'm beginning to fear…

For now, let's exercise
the battle stations.

Very well, Sir.

Radio?
- Radio.

No signal for us?
- Nothing yet, Sir.

Let's call Pola.

So did you find the laundry?
- Yes, all set.

You're a pal.
- Get on deck right away.

And the boat?
- Waiting up there. Go on!

Thank you boys, bon voyage!

Have a good trip!
- Take care! Good luck!

Good luck!

Have a nice stay!

To your places, boys!

Well?

And the boat?

The boat!
He was looking for the boat!

Coward!

I'll break you in two!
- Get on him!

Shouldn't you two be at
the Valleverde artillery?

And weren't you at the depot?

And the rest of you
were all on land!

Like me! Just like me!

And now the war's over,

instead of all going home,

you are here on board,
just like me!

You're all a bunch of sheep!
- Attention!

To battle stations
to check the roles.

Why don't you move?

Hurry up and go to your posts!

Well, look at this:

It took the sea air
to make you a wolf!

Pola doesn't answer, Sergeant!

Call the Command in Venice
and ask for instructions.

Yes, Sir.

This is the fire nozzle of
anti-aircraft machine gun n.3

What's your name?
- Kopovich.

It's all set.
- Stay on deck, I'm going down.

Sergeant?
- What is it?

Sergeant, may I have…
- What?

I think I've seen you before.
- Could I have a…

a destination down on deck?
- Why? Afraid of the rain?

No it's just…
- Good, I'll put you down

for a nice flat with
two beds and tiled bathroom!

Room 91!

Who is at the circuits?
- Me.

And at the pipes?
- There's me.

Listen up, I gotta tell you what
to do here at your battle post.

You're here too?
- Yes, at the phone line.

Then…

the guitarist was right.

Eh?
- I think so too.

The rats!

Hey!

What are you doing here?
Why aren't you at your station?

I took care of the guitar first.

You think the guitar
will be safe here?

Sure, this room has
the right height.

If the aerial bombs come,

I'll take the guitar
and put it below.

If however, a torpedo comes,
I'll put it above.

The rats.
- I'll deal with the rats.

You go to your station.

Go!

Now I'll deal with you.

Room 91!

No, this is a call
to check the line!

Received.
- Dario!

You must have a mechanic
and a junior electrician?

Yes, they're at their posts.
And that boy?

Well… keep him with you.

I'll add an extra ration.

Go!

By the way, what's your name?

Tommaso Fani.

And try to be seen
as little as possible.

Come inside.

What are you?

Volunteer mechanic cadet.

Volunteer, eh?

Look at him.

He could've stayed home with mama
but instead he hid on board!

To see what war is like
on a real battleship, right?

You deserve more
than being slapped!

Leave him alone.

Go, sit over there.

What, you don't like it
if I teach the baby?

If I don't tell him,
somebody else will.

That the war was made only
for fighters and submarines!

He survived 2 sinkings!

Tell him,
that'll make the boy happy.

And the senior too.
- You're rather a nervous guy…

or am I mistaken?
- You force yourself to be calm.

What do you know?
- Words! You're on board,

we embark at the last moment without…
- Enough!

Stop this nonsense.
- You know where they're taking us?

The unit has been
ordered to go to Kotor,

to board refugee civilians,

and take them
to safety to the peninsula.

Estimated time of arrival:

4:00 pm.

We'll be before
Kotor at the first light,

which means not before one hour.
Go rest a little.

Thanks, Sir. - And you too.
- No, Sir.

There's a deck chair
in the nets station. Go on.

Good night, Sir.
- Good night.

Come in!

Did you call me, Sir?
- Yes.

I wanted to know about
that mechanic cadet.

Why did he want to leave with the ship?
- Well, boyish enthusiasm.

How old is he?
- 15.

And where is he now?
- Sleeping in a room below,

near Dario.

And Dario,

is he sleeping?

I doubt it, Sir.

Why did you entrust
that boy to my son?

I don't know.

Maybe because your son once…

hid aboard…

to be able to go
out to sea with you.

He was exactly 15 years old.

Yes. But many years
have passed since then.

And many things have changed.

Yes, Sir, but most things have
changed since yesterday.

You can't understand why
I haven't called my son yet, right?

No, I think that…
- Of course!

Now I'm his captain…

and he could not refuse.

As he did yesterday.
- I can assure you that if you…

No, dear Arena.

Because I'm his captain,

I cannot be the one to call him.

Neither will he come to me.

You must've understood that as well,
else you wouldn't have spoken about him.

As you see,

this ship that could
have brought us together,

has divided us even more.

Come in.

I'm off, Sir.
- Rest well.

I'm on, Sir.
- Watch well.

I'm going to do my rounds, Sir.

My wife offered it to you.

I therefore thank you
twice for your kindness.

Captain, the radio has
intercepted an air signal.

The mouths of Kotor have mines.

Decrease speed and ask further
instructions from Venice!

Yes, Sir.

Are we in Kotor?
- Kotor? Right!

Come on! Wake up!

The program has been changed again.

Come on, wake up, wake up!

Wake up?
Tell us what's going on, eh?

We're not going to Kotor anymore.

Where are we going?
- How should I know?

I know.

They want to take us south.
- What?

Who told you that?

I just heard it on the deck.
I'm going to double-check.

I'll come along. - No, I'll go alone.
Let's not mess around.

Bridge to control?
- Yes?

Venice isn't answering, Sir.

The air is full of signals
intersecting on all sides.

Impossible to understand anything.
- Received.

We only have one hope:

Try to get in touch with
the fleet unit in the Thyrrenian Sea.

To get away from the Dalmatian coast,
increase speed

and we'll draw towards the south.
- Yes, Sir.

Right engine, half-speed!
- Heading 180 degrees.

Heading 180 degree.

We're going south.

And you do nothing?

Don't you know that means
concentration camps?

Come on, let's have some quiet!

It is not true we're going south.
See, we're moving aside again.

What does that mean?

That we're waiting instructions and
when we get them, we might go south.

And then?

Then it is better to know in time
what everyone thinks.

I'll tell you what
I think right now!

I'm here by mistake.
And I have nothing to do with you!

And I don't care anything
about this nonsense!

I just want to get off anywhere,

on a piece of dry land!

I was on land and
I have the right to return on land!

I too was on land too.
And I take it personally like him!

I say this:
the war is over and I think

anyone who has managed to survive…

has the right to think about
his interests, end of story!

I guess I'm not the only
one who thinks so.

No, you're not
but that's personal business!

I told you first!
- I know, you're not wrong!

Well?
- Well, let me talk!

Talk.
- I did the entire war on 21:

146 missions!

That is my ship!

And I had the right to stay
there until the end!

And that's what I meant,
everybody's reason is different

but the conclusion is the same:
We shouldn't be on board,

therefore, we have nothing
to do with this ship! - So?

Get to the point! - Easy,
Alfa2 must reach the nearest land,

disembark us all
and then sink itself!

If you all agree, I'll be the first
to go to the Captain.

Not now.
- Why?

Maybe he'll decide to do
exactly what we wish.

And then?
- Then no use making a fuss.

Really?
And if he decides to go south?

We'll let him know what we think.

What who thinks?

Us.

We are just 50.

There are 800 sailors on board.

And then there are
the NCOs and the officers.

Bunk!

We represent
the interests of the majority!

There are 200 seniors aboard.

So?

Maybe they might not wish
to see Alfa2 going down.

How would you know?

I am a senior.

I don't care what you are!

I want to know if you're
with us or not, got it?

Shut the door tight.

And you,
go outside and act as guard.

The gunnery officer is on patrol.
If you see him coming, whistle.

Move it!

I'll say if there's an order
to head to the south.

Are we clear?
- Yes!

Do we all agree the ship must go
by the coast and sink itself?

Do you agree or not?
- Yes, we all agree.

And if anyone acts like a fink,
I'll deal with him myself.

And you were ready to go to
the captain to tell him your reasons

and those of others, right?
- Precisely!

It'll take more than your talk
with somebody like Altesi.

Stop it! Be quiet!

These are good arguments.
And I have them.

But we must make
command listen to them.

And there's only one way:

Acting by surprise.

And by force.
- By force?

Us alone?

We are 50 and that's enough.

50 against 800?

I said that we're enough.

I'll prove it to you.

Soon, they'll turn on
the left engines and…

Nothing, Sir. The fleet won't respond.
- Bridge to command?

The lookouts report
3 scouting planes at 2000.

Received.

They're looking for us.

Make sure no light filters on deck.

Reverse the heading and
keep calling sigma1. - OK.

Right full rudder!

Back from patrol?
- Yes, Sir.

What's new?

People are sleeping

but there are many who do not.

Why not?

Sir, almost all the new men
have families in the north

and if we were to go south…

No one understands more than I do.

But these reasons can't sway
the decision I must make,

until the facts are verified.

Captain, a radiogram for us.

Is it clear?
- Yes, Sir.

"Reach Ancona immediately,
entering the port."

Encrypted signature.

Shall we set course now, Sir?

Were you asked to repeat the signature?
- Yes, but they never responded.

On which wave was it transmitted?
- On R9, our land command. - Yes.

But our naval command
on land knows that Alfa2

can't enter the port of Ancona,
because the water isn't high enough.

It's a trap, poorly planned.

Bring me the RD with all the signals
intercepted last night. - Yes, Sir.

Orders, Sir?
- So, you're not sleeping tonight?

Thanks, I'm not tired, Sir.

We can't hear the planes anymore.

That's not a good sign.

It means they already
know our position

and we can expect at dawn…

Call the left engine!

Hello?

It's Lt Vanni, Sir.

Look, Vanni, we must be urgent.

It's likely that soon
I'll need both engines.

In the event of having to use
full or perhaps maximum power.

We're almost ready, Sir.

Yes, Sir, everything's fine.
- Thank you.

The RD with the radio signals, Sir.

Bridge to control?
- A message from sigma1.

Received.
- It is the fleet control unit.

I'm going, Sir.

We seem to be
200 years back in time.

It's as if we were at sea
with a sailing ship,

far from the world,
in the midst of a stormy ocean.

This is the only voice one could
hear tonight in such chaos.

Sergeants of each unit
or isolated forces,

following their consciences,
must decide for the good of the country.

Captain!

The ship sigma1…

Bridge!

Left engine is ready, Sir.
- Head south!

Normal power to both engines!
- Normal to the right!

Normal to the left!
- Received.

Open the steam!
- Very good!

Left engine activated!

What are you here for?

There are new stokers on on board.

The chief engineer sent them
down to get some practice.

There's another group
in the left engine.

Get to your post, quick!

Where are you going?

To get the oil.

Take him off!

Hello? Hello?

Right engine here!

Is that you, Dario?
- Yes, it's me.

We're all ready here.

OK, let's stop the engines.

Turn off the steam!

What's going on?

Right engine? Hello? Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Let's go down and see.

In what engine room is Dario?

In the left one.

Sir, the engines aren't responding!
- Something must have happened.

Yes, Sir.

But…nothing serious.

Come here. You too.

Watch out for airplanes.

What's going on?

They took over
the control room engines.

No, a few were injured.

Do they have weapons?
- Some.

How many?
- 50.

All new men, right?

Yes, Sir. - Sir, we need to…
- No, wait a minute,

I want to reason
with these people first.

There's a group below, Sir.

A committee?

Here, in my role as Captain,

I'll not accept or receive
any committees.

I'll speak to one chosen by them.

And they must be quick:
I have only a minute.

Yes, Sir.

Your orders?

It's already clear.

If we allow them to surprise us
with the ship not moving…

Double the watch for the planes!
- Yes, Sir.

Come in.

Do you represent your mates?

Yes, Sir.

Did they choose you
or did you choose yourself?

They chose me.

I suppose that as
the senior on board,

you must have been very useful…

to deserve such
complete confidence.

I acted according to my conscience.

No doubt.

But I am warning you,

if the reasons you came to assert,
concern issues or personal interests,

you're wasting your time.

Understand?

I'm not here for personal reasons.

So you've decided to stop
the engines to be heard?

Do you realize a stopped ship
is not only a danger

to the captain but
to the security of all?

It would make you consider
our request with more urgency.

I see you have thought
about everything.

Well? What do you want?

We want the Alfa2 to go
to the coast and sink itself.

Is this ship your property?

Your personal belonging?

No.

Nor is it the command's.

Quite right.

Then in what name, do you ask
for the destruction of property,

which is neither mine nor yours?

Even ships have honor.

A lesson in naval ethics!

And by you?

What you need is a good dose of…

Sorry.

I was not prepared to receive you
as the champion of these ideas.

Not just ideas, they are facts.

Going south means surrender.

And are you so sure,

that only noble
motives are driving…

your mates to stop the engines?

I do not speak in their name.

I speak on behalf of those who can
no longer have their reasons heard.

Because on this ship and
for this ship, they have died.

I see.

You could not miss

the opportunity to be able to
deal with me as an equal.

It was not my intention…
- Now is not the time for us!

Here's the only order
I received tonight.

It is not directed
only to leadership,

but to all.

Decide according to your conscience,

and only for the good of the country.

And it was certainly
the trust in a good decision

that made the captain and admiral

to turn the ship south.

That is, on a course that marks
the path towards death for all.

Look.

Following the German air attack,
the battleship Sigma1 was lost.

In the sinking,
the captain of the ship

and almost all 1,400 crewmen died.

Yes, they died without
fighting but without shame,

because they fell on
the road of obedience.

A road I've been following for 20 years,
without having ever met disgrace.

Be calm,

and reassure your mates:

I will never take you to surrender.

And if they forced us
to lower the flag,

Alfa2 will let the voice
of its guns be heard

until the last breath.

Because a ship which is
capable of moving and firing,

can only know one way how to sink.

And I suppose,
it won't be difficult for you

to explain it to the other mates.

Because in your veins
flows my blood.

Now go.

Dario…

Now is not the time for us.

Air raid, come away, all!

Hey, calm down! What if it's
a trick to make us get out?

Come on, full power!

It's not a trick! Leave the engines
and go to your battle stations, go!

Come here! Go warn
those in the left engine room!

You go to the control room!
- OK.

Wait, what games are these?

Stop it and come to
the battle station!

Come on, full power! Open steam!

Open steam!

The engines are in motion!

Distance from aircraft: 10,000!

Approaching fast!

Carlin? Carlin?

What's happening?
Who's calling?

Dario's orders!
- What?

Where are you going?
- Battle positions!

Coward! I'll break his face!

Distance: 6,000!

Here, take your helmet.
- Open fire!

Don Genna', stop!

Where are you going?

I'm taking it below.
It's not safe here.

I'll go with you.
- Then come on.

Hurry up.

Hey, beardy!

Where's Dario?
- What is it?

Young man, put it down.

This signal means
"to be closed during combat".

Shut up, southerner!

What an imbecile!

Keep 10 degrees right!
- He doesn't have hold of the helm!

Why have they stopped firing?
- I don't know, Sir!

The gunnery officer!
- What is it?

The wind from the stern blows the smoke
and the devices have no visibility!

I can't do anything!
The ship is not ready to move!

I'll direct it with external devices!
- And me, Sir?

Come with me to give instructions!

Follow the electrical
indices on the bridge!

Captain, the plane!

Captain!

Yes, he betrayed us!

He's not involved with this!
- He's not?

No!
- Room 91? Received!

Turn it on!
- Turn it on!

So what?
- You cowards!

It did matter! I should've gone!

Stop it! Don't you know what it means
to be plunged into the open sea

by an air attack?

Go like this, nothing at starboard.
Be careful if they attack again.

Torpedo planes attacking!

Starboard bow's side!

Torpedo planes?

Yes, Sir.
- Nothing at the left!

We have untrained people on board.

Alert the…

the lower sections to test well…

the closing of watertight doors.

Alright, Sir.
- Distance: 8000!

Aim at the target!
- Remove the pieces!

Totò, go to Room 91 and
tell Dario to go to the bridge!

Alright!

Attention!
Torpedo planes attacking!

Check the closing of the doors,
in the lower sections!

They fired at the starboard!
Engines on maximum power!

Dario, open! Dario, open!

Dario!

Starboard side!
- Starboard! Don't block the rudder!

Dario! Dario! Dario!

Bridge to control?

The corridor bridge communicates
that flooding was limited to room 91.

The crew did not
have time to get out.

Hello?

Hello?

Captain, it's from Room 91.

They are asking for you.

Hello? Hello?

This is the captain.

Dad!

English subtitles
by sineintegral@KG