Original subtitles

Where are they taking us?

To the island, over there.

What's eating you?

Looking forward to your holidays, hmm?

Three years the judge said, didn't he?

I know the medicine you need.

And they don't stock it over there.

Home, sweet home, for all three of us.

The Spaniards built it and christened it

Castillo de la Muerte.

Castle of Death.

You'll find the papers in order.

I was told there was a girl to take back.

That is correct!

Bring me her in the truck.

We found her dead in her cell this morning.

It was stupid of her.

She was eligible for release very soon.

Apparently, she did not wish to leave us.

Bring them inside for inspection!

Who are you?

Natalie Mendoza.

Who are you?

98... madam.

Who are you?

97.

You have been here before?

Yes, two years ago, ma'am.

How long this time?

One year, ma'am.

Provided you behave.

Huh?

If not, it will be longer.

You will remember,

from now on,

you have no name,

only your number.

You have no future,

only the past.

You have no hope,

only regret.

You have no friend,

only me.

- Welcome to the club. - Hello.

Relax.

You're not going any place.

Jessica!

Helga!

You're looking swell!

It's wonderful to have you back!

The other girl, she's sick.

Who?

Natalie, you mean?

Yes, 98.

Sure, she's sick. She needs a fix.

That's what she's in for.

They picked her up off a liner. She jumped ship.

She had enough heroin on her to keep her habit for a year.

- But can't they help her? - Sure, she'll get a cure.

The cold water cure, if she can take it.

You think she's sick now?

Wait until later tonight.

Lie down, kid.

And get some sleep.

There's nothing you can do.

No.

You didn't ask what I'm here for.

What does it matter?

Oh, it's no secret.

Hustling for the wrong people at the wrong price.

What about you?

Tell me when you feel like it.

There'll be time to kill.

- Go to sleep. - Yeah.

I'll go to my royal bed.

Governor Santos.

You have enjoyed yourself this evening.

The little blonde darling

was a good little darling.

I thought that you would like her.

What about the new ones?

Oh, there's another little blonde.

She's 99.

She's young.

She's...

uncertain.

I think, perhaps, she might interest you.

Maybe. I best be getting back.

I have not yet thanked you for coming so promptly today,

as soon as I sent word.

But you have thanked me.

You can thank me again very soon if you like.

You know how I like gratitude

in kind.

99 did you say?

Yes.

I see.

But, um...

Be careful, won't you?

The girl this morning, the dead one, I saw the marks on her back.

Now, with me, I understand, discipline must be maintained,

but there are others,

like the new Minister of Justice who could be difficult.

This is the second death this year.

Third one, and they might start asking questions.

All right, all right.

We don't want any trouble, do we?

I have 100 troubles.

99.

Over on the other side of the island, I have 500.

All of them men and bastards.

When shall I see you again?

Tomorrow, maybe,

to have a look at, um...

- 99.

Mm?

Tomorrow night?

It'll be my pleasure.

Oh...

Oh...

What's the matter?

What do you want?

Nothing.

You have bad dreams, huh?

- What is it? - It's Natalie.

So what?

Oh, she's really sick.

- Go to sleep. - But it isn't what you think.

She's in real pain.

Who are you, a doctor?

I studied nursing.

So what are you going to do about it?

Maybe if we make enough noise, they'll send for a doctor.

Help!

Please, someone, we need help!

Help!

Shut up!

99!

- 99! - Yes, ma'am.

We need a doctor badly, ma'am.

The results of insolence

is seven days in the punishment cells.

But the girl in the next cell, she needs help.

The results of repeated insolence

is 14 days in the punishment cells.

She was dead when we found her this morning in her cell.

This is not the first death you have had this year.

One was an accident,

the other one killed herself.

This one merely died.

You didn't send for me before.

What could you do? You are a doctor.

They were dead, all of them dead, when we found them.

The governor has certified their deaths.

I shall have to make a report to the Ministry.

Everything was done that was possible to do.

- This is not a hospital. - No.

This is a place

for women who have deliberately,

defiantly disregarded the boundaries

which society has set down for the rest of us.

This is a place where we perform punishment for crimes.

Not operations for ulcers.

If there is anything further, you will hear from the Ministry.

Buenos dias.

You were not long.

- The girl was dead. - They usually are.

How long has she been superintendent?

Ten years.

Before that, she was a wardress.

She'll be there forever.

We shall see.

How long are you in for?

12 months this time. What about you?

The same. It's my first time.

I only came two weeks ago.

How are you making out?

I don't mind hard work. I'm used to it.

It's the other things.

I hate them. Then there's the governor.

Old fatso.

You know him?

You bet, the old swine.

I met him last week, horrible.

You'll get used to it.

You can talk.

We all know what you're here for.

Listen, it's my business.

And how is business, darling?

Pretty slack, huh?

I'm going to get her!

You two, come with me.

On you go on working there.

What happens? What happens now?

The worst.

Good evening.

You are punctual, as always.

They tell me I'm not the first visitor today.

No.

The doctor was here this morning.

- One of the girls... - I know, dead.

How were we to know that she required surgery?

I'm not saying it was your fault this time,

but I'm not the new Minister of Justice, remember?

It's hot tonight.

The doctor says he must make a report

to the Ministry.

That's what I'm afraid of.

Interfering lot of busybodies.

The Ministry is capable of capturing a criminal.

The rest they should leave to us.

I get you a drink?

Um...

Let's talk of more pleasant things.

- What about number 99? - Mm?

The one you spoke about.

We found her fighting. She must be punished.

Huh? Fighting who?

76. You know.

You know her. She has been here a year.

Oh, Zoie?

She was hurt.

So she is isolated in the hospital cell with your girl.

They are confined together.

Eh?

Surely you agree that they should be punished?

I will leave that in your very capable hands.

I see.

Thelma, you lost your vocation.

I've told you before, you're running the wrong kind of house, aren't you?

Governor, I have told you before.

I am content

precisely where I am.

Shut up!

Why are you crying, huh?

Ugh.

You and that bitch of a friend have hurt me. My leg.

My beautiful leg.

I don't cry.

I never cry.

Come on.

- Please, let me alone. - Come on.

- No! No, please! - Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

So...

Two old friends.

But not so friendly two with each other, eh?

Never mind, darlings.

Love and hate are never very far apart.

And sometimes, they go together.

We shall see.

It's hot in here.

Let's, uh...

make ourselves comfortable.

What's your name?

Martha.

On my way to Pleasure Island, like you.

Six months hard labor.

How long are you going for?

I don't know.

Open sentence?

That's the worst kind you can get.

You could be there for life.

It's possible.

Sorry.

I didn't mean to depress you.

Where are your papers?

This is just a letter.

That's all I have.

It's addressed to the superintendent.

Good morning.

Superintendent Diaz?

Or is it Superintendent...

Caroll?

Not yet.

The Minister's letter makes that clear.

It says one month to observe.

Hmm?

I am not a fool.

They want me to leave.

That's up to you.

- I hope you'd stay and help me. - Me, help?

I've worked in welfare for a number of years.

But this is my first appointment in a prison.

There is much for you to learn.

Yes?

That's why I suggest you stay.

I feel certain that you will find that everything's in order.

Documents, registers, accounts.

Our prisoners are 99 women,

as of this morning's count.

I'm sure there's nothing missing.

I would like to see the prison.

- Who is this new beauty? - Silence!

Where does it lead to?

- To the punishment cells. - Is there anyone inside?

Now, there's only one.

What for?

For repeated insolences.

How long has she been inside?

For seven days and six nights.

- I should like to see her. - No one is allowed!

Very well.

Come on. Get up, cow!

Come on, move. Come on, move!

What's your name?

99.

- No, your real name. - Prisoners do not have names!

I have asked the question.

- What's your name? - Marie.

All right, Marie.

Take her to another cell.

- Her sentence was two weeks. - Do as you are told!

Yes, ma'am.

I should like to see the girl later.

Alone.

Governor Santos.

Miss Caroll.

I've been reading the Minister's letter.

I have another letter for you.

Perhaps you could arrange about the furniture for the guest room.

Certainly.

So, Miss Leonie Caroll, I'm your boss.

Minister made that clear.

He will, however, expect daily reports.

Of course, with copies to myself.

Sit down.

I'm not surprised they sent you.

Really?

Too many accidents here.

Thelma was careless, the superintendent.

Mind you, I believe in discipline,

but she was careless, I told her so.

She'll have to go, I suppose.

I have asked her to stay, for the time being.

Till you know the ropes, eh?

ll can see you're clever.

We'll get on well together, you and I, as soon as you get to know me.

Glad you think so.

Well, I think I'll leave you to settle in.

Remember, any trouble, send for me at once.

I hope that won't be necessary.

Take my advice, keep up the discipline,

and you won't have anything to worry about.

But once, let the girls think you're soft,

and you're finished.

Good morning, Governor.

I hope we meet again soon.

We shall.

Zoie.

So they put you back with me, huh?

No, please.

I'm not going to hurt you because I know how you feel.

How can you?

I once felt the same,

before they sent me here.

I used to be a dancer.

I thought I was lucky when I got my last job.

I was very popular

with everybody.

Too popular for the boss.

Take your dress off.

Part of the job.

ll soon learned that taking off my clothes was the job.

In private for my boss, Grace.

And in public for her club's customers.

A special kind of customer

with very special tastes.

I had to perform the dances that excited them.

Then one night, Carl came to the club,

and ll danced in the arms of the man I loved.

I could feel Grace's eyes on my back.

Carl wanted me to leave the club, to run away with him.

Grace never stopped watching us.

It was almost as if she could hear what Carl was saying.

Later, I returned to my dressing room.

Grace was waiting for me.

She told me to get rid of Carl,

never to see him again.

I refused.

You bitch.

Bitch.

I'm sorry.

Oh, Zoie, I'm so terribly, terribly sorry.

She's no fool, our Miss Caroll.

I did not say that she was.

Has it occurred to you

that she may have been sent to observe you?

Me?

Nonsense, the Minister has to trust me.

You are so sure?

- With my record? - Exactly.

She may have been sending back reports

behind your back.

Perhaps I should do something.

I think that might be wise.

There is nothing to stop me writing a report on her.

And there is no need for her to know.

Exactly.

But, uh...

What am I to write about?

I have observed

that she is making friends with some of the prisoners.

I warned her not to.

Maybe she is more interested in some of them

than she is in you.

That's a very good idea.

Get me some paper.

I shall need names, times, complete details.

You shall have them.

It will not be difficult.

I shall observe, too.

But why did she let you out?

I don't know, but she looks kind.

Mmm.

You can't tell.

She may be worse than the old bitch.

Just trying to make a good impression.

When I saw her this morning, she looked quite a normal person.

You should've asked her

what she was in for and how long.

Why don't you ask her?

Marie, come with me.

Good luck.

Leave us.

Sit down, Marie.

Why were you punished, Marie?

- Because I called for help. - Why?

One of the girls needed a doctor.

Did she get one?

I don't know.

Where is she now?

She's dead.

How long have you been here?

Seven days.

All the time in the punishment cell?

Now, suppose you tell me something about yourself.

You know, these papers

don't help a lot.

All they tell me about are facts.

I'm more interested in people as human beings.

Now, come on.

How did it happen?

Tell me, Marie.

Come on, tell me.

I was waiting for a bus.

It was late and beginning to rain.

The bus never came.

Then a man on a motorcycle offered me a lift.

I knew I shouldn't have, but I...

ll went with him.

The ride became a nightmare.

He took me to where a gang was waiting.

One of them had a knife, and I grabbed it.

His blood was all over my face and my hands.

That's all ll can remember.

- You killed him. - I didn't mean to.

You were tried and found guilty, Marie.

Because nobody would listen to me!

I'm listening to you.

You sold yourself for money.

And when the man, with whom you'd made the bargain, refused to pay you,

you killed one of them with a knife.

- No! - You did!

No! Nobody believes me!

Nobody...

All right. I believe you.

But ll must warn you, Marie,

all prisoners say they are innocent.

And only a few tell the truth.

All right, I've sent for the papers on your case.

Chances for an appeal are not very high.

Go back to your room.

Yes, ma'am.

Hurry.

- Come on. - Look, wait.

- Juan Diego. - You know him?

Yes.

I must speak to him.

- I'll keep you close by. - I must.

Go on! Go on!

Hey, ma'am, I need to speak with you, please.

Oh, Rosalie.

I did try to get a message to you,

to let you know if I was all right.

Don't worry, it's nothing serious.

L-Listen to me.

Over the other side of the island,

there's a fishing village with boats.

In ten days time, when there is no moon,

a friend and I, we're going to make a run for it.

How do I find you?

Now, listen carefully.

There's a jetty half a mile to the south of the village.

We'll be there at dawn.

Oh, Rosa.

Now go.

But it's important!

What's the matter?

- What is it? - I don't remember.

Oh, well.

Hurry along now.

Zoie.

What's the matter with you?

Why don't you go back to your own fancy friend?

The way she feels about you, you'll stay here for life.

There is this letter for you.

Also, one of the prisoners has asked to see you.

Which one?

99.

I'll see her in a minute. Anything else?

Yes!

It is the matter of the night watch.

Yes?

You have cancelled that duty!

Yes, I see no point in it.

If one of the girls did get out of the castle, where would she go?

On the other side of this island,

there's a fishing village. There are boats.

30 miles of thick jungle and swamp.

In which there are always working gangs

from the men's prison camp.

Yes, with armed warders.

The purpose of the night watch is to stop any action

before it could start!

More trust in your prisoners, Miss Diaz,

could mean fewer punishments and make this a happier place.

Purpose of a prison is punishment for crimes!

It is not meant to be a happy place.

In that case, you efforts here

can be considered extremely successful.

Until you arrived,

the prisoners had no complaints.

It appears that some of those who might have complained

did not survive.

You want to get rid of me.

You have been here such a long time.

Didn't you ever feel

the sensation of utter...

hopelessness?

No.

Not at all.

If I believed as you,

then it would be hopeless.

The girl who wanted to see me, send her in.

Very well.

I'm hungry.

Soam I

Why don't you talk to her about the food?

I've only seen her once.

Everybody knows you are her pet!

- Hush. - Don't put your nose out of joint.

Girlfriends aren't your specialty.

- Zoie... come here. - Be careful!

So?

Enough!

Enough!

You are all pigs!

You're all pigs!

Stop right where you are!

- What's the matter? - It was a fight.

Who started it?

She tried to hit me.

Why?

- Why? - I said she preferred men.

Not like...

Not like?

Somebody.

What have you to say, Helga?

She's lying! She started it!

Have them both without food for today.

They will go to the punishment cells.

No.

No more punishment cells.

I'm sorry, Marie, we have bad news.

They won't agree to reopen your case.

Let me see the letter.

I tore it up.

I don't believe you.

What do you mean?

The other girls say that

you won't let me go.

What do you mean? Why shouldn't I let you leave?

Oh, no.

But you know,

you can't stop me.

You can't stop me! Do you hear?

Cheer up, kid.

How can I be cheerful?

Maybe you can leave.

- What do you mean? - Eh...

There aren't any guards

at night anymore.

I've worked out a plan.

But it needs three of us.

Rosalie.

Me.

And you.

38. Here is the key.

It'll be tough if we make it.

If we fail...

...it'll be worse.

I don't care.

So, all right?

All right.

76.

Remember the new regulations.

If a prisoner gets sick during the night,

you are to satisfy yourself that she is sick.

Then, ring the bell.

If you wake the wardress without cause, you'll be punished.

Yes, ma'am.

Please...

Please!

Help me.

I'm dying.

What's the matter with you? Are you sick?

If you make a noise, I will kill you.

Get the keys.

...can't... go...

Come on, you must keep going.

Don't give up.

We mustn't stop here.

Come on, Rosalie.

I'll help you.

Just a bit more, kid.

The worst is over. We just got to get there now.

- Listen!

It's the alarm signal.

They found out we've escaped!

That's from the men's camp.

Maybe they're passing the alarm.

Come on!

Can we rest for a while?

Ah, doesn't it feel good?

Oh, I can't believe it's so cool.

Those clothes.

Are you from prison?

What of it?

Nothing.

We've got the same tailor.

When did you escape?

This morning.

Where is Diego?

He was with me.

Come on.

Are you Rosalie?

Where is he now?

He gave it to me. It's yours, isn't it?

What about him?

He was killed by the guards when we were escaping.

They're all around us.

They sound pretty close.

I was with the working party in the jungle when they escaped.

Remind me to thank you.

How well do you know the jungle?

I was following the stream. It must lead to the sea.

Buster, you got company.

Come on, girls, let's go.

We've only one chance.

Hurry across the river to put the dogs off the scent.

And then, head back towards the mountain.

But that means going away from the sea.

- Make your choice! - We've chosen.

Come on!

Come on!

There may be other search parties.

The sooner we're up there, the better.

I'll never be able to make it.

Come, I'll help you.

I-I'm cold.

I also had a boyfriend.

He's still alive, but he doesn't want me anymore.

It was not my fault.

Nobody believed me.

My kingdom for a cigarette!

When ll remember how marvelous it is to smoke a cigarette,

lying in bed after making love...

Bloody island.

If we make a fire, they might see the light.

No, no, no, no.

- Not as long as we're inside the cave. - Just as long as it's warm.

It's damn cold up here.

How is she?

We'll have to help her in the morning.

She shouldn't really try to walk for days.

What she needs is another thing.

Like you and me.

We'll have to help her across tomorrow, or we'll starve.

Gather 'round, girls.

We better all sleep together to keep warm.

Come on, Marie, let's get friendly.

I can't sleep.

Come.

I will tell you a fairytale.

Once upon a time, there was a prince,

very beautiful, very valiant.

And he had many treasures,

gold, jewels,

and a pantry full of chickens

and ducks and pigs and beef

and bottles and bottles of champagne

and red wine.

That's life.

Don't cry. Please don't.

Don't-- don't cry anymore.

Was he a good friend of yours?

He was...

He was like a brother to me.

He told you something about me?

Often, he said you...

you were the most lovely girl in the world.

And... dying.

He said my name?

Oh, yes, he gave me the handkerchief.

For you.

Asking me to look after you, to help you, to like you,

to love you.

I loved him.

Me, too.

He was... a very good man.

Come on, girls, come on.

Come on!

That's the way to the coast.

If we move fast, we can make it in a day.

There's a fishing village with some boats.

Maybe we can steal one.

Come on, love, you can make it.

Don't let's waste time.

Come on, hurry it up. You got 30 minutes to eat.

Hey, Freddy!

Freddy! Here!

What do you want? Some food?

- Psst! There are four of us. - Take it.

Let's go! Come on, girls!

It's too quiet. Keep your eyes open.

Attack!

Ricardo: You guys go on ahead.

I'll talk to them.

No.

Wait.

Leave them alone. Th-They're trying to escape.

Too bad that we're not sending them back to prison.

That's Ricardo.

We must help him.

Please yourself. Come on.

She should have tried to keep up.

But there were more than 12 of them.

- All the longer for us to get away. - Yes.

Come on.

Let's make a run for it.

Perhaps there's a watchman.

We'll have to take a risk!

Going away, my darlings?

We've been waiting for you all day.

No!

No. No!

No, no, no, no!

No!

No, no, no!

Put them in the punishment cells.

Cut them down!

But they have to be sent to the hospital.

The regulations are quite clear.

The punishment for attempted escape is laid down in detail.

But they'll only be there for a couple of days.

They can be punished again within 24 hours.

- No! - Yes! Regulations.

In two days time, the whipping can and will be repeated.

- But they-- - The Ministry have supported me!

Discipline must be restored!

I have a free hand.

Have the prisoners ready on Friday.

I'll see you on Friday.

I trust you will still be with us, too.

Here they come!

- Get the key!

Go at once! All of you!

Come on! Get going!

This is your fault!

Oh, you stupid woman, don't you understand?

What they are doing is showing their fear.

And how do you propose to stop them?

- By talking to them! - Go. Go and talk to them.

Maybe they'll listen to me.

Listen to me! No! Y-You shouldn't, you mustn't go!

Listen to me.

I tell you,

- now you're going to listen to me! - Shut up.

Things will change. I promise you.

Yeah, like you promised me?

Answer her! Answer her!

Come!

No, no! Come here!

Bitch.

Come on!

So, you have decided to go?

I gathered the Ministry might otherwise have decided for me.

I cannot speak for the Ministry.

My business is simply to report the facts.

Precisely.

Three escapes and one prison riot.

The argument for a return to a policy of unremitting discipline

seems to be overwhelming.

My dear lady, ll warned you.

You did indeed.

I seem to be a victim of a disease

that does not flourish behind prison walls.

I suffer from an excess...

of humanity.

Goodbye,

Superintendent.

It's hot again.

You will stay for a while, hmm?

Tonight?

Perhaps.

Why not?

Ah...

Like old times.

Hmm?

Aye...