All language subtitles for Otakar Vávra - The Witch Hunt - Czech with German Subs

Already like a black cloud

THE WITCHHAMMER

Death the killer comes riding

on his hunchback horse

and the bones of the horse
are rattling

and his mildewed mane
flows and flows

and with bones and bones
he bids us welcome

Like a black cloud

death the killer
comes riding

already he comes riding.

And blood and blood
no time for a coffin

with blood and blood
he despoils the barren fields.

We are careless now.

The reaper is among us

the reaper is among us now.

The reaper is riding
on his black horse

whose very bones
are rattling

and he beckons,
beckons every soldier

and wields the scythe
of death the killer.

Like a black guest

he already gnaws white bone

he already gnaws white bone.

And the black guest already
gnaws white bone

with bones and bones
he bids us welcome.

We are already careless.

Already the reaper is among us.

Already the reaper is among us.

Through woman came sin into
the world. Woman is sin.

The womb of woman
is the gateway to hell.

Bodily desire is the root
of evil, in woman insatiable.

The embrace of woman is like
unto the snares of the hunter.

Woman works her trickery
with the devil

who appears in the form
of a man.

Have mercy.

May the Lord God repay you.

Welcome oh guest
most precious

my sweet Jesus

my dearest friend

Jesus most blessed

welcome into my heart

that loves you so.

Oh righteous God on High

Oh how you demean yourself

descending from your
august throne

into my lips.

Oh my only God

forgive us our sins.

Hoc est enim Corpus meum.

Lord I am not worthy, that you
should enter under my roof,

but speak the word only
and my soul shall be healed.

Ecce Agnus Dei,
Quitollit peccata mundi.

Lord I am not worthy, that you
should enter under my roof,

but speak the word only
and my soul shall be healed.

Corpus Domini nostri Jesu Christi
custediat animam tuam

in vitam aeternam Amen.

Corpus Domini nostri Jesu Christi
custediat animam tuam

in vitam aeternam Amen...

Joy unto Thee
Queen of Heaven

Hallelujah

Come into the sacristy.

Come on!

In the shadow of her
Holy Son

Hallelujah

You stood, dearest
of mothers...

What have you gone and done?

Oh God!

What is she doing here?

- What's the meaning of this?
- I'm not to blame, Reverend Sir.

Mrs. Groer from Vernirovice,
has a cow that won't milk.

Bring in the sheriff!

Be seated, gentlemen.

Have you brought her?
What does she look like?

I've never seen a witch before.

The worst thing is,

that it's not a matter
of just one beggar woman

but a whole coven of witches.

And the most uncompromising
measures are necessary.

Bring her in!

Nothing like this has
happened to me before.

You are still young, Brother.

Is this the woman?

Speak as if you were at
the confessional.

What happened with that
holy communion wafer?

Ma Groerka, the midwife
who lives out our way,

needed that blessed wafer
to give to her cow,

it had stopped giving milk,
you see.

She promised me a bushel
of peas and some barley flour.

I know I shouldn't
have done it,

but Your Reverence, her cow's
one of God's creatures too.

I thought the Lord God
would forgive me.

Don't you know that foolish
superstitions are sinful?

I did so want those peas.

It's abominable.

Where did that old Ma Groer
get the idea about the wafer?

Old Ma David gave her
the tip.

And who is Ma David?

Oh, such an old witch!

What makes you think
she's a witch?

Answer! Otherwise you
will be in mortal sin.

Oh, I didn't really
mean it like that.

Ma David's an herb woman.
She mends broken arms.

And works charms on cows.

There are plenty such old
women, it doesn't mean...

Forgive me, your Ladyship,
I am forced to...

Does Ma David stay at home
at night, or go out, or...

does she have visitors
at night?

But who would visit her, sir?
she's nigh on seventy.

She has no inkling
of what she has committed.

No, if I'd known the trouble
I'd be in... I'm very sorry.

Don't believe a word
she says, your Ladyship.

- It's the Devil speaking.
- But really Father!

She's just superstitious
like all of them. Look at her.

Say twenty Paternosters
and twenty Hail Maries.

- You should be ashamed of yourself.
- It's not mere superstition.

We're on the track
of widespread heresy.

This is the work of the Devil,
who causes misery in the land.

I have reported the affair to the
Bishop's Consistory, and ask

of Your Ladyship that this devil's
breed be exterminated.

- Leave everything to me.
- I trust in your aid.

Allow me, Your Ladyship,
to recommend that you summon

an experienced
inquisition judge.

Do you know of a good judge?

I suggest Kaspar Hutter
from Sumperk.

He is wise, just and knows
the local conditions.

But I heard he was suspended.

He let four witches off scot
free.

- They were of unsound mind, Sir.
- So why was he suspended?

Are you saying their
lordships were unjust?

There's a former inquisition
judge living in Olomouc.

- A Mr. Boblig of Edelstadt.
- But he's a pensioner,

he never finished his studies.
I'm for Judge Hutter.

Mr. Boblig of Edelstadt did
his work well for 40 years.

And he has a good reputation
with the Bishop's Consistory.

Go and talk to him.

- What can I do for you, sir?
- Food, drink, a bed.

- I'll drink what you're drinking.
- At your service.

- But mind the bed's clean.
- Everything will be in order.

Can't you tidy yourself up
when you serve me?

Get a move on!

It's an honor.

Well, it'll do.
A touch sour, but it'll do.

You are tired, sir,
I'll prepare your bed now.

- You have come far, sir?
- From Sumperk, Velke Losiny.

Does this inn belong to a man
from Edelstadt? The lawyer?

Get the food ready.

He's a former inquisitor.
I was told this place is his.

- I am Bobling.
- You?

What can I do for you, Sir?

Please take a seat.

How much would a trial like
this cost, Mr. Bobling?

Could I have a little
warm water?

You need to set up an
inquisition tribunal.

Apart from me, as director,

by law the tribunal needs
a procurator fiscal

and a secretary and two
or three lay judges.

And I would need my own clerk.

He is experienced
in observing the accused.

They must be observed
day and night.

Thank you kindly.

As you are surely aware,
witchcraft trials

are not ordinary trials
dealing in capital crimes.

The Devil, your Lordship,
is unusually inventive.

I know, Squire of Edelstadt.

The judge is in peril
of his life.

The property of the condemned
is confiscated by the authorities

and it is from this property
that the trial costs are met.

A fat lot we'd get from
these beggar women!

We want to purge mankind
of the devil.

Money is not the prime
consideration.

You will have no cause for
dissatisfaction with us.

But please try

and get the whole thing finished
as quickly as possible.

I hope it won't be anything
too serious.

Witches enter into a full
compact with the Devil

and accept the Devil as
their lord and master.

In return he grants them
various supernatural powers.

I don't know nothing more, Your
Honor, I said it all already.

I wanted to give the wafer
to the cow,

because she wasn't giving
no milk.

If I'd only known what I was
letting myself in for...

You lie!

You took the holy wafer
to Peter's Rock.

No!

What do you call that black
gallant of yours?

Marten?

Hans?

Green Thomas?

- Answer my question!
- Thomas...

But I don't rightly know
who you mean, Your Honor.

You know well enough.

- Did you often go to Peter's Rock?
- No never in my life.

It's miles away, whoever
would want to go there?

I'm just a poor woman,
I'm scared.

But we know everything.

- You feasted and drank there.
- No, no...

- And trampled the holy wafers.
- No!

Who went with you? You know
many women, you're a midwife.

- What's that you say?
- Who were you with there?

I never set foot there.

Don't you know they say
witches fly around there?

You see, you can help us
when you just try!

In a week's time we'll
summon you again,

to tell us who was there
with you.

- But are you sure?
- I don't want to anticipate,

but it will probably prove
to be an extensive network.

Witches on my estates!

It is...
It's quite dreadful!

And I shall take
the responsibility for it.

You have my complete
confidence.

My full support,
Good Squire of Edelstadt.

How long is it since that student
was mad with love for you?

But that student ran away.

He had to run away, or he'd
have been forced into the army.

And now you have a daughter
ripe for marriage.

Who knows which lasts longer,
love or friendship.

- Don't you want him?
- I'd rather drown myself.

The water's cold,
you'll have to wait.

Kaspar won't budge.

Do you really want to give
Lisa to that mad old fool?

- Why not? Older men marry.
- Lisa is young.

- But she'll be rich with him.
- But without love.

When children arrive

- there's no time for love.
- There's no persuading him.

You have a young housekeeper
and you're not so young yourself.

Think it over, Kaspar.
It would be a pity.

You don't want to ruin her life.
She's your own child.

Those three old hags
in Losiny have confessed.

Three times a year they
would fly to Peter's Rock

on pitchforks. And get up
to God knows what.

- At least it's not on my patch.
- What do you say to it?

That beggar woman deserves
severe penance,

but that doesn't mean
she's a witch.

- They confessed, didn't they?
- The tribunal hasn't met yet.

I'm afraid you don't know
much about inquisition courts.

We need not spoil the evening
with these matters!

A health to our Lisa
and her twenty years!

I'm in Losiny now
as I'm sure you know.

And I couldn't resist coming
to pay my respects, Reverend.

The honor is mine.

This is my assistant,
the clerk Ignatius.

Wait for me
in the servants' hall.

Susanna, bring some wine
and a little something to eat.

You have a fine place here.

I'd much appreciate your help
in ridding our region of witches.

You play the violin?

Aristotle...

Euripides...

and theology...

Law...

I don't know this one...

- What a lot of books!
- One can never have enough books.

Excuse me...

Could I ask you for a little
hot water, my girl?

Yes, of course.

Pretty girl.

Do you know what surprised me?

It's how your town has
recovered from that fire.

It looks better than in my youth.
How did people get rich so fast?

- Rich is rather an exaggeration.
- Why?

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

I noticed Sattler's new dye works.

A fine house.
It must have cost a pretty penny.

Susanna?

I'll teach you...

Let him go, Florian!
What's going on here?

He's saying shameless things,
your Reverence.

Asking if I'd seen any secret
marks on Miss Susanna!

I pour him two glasses to my
one, and he behaves like that!

Rather strange jests aren't they?
You'd better be off!

We are on church ground.

He is too full of zeal.
Forgive us.

I hope, Father, that this
is not our last meeting.

What's the matter, Susanna?

What's happened to you?

- What on earth is it?
- Anyone can insult me.

- Whenever they feel like it.
- But what are you saying?

When you find someone you like,
you'll marry and be happy.

But I don't want anybody.
You know I don't.

And you know my only wish
is for you to be happy.

Is it really?
You wish me happiness?

But who would ever marry
a priest's cook?

Witches fly to their meetings
and to rise into the air,

they grease themselves with marrow
and the fat of murdered innocents

mixed with fresh blood from under
the hearts of virgins.

They sit on brooms, distaffs,
pitchforks or he-goats

and fly up the chimney
as on horses.

No!

No! I was never there!
I don't know anything!

I'll say anything you want.
Please don't, please...

Say it, come on...

And my gallant Marten took me
with him to Peter's rock...

My gallant Marten took me
with him to Peter's Rock.

And such meetings would
take place - go on, tell us!

And such meetings would take
place on Walpurgis Night.

No. Such meetings took place
four times a year. First...

First...

- First...
- No, you can't sleep now, stand up!

And listen.
The meetings happened first...

First on Walpurgis Night.

Did you see Mrs. Tobias from
the Baths there?

Yes! First on Walpurgis Night,
second on St. Martin's Eve,

third on Easter Saturday,
fourth on St. George's day...

- How did you say the Hail Mary?
- I said the Hail Mary,

but when I got to the words
"Blessed be the fruit of Thy womb",

my gallant Mar... Mar...

my gallant Marten threw me on
the ground and I had to say,

- "Marten's black tail".
- Out loud!

Then I lay down and then
we fornicated together.

When he was done I had to
pray to his tail and kiss it.

And what were you doing
on Peter's Rocks?

I was supposed to be
the lighter.

Marten brought candles,
and turned my bare behind up

and stuck the candles in it. So
I lighted the place until Midnight.

For this I got a Rhine florin
from Mrs. Tobias from the baths.

Who was with you
at Peter's Rocks?

- Name them all!
- I didn't recognize them.

You must remember.

- Who was with you at Peter's
Rocks? - No one!

I've never been
to St. Peter's Rocks.

Mistress David, you have heard
both the accused speak of you.

They are ready to live and die
by their testimony. Confess!

If they talked of me, then
they talked of me.

If they wants to die, they can
die. I can't confess nothing.

Because Mistress David
refuses to answer,

I have called Mistress Schuch,

who evidently knows something
of the matter.

You said that Mistress David
often spoke at Peter's Rocks.

She talked a lot all right.

Why is she silent
before the court?

Because she has a dumb spirit.
She has two spirits.

- One dumb and one big mouth.
- How do you know this?

- My spirit Marten told me.
- Are you willing to live and die

- by what you have said?
- Yes, I'm willing to live

and die by it.

You have heard, gentlemen.

No, I didn't say a thing,
Good Sir of Edelstadt.

Mistress David,

confess in good faith
what both women have reported,

so that we do not have to
use harsher methods.

Since you have a dumb spirit,
we must obey our orders.

Master Hay, the first stretch,
please.

I admit everything these two
women said about me.

Who were the others?
Name them!

You see Gentlemen, she really
is in the grip of a dumb spirit.

On Walpurgis Night each witch
is initiated into the meeting

by her own horned lover.

There without regard for age
or kinship

they give themselves up
to most loathsome fornication.

Bring clean straw.
Whoever could abide this stink?

So,

who were you with at
Peter's Rocks?

- With you, you devil!
- What did you say?

With you! Live or die by it!

Hay, do you not know what
you must do?

- You devil! Devil!
- Hurry up, shut her mouth!

Devil, devil...

She won't be screaming
any more, your Honor.

Your Ladyship,

tonight one of the three
witches expired.

- How did she die?
- Under torture?

No, the devil broke her neck

to stop her testifying.

In the night I heard
a dreadful scream.

Do you think
it was the devil?

- In my chateau?
- I am afraid so, Your Ladyship.

Master Hay heard the David
woman fighting with the devil.

In that case I cannot
stay here.

I shall move out
until this is all over.

- I hope it will be over soon.
- I cannot guarantee it.

I would like to point out,
Good Sir of Edelstadt,

that according to the law
torture may only be used

in the presence of the tribunal.

I know my duties.

And my rights!

It would be unpleasant

if there was talk of this
at the royal court.

I shall take care, that the devil
does not outwit me again.

Edelstadt is capable of turning
the clock back a hundred years.

Surely not. Some people
at least will stand up to him.

Never underestimate
bodily pain, my friend.

Until you suffer bodily pain,
you're full of courage.

But then, according
to what I have seen,

- full of pain and fear.
- That's true but then again...

Finish what you were saying.

I don't know,
but maybe one could find

the inner strength
not to succumb.

Better not let the inquisitor
into our houses.

I trust not, not
into our houses,

but here...

he's managed to get this far.

Praised be the Lord.

They have just arrested
Mrs. Tobias the bath attendant.

No more, wipe me.

And with these ones here,
find out about their property.

These are the richest.

Because everything comes
from the Devil,

- particularly wealth, dear boy.
- You've a head for that, sir.

Indeed I have.

Some people think books
are the source of all wisdom.

Like Dean Lautner for example.

Book-learned as a monk.

He thinks himself
better than me,

he thinks his head's crammed
with all there is to know.

Did you happen to notice
that cook of his, sir...

Well, there you are then,

beauty is also a work
of the Devil.

I wager she'd have plenty
to tell us.

She will too, and she'll tell us

if he's learnt more
from those books of his or...

from her.

Do you reckon he's been
taking lessons from her?

I'd say he's been teaching her
a thing or two himself.

Don't you think you're
getting a bit above yourself?

- Go and do what I told you!
- What have I done now?

Nothing, nothing.
Forget it all.

When it's all over
I'll build myself a house.

And you'll come to my wedding.

Dorothy Tobias,

Tell us who was there
with you.

Yes,

At Peter's Rocks
I saw Maria Sattler,

wife of the dyer Kaspar Sattler,
and he was there too...

with their daughter Elizabeth.
I confess it to save my soul.

And who else?

The Dean Father Lautner
and his cook...

- Susanna Voglick.
- That's not true!

- You made it up!
- I am the examiner here.

Your duty is to listen.

What did you do there
after you ate and drank?

The dean's cook brought
an apron full of blessed wafers.

And Father Lautner gave
them out to us.

I spat on them and stamped
on them with my boots.

The dyer's wife Sattler
and the dean's cook

stuck knives in them
and them jumped about on them.

The dyer Sattler and the dean
put them in their boots

and then danced in them.

Then we wiped our behinds
with them.

- Nonsense! The woman is insane.
- Insulting the dean like that!

- Gentlemen, quiet please.
- But this is unbelievable!

Is something unclear to you
Master Forester?

No, no, forgive me.

Are you willing to live
and die by your testimony?

Yes,

I will live and die by it.
I beg only for a merciful death.

And my children, I beg you
in God's name, are innocent.

In the name of
His Imperial Highness,

let those condemned for
the heinous crime of witchcraft

be executed as the law demands,
as just punishment and warning.

Maryna Schuch,
Do you accept this judgment?

Yes, I humbly thank you.

Dorothy Groer and you,
Dorothy Tobias,

you have heard the judgment,
do you accept it?

Can't do much else.

No, not like that.
Thank him.

Thank his Lordship.

Yes, I humbly thank
his gracious Lordship.

Master Jokl,
Do your duty.

- Reverend Sir, I'm afraid.
- God is merciful.

I was forced to confess.

- They tortured me nine days.
- That is a lie.

She was examined with thumbscrews
and a Spanish boot.

That is the usual procedure.

Flee, good people, flee!
or you will share my fate!

I die innocent.

- My children will curse you!
- Jesus, be merciful to me.

I denounced innocent people.

Lucifer rises out of the ground,
his lower half hairy as a goat,

but shining like the sun
from his hips upwards.

The witches fall to their knees,
and kiss his left foot and arse.

Then the great fiend celebrates
a back mass in full vestments.

They were just poor wretched
helpers of the devil.

There are some incredible
reports, Gentlemen.

Two Dominicans recorded
the story of one witch,

who removed the penises,
of the men she lay with.

To the stake with such
monsters!

She hid about thirty of them
in a sort of nest in a tree.

How many?

- Thirty, Your Excellency.
- God save us!

At the inquisition court
many witnesses claimed

that the penises moved
as if alive.

One unfortunate man
who had lost his member,

was told by a witch
that he could choose another.

Of course, he chose the largest.

But that witch really
berated him for it.

She said the member
belonged...

to a certain prince bishop.

For God's sake,
Good Squire of Edelstadt,

stop these trials.

I am amazed that you, Father,
should want such a thing.

You are perhaps over-excited.
You should get some rest.

I looked into their eyes,

when the fire was already lit.

They were innocent.

They were innocent!

Have a care, Father,

as a priest you must not
look into women's eyes,

however ugly the women.
Or the devil may deceive you.

And just imagine,

that she sprinkled grain on those
penises in the nest.

All right, you are right.

But where do you want
to make representations?

All the court officials are
worrying about the Turkish threat.

So you mean it's best
to keep quiet, do you?

Christopher, these days
anyone who stands up for heretics

is considered a heretic himself.

Stop walking on those
splinters. It gives me earache.

I'm sorry.

Forgive me both of you.

In a moment I'll be behaving
like them.

How can a man like that hold
human fates in his hand?

- Yours, yours and mine.
- And it will always be so.

If I believed that. I wouldn't
want to go one living!

Why did you become a judge?
Why did you let those women go?

You could have been a deluded
inquisitor too, couldn't you?

- Boblig isn't deluded.
- I'm talking about you!

- You are resignation personified!
- Don't you two start to fight!

I know prisoners
and prisons.

I tried to preserve the honor
of my calling as judge.

Which was why I was dismissed.
But that is now irrelevant.

- The point is that I know what
prison can do to a man. - What?

Everything.

Only then you are no longer
yourself.

Hallowed be thy name,

Thy kingdom come

and forgive us
our trespasses.

- Brother, I beg of you!
- Has something happened?

We are all born
of a single mother after all.

- For God's sake, help me!
- Don't shout, walls have ears.

Those three burnt women
were innocent. I...

recognized that.
He gave me to know it.

What am I to do?
I didn't know it then...

- What do you want?
- It is all my fault.

You must persuade his Grace
the Bishop to stop the trials!

Let me give you a word
of advice, brother.

Hold your tongue!

Yes, write it down!

For these reasons...

after these...

sudden...

and disgusting...

confessions...

we were all the more...

surprised...

dumbfounded... no...

aghast, underline "aghast".

But to arrest the dean
himself...

that won't be such
a simple matter.

It is him or me.

Boblig doesn't judge alone,
after all,

the inquisition tribunal
has to agree as well.

The sheriff has no education,
the revenue officer is timid,

the master forester is a privy
councilor and illiterate.

You can't ask me to do this!

Then I shall just have to ask

for an audience
with the Bishop on my own.

You are not a favorite name
at the Episcopal residence.

Why not?

You are too popular with
the people, and a...

I beg you Christopher,
keep away from it, keep quiet.

Mind your own business,
be reasonable.

It's because I am reasonable
that I'm doing it.

Goodbye, Vojtech.

We grew up together but I fear we
no longer understand each other.

Goodbye.

I beg your Grace to give
the matter some thought.

That is the only reason I have
ventured to come forward.

Mister Boblig uses
such inhuman methods

that he can compel anyone
to confess to anything,

however shameful.

It is against all human reason

and the law and teachings
of Jesus Christ.

I feel a great responsibility
before God and my conscience.

It is good that you feel
responsible,

for what goes on in your
deanery.

Only instead of requesting
aid against the heretics,

you intercede for suspected
or known helpmates of the Devil.

Your Grace,

inhumanity and insensitivity
towards the superstitious

and uneducated,
is the real work of the Devil.

And Boblig awakes this devilry
with every action he takes.

You accuse the inquisitor?

I have just received some
bad reports of you.

You know we do not allow priests
to employ young housekeepers.

Yet you, Dean, harbor just
such a young woman in your home.

And not only that. You even take
her with you into society.

How does that accord with your
conscience, and obedience?

My late mother took the girl
in at the deanery.

She stayed with me later
because she had nowhere to go.

We shall give due thought
to everything. You may leave.

Ask Doctor Mayer

to study Advocate Boblig's
indictment document carefully.

It accuses Dean Lautner and
the priest Koenig of witchcraft.

Do you have any orders
for me, Sir?

I wished to speak with you...

in private. Go and make sure
no one is listening.

I wanted to warn you that
two of these witches

have mentioned your name
as well.

They said they saw you
at Peter's Rocks.

And there you were engaged...

in the kind of antics, I would
never have believed of you.

- That's a complete lie.
- Keep calm.

I know one cannot believe
everything.

Sometimes they invent things
to get their revenge.

I shall be grateful to you until
my dying day.

Don't worry. I believe you.

I merely stress that you should
do your job conscientiously.

Here is a list of suspects.
You have to arrest them.

Even if some of them
are your friends.

Anyone suspected of intercourse
with the Devil is not my friend.

Excellent, I thank you.

Marie Sattler, you and Lisa
are accused of witchcraft.

I have orders to arrest you.

Don't worry, we need you
only as a witness.

The dyer's wife Mrs. Sattler
has called you to testify.

Then I'll come,

- but only when the Dean gets back.
- No, you must come at once!

I can't...

Let go of me!

Mister Gaub, let go!

- How much do you want?
- Quiet, don't let anyone hear!

- How much for letting me talk to
my husband? - Sit down!

They seem to have known
you went to see the bishop.

Dear God!

Forgive me for only coming now.
I had to wait until dark.

Everybody's started to watch
everybody else these days.

I bribed the warden.

He brought it to me a few
minutes ago.

You must leave this very night
and escape.

The revenue master told me

they have a denunciation
of you as well there.

Have I worked so hard just
to leave it all to them?

You want to lose your life
for the sake of money?

No, not for money.
But I'm still first councilor!

I've lived a decent life
and done so much for this town!

So now... I'm supposed just
to give in to these scoundrels?

Won't you take a chair,
Sir?

Please.

Ignatius, wine! In honor of our
distinguished visitor.

Squire of Edelstadt, what interest
can you have in imprisoning

the dyer's wife and daughter,
and my housekeeper Susanna?

And why are you so interested
in the fate of these women?

Marie Sattler has always been
a good catholic and honest woman.

So has her daughter
and Susanna Voglick.

- I have known them many years.
- I know, reverend dean.

I am told you often visit
the Sattler family.

Is that supposed to make
things worse for Mistress Sattler?

God forbid, I am doing
all I can for her.

Your good health,
reverend sir.

You harlot!

You whore!

You whore!

Do you think the Inquisition court

gave those witches up to
the flames for no reason?

How did you prove their guilt?

You have books on law
in your own library.

Guilt may be proven by confession
and testimony. Is that not so?

Let me tell you something.

The women you defend have
many guilty collaborators here.

And I am surprised that you,
as spiritual pastor,

did not seek information
on the state of affairs...

by coming directly to me.

Who else is supposed
to be involved?

Why do dislike me, Dean?

What do you have against me?

You read many books, Dean,
but one is enough for me.

- The Bible?
- No. The Hammer of Witches.

The most holy book of all.
It contains everything.

I know the book.
May I read you a few lines?

It is permitted to bring
the accused to confession,

by the promise of a fixed
prison term only.

The judge must fulfill
the promise

and only then burn the witch
after the term has expired.

The judge may also promise
a pardon, and then appoint

another judge in his place
to pronounce the death sentence.

Such action is permitted
by the law of God and man.

An ungodly and cruel book,
don't you think?

A matter of shame for any
Christian country!

Would you ever let anyone
go free, I wonder?

If it could be proven that he or she
was not in league with the devil.

And how does one prove that?

I don't know. Everyone has
always confessed to me.

Perhaps you do not believe me,
but it is the case.

And if I should be mistaken
on occasion,

you as a man of the cloth
know well enough

that even judges are only
instruments in the hand of God.

And what about your conscience?

I am a lawyer, not a theologian.

I want to talk to my mother.

I'll give you money.

Money...

Give me the money then!

Let go or I'll scream!

- No!
- That won't do you any good.

- The prior will make a fuss.
- I'm sorry, soap-maker Prerovsky,

- you're on the list of accused.
- Sattler, come quietly now.

I arrest you by official order.

We're members
of the court tribunal!

- What's going on here?
- I have my orders.

The revenue officer and forester
are suspected of witchcraft.

They are her Ladyship's officers
and under my jurisdiction!

But I am the president
of the Inquisition Tribunal.

Her ladyship does not employ
people in league with the Devil.

If you do not release them
at once, I shall arrest you.

Sheriff, you have championed
associates of the devil,

- and so I hereby arrest you.
- This will cost you your neck!

Write that down in the record.

Before he arrests someone,
he looks into their assets.

The court tribunal judges. Not me.

Trials are ever more costly.
I can't keep on paying for them.

I do what I can for the church,
but times are bad.

The squire of Edelstadt has legal
reasons we do not understand.

When my officers were arrested,

it turned out they had been
cheating me.

Confiscation of their property
means I shall at least get back

part of what they purloined.

Reverend father, I advise you

to be more careful.

You can no longer count
on my protection.

Lucifer's shining horn lights up
the gory carrion feast

and the dance, where devils play
on a horse head with a cats tail.

Press harder there! There...

So Mistress Sattler, Sattler,
and their daughter

- have now confessed.
- My, that's swollen!

It's that courtroom of theirs.
As cold as a barn.

I'm curious how Lauter will react

when we confront him
with the Sattlers.

I'm curious whether it will
get that far.

Not so hard!

I'm surprised there's been no
answer from the bishop.

What are they playing at
in the consistory?

- More?
- No!

I'm utterly exhausted by it all.

Then you can do my feet.

It's not for me to say,

but I think you're being
too soft with the girl,

with that Susanna wench,

especially when it is her
testimony that would really get

the bishop moving.

Well, you know,

she's not like those filthy
country hags, Ugh.

That one...

why, she could be the model
for a painting of the Madonna.

Left foot first!
You know I've a heart.

Pardon me, sir.
I didn't mean any harm.

What a pity I'm old now.

Don't press so hard!

Can you imagine her naked?

Easily.

But I don't mean
at an interrogation.

What a pity that she must...

well, there's nothing
to be done about it.

If you want to enjoy a flower
you have to pick it, and it wilts.

Just at the loveliest moment
it has to wilt.

Man is but vanity,

beauty too.

It's all just skin deep
and inside meat. Bloody meat.

Blood, putrefaction,

nothing.

Delusion.

In the name of God the Father,
Son and Holy Ghost, Amen.

Do you confess that you took
part in witch assemblies,

as three others testified
about you before their deaths

and four who are still living?

I have never been
on Peter's Rocks.

How many witnesses can
you bring to persuade us

- that the charge is false?
- But I cannot prove

where I have not been
and what I have not done.

I have known you from a child
Susanna, and always liked you.

Tell the truth. If you show
repentance God will forgive you.

Susanna Voglick,

your obstinacy forces the court
to proceed to torture.

Come on, speak.

I can say only that it
is not true.

Master Jokl, bring
the thumbscrews.

Do you wish to make confession?

No!

That's enough!
Leave her alone.

She withstood the torture,
she is innocent.

Her gallant makes her body
insensible. Continue Master Jokl!

Yes.

Will you answer the questions?

Was Dean Lautner with you
at Peter's Rocks?

Dean Lautner?

- Yes.
- Did you practice sinful union?

Yes.

And now I must pay the penalty
for my sins.

The confession of
the accused is sufficient.

It remains for us to determine if
the signum diabolicum is on her.

The devil's mark.

Look well, Ignatius.

Here it is!

Not a drop of blood, Gentlemen.

This is better proof than
any confession.

The signum diabolicum.

It is all a lie.

There is no truth in any of it.

Take her away!

Welcome friend.

Come, the guests are already
waiting.

I hope I shall be praised.

Twenty years old.

I'm glad to see you again

and that you've come
to our festivities.

Vivat decanus Adalbertus Winkler.

Vivat!

A letter from his Grace
the Bishop.

- Is it for me?
- Read it!

It's a beautiful letter.

But you will certainly be able to
tell me precisely what it means.

It means that you are arrested
on the orders of the Bishop.

So you invited me just to be
able to arrest me discretely.

A moment ago you kissed me.

Do you know who else
did that?

I am at your service,
Gentlemen.

I saw them taking him away.

Like a criminal.

I'm off.

Don't you want to come
with me?

Before they come for you too.

I'll be back in a moment.

I shall file a complaint
with the appeal court.

Will you take me to Prague?

Thank you.
It's the last chance.

At the end of Walpurgis Night
Lucifer burns himself.

And his ashes are given
to the witches.

What are you doing?!

You...

bitch of a witch,
what were you thinking?

I answer for you.
You have to testify!

You must testify!

Christopher Lautner,

can you tell us why you
wanted a face-to-face meeting

- with the witnesses against you?
- I hope I shall persuade them.

My friends won't be able to talk
such nonsense to me face.

Marie Sattler, testify
where you saw Dean Lautner

and what you did there.

We used to meet
at witchcraft assemblies

on Peter's Rocks, where I used
to go with my husband Kaspar,

Dean Lautner and his cook
Susanna. There we...

- Marie, why are you saying this?
- There we gorged and danced...

- But that's a lie!
...capered and drank beer.

- Why are you lying?
- Then we fornicated.

Look me in the eye!

The dean lay with his cook
and with me.

Elizabeth Sattler,

tell us about the witches'
wedding in your house.

Two suitors came.

One was a spirit to whom
I gave myself, Hans Peter,

and the second was
the soap-maker Jan Prerovsky.

Before my parents gave
the suitors an answer,

they invited guests from
the coven to our house.

Then Dean Lautner married me
to the evil spirit.

God-daughter, what bad dream
is this?

I saw it with my own eyes.

You committed fornication
with Susanna and my mother.

- Then my father lay with me.
- Do you know what you are saying?

You know I always did
my best for you.

Kaspar Sattler, do you recognize
Dean Christopher Lautner?

Yes.

Kaspar, I beg you,
speak the truth, at least you.

The dean was in league
with an evil spirit.

You're still annoyed, because I
opposed your daughter's marriage.

Once he crowned my wife
queen of the witches.

And then played to us on
the violin to celebrate.

Kaspar Sattler,

is it enmity to the dean that
speaks from your lips?

No. We were good friends
for many years.

But we both served an unclean
spirit and must pay for it.

Not a single word is true.
You know it.

I denied it too at first
but then I gave up.

To save myself greater torture.

Do you think God
will forgive me?

I understand everything.

Forgive me,
if I ever hurt you.

I am not angry with you
and I forgive you everything.

Stop this play-acting!

We know everything
about your crimes.

Do you admit the crimes to which
the witnesses testified?

I admit nothing!

Was your housekeeper with you

at the witches' wedding
at the Sattlers?

We have been to no witch
wedding. Neither she nor I.

Who awoke feelings of adulthood
in her? Tell us the truth!

I did.

Why did you not get
rid of her as time went by?

I wished to see her first
settled and provided for.

We made an agreement and
ended all bodily relations.

And that was all?

No agreement on a magical
pact, perhaps?

- No!
- Do you play the violin?

- Yes.
- A priest and he plays the violin!

Do you admit what the witches of
Losiny and Sumperk have described?

No!

But Dean Lautner,
whom are we to believe?

- Thirty-six persons, or one?
- One just person.

So you can prove
your innocence.

I cannot.

Nobody can see into my conscience,

nor I into another's conscience.

Why did you lock yourself in your
library before your arrest?

What were you afraid of?

I was afraid of nothing.
I was studying. That is all.

Do you want to hear what Susanna
Voglick has to say of you?

Yes I do. I hope
she will speak the truth.

Susanna!

Susanna Voglick, tell
the court

what you did
at Peter's Rocks.

I will tell the whole truth.

It was my misfortune to have come
to the deanery at all.

I should have gone
begging instead.

- Susanna, you can't mean...
- Tell us about Peter's Rocks!

Peter's Rocks... I know.
One moment, and I'll get right.

Yes, we gorged there, drank,
and capered and danced and...

fornicated with evil spirits and
people and it's a sin and a shame.

The dean did it with me and
with Mistress Sattler...

Yes, yes, it's the truth.

I came to the deanery and there
they made me into a witch.

And so I have to die.

Susanna, for the love of God
forgive me I beg. I...

I know it is all because of me.

Calm yourself!

Repeat only what you
have already told us.

You have to say it to the dean.
He doesn't want to admit it.

No...

No, I can't.

I can't, no, I can't!

No, no...

I can't, no!

She is completely insane. Don't
you see she has lost her mind?

It's not unusual. It shouldn't
lead us astray.

She has just been silenced
by the devil. Come and look!

That red weal! Her black gallant
has sealed her lips!

Apage Satanas in nomine Patria
et Fili� et Spiritus sancti Amen.

Your work, Gentlemen.

A work pleasing to God!

I love you just as
I always did

and I forgive you for what you
said against me, Susanna.

Susanna...

Susanna!

Christopher Lautner,
do you admit your guilt?

No!

Nor is the testimony
of the Sattler family true,

nor is there any truth,

in the testimony of the girl
you robbed of her reason!

So far we have treated you too
gently. We shall be more severe.

Your commission has power,

but power and truth
are two different things.

Not to mention the fact
that you...

Look here, the Devil can take
on anyone's likeness.

Suppose he is innocent

and the Devil just took on
his form at the meeting?

So it was a mere duplicate
of this man?

That's not a duplicate.

I've forty years experience.
That's the original.

These old hags still
don't have better things to do?

No, Your Lordship, but the trial
is endless, forty defendants...

- and Judge Hutter has lodged
a protest. - Against what?

Against the investigation
methods.

He claims the confessions are
extorted under severe torture.

It's the usual method
in the inquisition court.

But this Boblig uses the same
methods as the inquisitors

- at the beginning of the century.
- Did those people confess or not?

They did, so what's the trouble?

You know, Mister Secretary,
We really cannot bother

His Imperial Highness with this.
He has other cares.

Dreadful finances...
You know what I mean?

Above all we must maintain
peace and order on our estates.

And the Turks approaching Vienna...

Well, things will no doubt
turn out all right.

Marvelous cut, your Lordship.

- I hope I'll crush Martinic today.
- Of course, your Lordship.

Marie Sattler was
a pleasant surprise,

dying so well.

Up to the last moment

her eyes were turned
to heaven.

- Just one little hitch.
- Yes.

It took the executioner three
hacks to get Sattler's head off.

Was Sattler drunk?

What do you mean?

Dyer Sattler signed his last
will yesterday.

Didn't he have anything better
to do before dying?

The trial will be paid for
out of his property.

And since the confiscated
cash isn't enough

his house and workshop will
have to be sold.

But for an official price

that's a third of the value.

As far as I know you were
the first interested party.

And I also know what's
fitting in the circumstances.

Forgive us our trespasses.

And forgive my sin and guilt.

I did it all in Thy name.

What is your view,
is Christopher Lautner guilty?

You are a member
of the Inquisition commission.

Answer entirely according
to your conscience.

The Squire of Edelstadt
has gathered

a lot of convincing
evidence against him.

Your personal opinion,
if you please!

I am not absolutely persuaded
of his guilt.

I have no answer to the question

why Dean Lautner would
commit such crimes.

And your view, brother?

I regret, your Grace, that
I am of the opposite opinion.

Thirty-six witnesses

have confirmed his involvement
in witchcraft.

Lautner has not managed
to overturn their testimony.

Which leaves us with no
alternative but to use torture.

Your opinion, brother?

The question here is...

whether torture is the most
reliable means...

to discover the truth.

The greatest authorities have
demonstrated that a delinquent

can keep silent only with the aid
of the Devil.

You have not been very
enlightening.

I have a great interest in the
case because Lautner is a priest.

Therefore let God decide.

I give my permission for
Christopher Lautner

- to be subjected to the usual form
of torture. - Amen.

No!

I will not confess!

That's enough, Jokl!
The accused nodded,

which is equivalent to verbal
confession. Record it!

Christof Alois Lautner...

on this day...

voluntarily confessed...

that he was in league
with the Devil.

And it was a lie.
What I confessed was untrue.

- Everyone saw your confession.
- They saw a man forced to lie.

I am a sinner, but I have never
indulged in magic.

Master Jokl,
Stretch him on the ladder!

- That's enough for today.
- Don't interrupt my investigation.

According to the Inquisition
regulations

the third torture should
not exceed half an hour.

And different types of torture
may not be used in succession.

The testimony of 36 people
constitutes convincing proof

and torture is unnecessary.
The nod is quite sufficient.

Besides I would point out
that if claims are contradictory

like Lautner's yes and then no,
either may be accepted.

Do you consider the claims
of the accused

to be as credible as
the testimony of witnesses?

For today the examination
by torture is over.

If you refuse to confess,
you will be stretched on the rack.

Don't you think we might
let him go?

He has made no admission
after three degrees of torture.

Nobody could stand such pain
if he were really guilty.

He withstands it all
with the help of the devil, Dean.

How much longer, oh Lord,
will you forget me?

Remember me, oh Lord, because
the machinations of the grave,

surround me,
and have divided me.

My bones are as
melted wax.

Be mindful of me, my God.

My God, why hast Thou
forsaken me?

Christopher...

Forgive me, Christopher.

I have resigned my seat
on the Inquisition commission.

I cannot be your judge.

Look at me, Christopher!

So, Dean, you give up your
activities on the commission,

so as not to have to take a stand
against a foul murderer.

No, I am sick.

I am glad I am not alone.

Can you forgive me?

I cannot judge you.

We are both poor
weak wretches.

Is what you confessed to
yesterday, true or untrue?

- Yes, I confess.
- You confess to everything

- that the 36 witches
said you had done. - Yes, yes...

Who else did you see on
Peter's Rock? Do not deny it!

I confess I was in such
close league with the devil

that at my request he conjured
a great darkness and storm,

and hail and thunder.

And for that reason I did
not recognize anyone present.

- Besides those who are dead.
- So sign the record.

With all his power the devil strives
for dominion over the world.

But God has allowed us
to uncover this unclean nest

and granted us the honor of
trampling this nest under foot

and purifying it by fire.

We have come, brother, to prepare
you with prayers

for the road that awaits you...

You wouldn't have a little
tobacco for me, Father?

You do wrong, brother.

It is possible, Father,

That was always my way.

- I have sinned much.
- Think on your salvation.

I have been thinking
of that for a long time.

But I do not have much
time left.

We shall stay until morning and
pray with you through the night.

- When will I get some sleep?
- Are you not afraid of God?

Oh yes indeed... yes.

But I do not wish...

to speak about Him with you.

They are afraid of you now,

because you don't stand in
one line with them.

Suspicion might fall on any
of them, but...

Not on me!

Not... me.

I have already stepped
forward!

I'm riding high!

It just takes courage!

A firm goal and no scruples!

Because I'm no ordinary man.

I'm no longer an ordinary man.
I'm already... at the top!

Our Father, Who art in Heaven,
forgive us.

No, do not forgive us
our trespasses!

Not them, nor me.

Because in your name
we have sinned against man.