De Gaulle (2020) - full transcript

The body of Christ our Lord.

The body of Christ our Lord.

You see, we've picked them
at the same time...

We've dried them...

and now...

we stick them down.

The body of Christ our Lord.

The body of Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Philippe, when you get to Paris,
be sure to watch out for your sister.

Of course, father.



Is the situation
really that bad?

Just let's say...

that it's uncertain.

Any news from your husband??

In a letter ten days ago,
he said everything was fine.

He even said barrack life
was boring.

I've heard nothing
since those last events.

But I'm not worried.
He'll be back.

I'll be waiting at La Martilliere.

Anyway, come this summer!

The children would be delighted
to have you!

I promise!

Anne!

My sweetie-pie!



Daddy!

My little pet...

Who wants more?
Come on, Philippe.

- Thank you, mother.
- Mr Leroux picked them.

Will you take him some eggs?

You should try clay poultices...

They relieve all the pain.

- With me, it's in the mornings.
- Then take birch juice.

- Birch juice?!
- Oh yes!

- It was lovely!
- You've finally eaten everything.

- Can I go play?
- No, wait until we're finished.

And the best is yet to come...
you'll see!

Your examination still being held?

Yes, the Navy is in urgent need
of new officers.

Don't be in a hurry.

My cousins are already fighting,
I won't be a draft-dodger.

You won't be a draft-dodger
when you're only 18.

He's always been a volunteer.

In the end, he'll do what he wants,
like his father.

Like his mother...

Do you remember what Yvonne said,
on seeing your son?

"It will be him and no one else."

Know that my niece was
a very sought-after match.

She didn't lose on the exchange.

That's true.

Élisabeth?

It's not a good time...

...but we'll take advantage
of your father's presence.

How nice!

Here...

I hope that you'll find
great comfort in it.

"The twilights will never
overcome the dawns."

"Let us astound the evenings,
but live in the mornings."

If we go on, we can establish
a connection to Laon...

...and from there,
cut the road to Paris.

Your assumptions
are correct, Colonel.

Non-stop attack.

If only we had air support.

We're advancing, Hettier, advancing...

as far as we can,
with or without air support.

There'll be
a German counter-offensive.

Yes!

The Germans will be destabilized
for a few more hours.

We have to move fast.

I know our men have given a lot.

I'll demand reinforcements
to form pincers from the north.

My goal is to organize a bridgehead
from our breakthrough.

Think it'll work?

Yes, Hettier. We must exploit
our minor victory.

To stand still is to accept defeat!

General, I'm going to need
a thousand men, plus air cover.

Tomorrow I'll be throwing in
around 50 tanks...

...preceded by an artillery barrage
of unprecedented force...

...and if possible,
a massive air attack.

- The Laon road...
- No, we have to withdraw.

Withdraw? But we're
gaining ground, General.

We're slowing the enemy advance.

I'm the one in charge of defense.
That's an order.

Allow us to continue.
We can win!

De Gaulle, the Germans are
going to attack us on the Somme.

I have to hold that line,
otherwise all will be lost.

What shall we do, Colonel?

These old generals
still think as if it's 1914!

They go on the defensive!
They never attack!

A victory is also
in your mental attitude.

Your will to win.

If your faith's intact,
you're indestructible!

I fear the there are some
who don't have that faith.

Could you repeat
these words, Colonel?

I'm not a parrot.
Who are you?

Capitaine Surchamp...

...radio operator,
responsible for propaganda.

These days, speaking of victory
is out of the ordinary.

I could broadcast your words,
to help overcome defeatism.

Believe me,
radio is a powerful weapon.

Should I speak loudly, Captain?

Normally, Colonel.

It's mechanical warfare
that started on May 10th.

In the air and on the ground...

...mechanical devices,
planes or tanks...

...are the main elements
of strength.

The enemy beat us
with an initial advantage.

Their successes come
from their armored divisions...

...and aerial bombardment.

Nothing else.

Our successes of tomorrow...

and our victory...

Yes, our victory...

...will come from our battleships
and our dive-bombers.

That is what we need
for victory.

Thanks to that, we've already
had a frontline breakthrough.

Thanks to that...

...one day...

...we'll defeat their whole front line.

There... I've said it all.

If possible,
we'll broadcast it tomorrow.

Captain, are you going back
behind the lines?

My darling wife,
the war has arrived.

The real war has started.

What we need is a way
to grow aircraft,

and consequently need
to take precautions.

For you, for the little one,
for Miss Pottel.

Colombey would be
a good place to stay,

if it wasn't on the
Paris-Strasbourg road.

Be careful, during the day,
to go home if there's an alert,

...and at night, make sure
the lights are turned off.

It'd be better if you found
a furnished apartment...

...until this crisis is over.

Preferably in Charente,

Dordogne, Haute-Vienne,

or Brittany.

I will send you 1,500 francs
per month, from June 30.

Do keep writing to me...

...even if my replies
are irregular.

Since May 15,
I haven't slept three nights.

With Philippe in Paris,

he shouldn't try to be too smart
if someone shoots at him.

A letter received from Elisabeth,
enclosed.

I have great hopes
for her matric.

I kiss you from the heart
that loves you, my darling.

Nothing matters more than this...

France must be saved.

Anne, look.

Daddy's written to us. Look.

"For the little one
from her daddy."

Thank you.

He thinks about you a lot,
you know.

Daddy's coming back soon. Alright?

Don't get upset,
he'll be home.

Daddy...

Don't worry.

That's the third time this morning.

You can't take any risks.
We must leave this house!

Congratulations, de Gaulle.

A resounding victory, proving
that everything is still possible.

We could have gone
much further...

and even reversed the situation...

...if someone
had listened to me.

Weygand has my full support.

Believe me he does what he can,
despite British evasiveness.

You know the situation,
it is dramatic.

I need men like you
by my side...

General de Gaulle.

Yes, I've promoted you
to Brigadier General.

- It's a provisional title.
- I'm honored.

So, you'll carry more weight.

You'll join the government as Under-
secretary of State for National Defense.

I shall need guaranties.

I want to be able to apply my views
without interference.

Integrating with our policy will
give you the authority to act.

I hope so.

I've also preserved
Marshal Petain's position.

Better to have him in than out.

Change your mind. The marshal
thinks we've already lost.

His defeatism can
overwhelm everything.

Petain is like a banner.
He's reassuring.

I've made Mandel
Minister for the Interior.

He shares your points of view.

We have to face reality,
Mr President.

Miracles apart, we've no chance
of winning in metropolitan France.

- Is this you, saying that?
- Yes.

Whatever we do,
this war will be global.

Let's continue the fight elsewhere.

I will join you only if we agree
on this essential point.

Of course.
It's obvious.

We have a vast territory left,
that's our empire...

...and it's totally intact.

That's why we mustn't leave the war
under any pretext whatever.

And maintain our English agreements,
despite our grievances with them.

You have my guarantee.
Besides, you're going to London.

You'll see Mr Churchill,
as my representative.

You can convince him
that we want to hold on.

Gentlemen.

- Gentlemen.
- Mr President.

Mr President, I happen to be
the one man at this table...

...with the most German blood
on his hands.

Don't take that admission
as being conciliatory...

...to those that I've always
fought against.

Rest assured, my dear Marshal,
that nobody here...

...harbours the slightest doubt
as to your patriotism.

Your victorious battles,
in particular that of Verdun...

...give you an absolute
and irrefutable legitimacy.

It is on the basis of that legitimacy
that I propose...

...that we must accept our defeat...
and silence the gunfire.

Gentlemen, if we are losing,
it is because the enemy...

...is employing a tactic
that I myself have always supported

...and that the High Command
refuses to apply...

...pairing armored vehicles
with aircraft...

I haven't finished!

Listen to me.

Based upon my experience,
I've come to the conclusion today...

...that the war is lost.

I deplore the idea
as much as you do...

...but rather than suffer the humiliation
of being crushed even more severely...

...and the death of thousands
of French people...

...I wish to encourage the country
to accept an armistice.

This is the only way to come out
with our heads held high...

...and to deal with Germany.

And to spare our soldiers
and our people.

Eight million French people
are fleeing.

The defense that I've constructed
will not last for long.

It's odd to give up winning,
while having the world's largest army.

De Gaulle...
Enough of your sarcasm!

I know you well.

You have long served
under my command.

I have great respect for you.

But we're faced with
a crisis point in our history.

We've lost at least 60,000 men.

You hear me?
Sixty thousand dead!

Thousands of French soldiers
are already prisoners.

We must stop this massacre,
that has gone too long already.

We must get along with Germany...

...and rebuild France,
on new foundations.

Are we so lacking in courage
as to accept this ignoble outcome?

This is after all FRANCE
that we're talking about!

Let's pull ourselves together...

...and instill in our troops
the desire to win.

Let's not indulge ourselves
with this defeatist state of mind.

"indulge ourselves"?

You don't understand anything
to the situation.

Let's agree, at least,
to talk with Germany.

Mr Mandel, having been a minister
for just a few hours...

...how can you have an opinion
on the conduct of battles?

If you please, sir!

I'm not talking to you
as a minister, Mr Weygand...

but as a Frenchman proud of his country,
and aware of its history.

War is a matter
for the armed forces.

No, the politics ordains.

The fight must go on
and we have untouched territories...

...with fighting forces
who await our orders.

We have to transport
our army to North Africa.

- And resume the offensive.
- That's unrealistic!

I totally agree!

Gentlemen, enough with the words...!

Here are the facts.

I said the Germans
would attack across the Somme...

...and indeed they are

I can't stop this tragic event.

They're getting across.

And next?

Next, it's the Seine and the Marne.

And then?

Then it's all over.

What do mean, "all over"?

Finished, terminated.
The Germans will be in Paris.

I know, but I'm very worried.

De Gaulle must be removed.

His woolly ideas
are dangerous...

...but I know him well.

He's consumed by ambition
and he loves war.

He'll do anything
to climb the echelons of power.

Shouldn't Reynaud be ousted?

Reynaud is weak.
He'll fold on his own.

You're wrong there.

He has that ability of politicians
to always bounce back.

Look at that Jew, Mandel.
We thought he was finished.

Here he is, Minister of the Interior,
giving his opinion on everything.

It's unbearable!

These politicians led us to where
we are, and they're still there.

We must be ready, Weygand!

Power doesn't like a vacuum,
and very soon...

...we shall seize and sort out
this republic of misfortune.

Minister, here is a report
on our troops and our needs.

There are also notes
on Churchill's cabinet.

Anthony Eden, Minister of War,
is favorable to us.

Time will tell. The English can
sometimes be unpredictable.

I have no doubt that Churchill
will stick to our agreements.

It is in his best interest.

A last fitting, general?

Perfect, thank you.

Wait, don't forget...

Arrange an appointment with President
Reynaud, for when I return from London.

We must remain very vigilant.

Petain and Weygand
are making difficulties.

Keep an eye on them
during my absence.

The members of your cabinet
have yet to be validated.

Reliable people,
dedicated to continuing the war.

- That they are.
- What about you, Mr Laurent?

You run my staff.
I need to know.

I serve the State.

And am at the service of the policy
that you decide upon.

Good.

Would you bring my children in, please.

Trains are still running...
Go to Aunt Suzanne's.

But I have the entrance exam
at the Naval College.

And I've got my matric!

We can't leave.

Seeing the advance of the Germans,
they'll be marking your test papers.

- All is not lost.
- Not Paris.

The Germans won't invade the city.

Go to the train station
and see what's possible.

I want to get involved!

You were already fighting at 24.

It's a totally different situation,
Philippe.

- Is mother joining us?
- As far as I know.

You must leave as quickly
as possible.

For how long?

I don't know.
Everything changes day by day.

That's all I can tell you.

Also a letter for your mother.

Don't hang around.

And be careful, kids.

Off you go.

Where's your mummy?

- There's Mummy.
- Here I am darling.

There she is.

- Mama.
- Mummy? Where is she?

I like that!

Yes, yes, yes!

Having fun, darling?

Come to Mummy..

Look at the birdies!

Careful!
It's cold!

Anne's medication.

I feel like I'm 14 again.

We had to flee
and abandon everything...

Wonder why my mother
loaded all the tablecloths.

Mine stuffed our pockets
with handkerchiefs.

As if they were
the most important things.

When you come back,
had the house been looted?

Looted, ravaged, destroyed...

That was where my childhood
was swallowed up.

May God preserve this one.

I haven't seen Anne
for a while.

Anne?

Anne?

Anne?

Anne?

Anne?

Anne?

Help me to look!
Find, good boy, find!

Sir, have you seen
a young girl in a blue apron?

She's 12 years old.
She's handicapped.

I only saw the Germans
burn our village.

Don't stay here!
Go! Run away!

I haven't seen your kid!

I'll go to the edge
of the village.

You scared me to death, Anne!

Darling, I was so frightened
for you, my pet!

I know you don't want to go,
but it's dangerous here.

- We have to leave!
- I say no!

I'm not kidding!
We must leave!

- No, no, and no!
- You don't decide.

You'll see Auntie Suzanne again, OK?

And the pony...

Cinders.

- You like Cinders, don't you?
- Yes.

So you can play with Cinders, alright?

Winston Churchill
will receive you at 9 a.m.

It will be necessary to be convincing.
Courcel, are you fluent in English?

- It's the language of diplomats...
- Who are only useful in fine weather.

As soon as it rains, they drown.

I hope to prove the opposite to you.

How's our staunch ally going?

The earth of France.

A mixture of ashes
and blood.

But our government is determined
to continue the fight, Prime Minister.

From our empire,
if necessary.

But how are will you
get yourselves there?

With what means?

With your help.

We require your air and naval forces
to contain their breakthrough.

Mr Churchill considers...

...the English and French are totally
united in events such as victories.

I quite understand.

But maybe you could base some
of your planes south of the Loire.

The front will inevitably move
in that direction.

I'll leave it to the war minister
to answer you.

Mr Eden proposes...

But the Scottish division
is no more than an illusion.

As for the Canadians,
who can say when they will arrive?

With every minute,
Germany is engulfing France..

We must be helped right now.

Will a single setback
on the continent...

...be enough for England
to turn its back on us?

England and French blood
were mingled at Dunkirk!

Mr de Gaulle, I will not accept
any doubts as to our loyalty.

If you don't support us, there are
very active defeatists in France...

...who will not hesitate
to seize power.

They will come to an agreement
with Hitler.

Effectively, from that moment on,
you'll be alone against the Reich.

Sir, could you give us guarantees
on the future of the French fleet.

The fate of the fleet is linked
to that of France.

It would be a disaster that
we would not allow to happen.

So take action, Prime Minister.

Take action!

Go on!

Yes, those files too!

Hurry up!

Burn everything.
Absolutely everything!

Come on, burn it all!

Hurry up!

You can't allow the enemy
to invade Paris unopposed!

My first duty
is to preserve French lives.

- We're leaving for Bordeaux.
- Just like that, no resistance?

We ARE fighting!
You know that!

And we're losing.
All the barriers are broken.

Everything is collapsing, de Gaulle!

Everything is collapsing!

Paris will be declared an open city,
in order to avoid a massacre.

Have you convinced
Weygand and Petain?

I'm not under the influence
of anyone.

Paul?

De Gaulle.

Paul, let's go,
the driver is waiting for us.

- Let's hurry.
- I know, Helene.

Mr President, you were
looking for help from the English,

and I pledged the word of the State.

And now you run away?

The enemy has crossed the Seine.
The guns are pointed at Paris.

But what do you want,
de Gaulle?

That the city be razed,
like Rotterdam and Warsaw?

That Paul bears the responsibility?

We must save what
can still be saved.

This is not a flight.
It's a departure.

In the military,
it's called desertion.

I forbid you
to use that word!

We have a common goal...
to continue the war.

You told me the opposite
last night.

I know, Helene.

That Marshal Petain
understood everything.

We must listen to him!

All of this must stop.

Negotiate with the enemy...
It's called diplomacy.

It allows you to have a future.

You're coming with us, de Gaulle.

We'll use the trip
to discuss what can follow.

Charles, my great love,

Here we are in Loiret.

War seems far away.

Like in another country.

I don't know how long
it will last

and I don't know if Elisabeth
and Philippe will join us.

Anne is enjoying
this moment of calm.

The trip was a terrible ordeal,

but she was brave.

Our little one is so strong
and so fragile at the same time.

Anne?

Try to get up. Get up.

Come on, Anne. What is that?

Look.

Look.

Take it.

Come on, make an effort. Yes?

Anne? Anne?

Anne? Listen. Listen, Anne.

Anne?

Come on, Anne.

I'll give you all my strength,
all my life.

Come on, Anne.

Lord, tell me everything's alright,
I beg you.

My baby. Oh, my little baby.

Oh, my baby.

Your child presents
symptoms of a disability...

...called "mongolism"...

...whose origin we do not
understand very well.

- Anne will show...
- But will she live?

Yes, many children
reach adulthood.

She is not going to die?

No...

But she will have difficulties
to move...

...to speak...

Will she suffer?

She could indicate
cardiac or respiratory deficiencies.

Learning abilities are possible...

...but she is unlikely
to become self-sufficient.

Why?

The reasons for this infirmity
are still very poorly identified.

Is research being done?

Absolutely. I and my team
are working on it.

We must think about the future.
Anne will remain vulnerable...

...and unsuitable for our world.

Institutions exist,
like here.

We aim to offer disabled children
a reassuring medical framework...

...to be able to observe them,
have their pathology monitored.

And then...
it relieves the parents.

I'll leave you to think about it,
but don't delay making up your mind.

Thank you, Doctor.

I was tired those 9 months.
She must have felt it.

- You should have rested.
- Rested?

With two children
and your transfer to Germany?

Nothing forces you
to do the same.

You always want to take on everything.
We could have hired someone.

I just pray that she'll heal.

But you didn't understand.
It will not heal! Ever!

What a panic...!
The trains were taken by storm.

People squeezing
into cattle wagons.

It was every man for himself.

Women yelling at each other
over a place.

- Thank goodness you're alright.
- Father gave me this for you.

Thank you.

It took us 15 hours
to get to you.

You should see how the roads
are blocked with people!

- But where are they going?
- Just running away, Aunt Suzanne.

Paris has been bombed.

Hundreds killed.

Everyone was scared.

Do you know just where it was?

I believe it's to the west,
towards Quai de Javel.

They were probably aiming
at the Citroen factories.

Do you have family there?

Yes, an older sister.

We must leave quickly.

Why not stay here?
We have everything in the garden.

But the Germans
are less than 200 km. away.

Struggling on the roads is no safer.

The children are too small
to go. And with Anne...

Yes, Anne needs rest...
and to feel like she's home.

Aunt Richard is in Brittany,
like every summer.

She'll welcome us.

You'll have to go without,
whereas here...

Help yourself.
There are plums too.

They're early this year.

You've always had a green thumb.
Your apple trees are magnificent.

I can't imagine giving up everything.

- You understand?
- You'll join us, little sis.

Difficult without a driver's licence.

Be careful!

Our armies have not done
anything blameworthy.

They have fought valiantly...

But it's time, with neither
shame nor dishonor...

to recognize our defeat.

And what do you propose?
A ceasefire?

A cease-fire would no more
than a break in the conflict.

- So surrender?
- Out of the question.

That would attribute defeat
to the armed forces.

Your administration
is fighting the war.

Defeat is above all
a matter of politics.

Caused by a series
of government errors...

...that happened before,
and that you were part of, Mandel!

You exaggerate.

Who cut the army budget?

Who cut back on
armament orders?

Who gave in to the Fuhrer
in Munich?

You, the politicians!

That's wrong,
and you know it.

They've supported your strategy.

"Build a wall."

Result...
The Nazis march through Paris.

It's you who underestimated
the risks...

...cradled by your delusions.

Today, innocent people are paying
for the consequences.

Let me remind you,
Mr President...

...that a capitulation would result
in seizure of our arms and our navy.

...which would give the Germans
absolute supremacy over the seas.

The only possible way
is to ask for an armistice.

General Weygand,
where is our army?

All units are on the front line.

Without rest, without sleep.
The enemy pressure is incredible.

Unlike us, the Germans can
relieve their troops every 2 days.

Why?

Transport problems.

We're running out of equipment.

We need more trucks,
tanks, planes...

But where are they,
these tanks and planes?

Still on the factory
production lines.

Gentlemen... the old world
is falling apart before our eyes.

What is Chancellor Hitler proposing?

A new Europe, with Germany
at its centre.

We could be part of it!

Of the vanquished nations,
we could become partners.

Let me remind you
that we can't sign anything...

...without the English.
That's our agreement.

So we scrap the agreement.

Mr Churchill is not helping us at all.

He wants to use France
just to contain the enemy.

He wants to fight
to the last man...

...so long as the last man
is French..

Hello, Aunt Richard?
Did Yvonne get there OK?

No, no one is here yet.
I'm worried.

I expected them 3 days ago.

- Can you hear me, Charles?
- Yes, I can hear you.

Things are difficult at the moment,
but she's sure to turn up.

I sincerely hope so.

Come in!

- Where are you?
- I'm about to leave Bordeaux.

I'll call you back as soon as possible.
Love you. Goodbye.

There's talk that you're resigning?

It's not just talk.

My being in the government
makes no sense.

It's self-defeating.

- I have to find my family.
- Do you know where they are?

On the road somewhere,
at the mercy of German bombs.

Listen to me, de Gaulle.

I believe like you
that we must continue the war.

The survival of France is at stake.

The defeatists have won.
Reynaud is with them.

Unless a man like you
remains in place.

Reynaud is like a weather vane...

...and if you go,
there'll be no more resistance.

Stay, so that we can act
from the inside!

Our allies must know
that not all of us give up.

What about you, Mandel?
Couldn't you be that man?

You have the qualities
plus the legitimacy.

The English know you well.
And besides, they're betting on you.

I know that...

..but I've been in the politics
of things so long.

I belong to that world
that has much to answer for.

And then, as you well know...

I'm Jewish...
which will complicate everything.

You have advantages over all of us.

A new man who is undamaged.

Don't resign.

Sir, the President
has changed his mind again.

You're leaving for London.

You have an appointment
with Churchill.

You see, de Gaulle...
nothing is lost.

This is our last chance.

Take the D73 through Carantec
to Brest.

The destroyer 'Milan' will leave
Brest in the middle of the day.

I know,
no need to remind me.

I hope to find my wife
and children there.

What about you?
Any news from your family?

My younger brother
is at the Lille hospital.

- Go see him on your way back.
- I'll try.

Anyone here?

Aunt Richard?

Dad!

Sweetie!

You OK?

I needed to see you.

If only for a moment.

The last days
were very hard.

I never imagined
what the country had come to.

I wish that I could protect you,

...not leave you
to cope yourselves.

I sense helplessness everywhere.

That's unbearable to me.

You did what you could.

You're not responsible
for the decisions.

I failed to convince them.

The fact is that nobody today wants
to resist France's disappearance.

If what you say is right,
it shouldn't be done.

I can't bring myself to that.

I'm going back to London
to seek Churchill's support.

Even if it's a lost cause.

Determination is the best of weapons.

But we have to accept the realities
of our situation.

Only if we let them dominate us..

Remember "The Edge of the Sword".

You were talking about Alexander,
Caesar, Napoleon.

They faced events that should have
overwhelmed them.

And the course of history
was changed.

You know my writings by heart.

It's you I know by heart.

Those men were exceptional.

They made history,
not the reverse.

Well maybe.
I stress 'maybe' it's...

...that you too can
take advantage of events.

You don't have a choice,
you have to go on.

Anne did this for you.

Give our little girl
a big kiss from me.

- She gives me a lot of strength.
- Yes I know.

I hate to leave you.

- I'll meet you in Bordeaux.
- No!

I'd rather not know that
you were out on the roads.

I may have to go to Algiers.

The government may move there.
Nothing is decided yet.

I'll try to call you
when I get back from England.

Take good care of yourself.

Since you refuse to help
setting up our army in North Africa...

...the ambassador has a proposal
that's the brainchild of our diplomats.

France dissolved into England.

After despair, humiliation!

This merger would only last
until victory.

...to give President Reynaud...

...a little hope and time.

This project would allow
the continuation of the war.

I demanded this very morning,
that "The Pastor'...

...one of our ships loaded
with field cannons...

...be diverted to England,
so as not to fall into Nazi hands.

She's like our sister.

She is a part of us...

...and we are part of her.

Mr President.

Thanks to Mr Churchill, the fusion project
of our countries has been approved.

What a dramatic turn of events!.
Congratulations, de Gaulle!

You can rest assured,
the war will go on.

How is it going to get organized?

You have a meeting tomorrow with
Mr Churchill to sign this historic union.

- Tomorrow?
- Yes, we must act quickly.

From there, our armies will merge
and our forces increased tenfold.

You're right.

I'll put it to the State Council.
They're waiting for me.

See you this evening, de Gaulle.

It's a disaster!
Paul Reynaud has resigned!

- What?!
- He was outvoted.

The work of Petain?

Not alone, but he's introduced
himself as successor.

Petain as head of government!

Baudoin... Foreign Affairs.
Weygand... Defense.

- You've been sacked.
- The naysayers have taken power.

You might have reason
to be worried.

For wanting to save the country?

Your diversion
of the destroyer 'Pasteur'...

...is considered serious misconduct.

Weygand was very vocal
against you.

There's talk of imprisonment.

What do you want
to do, general?

I never want to see
these politicians again.

I thought by jeering at the pacifists,
Paul would make his mark.

But they betrayed him
and now Paul is nothing.

Nothing!
I never want to see them again.

We understand your dismay.

They maneuvered
behind the scenes.

What about our agreements?

And Churchill's visit?

Petain spoke of a marriage
with a corpse...

...because he's convinced
of Hitler's total victory.

Peace is nothing more
than a word that's thrown around.

We've lost everything!

And above all, our credibility
with Churchill.

How could you imagine us
becoming a British dominion?!

You don't know the French at all.

I haven't said my last word.

No, Paul, that's enough.

Let's go somewhere
far away.

- They don't deserve you.
- You're right, Helene.

The conditions for the armistice will
be so heavy that it will be rejected.

And once again,
they'll be calling on me.

And we can impose our views.

Tomorrow we'll be
on the Riviera.

I'm well aware of Marshal Petain's
insatiable appetite for power.

Once in the position,
he'll never give it up!

It won't be our problem any longer.

Young man,
would you like to help me?

Well, the situation is crystal clear,
the armistice will be signed...

...and this is the end
of our country.

It's a disaster.

I shall have tried everything.

What are you planning to do?

More to the point...
what are YOU planning to do?

You could lead a government in exile
from London.

Make up a story that I accept,
and that I'm remaining in Bordeaux.

Organize me
one appointment per hour.

Arrange a lunch for me,
and a dinner tomorrow night...

I'm leaving for London.

I have a pad in London.

Here's the address.
You never know.

- Thank you.
- You're welcome.

Here's 100,000 francs.

Part of our secret funds.
It may be of use to you.

You're well aware
of the risks you're taking?

Farewell, Courcel.

No one knows what tomorrow will hold.
Good luck!

I am going with you, General!

Charles my darling,
love of my life...

I don't know where you are
and I don't know where I'm going.

I need so much
to talk to you...

...and I hope these words
will find you.

There you are.

Right!

For the first time in 20 years...

...we find ourselves lost...

..in the total uncertainty of seeing
each other again some day.

Charles, where are you?

When we are together,
I feel so strong...

...so sure, so certain
of the path to follow.

Who could imagine
this situation?

Here I am alone, with nothing

...at the head of this poor cohort
who can do nothing either...

...facing the conflagration
that surrounds us.

[Speaking German]

Come on!

I always knew
how to find strength...

...and joy, in the trials
that we've had to face.

And I'm not just talking
of the war...

...and the haunting, permanent fear
of losing you.

I'm also talking about our little Anne,
who we love so much.

Come on, Anne.

Today, viewing at a country
which seems to be disappearing...

...without you by my side...

...I feel helpless.

I am in the situation of a mother
who must protect her children...

...and who'll take risks
which could lead them to death.

[German]

You have a very beautiful home,
Madame.

Do you want to go to Brest?

It's dangerous.
The port was bombed.

I'm not even sure
that a boat can be found.

- To go where?
- To Algeria or England.

The roads are impassable.
There are soldiers everywhere.

I need you to come.

Don't count on it.
I don't want to leave 2 orphans.

It would be best to wait.

If you allow me, madam,

I'd like to come with you.

I've been with you 10 years,
and don't want to leave you.

Unpredictable and
as stubborn as a mule...

That's the way
you've always been.

Take this...
you're going to need it.

Take care, with yourself
and the children.

Thanks.

The French living in London
and can work in shifts.

And their intentions?

They'd vary with their interests.

You mean they'll line up
with the new power?

Some of them hate
the idea of defeat.

You can meet them,
see if they can help.

We'll need commitments...

...and above all, means.

Were you able to speak
to your wife?

No, she doesn't know
that I am in London.

Here is a childhood friend,
Elisabeth de Miribel.

- Hello.
- Pleased to meet you.

She got us these lists.

What do you know about these people?
What are they doing in London?

There are businessmen...

...performing artists...
3,000 French live in London.

And you?

I work with the economic mission.
So I was able to get these lists.

We'll need to contact them,
to see whose side they're on.

Very good, General.

If I can help you...

Can you use a typewriter?

- I can try.
- Then you're welcome.

The marshal is going
to speak on the radio.

He will not have wasted time.

This is French National Radio

Marshal Petain,

President of the Council of Ministers,
will speak to you.

People of France!

This is the President of the Republic
speaking to you..

I assume from today...

...the leadership
of the government of France.

Sure of the affection
of our admirable army...

...which battles with a heroism...

...steeped in our long
military tradition...

...against an enemy,
superior in size and in arms...

...sure of trust
of the whole nation...

...I present to France...

...the gift of my person...

to alleviate her misfortune.

In these painful hours...

...my thoughts are with
the unfortunate refugees...

...who, in a state of destitution...

...crisscross our roads.

I express my compassion to them
and my concern.

It is with a heavy heart...

...that I tell you today
that we must stop the fight.

I addressed myself this night...

...to our adversary...

...to ask him if he is ready...

...to search with me,
soldier to soldier...

...after the fight,
and with honour...

...for the way to end...

...these hostilities.

That every French person
supports the government I chair...

Let's wait.

The victor of Verdun
can he be so wrong?

...to listen only to their faith
in the fate of the motherland.

Can you believe it?
What humiliation!

Once again we can not
rely only on ourselves.

We've lost because of
lounge-lizard officers like you.

With the cushy jobs!

You should be fighting!

Fighting? In the war
we don't want any more?

I left Arras 2 weeks ago.
I lost everything!

My house was bombed,
my husband is a prisoner.

And all the bodies on the roads...!

No one protected us.

Nobody!

Neither the soldiers
nor the politicians!

I don't want this war any more,
I can not stand it any more!

I wish I could go home
and the blood would stop flowing.

Why does he give up so quickly?

Marshal Petain has always dreamed
of bringing down the Republic.

So today, wearing a halo
from his past...

...he arises there,
as a savior.

You know him well.
You served under him.

I lived in barracks with him.

I even wrote strategies
that he claimed as his own.

I admired the man of action.

In my dedication,
I praised his fame.

He's betraying France!

That is why
we need another voice.

And of course that voice...

...is you?

Yes.

My message of resistance
must be relayed and repeated.

It is the only way to save France
and oppose the Nazis.

What I like about you...

...is that you see the big picture.

But I still wonder about you.

Are you a lunatic...
or a genius?

I'm a minor brigadier-general...

...without troops,
without any legitimacy...

...and most of all,
without any means.

Why should I put
any trust in you?

Because I won't bow to Hitler.

Because I am here.

Because I'm the only one.

Not a soldier...

...not a rifle, not a ship.

Mr Churchill...

...you know the power of words...

...the strength of language.

Words are the only weapons
that I have left.

But your voicing of your opinions...

...politically, would be a bomb!

Dialogue with the vanquished...
if that's in your immediate interest.

But don't turn your back
on the one who refuses defeat.

In fact, you are neither
a lunatic nor a genius...

You're a man full of pride.

I'm mostly a man
who left everything...

...his country,
his function, his career.

And who left his family
in a land of fire and blood.

The...

Reprisals will be immediate,
upon your family.

They are in Brittany,
I've been told.

As far as I know, but...

I have no news.

I will send a plane...

...to bring them here to you.

It would be a huge relief.
Yes.

Philippe, are you coming!
Philippe!

Philippe!

I'll answer you.

Stay close behind me! Philippe!

Follow us, Philippe!

Go home!

You can't stay here.
It's dangerous!

You can't stay here.
It's dangerous!

You can't stay here!

It's dangerous!

There is more room
on any boat!

I can't do anything for you.

There is more room
on any boat.

You have to go home!
It's too dangerous!

- Go home!
- Where is she? Anne!

Anne? Anne?

Anne!

Anne!

Anne?

Oh my dear girl.

Mummy!

Sir, you know if there
is still a boat leaving?

At the end of the south quay.
A Dutch boat. The last.

- Thank you.
- It's at your own risk.

The one before went down,
torpedoed by the sluice.

Quickly!

Where is this boat going? Where to?
The destination?

Where God wants to take us.

Are you okay sweetie?

I know that we mustn't complain.
But it's hard...

We don't even know
where we're going.

Don't worry, we have a chance
to be together and alive.

That's all that matters.

The lines are cut in France.

These are the tanks, the planes...

The German tactics
that surprised our leaders.

I'm speaking to you as one
who knows the reasons...

And tell you that all is not lost
for France.

All is not lost for France...

But has the last word been said?

Defeat...

Is that final?

The war was not concluded
by the battle of France.

This war...

...is a world war.

It's open!

Hello, General.

We have plenty to work on.

Courcel,
type that for me asap.

Right away, General.

- I would like to read it quickly.
- Of course.

- Hello, General.
- Hello.

Alright?

A bit strained.
Did you find a ribbon?

It's illegible writing.

This government, comma,
alleging defeat...

Wait...

This government, comma...

...alleging defeat...

...of our armies...

comma,

...made contact with the Germans...

No!

Replace "Germans"
with "the enemy".

...made contact
with the enemy...

...to ask them for
a cessation of combat...

Full stop.

...of combat.

Thank you.

The war cabinet
validated your request.

You will have 4 minutes
of airtime this evening.

I never doubted it.

They are waiting
for your speech this morning.

What? Have my copy proofread?
But who do they think they are?

The voice of France doesn't depend
on the mood of British politicians.

You tell them I said no.

We aren't in a position
to engage in power games.

It's already been a miracle,
to get to talk to the BBC.

What do we have to fear?

Above all, what
do we have to lose?

Alright, pass it on to them.

But they can't change
as much as a comma.

Hello, Suzanne?

It's Charles.
How are you?

Glad to hear you.
I'm fine.

- Can I speak to Yvonne?
- She left with the children.

I accompanied her to Brest.

She left? Was she able
to get on board? For where?

I don't know.
I think she mentioned Algiers.

Algiers...
Was she able to get on a ship?

I don't know.
It was total panic there.

I was made to leave.
I'd left the children.

Take very good care of yourself.
I'll leave you to it.

I kiss you.
Goodbye.

Find what you can on departures
out of the port of Brest.

A problem?

My wife and children
sought to embark from there.

Sure. I'll get right on it.

Ah, de Gaulle! There you are.

- We'll have to wait.
- Wait?

It's urgent.

The war cabinet
has backtracked.

Good Lord!

Stay calm.

Can we do a voice test?

France...

Louder.

France...

Thank you, that's perfect.

Good evening.
This is London.

The BBC speaks to France.

Welcome to
"The French Quarter Hour".

Tonight we'll have the pleasure
of listening to Lucienne Delyle.

But for now, a French general
wishes to speak to you. General...

Charles de Gaulle.

The leader,
who for many years,

...has been at the head
French armies...

...has formed a government.

This government, alleging defeat
of our armies...

...made contact with the enemy...

...for a cessation of combat.

Certainly we have been...

...and still are, overwhelmed
by the enemy's mechanical forces...

...both on the ground
and in the air.

Infinitely more than
their sheer numbers...

...it is the German tank
and plane tactics...

...that have forced
us to back down..

It is the German tank
and plane tactics...

...that have surprised our leaders
to the point of bringing them...

...to where they stand today.

But has the final word
been spoken?

Must all hope disappear?

Is this the final defeat?

No!

Believe me!

I speak as one
who knows the reasons...

...and I tell you that nothing
is lost for France.

The same means
that defeated us...

..can one day
bring us victory.

Because France is not alone.

She is not alone!

She is not alone!

She has a vast empire
behind her.

She can combine
with the British Empire...

...that still rules the waves...
and is continuing the struggle.

She can, like England...

...use without limits, the immense
industry of the United States.

This war is not limited...

...to the unhappy land
that is our country.

This war is not concluded
by the battle of France.

This war is a world war.

All the mistakes...

...all the delays,
all the suffering...

...do not alter the fact
that there is in this world...

...all the necessary means
to crush our enemies one day.

Struck down today
by mechanical force...

...we can win in the future,
by superior mechanical force.

The fate of the world is here.

I...

...General de Gaulle,
presently in London...

...invite
French officers and soldiers...

..who are in British territory...

...or who might come
to find themselves there...

with or without their weapons...

I invite the engineers...

...and specialist workers
in the armaments industries...

...who are in British territory...

...or who might come
to find themselves there...

...to get in touch with me.

Whatever happens...

...the flame of French resistance...

...must not go out now,
nor in the future.

Tomorrow, like today...

...I will speak on London radio.

Well now, as promised,
let's listen to Lucienne Delyle.

The French government
condemns you for treason...

...threat to State security,
desertion...

...in times of war.
You are stripped of your rank...

...and of your French citizenship.

All your property is confiscated.

You are ordered to return
to France immediately.

I just got Spears.

The Germans have reached
Saint-Nazaire and Brest.

They're destroying everything.

Boats that have left?

Out of the 3 that left yesterday,
2 were sunk.

There's no way of knowing
if your family was on board.

I understand.

I'll see how long
this will all last.

Sit there! Anne!

- Come on, my dear.
- Next to Marguerite.

- Hold her back.
- I've got her.

Mummy!

Look.

I've something to show you.

You can stroke him.

He's nice.

His name's Pacha.

You can stroke him
if you want.

Excuse me.

Sorry.

It may be a long time.

Are they sending us away?

No.
Well I hope...

The hardest part will be finding
accommodation. The hotels are full.

It doesn't matter for us,
but I'm worried about Anne.

The locals are renting rooms.

There are ads
in the local papers.

- Thank you, madam.
- My pleasure.

Well then...!
With a bit of luck...

Keep an eye on the cost.

Mother!

Mother, look!

Hello?

Yes.

I've been so frightened!

So frightened...

By embodying The Resistance,

he allowed France
to sit at the victors' table in 1945.

Honour, common sense...

the best interests of the motherland...

...command all free French...

...to continue the fight...

...wherever they are
and how best they can.

I, General de Gaulle...

...undertake here, in England...

...this national task.

I invite the leaders...

...the soldiers, the sailors,
the airmen of the French forces...

[Anne died at 20
in her parents' arms]

on land, at sea and in the air...

...wherever they may find themselves...

...to get in touch with me.

I invite all the French...

...who want to stay free,
to listen to me and follow me.

[After the war, Yvonne de Gaulle
started an institute for fostering
mentally-handicapped girls.]

Subtitles by FatPlank for KG