Miss Stone (1958) - full transcript

MISS STONE

Staring

Directed by Zika Mitrovic

At the beginning of the 20th
century, Macedonia was still

under Turkish rule. Many
church missions were trying

to spread their influence
among the subjugated people.

In 1901 the seat of the American
Protestant Church for Macedonia

was in Thessalonika,
headed by Dr. House.

We've been preparing the
journey to the inside regions

of Macedonia for a long time.
I know you are impatient.

I have good news. The Turkish
authorities permitted us



to organize a religion course
in the village Bansko.

You can leave right now.
- It's wonderful!

Katerina, I know that you're
looking forward to this.

It's not going to be easy for you
there and I know I promised

to come and help you. But,
unfortunately, I'll have to stay here.

But, how could we...
- I know it won't be easy for you

to manage the mission alone.
So we decided to send along

somebody who will be as useful
as I am -Miss Hellen Stone!

Katerina, let's introduce her
to our guide! -I almost forgot...

The next day, Miss Stone started
across the Pirin Mountain,

on her way to the inside regions
of Macedonia.

She was supposed to teach
and preach her religion.

Although she's never been
in this country before and

knew nothing about it, she
believed in herself and in her task.



After crossing the mountain, we'll
have one day rest in Razlog.

Ivan, wait!
Hold it!

Are you sure we'll cross
the mountain before dark?

Don't worry!
I know these parts.

Good day to you, commander.
- Who are these people?

An American church mission.
They have a traveling permit.

Let me see it!

All right! You may proceed.
But I don't recommend

traveling by night. There are
bandits in these mountains.

Let's go!

Let me see what this
Doctor House looks like!

I expected an older man.
- They have no military escort.

It means that we can do our job
in silence.

Doctor House!
You are coming with us!

Who? Me?
'Yes, you!

I am not Doctor House.
He remained in Thessalonika.

That's right. I didn't have
time to inform you.

Then, who is the leader
of this group? -Miss Stone.

The one in the middle. She's
going instead of Dr. House.

There goes our plan! Women
are out of the question! -Why?

If she is House's replacement
she can be as valuable.

Miss Stone,
you are coming with us!

Take her mule!

You mustn't! I will not let you!

Take it easy! Get up!

This is kidnapping! If you take
her, you'll answer for it!

What do you need Miss Stone
for? -Your friend won't be hurt.

Then, take me, too!
- What are you talking about?

We only need her.
- I'm not leaving her!

Katerina, calm down! Don't you
see they only want her?

She is my wife.
She is Macedonian...

You will come, too!
All the three of you! -What?

We'll need someone to take
the letter to Thessalonika.

Let the commander decide!
You go ahead to the camp.

Mandana!

Dismount!

Thank you!

Get inside!

Where is the commander?
- Up there.

What? It's not an open show!
Beat it! Now! -But, why...

We had no choice, Jane.
- I see...

But, hauling women all over
the mountains seems uncouth.

Hallo! -Have you heard
what we did?

Instead of Doctor House
you kidnapped Miss Stone!

And another woman with her!
- She was Krste's idea.

He seemed to like her.
- It's a crude joke!

I was against kidnapping
women from the start!

It seems to me that we didn't
make a mistake, though.

Only, we have to be quick.
- What did I tell you?

We have to complete our plan.
Explain to the American lady

that her stay in the mountains
depends on herself.

If she agrees she'll be free in two
weeks. And, release the couple!

They will take the letter
to the mission in Thessalonika.

We have to leave as soon as
tonight. The Turks will find out

what happened and they'll send
a posse. -I left two patrols

down the road. They'll warn us
if they see anything.

Take this to Doctor House in
Thessalonika. Tell him we want

25.000 Liras for Miss Stone.
In a week's time one of our men

will contact you, and you'll tell
him Doctor House's answer.

How will this man find us?
- He will, don't worry!

You're going with your husband.
- I am staying with Miss Stone!

Don't be silly, Katerina!

Please, let me stay! -Your
sacrifice is senseless.

Get ready to leave!

Good morning!

Good morning...
Good morning...

Here!

What do you say?

Hold the rifle firmly... That's it!
And now, can you aim? -Yes...

She asks where are we.
- In an eagle's nest.

She asks if you are Christian.
- Who, me? -Yes, you!

I am on bad terms both with
God and with Mohammad.

What is your name? -I have
no name. -You're nameless?

My nickname is indecent...
Not for the ears of such ladies.

Mandana.

This lady is American and
she would like to talk to you.

From America, eh? My brother
works there on the railway.

The other one is here,
working hard as a farmer.

What? She sounds as if she's
blaming me for something.

She says, your brothers are
working while you're roaming

the mountains with
a gun in your hand.

Do you think I left my wife
and my five children because

I enjoy strolling the mountains?
You know nothing about us!

My brother writes that in America
they've heard only of the Turks.

They know nothing about the
other people, the Christians,

people like us,
who live in hell.

She wants to know where are we
and how long shall we stay here.

If you want to wash, you'll find
the fountain in the courtyard.

We asked something else!
- And I answered something else!

Good morning!

Did he meet my husband? -No.
He is also in Constantinople.

I'll ask the commander to release
you. -I won't leave her!

Are you afraid something
might happen to her?

No, but she's in a foreign
country. It'll be difficult for her.

I'll take you to a village. It will be
easier for you among women.

Is Jane there? -Yes. Still
reconciling the peasants.

We should settle this matter
in front of the commander...

We couldn't expect anything
from the Turkish judges.

That's why we came to you.
Tell us who is right

or I'll sue him until
the day he dies!

What is the price of that
parcel of land? -5 Liras.

And, how much have you spent
on legal taxes? -30 Liras.

Do you hear that?
They're laughing at you.

But, what else could we do?
It's about the land... -That's right!

Only, you are wrong
if you think it's yours.

It is neither yours nor his!
It's Turkish,

as long as the Turk is its master!
- He is right...

And you picked the wrong time
for quarrels and prosecutions.

While we are preparing a fight
for freedom and autonomy

you're quarreling over a piece
of land! You spent 30 Liras

on Turkish courts. You could've
bought 6 rifles for that money!

It is not difficult to judge this
matter, but under these

circumstances, it's embarrassing
to waste time on your trifles!

It is all your fault!
You could've slacked up...

We had enough quarreling.
We were fools, both of us!

Now, shake your hands!
- Enough of that! Reconcile now!

Let's put an end to this!
- That's it! They reconciled!

I have other news for you. -As if
the ones from Thessalonika

do not suffice!
- Katerina is pregnant.

What? How come you know it?
- She had pains a while ago.

You've brought a pregnant
woman! -How could we know?

It is all your fault, Dr. House!
You are safe at home

in Thessalonika while women
roam the mountains!

She wants to stay with the
American. I'll take her to a village.

Take her to Ratovo to our
friends. We'll be around.

What does the Committee say
about the kidnapping?

I still haven't received
the Committee's opinion.

What if they don't approve?
- If we succeed, they'll approve.

What? Are you wavering?
- No! I just don't want

to compromise our Organization
with this kidnapping.

Don't worry! The Committee
takes care of our conscience.

If we compromise it,
we'll lose our heads!

The Revolutionary Organization
had hideouts in many villages

all over Macedonia.
In the village of Ratovo

it was in the house
of the chief of the village.

Go and find the village chief!
Tell him to wait for us!

We will go down to the village
only after the nightfall.

Here, have some more! Come
on, Mandana! Don't be shy!

A good meal it was.

Here, have some!
- No, thank you.

You are tired...
- I don't feel well...

Is this your first child?
- Yes.

Don't worry. I'll always
be around. -Cheers!

Leave it!
You are the guest here!

When is your son's wedding?
- This fall. Everything is ready.

If only the Turks would leave
us alone... -God help us!

Come on, it's bedtime.

Good night!

Don't reproach her for what she
said. She comes from a country

where people live
and think differently.

She doesn't understand you.
- And, how about you?

I was born here. I've been
hearing this since I a was child.

Excuse me for asking,
but I find it a little unusual...

How did you became a
Protestant missionary?

When I was ten I lost my house
and my parents in a fire.

The Protestant mission
took me and educated me.

And your husband? Where is he
from? -He is native here, too.

Similar fate brought us together.
We studied in the United States.

Good night!

Aha, taking a stroll...
Go on...

Only, don't go out there! Mind
the dogs! They might bite you.

She's asking if you'd like
to secure your children.

That's why I am in this outfit.
Doesn't she know that

my kids are the only reason
I'm in these mountains.

She wants you to take us down.
Her friends will reward you.

Me? -Yes, you!
- Really! How much?

You'll get as much as you ask.

So, I'll get as much as I ask?

Well... I want 25.000 Liras.

What? You don't agree?

Aren't you something?

The Turks are coming!
Take the women upstairs!

Don't be afraid! They won't
find us. Come on! Hurry!

This way! Upstairs!

Find Cernopeev! Tell him
what's happening!

Be ready to do anything!

Don't be afraid! They are
not here because of you.

This is commander Suleiman.
- What's he doing here?

Collecting the taxes.
He'll skin us like goats!

You better go down.

Sit down!

Last time you received me,
you told me you'll take

all the necessary measures
to free the American citizen

Miss Stone and Mrs. Cilka
from the bandits.

It's been a month,
and nothing has changed.

His Majesty, the Sultan, is
beseeching you to explain

to the U. S. Government how
difficult it is to catch the bandits,

that are hiding in the
Macedonian mountains.

His Majesty ordered to do all that
is necessary to free the women.

Has your Excellency considered
the possibility of paying

the ransom to the bandits
from the mountains?

My Government expects you
to pay the sum immediately.

I am afraid this is not possible
because we are not dealing

with common outlaws.
Miss Stone and Mrs. Cilka

were taken by members of an
illegal Macedonian organization.

This kidnapping was carried out
for special political reasons.

Tell the commander to send
a special battalion to Pirin.

Sandanski must be destroyed
and the women saved...

Cost what it may!
- Yes, your Excellency.

Where did they go?
This was found in your attic!

They were in your house.
Speak up, you Christian dog!

Speak up!

Burn the village!
- Yes, Sir!

We have already burnt
four villages.

Sandanski was here with the
American. That'd be enough.

Thank you, my dear!

What is it?
Your tooth? Wait...

Here! Try some brandy.
It's the best medicine.

She won't. She is against
drinking. -Let her just try!

Have some! It'll do you good.
Here!

What did Hell you, eh?

Mandana, they're bringing
the village chief.

What happened? -The Turks
beat him and burnt the village.

They found out that you and
the women had stayed in our house.

They killed twenty men...
and burnt four other villages.

Did you see them in the village?
- Yes. -How many were there?

Several battalions of infantry,
cavalry and artillery.

They are dragging cannons!
- They can kiss my...

Here! Roll one for the old man!
- Mitre!

Good evening, Miss Stone!
Do you speak French? -A little...

I can't sleep, either...
I would like to talk to you.

Have you heard what is
going on in our villages?

I sympathize with the innocent
people. -If you sympathize,

why don't you stop this affair?
Your diplomats are pressing

the vizier in Constantinople
to send more troops on us.

What can I do?
- Ask your mission to pay!

I have devoted my life to charity,
and you want to buy arms.

I can't support killing.
A Christian doesn't return

violence for violence. -For 400
years these Christians-We been

standing the Turkish violence.
And, it has lasted long enough.

I am referring to you as a person
born in a free country.

You see that these people live
like slaves in their own country.

Or, maybe you think they should
not seek for their freedom? -No!

I'm only against the killing.
- Is that our only point

of disagreement? -I think so.
- Then, what shall we do?

We're devoted to our cause. Our
slogan is "Freedom or Death".

I have a slogan myself.
And I won't give in, either.

Turks are coming!
- Where are they?

At Crni Steni. -They can
surround us.

We must leave the village.
- Krste, take the women

across the lake.
Meet me at Suvi Vrv!

You, bring the women!
Take cover! Turks are coming!

Go up there!

We must leave right away!

What's the matter?
- Turks are coming!

You go down there!

Hurry "P!

The women are in the boat!

Come on! Get going!

The "Golden Boat" café was one
of the many secret basis of

the Macedonian Revolutionary
Organization in Thessalonika.

They are here!

Good evening!

This is Doctor House! -Excuse
me for having to meet you here,

but the police was pretty active
these days. -I understand.

What news do you have? -Still
no news from our ambassador.

Believe me, I'm doing my best.
I sent a letter to the U. S. A.

To collect donations, but it's
going rather slowly.

However, the Turkish authorities
claim that Miss Stone isn't alive.

And we haven't received any
word from her, either.

A single letter from Miss Stone
could change this situation.

It will do no good. It's getting
hard for us to protect the women.

We are surrounded by Turkish
forces. -My poor Katerina!

Are you aware that you are
responsible for their lives?

We're responsible for thousands
of lives devoted to the cause!

I will call on Mr. Dickenson
again. That's all I can do.

Katerina is due very soon.
Would you like to give her

some things for the baby?
Diapers and things like that...

I'll take it.

The police are here!

Have you told anyone about this
meeting? -I haven't. I swear!

The spindle suits him fine!
- Women have tamed him well!

He'll be eating out of their
hands soon. -Poor Mandana!

He used to be a fighter.
And, look at him now!

I have to go on watch now.
Watch, you know...

What now? The tooth again?
Here! Have some...

God is punishing you for
torturing me this afternoon.

We brought you a Christmas
present. Here you are!

We've also heard that on
Christmas the Americans eat...

I am dying to see the
American plucking the turkey.

I want to thank you for your
kindness! -You're welcome!

I'm done now!

Jane! The Turks are here!
- Where? -Down by the brook.

We must leave at once!
Mandana, take the women!

We must cross the mountain
and be quick. We'll only be safe

on the other side. -We need
at least three days to get there.

We'll go straight upwards. -With
the women? It's all covered

with snow up there. We could
hardly cross it ourselves.

We must! You yourself said that
the Turks could reach us here.

The women are exhausted.
- I know...

We hardly escaped the Turks.
I can't stop now.

She fell again.
She can't go on like this.

You'll carry her! -But.. -What?
We'll carry her, all right!

On the other side of the
mountain we'll find a shelter.

There are no Turks there.
- Thank you!

Come on! Get up!
Let's go on!

Two more months have passed.
Spring was approaching.

The Turks have been blocking
all the passages across Pirin,

yet in vain. Sandanski's outfit
always managed to slip away.

I promised to end this
campaign in two weeks.

I gave my word, the word
of a soldier and a bay!

The operation is
to be finished in a fortnight.

To work now!

Close the circle around Pirin.
Don't let anyone out! -Yes, Sir!

Poor Katerina!
Giving birth in the mountains...

How is she?

What is it?
- Can't find him, commander.

Who saw Krste last? -He said
he was going to the village.

But, I didn't let him!

Have you seen the Turkish
patrols? They're everywhere!

I'd rather fight then hide.
- You'll fight, don't worry.

Here comes Krste!

Why did you go down? The
Turkish patrols are everywhere.

She can't make it alone. And
Miss Stone is all mixed up.

But, you are wounded.
You could've got killed.

And, what if you've dragged
the Turks at us?

The baby will be born tonight.

We must release the women.
Do you agree?

There's no other solution. You'll
try to make it to the valley.

Alert the village militia
to attack the Turks from behind.

If you see the Kukus outfit,
tell them to come immediately.

Although... I think they are
moving towards Strumica.

Get ready for tomorrow! We'll
have to fight Osman Bey.

A baby!

A baby!

A baby is born
in our outfit, men!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!
- Congratulations!

May it live long and
may the next one be a boy!

Well, I'll be leaving now...
- Good bye! -Good night!

It's a custom that someone
wishes luck to the newborn.

Who is going to bless it?
- Isn't it obvious? Mandana!

He's looking forward
to start talking.

The men want you to say
a blessing to the child.

May the Lord give you
long and happy life.

May you be the apple
of your mother's eye.

May you be straight
as the Pirin pine.

May you have the golden
voice of a nightingale...

For, you are our
nightingale now.

And, one day when you look
at the big blue above

and when you hear a nightingale
singing, remember us.

Remember the outfit
in which you were born.

'Cause this outfit, my angel,
fights for your freedom.

You can't show her the sky now.
Whistle the nightingale? song!

Like a real nightingale!
- I love to listen to him!

I have a wish, commander!
I want to christen the child.

Don't rush! You'll be with your
husband in a couple of days.

How come? -We are releasing
you. Both of you.

We'll take the first possible
chance to take you to a village.

And, what about the ransom?
- It's lost, same as the arms

we wanted to buy with it.
We'll find other ways to get it.

Yes! Like, next year guns
will grow like cucumbers!

Miss Stone wants to thank you.
And, I want to name my child.

Who'll propose the name?
- The outfit will do it.

Is it a boy or a girl?
- A girl.

Let's name her...
Autonomy!

Oh, come on!

Why? It's a nice name! -it's not
a name for a child, Cernopeev!

I have a suggestion.

Elena!

Do you agree with that name?
- Thank you, commander!

Well, it's Elena, then!
Congratulations!

This is Vaseline. May be
useful for the baby. -What...

I used it to oil the gun,
but now...

I'm becoming a beast!
I can almost feel them

coming through the darkness.
- I told the men to get ready.

The Turks will attack, that's
for sure! When we repulse

their first strike, you'll lead
forward to the valley.

There's no other way but to
break through the Turkish lines.

That night the Turks closed
the circle around Pirin.

Osman Bay was preparing for
the final battle with Jane's outfit.

A word went around the villages
that the outfit was surrounded.

Village militia gathered men to
help. "Freedom or Death" was

the oath under which hundreds
of new fighters were sworn in.

My fingers are stiff frozen.
- Can Katerina walk?

She has no choice.
- Let the women be ready!

The Turks don't shoot that often
any more. -They are cold, too.

They are waiting... For a
reinforcement, maybe...

Prepare the cannons!

Ready!

Fire!

Now you know what
were they waiting for.

Let's move!
Come on!

Fire!

Infantry, charge!

Charge!

Fire!

Now!

Attack!

Get the cavalry!
- Yes, Sir!

You stay here, Mandana!
Attack!

The women...!

Hurry! Let's go!
- Wait...

Lie down!

Take the women away!

Get behind the rock!
Quickly!

Come on!
- No! Mandana!

Mandana!

Stop! Don't run!
Stay where you are.

Get the reinforcement!
- Yes, Sir!

How shall we hold this?

We're just on time.

Men, villagers!
Freedom or Death!

Halt! Stop them!

Mandana...

We breached the Turkish
line. You have to leave

right away. I'll give you an
escort. But, you must hurry

because the Turks are getting
reinforcement.

Commander, I'll write that letter.

Then you'll have to stay with us.

I know. I'll stay here
until you get the money.

How was it in Thessalonika?
- See for yourself! Hallo, Jane!

Good guns!
- They're fine!

Dickenson finally got the
money from the vizier.

Farewell, Katerina!
- Farewell, Krste!

Think of us! I know you
had a rough time with us,

but still... think of us sometimes!
- I'll always think of you. Always!

Good bye, Miss Stone! We must
part here. Don't remember us

by the bad stuff! -Good bye,
commander! I promise that

when I return to my country,
I'll tell that I haven't been

with some bandits.
- Thank you! Good bye!

Come on! Let's go!