The 25th Hour (1967) - full transcript

Let me through!

They can't do it without me!
I'm the godfather.

Let me through, please.

Uh!

Let me through.
Godfather.

I'm the godfather.

Excuse me.

Our father who art in Heaven,
hallowed be thy name..

Ghitza, you're late.

- Why are you late?
- I'll tell you about it later.

- Give me the baby.
- Thy will be done on Earth..



Easy.

Give us this day
our daily bread..

Suzanna.

- I'm sorry to be late, Suzanna.
- Shh.

Quiet, Ghitza,
you make too much noise.

As we forgive them
that trespass against us

and lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

Give me the child.

What does this child need?

What does this child need?

- Faith, hope and baptism.
- Huh?

Faith, hope and baptism.



Faith, hope and baptism.

Hiya! Aah!

Whoa!

Ho hup hup.

Hup hup.

Heyiep.

- Suzanna.
- Uh?

- Come on.
- Heh heh heh.

Hey op op ho oh op.

Lovely music!

It makes babies happy.

And cows gives more milk.

Hopa hopa.

Johann, let me explain
to you about this morning.

Explain what?

Well, you know how happy
I am to be a godfather.

You only have one godfather.

You know, you missed
half the ceremony.

Johann, I'm trying
to tell you something.

Give me a glass.

Johann, I want
to tell you something.

What?

Yesterday, George Damian

got me a job, on his ship.

- As a stoker.
- Good.

Well, in 27 days,
I shall be in New York.

- America?
- Yes.

I know, it doesn't look right.

A godfather to leave the country
the day after the baptism.

But I-I won't stay long.

I'll earn a great deal of money.

I'll come back to Fontana.

Buy myself some good land.

- Hey, Johann.
- What?

You're not angry with me?

Why should I be angry? My son
will have a rich godfather.

Give me a glass.

What is the name of your ship?

Why do you ask?

Because tonight,
I'm sure to dream about it.

And I want to
get her name right.

- It's the Danou.
- The Danou.

To the Danou.

You know, once
I almost went to America.

Yes?

I took all my savings.

A ticket for San Francisco.

That night. God bless you,
mother. Goodbye, father.

My bags packed..

Well, why did you not go?

I couldn't stop
a woman from crying.

So I married her instead.

- You know what?
- What?

I am glad.

See?

* Hey hey hey *

* A-a-ah *

* Hey hey hey *

* Hey hey hey ohh *

* Hey hey hey *

* Hey **

Suzanna.

Hello, Mr. Trajan. Glad.

Quite glad to meet you.

This is an honor for our son.

How could I miss such an event?

That's for Anton, with our love.

- Oh.
- And for his father and mother.

- Thank you.
- Please, please, come in.

Father, your son is here.

- Hello, daughter.
- Oh!

- Trajan!
- Father!

My dear!

- This is for you, mother.
- Oh! What is it?

Where's this famous baby of yours?

Oh, he's inside. He loves
to sleep. Like his father.

Me? When do I sleep?

You can sleep through anything.

Me?

Oh! He's awake.

Oh..

Oh, Johann, turn it off, please.

Just a moment, Johann.

Why, father? Who is he?

Adolf Hitler.

What a voice!

He could raise
my dead horse. Heh heh.

Shh.

What is he talking about?

The Germans have
just invaded Czechoslovakia.

Is that good for Fontana?

No. No, it's no good
for anyone.

Oh! We will never stop him.

We have to stop him. All of us.

- But how?
- Please, Nora.

Are you writing
another novel, Trajan?

- No.
- Why not?

I don't think
it's a time for fiction.

There is a time for all
the things a man should do.

- That is scripture.
- Exactly.

The great storm
is coming, father.

Now is a time to-to report
before it blows us all.

You and me
and Johann Moritz here.

But are we so interesting?
What can you call such a book?

Title comes later, mama.

You're so brilliant, my son.

But there are
only 24 hours in a day.

Don't waste them.

They have already been wasted.

This is the 25th hour.

I wonder who of us
will survive it.

Hello, Suzanna!

Hasn't your husband finished
building your house yet?

Um. My husband can finish
anything he starts, Dobresco.

As you can see.

And where is your fine stallion?

At the flour mill.

Grinding away, of course.

Are you jealous?

Ha ha.

I don't have
to be jealous of a peasant.

I can get any woman I want.

Hm. Except me.

Look, Suzanna, when you were
the prettiest girl in Fontana

and I was the handsomest officer

we had a few laughs together.

Hm, why not?

You were always funny, Dobresco.

'Ah, you're
the prettiest mother'

and I'm the police captain.

Why not open the gate?
What have you got to lose?

Let me think now.

I'd rather make
two more bricks. Huh.

Oh, come on, Suzanna.

Don't be mean to me.

Maybe you'll need me one day.

When that day comes, Dobresco,
I'll take the veil.

Now, get off.

If Yanni catches you,
trying your tricks on me

he'll split your head open.

Ah! Let him try.

I'm still the strong man
in this village.

Tell me, Suzanna,
if Yanni wasn't coming back

would you open up?

Open up? For you?

I never did before,
why should I now?

You're a married woman now.

You're not afraid
now as we can see.

Now, clear off, Dobresco.
You're not funny anymore.

Answer me and I'll go.
Just say yes or no.

If you weren't expecting Yanni
back, would you open the gate?

If he were away
for a few months, say?

Why should Yanni go away
for a few months?

He might.
Supposing he did, what then?

Wait till the time comes,
Dobresco, and try your luck.

Who knows?
I might get desperate.

Yes, indeed!
You might get very desperate.

Goodbye, Suzanna darling.

Go to the devil,
Dobresco darling.

Whoa!

Oh!

Suzanna!

Suzanna!

Why is this gate locked?

Oh! It's locked?

How did that happen?

- Ah.
- Uh.

You look tired.

It's hard work at the mill.

Why are you so late?

I went by the post office.

There was a...postcard.

From America.

Oh, it's from Ghitza.

He's in New York already?

Look at that.

Just look at that.

"New York City."

If it wasn't for me,
you'd be there.

Maybe, but then,
what would I do without you?

- Hm, hm-m-m.
- Oh, you sill..

Oh, come on, Johann,
the soup will get cold.

Who needs soup?

You do, hmm,
or you'll get worn out.

Worn out.

Never, never, never.

Johann Moritz, it's for you.

- What is that?
- Another requisition order.

- Oh, let me see.
- Oh, later.

Let's eat. Ah. Mm.

It's gonna be another hot day.

The bricks will crack.

Cover them. All.

And wet them down good.

I have to lose all morning just

just because
of this stupid paper.

Johann, let me dress
and come with you.

What do you think this is?
Sunday? You have work to do.

Oh!

This afternoon,
we will break the bricks.

Hey ya! Hey yaaa! Hey ah.

Hey.

Yahoo.

Ha!

Marcou! What-what are you doing?

- Get back.
- Hold it there.

What, what's happening?

I came to see Sergeant Dobresco.

Just a moment.

- You wait here.
- Marcou, wha-what's happening?

Sergeant, Johann Moritz is here.

Let him wait.

"I'm expediting to your command,
Marcou Goldenberg, lawyer, 30

"and Johann Moritz, farmer, 44.

"In accordance with the latest
regulations under the act

"for protection of the nation
against Jews and undesirables.

"Calling for the requisitioning
and expediting to labor camps

"of all the said Jews
and undesirables

"residing within this district.

"Signed,
Sergeant Nicolai Dobresco

District Captain, Fontana."

Sergeant.

Hm?

Moritz is not a Jew, sergeant.

So?

He's not an undesirable
either, sergeant.

Father Koruga
thinks a lot of him.

I am the law here.
Not Father Koruga.

And to me,
Moritz is highly undesirable.

Take the report quickly.

Wait! W-w-wait! Wait!

- I wanted to see Dobresco!
- Oh! Oh!

- Oh!
- Look!

You-you're making a mistake.

I came to see Dobresco!

You're-you're making a mistake.

Marcou, Marcou,
what-what am I doing here?

What am I doing here?

Well, with you
it's, it's different.

Why? Because I'm a Jew?

Marcou, for you,
it's an injustice, I agree.

But for me it's a mistake,
it's, it's a stupid mistake.

The distinction escapes me.

Marcou, please, please
tell them, I am not a Jew.

Look, Johann,
we're living in a world

where any human being
can become a Jew at any moment.

Attention all of you!

Form columns and forward march!

Marcou, Ma..

Hello, Suzanna!

How are you today?

Johann is still grinding
at the mill?

He isn't here, Nicolai.

Going to let me in now?

The gate is open, Nicolai.

Stop, Suzanna.
What are you doing?

- 'You're crazy!'
- Where is my Yanni?

'Yanni'll be back
as soon we get the job done.'

- Keep away from me!
- Oh, Suzanna.

Oh, stop it. You hear me.
Stop it, my darling.

Why should we fight?

Your dirty police took him away.

What do I have to do with it?

I-I obey orders, that's all.

You stupid pig!

You bitch!

I'm the law here.

Don't try me too fast, Suzanna.

I'm a man, you know.

A man? You?

You filthy, thieving

drunken, stinking, gutter pig!

I am a representative
of the Romanian government.

In my person, you've insulted
the king of Romania.

One of these days,
you'll get down on your knees

and beg me for
forgiveness. Beg me!

And I'll crush you like that.
Like that!

Calm! Halt!

Attention!

On your feet!

You have now arrived
at your destination.

My name is
Captain Apostol Constantin.

And I'm your commanding officer.

On the very spot
you're standing now

the king has ordered
that the canal be dug.

'It will serve as a barrier
against our hereditary enemy'

'the Russians, if they should
attack our country.'

The canal will extend from here
to the Topolitsa river.

Now I want you banana-noses
to listen carefully.

'You're going to dig this canal
with joy in your hearts.'

'Knowing that your labor's being
expended in a worthy cause.'

'First, because it's for
the defense of your country'

'and second,
because you're all Jews.'

'And at last you'll be
of some use to somebody.'

But...I'm not a Jew.

Now I want to give you all
a word of advice.

Each one of you is
going to be given

a certain quota of earth
to dig everyday.

And any man who doesn't
dig his assigned quota

is going to be
accused of sabotage

and court martialed
as an enemy of the father land.

Enough said!

'You will now
unload the trucks.'

'Work on the canal will start
tomorrow morning.'

Mister! Officer!
I'm not a Jew.

Aren't you ashamed?

What does he say?

- I--
- Said, it's a mistake.

A mistake?
The king doesn't make mistakes.

I'm sorry.
This time he made one.

You Jews always argue.

Start unloading the trucks.

Mister, who do I see
about this stupid mistake?

Anyone with a
legitimate complaint

can come and see me
in my office.

Where is your office?

It hasn't been built yet, idiot.

'Oh, and don't come
until it has.'

Alright.

- Sir!
- Sir.

- My boy.
- What?

What sort of behavior is this?

Aren't you among
your own people?

What is there to hide?

Look, I am not hiding anything.

- You feel alright?
- I'm alright.

Hey!

Listen, my boy.

Before they catch you..

...run, hide, deny.

Say anything to get away.

You are entitled.

But once you are caught,
what is there left but courage?

What has courage got to do with
the fact that I am not a Jew?

A Jew who denies his people,
cuts himself off from them.

I'm not denying anything.

If I were a Jew, I would say so.

- Proudly.
- That's better.

But I am not a Jew.

Please.
You are beginning to upset me.

I am a Christian.

- 'He is a Christian.'
- Baptized.

A little drop of water cannot
make a Christian out of a Jew.

Excuse me, sir.

Where is the minister's
office, please?

To the end of the hall
and turn left.

What is it?
What you want?

Your...Excellency.

S-sir, I-I have come
to see you.

Come in. Come in.

Please be seated, dear lady.

What can I do for you?

Hmm, it's about my husband, sir.

Hmm.

The mayor of our village

and the country commissioner
is saying..

...only you can get him back.

Now exactly, what is the
problem, my dear lady?

Well...it's just a silly mistake
with the war ministry.

O-oh-oh, I don't mean
you make mistakes but..

...someone who doesn't know
I need him.

Oh, please.
Help me.

- Help me.
- Please, dear lady. Please.

- What's his name?
- 'Johann Moritz.'

Johann Moritz.

'From Fontana.'

From Fontana.

'Five months ago,
Sergeant Dobresco'

'had him arrested
for being a Jew.'

'And I swear to you,
he's not.'

And he is not.

Look...here is the certificate

signed by Father Koruga
who baptized him.

Please, Your Excellency.

Let him come home again.

We've got two little babies.

Really?

And you've kept
your figure well. Very well.

Thank you, Your Excellency.

'So, release Johann..
What was that name again?'

Hmm...Moritz, Your Excellency.
Johann Moritz.

Johann Moritz.
I tell you what, Mrs. Moritz

I'm going to give your case
my personal attention.

Oh, thank you.
Thank you, Your Excellency.

Good morning, Your Excellency.

'Uh, Dimitri, bring me
the morning papers, will you?'

Right away, Your Excellency.

Dear Suzanna..

This is the 11th letter I've
written since I got to the camp

and you still have not answered.

I know writing is not easy.

But please.
This is very upsetting to me.

In case you have not received
my other ten letters

there are some things
I must repeat to you.

For six months,
we've been digging a canal

to stop the Russian army.

The camp commander
is of course very busy.

But as soon as he can see me, I
will explain everything to him.

And he will send me
back to Fontana.

Another thing.

Before I left
I bought some wood.

It is all cut and paid for.

It is very good Oakwood
for the barn I want to build.

And it costs a lot.

Old Artimi will show you where
I stacked it in the woods

and he will help you
carry it home.

By the way, you will have
to fix the well too

before the rainy season starts
or you will have trouble.

And it will cave in.

And if you are short of money

Palta owes me 500...get it.

I will be coming home
quite sooner. Don't worry.

Kiss Antone and Petra for me.

Your loving husband, Yanni.

You know where I
found these letters?

In the garbage.

It is the 11th letter
I have written to my wife.

What was it doing
in the garbage?

Why don't you ask the commander?

He's next door.

Go on.

'Come in.'

'Well, go on.'

Sir, it's about the--

I only listen to
complaints on Monday.

Get back to work.

- But...sir--
- But what?

But today is Monday.

Oh, a troublemaker, eh?

No, sir.
But I-I found--

Ah, you know what we do with
troublemakers around here?

You want me to tell you?

We put them on the garbage.

I'm already on garbage.

Sir..

Now listen to me, you..

Normally, I beat lousy
troublemaking Jews

into a sherry
and serve them to the pigs.

But, umm..

...anger ruins my appetite.

I don't want to let
an imbecile like you

spoil my wonderful gulag.

Strul, give him a smell
of our wonderful gulag.

Smell it!

No.

You probably owe your life
to this gulag.

Thank the gulag.

- Thank you, gulag.
- Hmm.

And while I'm in a good mood,
what's bothering you?

But make it short.

Sir, this is the 11th letter
I've written to my wife and I--

Short!

Send me home.
I'm not a Jew.

- You're not a Jew?
- No, sir.

- You're not a Jew?
- No, sir.

Strul, he's not a Jew.

Strul, get me the personal file.

Well..

...if you're not a Jew,
what are you doing here then?

Well, sir, that's what
I don't know.

- You see--
- Oh, you do not know.

The war minister says
you're Jewish.

And you say he's wrong.

- But there was a mistake.
- Moritz Yankel, two children.

Residents, village of Fontana.

Wife's name, Suzanna.

- That's you, isn't it?
- Yes, sir, that's me.

But my name is not Yankel.
It's Johann.

I swear by all the saints.
I'm not a Jew.

For five months
you've been in Jewish camp

and only now you tell me, why?

But every Monday for five months
I've been trying to tell you.

Now watch what
you're saying now.

Yankel Moritz or Johann Moritz
or whoever you are.

Don't involve me.

I've done 25 years service.

And I'm not spoiling my record
for a fool like you.

I'm not a fool.

And I'm not lying.

Alright.

Let's settle this matter
once and for all.

Get out.
And close the door.

Alright, what are you?

Romanian.
Orthodox.

And you know how Jews
are baptized?

Well, I think so.

And you're a Romanian
orthodox Christian?

Yes, sir.

So you're not baptized
the same way?

No, sir.

Alright, let's see
if you're a Christian.

Sir?

Take down your trousers.

How can I see if you're a
Christian if you won't

'take down your trousers?'

All the way.

'Stop blushing
like a schoolgirl.'

Do you think I like this?

Do you think the king has put me
in command of the Topolitsa

just to...to do this?

Strul?

Is this man circumcised?

- Maybe he can?
- Maybe?

- What's maybe?
- He's right. What's maybe?

Well, captain,
it's doubtful case.

- Strul!
- Is he or isn't he?

Well, captain, uh, whether a
rabbi had anything to do with it

or not, it's hard to say.

In my opinion, it's an
unprofessional job.

Hmm, you see, it's not easy.

Thank you, Strul.

Well...I don't want to
take sides in this matter.

Write a statement.
Sign it.

And I'll send it through
official channels.

- Sergeant Dobresco.
- Major Henkel.

Will you come into my office?

'Suzanna Moritz.'

'We must speak to you.'

'In the name of the law.'

Suzanna Moritz,
we want to see you.

She's mad.
I told you.

'Suzanna, listen to me.
The Germans are here.'

'We have to requisition all
houses belonging to Jews.'

'If you don't sign the paper
I've brought you'

'in a few days,
you'll lose your house.'

What's on the paper?

'It's nothing.'

'I want to help you, Suzanna.'

'It's just a little formality'

'requesting a divorce
from Johann.'

You lousy dog!

Look at that.

Just...look at that.

When the war is over..

...I'm going to bring my wife..

...and my boys..

...and show them
the canal we built.

Oh, they..
They will love it.

My dear Yankel..

...to work like a slave
is nothing to be proud of.

Believe me.

I am no slave.

What else are we?

Prisoners.
That's all.

He's right.

The only way you can
ever go from here..

...is if you escape.

Otherwise they'll keep us here
working until we drop.

Tell me, Yankel.

You want to escape?

Why should I escape?

Soon they will let me go.

- Let you go!
- You wait and see.

'Yankel Moritz.'

Yankel Moritz.

Report to the
camp commander's office.

Aha!

Nice fella.

Strong fellow.

But what a schlemiel.

I tell you, today's the day.

- Where are you going?
- The commander sent for me.

- Go on.
- Thank you, sir.

* La la la la la la la la la *

* La la la la la la la la la *

Come in.

Ah, Moritz.

So, you still claim
you're a Romanian orthodox

and a good Christian?

That's right, sir.

Liar!

Your wife has just divorced you
because you're a Jew.

Don't believe you.

You don't believe me?

Read this.

I don't wanna read it.

Is that true?

Please yourself.

Sign here.
To prove you've been notified.

'Here.'

Excuse me.

May I...see that letter?

So what do you say now?

Well..

...maybe I am a Jew.

Maybe my grandfather or my..

...my uncle or..

...someone.

Whether you're a Jew or not..

And I'm not commenting myself
either way.

But she's a woman.

She wouldn't divorce me
because of that.

I'm...I'm still the same man.

But you're not there
and some other man is.

Not Suzanna.

She could not.

Oh, she could.

And she did.

A woman is a woman.

'Yankel.'

'Yankel.'

What?

Strul told us
a lot about your troubles.

Is it true your wife left you?

That is my business.

- Eat.
- Thank you.

I'm sorry, Yankel.

I know how you feel.

You do?

Tomorrow night,
you're welcome to join us.

Join you?

An escape is being arranged.

Escape?

Where will I go?

I've no home.

First, away from here.

Then, America.

America...always America.

- Are you with us?
- If not, shut your mouth. Hmm.

There are guards everywhere.

Listen, Yankel..

...a truck will pick us up
at the main entrance.

The rest you will find out.

Well?

Alright.

Good.
Then tomorrow night.

Idiot. My whole future's
in this suitcase.

Shh, it's the commander.

Of course, it's the commander.

For what we're paying
you don't get less.

Hey...I can't pay.

I'll pay for you. You help me.
Get in already.

For you, Yankel.

Thank you.
But where are we going?

To Hungary.
Budapest.

Life is not so hard
for the Jews there.

Minister's aid will see you now.

Sit down, father.

The minister asked me
to receive you for him.

And to tell you this.

Our country is now
in a state of war.

And we cannot tolerate
interference by the priesthood..

...into cases under
our jurisdiction.

Priests would do better
to see to

the spiritual needs
of their parishes.

Justice is spiritual too,
my son.

For more than a year,
I've knocked on every door.

The police, the army,
the militia--

It is hardly a surprise
you have gotten no satisfaction.

These matters are classified
"Top secret."

But...it's been
a year and a half

since my husband was
sent off to a camp for Jews.

And he isn't even Jewish.

My dear lady, you divorced your
husband because he is Jewish.

I have your request right here.

It was signed under coercion.

Don't add another injustice
to this case, I beg you.

Look, father.

This man is a Jew
and we have proof.

Moritz has just escaped
from a government camp

with a group of Jews.

That is tantamount
to a confession.

Out of respect
for your age and position

the minister has decided
not to consider your behavior

in this affair treasonable.

Tell the minister..

...that I will pray
for all those

to whom God has given
a little power.

May he teach them how to use it.

Yankel.

Doctor, I'm thirsty.

Can I buy us something to drink?

I have some...Romanian money.

Shh.

Can you believe it?
Who could believe it?

For God's sake,
they send Romanians

to concentration camps
in this country.

Keep moving.

- Julius.
- Isaac.

Wonderful.

Julius.

'Rosa..'

My darling sister.

Four days and four nights,
we've been on the road.

It was terrible.

Terrible.

But we stuck together

and here we are.

I want you to meet
my dear friends.

Aaron Strul.

Please sit down.

Israel Hurtig.

And Yankel Moritz.
Yankel.

Come in please.
Meet my family.

Hello.

Excuse me.

Sit down, my friend, sit down.

We were just about
to start dinner.

Let us drink to your
first meal as free men.

Oh, Yankel.

Yankel, please sit down.

Yes, sit down, sit down.

Thank you.

But please could..

Could I eat in the kitchen?

As you like.

- Juliska?
- 'Yes, madam.'

Look after Yankel.

The kitchen is on the left.

'He's a simple fellow.'

Come in.

Excuse me.

- In fact the lady--
- Sit down.

I'm thirsty.

Where are you from?

I-I come from..

Are you Hungarian?

Yes.

Why?

Uh...is it true
that Hungarians..

...and Romanians are enemies?

Ask the government.

They decide those things.

I am a Romanian.

So?

'Juliska..'

'...serve the chicken.'

What are Romanians like?

Like anybody else.

They have wives..

...homes..

...children.

Sometimes they lose it..

...like anybody else.

Mm.

Are we far from the waterfront?

The waterfront?

You mean the river?

No, the port.

The-the sea.

But there is no sea in Hungary.

There is no sea?

How do we get to America?

What time is it?

2.30.

In the afternoon.

What?

'You've been asleep for 17 hours.'

Why didn't you..

Why didn't you wake me?

Oh, you were so tired.

'Thank you, again.'

'Hope some day we
meet you happy.'

'It's a pleasure to help.'

'I know from
the thought you formed.'

'I hope we shall
see you again.'

Hurtig.

Happy journey.

Good luck, Strul.

'Good luck.'

They, uh..

They left.

Yankel.

'Come in, Yankel.'

'Come in.'

Sit down.

Yankel.

I have some important matters
to discuss with you.

Yes.

This morning, I went to see

the Jewish state
committee of Budapest.

'They fix the papers
for America, and they..'

- 'They--'
- You got them?

Yankel..

...your case

is very, very difficult

What did they say?

I begged them.

They can't do it.

They just can't.

The Jewish aid committee
only takes care of Jews.

And Yankel..

'...you-you are
just not a Jew.'

No, I'm not a Jew.

But I have been a Jew
for year and a half.

Why can't I be a Jew now?

Ah, that was different.

With goyim, you can be a Jew.

But with Jews, you're no Jew.

I see.

I understand.

Doctor, thank you..

Thank you for trying, anyway.

I've tried, Yankel.

I've tried every way.

But..

...thousands of Jews
are being murdered

killed, butchered.

So the committee can only take
care of its own people.

Of course, of course.

Maybe there's
a committee for, uh..

For Christians.

Maybe.

But I wouldn't have
their address.

Oh.

Oh, thank you.

Yankel, wait a minute.

Look, Yankel..

...I haven't got any spare cash

but I want you to have this.

Oh, no, no, doctor, please.

- Take it.
- No, I-I..

Take it, sell it.

You'll need money after I leave.

I shall miss you, Yankel.

Is, uh...is Switzerland far?

For a hunted man..

...no place is far enough.

You are a free man, Yankel.

'Free.'

Good luck, Yankel.

Good luck.

Good luck.

Hey.

Papers?

- I already gave the--
- Identification card.

- I have no card.
- Arrest him!

Mister..

Mister, I-I just came..

I came to say goodbye to..

Please..
Please let..

today.

Where did you get this?

I told you.

It was given to me.

It's Russian gold.

I..

I don't know.

Why were you sent to Hungary..

...with Russian gold?

I was not sent.

Stand up!

You state here

that you are driven
to the frontier

by a Romanian captain
and you don't know his name?

No, sir.

I mean..

I mean, that's uh..

Your lying!

It was Major Tanase Yvonne
of the Romanian secret service.

We know he operates
in that sector.

'We know he's sending agents
into Hungary every month.'

Now, why did he send you?
What's your mission?

Oh, mister, I have no mission.

Now, look..

...don't you realize how..

...stupid your story is?

Huh?

Alright, listen, listen, listen.

You were in
a labor camp for Jews

17 months.

That's right.

It's a lie.
It has to be.

You are Romanian, not a Jew!

That's right,
I-I'm not a Jew.

At last, you admit something.

Put him on the list..

...of Hungarian volunteers..

...for Germany.

It's nice being on a train.

What are you so happy about?

You like being sold?

Huh, I'm just
enjoying the journey.

Where do you come from?

I'm Romanian.

Exactly.

And you, friend?

Czechoslovakia.

- You?
- Pol from Warsaw.

And you?

I'm a Greek.

I shouldn't be here.

Any Hungarians here?

- No.
- No.

You see?

We stand in for them.

Understand now?

I still say it is
better than walking.

Everybody out!

Everybody out!

'Follow the soldiers.'

Follow the soldiers.

You're now going
to pick flowers.

You will display these flowers

at the windows
when you return to the train.

Right?

'Now, start picking.'

Everybody back to the train!

Move, go on, hurry!

Look at them.

They're political's.

They give them a harder time
than they give us.

Poor bastards.

- Mr. Trajan!
- Shut up!

Mr. Trajan!
Johan Moritz from Fontana!

Shut up! Are you crazy?

But he's a friend of mine.

You want to be taken
to a concentration camp?

Why is he arrested?

He's a-he's a writer.

Because he can write the truth.

Johann.

Johann!

I keep forgetting
my name is Johann.

Tonight, I'm going to escape.

You want to come?

I escaped once..

...and look where it got me.

With two, it's a lot easier.

We'll go to France.

- Another country?
- Yes.

I've had enough countries.

But you-you want to fight.

You are the enemy
of the Germans or not?

Quiet there, Moritz.

No talking during working hours!

You know that perfectly well,
you lousy Hungarian!

I don't like Hungarians.

You're all the same.

Lousy workers.

All you want to do
is to talk about women.

The one on this machine
before you.

'He was a Hungarian.'

'You know what happened to him?'

'He got ten years of sabotage.'

I am a Romanian.

'Romanian, Hungarian,
what difference?'

'You foreigners make me sick.'

'Lousy, yellow maggot.
Look at you.'

'A real Mongolian bastard.'

Who is this man?

Just another filthy
Mongolian, colonel.

Stand up straight.

Open the mouth.

Wider.

Sergeant!

You're imbecile.

This man is not Hungarian.

- Yes, sir.
- That's right.

Please close the mouth.

Come with me.

Attention!

Gentlemen, I will,
for you benefit

give you a very
interesting demonstration.

I saw this man five minutes ago.

I've never seen
him before, correct?

Correct, sir.

We have not exchanged a word?

No, sir.

Nevertheless..

...I'm able to give you
inconsiderable detail

his biography..

...and history of his family

for the last 400 years.

My observations are based
on purely scientific thought.

Under national socialism..

...we're at least
a 100 years ahead

in racial thinking.

Strip off.

Sit down, by the way.

'Strip off.'

Now..

...judging by this
man's cranial formation..

...by the type and modelling
of the frontal..

...and nasal bone structure.

By the skeletal type..

...especially the thorax..

...and the clavicles.

What am I able to deduce?

I would draw your
attention, gentlemen

to number 13-C on your chart.

A Germanic,
obscure minority group..

...coming from
The Rhine Valley..

Luxembourg, Transylvania..

...and..

...Australia.

There are 30 more sub-families
in this group..

...to be found in China..

...and in the United States.

Statistics are not available

as they were only discovered

a few months before the war.

In the work I'm now preparing

'under the orders
of Dr. Rosenberg..'

...I have called this group

"The heroic family."

It has a maximum..

...of 800 members..

...of absolutely racially
pure Germanic stock.

Their ancestors..

...migrated from
South-West Germany..

...between the years
1500 and 1600.

And this man, gentlemen..

This man..

...belongs to the heroic family.

Excuse me, mister.
You know my family?

Better than you know
it yourself, my boy.

Oh, yes?

You may get dressed.

Thank you.

Now, I ask you, gentlemen.

What was the historic cause..

...that had
the affect of making..

...this man's ancestors
over a period of

three to four hundred years..

...breed exclusively

with women of their own race?

When all around
there were other women..

...many of them, no doubt..

...most attractive.

Well, gentlemen,
there we have it.

The instinct for racial purity.

It was the biological urge
for purity of blood..

...that prevented these people

from pernicious inter-breeding.

And here is the result.

Gentlemen, rise.

Look.

The hair..

...strong but silky.

- Sit down.
- Thank you.

Even more silky than in our
principal Germanic groups.

Experts can identify it
in a matter of seconds.

The root, the same.

Forehead, eyes, nose, chin

exactly as in our
16th century engravings.

And now, gentlemen..

...for the conclusion
of my demonstration..

...I am going to tell you

exactly where this man
comes from.

Listen carefully.

Are you from the Rhinlandet?

- No, sir, I--
- Correct.

- Transylvania?
- Transylvania. That's right.

And your home is..

- ...Timisoara.
- No.

- Berghof?
- No, sir.

- The Szekler country?
- That's right, mister.

Fontana.

But, colonel..

What is it, Captain Von Horst?

...but this man is dark.

His hair, his skin..

...his eyes..

...alldark.

Did not our
remote Aryan forbearers

emerge from a mystical darkness
of India?

Captain Von Horst?

Any more questions?

Good.

Captain Von Horst?

I want photographs of this man

in SS uniform.

Complete sets will be sent
to Dr. Goebbels

and Dr. Rosenberg

and one to every newspaper

and magazine in Europe.

Yes, colonel.

Gentlemen..

...you may please salute.

No, not me..

...him.

A rare specimen..

...who must be preserved.

Johann Moritz..

...the first exhibit

in the first human zoo
in history!

I have the honor
to be its founder.

Joseph?

Joseph?

Joseph?

Hey.

Who is it?

'It's me.'

You don't recognize me?

Johann Moritz.

Jean.

Jean?

Where did you get
the fancy dress?

Oh, that, uh, that officer,
he gave it to me.

He said he knew my family.

'What are you doing here?'

They caught me again,
the bastards.

Ah!

'But...that's alright.'

It won't be long now.

They are losing the war.

They're on the run
at Stalingrad.

'Back to the barracks,
on the double.'

'One, two, one, two.'

'One, two, one, two.'

I'll bring you food
and cigarettes tomorrow.

One, two, one, two.

- One, two, one, two.
- One, two, one, two, one..

Joseph?

I keep forgetting

I'm not a prisoner.

Oh

look..

Sergeant Dobresco..

...remember me?

Oh, Marcou Goldenberg.
I'm so happy to see you again.

So am I.

Let's go.

I swear all I did was call a war
at the people's court.

- I'll decide about that.
- That's all I ever did.

Shut your mouth!

And march!

Father, what's happened?

Let's go inside.

Father, do you want
a cup of coffee?

No, thank you, thank you.

It's Johann.

He's alive!

Oh!

Oh, look, Petre.

Antono.

Anto, look, this is..

...this is papi.

Papi! Oh!

My child.

He's wearing the uniform
of the SS.

He's joined the Germans.

But he's alive, father.

I am so happy.

Oh, I wish that you

could hear of Trajan.

Trajan.

Maybe, maybe he's
with the Germans too.

Maybe he and Johann are--

Trajan would
never join the enemy.

But, Johann has no enemies.

He never had.

He has now, my dear.

You and the children
must leave here immediately.

Take only what you need,
and hurry.

Hurry, I beg you.

Yes, father.

I'd like to hide you in my house

but it's just too dangerous.

First thing the Partisans
are doing

is to arrest priests
and collaborators.

What are you going
to do, father?

Will you run away?

My only parish is here.

Johann.

- Good news.
- What?

We heard last night

the Americans
are 15 miles away--

No talking!
Keep moving.

Everybody out.
Take cover.

What fireworks.

The Americans.

No, they're British.

I tell you, they're Americans.

British!

What do you think, Johann?

Makes no difference to me.

I am down here.

As soon as it lands up,
we're running.

You are always escaping.

- Don't you like your guard?
- Very much.

That's why we want you
to come with us.

Why should I?

I'm fine.

You won't be,
when the Allies get here.

Who are they?

British, Russians, French.

None of them will like you.

Not even the Americans.

Americans?

I've been trying to get
to America all my life.

Who is going to believe you
with that uniform?

Everybody into the truck!

Into the truck.

Into the truck.

Get into the truck!

I said, get into the truck!

Stand back.

- Stand back!
- Don't.

'Get in everybody.'

Quick, before they
find the bodies.

Get in now. Get in.

I'll drive.

We're escaped prisoners.

Thanks to him.

He's stole the uniform.

He got us
through the German lines.

Marvelous. Lieutenant.

Lieutenant, get those men over
to the clothing office

right away, will you?

And take good care of them.

Now, will you come
with me, please?

That's alright.
You stay here. Go with them.

After. You come.

We're back with the Germans.

Look, maybe the same camp,
but it's changed owners.

'Attention, all prisoners.'

'Colonel Greenfield,
your commanding officer'

'welcomes you to the center'

'and wishes to inform you'

'that you will all be treated

'according
to the Geneva Convention.'

'The staff will do its best'

'to make your
stay here pleasant'

'and comfortable.'

'No disturbances however
will be tolerated.'

'I repeat, no disturbances
will be tolerated.'

'You will now assemble
by groups of 100'

'in front of each barrack'

'and await further orders.'

'You were not told
to enter the barrack.'

'You were told
to assemble in front'

'and await further orders.'

Mr. Trajan!

Johann.

How did you get here?

I'm Romanian.

Romania was allied
with the enemy

that makes me an enemy.

Oh!

'You may
now enter your barrack.'

Come.

Maybe they have
forgotten about us.

I've written 64 petitions
to the camp commander.

One for each week been here.

If I don't get a reaction soon,
I'm going to deliver..

...the 65th personally.

Mail.

- Kasut Nicholas.
- Yeah.

- Holderline Edwick.
- Yeah.

- Emrady Yanus.
- Yeah.

- Debesco..
- Yeah.

- Keller Hoot.
- 'Yeah.'

'Johann Moritz.'

'Report
to the camp commander's office.'

Hurry, maybe something's
happening at last.

- Koruga Trajan.
- Oh.

Name?

Johann Moritz.

Sir, for 19 months--

Do you spell Moritz
with a Z or a TZ?

All depends, sir.

In Romania, with a Z

in Germany, with a TZ.

'That'll be all.'

- 'Thank you.'
- No, sir.

You see,
I want to explain to you

you see, there was a mistake,
you see--

Listen, buster. The captain
said that's all. Next!

That is all you..

...wanted to see me about?

- Name?
- Rudolph Mann.

One N or two?

Two Ns.

Hmm. Two Ns.

What did they want?

They wanted to know
how to spell my name.

From Fontana..

They know you're here?

The Red Cross sent it.

How's your family?

My father's in prison.

They closed the church.

My mother is dead.

Your wife?

Nora was Jewish.

Johann.

Suzanna is alive.

Your boys too.

They've left Fontana.

Where did they go?

Nobody knows.

Mr. Trajan?

Mr. Trajan?

Haven't you slept?

Will you do something for me?

Of course.

Look after my glasses.

But you can't see without them.

I don't want to see anymore,
I've seen enough.

- Mr. Trajan.
- 'Shh!'

Mr. Trajan..

...there is always
something good to look at.

I've looked at the sky

the sea, the mountains..

...and men..

...a few saints, but..

...so many mad men.

I've read thousands of books

I've, I've written maybe a..

...million words.
It's enough.

Mm, but that book
you were going to write..

...remember, the one
we were all going to be in.

My mother's last gift to me..

...a title, "Twenty-Fifth Hour."

That's it.

Will...you write it?

Johann..

...the twenty-fifth hour
is the last hour of all.

I'm going out for a walk.

Wait, wait, I-I'll come
with you.

No, no.

I have to be alone for a while.

Halt! Halt or I'll fire.

'Stop or I'll shoot to kill!'

Halt!

Halt!

Come on!

Let's go.

I told you,
I wanted no disturbances.

Who the hell's
responsible for this?

Sir, one of the Polish kids.

They're all kinda nervous.

Put him on the guard house.

Sir, uh..

...he had this in his hand.

Addressed to you.

Well, this man
wrote 64 petitions.

Why wasn't I told about it?

Well, colonel, we have
3000 prisoners in this camp.

And every week,
we get 3000 petitions.

"The Heroic Family"
by Colonel Miller

'condemned to life imprisonment
for crimes against humanity.'

"The Supremacy
Of The Aryan Race"

'an article by Dr. Rosenberg,
condemned to death.'

"Race Superiority,"
a study by Dr. Otto von Bach

'director of the death camps,
condemned to death.'

"Tempo, Forward To Victory"

"Das Illustrierte Blatt"

"Berlina Illustrated Situm"

finally, "Signal."

There are, all together

three thousand, seven hundred
and twenty-eight publications.

Describing this man
as the archetype

of the super man.

'His features have served
as a model..'

'...to inculcate
in German youth'

'feelings of racial superiority,
arrogance'

'and cruelty
toward other people.'

He has been a top model,
you could say

in the most sinister, malignant

and vicious fashion
in modern history.

The Nazi Race Cult.

To escape the fate
of a Nazi concentration camp

innocent people had to have
his kind of blood.

His head shape, his nose

'his bone structure.'

'Millions have died..'

'...merely because they
did not resemble him.'

The Defense will no doubt

try to minimize the role

played by the accused
in these events.

You will be told, no doubt..

...that the principal criminals
have been punished.

That Ribanchop, Rosenberg,
Kaito, Yodel, Sauko..

...have already,
in this same court

been sentenced to death.

Yes, you have done justly
to condemn to death

the authors of this rile
and atrocious tragedy.

Now, I ask you to condemn
it's actors as well.

Only when all the criminals
have paid their debt to it

will humanity be able
to bandage its wounds

forget and begin to live again.

Silence in court!

The Defense has the floor.

Your Honor, with your permission

I would like
to ask the defendant

only one question.

- Johann Moritz.
- Yes, sir.

'Would you please
take the stand.'

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

Moritz, do you know
why you are here

in this dock today?

Mister, for eight years,
I haven't known

why I was anywhere.

Your Honor, Johann Moritz
has summed up his situation

simply, but completely.

For eight years,
he has not known

why he was anywhere.

I have nothing to ask
for the acquittal

of Johann Moritz.

All I ask, is for clemency.

And I make my plea,
not in my own name

nor in the name of a justice

which is the right,
the simple right

of even the simplest men. No.

I ask it..

I ask it in the name
of Suzanna Moritz

the defendant's wife.

'Sit down, Moritz.'

I request the Court's permission

to read a letter,
which Suzanna Moritz

recently sent to her husband.

- 'It would be exhibit A.'
- I never had a letter. Never.

It was intercepted while you
were at the prison here.

I object to the public reading
of the letter.

Out of courtesy
to our Soviet allies.

I want to know
what's in my letter!

Mister, please, please,
you read my letter.

Quiet.

Objection overruled.

Sit down, Moritz.

The Defense may proceed.

"Dear, Johann

"it has been eight years since
we've heard from each other.

"Thanks to Monsieur Pableci
of the Swiss Red Cross

"I found out where you were.

"So much has happened
since the police

"took you away from Fontana.

"I expected you back everyday.

"I baked fresh bread
each morning.

"I left the door open.

"I listened for your footsteps.

"But you never came.

"One day, the police made me
sign a paper, divorcing you.

"I signed it to keep our house.

"But I never divorced you
in my heart.

"After we left Fontana,
we walked a long way

"and I got sick.

"They looked after me
in a little German village

"but one night,
some Russian soldiers came.

'"We had locked the door,
but they broke it down.'

'"They took me
and the landlady's daughter'

'"away with them.'

"They made us drink vodka..

"...then they tore
off our clothes.

'"I fainted.'

"I am sick with shame
as I write this..

"...dear Johann..

"...but I don't want to hide
anything from you.

"I didn't kill myself
because of the children.

"But ever since, I've felt
as if I was dead.

"As a result
of that terrible time..

"...I have had another child.

"He is now two years old.

"I will understand if you
never want to see me again.

"But please..

"...please answer.

Suzanna."

Your Honor..

...this woman is waiting.

Your verdict must be her answer.

I do not believe that the peace

'of this world will be
much more disturbed'

'if this court decides
to bring together again'

'a man and a woman who have
already suffered so much'

'from a war
which has been as criminal'

'as they have been innocent.'

Hello, Suzanna.

Well, you've..

...you've not changed.

You've not changed either.

Oh..

Go, go and kiss
your father, come on.

Oh, Suzanna, they are men now.

And men don't kiss.

- Do they?
- No, sir.

Antono.

Hey..

...what's your name?

Marcou.

Marcou?

Has the train come in yet?

It just left.

- Johann Moritz?
- Yes, sir.

I'm doing a series of articles
on the defendants

of the Nuremberg trial.

I see you've found
your little family again.

- Well--
- May I ask what your plans are?

"Plans?"

We have no plans.

Well, you don't mind if I take
a few pictures, do you?

Go stand over there
beside your husband, lady.

Come on, youngsters.
One on the other side.

You stand over here.

That's right.

Johann..

...hold the little baby
in your arms, huh?

That's fine, that's great.
Now, everybody, smile!

Okay, move a little closer
to your husband, lady.

Uh, put your arm
around her, Johann.

'Now, Johann...smile.'

'Smile.'

'A big, happy smile.'

Now, the last one.

'Smile.'

'Keep smiling.'

'Keep smiling.'

'Keep smiling!'

Come on, you can do
better than that.

A big, happy smile.