A Time to Love and a Time to Die (1958) - full transcript

Hertz.

Here.

- Hobermeier.

- Here.

- Immerman.

- Here.

- Shroeder.

- Here.

- Gräber.

- Here.

- Heller.

- Missing.

- Rainer.

- Missing.

- Holzmann.

- Missing.

- Steinbrenner.

- Here.

- Riess.

- Here.

- Hahn.

- Missing.

Second company reporting, sir.

31 present,

87 killed, wounded or missing.

- Lieutenants Kleiner and Hässer, dead.

- Right, Sergeant.

Combined First and Second Platoons,

Fourth Company reporting, sir.

29 present, 42 killed, wounded

or missing. Lieutenant Vogel's missing.

There's a chance some of the men

were cut off and will get through later.

Let's hope so.

Get your men into some kind

of quarters. Won't be here for long.

Sergeant Muecke, dismiss the battalion.

Battalion dismissed!

What's the name of this village?

I don't know.

It had a name

when we were first through here.

It even had people...and houses.

We've been through here so often, it's

a wonder they don't make us pay rent.

The first time we were coming through

we were making 100 miles a day.

It was the great advance.

And now it's the great retreat, huh?

Is that what you mean, Gräber?

What I mean is...

now we're here again.

In retreat.

That's what you're saying, isn't it?

Don't put words in his mouth,

Steinbrenner.

The only one talking about retreat

around here is you.

All the rest of us know

that everything is perfect.

We're gonna annihilate

the enemy this year for certain.

We annihilate them every year,

sometimes twice a year.

Immerman, one of these days you're

going to talk yourself straight into hell!

It might be a pleasant change.

Sergeant Muecke said you're to quarter

in the cellar over there.

Thanks for getting Steinbrenner

off my back.

Watch yourself, the Gestapo didn't

put that dog here for nothing.

If he turns you in as an alarmist

you can kiss your furlough goodbye.

What furlough? I've been waiting for it

for seven months now.

Or is it seven years?

- Hey, Immerman.

- Yes? What now?

Looks like spring is coming.

That's the one sure way to tell.

The sun digs them up.

What's the matter, Hirschland?

Still not used to

the boulevards of Russia?

Three weeks he's been with us

and everything still surprises him.

Ha! I know.

Spring at home means

leaves on the trees, flowers.

That comes much later here. First,

you've got to get a good taste of mud.

Leave him alone, Sauer.

It's a German uniform.

Dig him out!

And careful with the shovels.

- Oh, he won't feel it anymore.

- He's one of ours!

He won't feel that anymore either.

Must be one of the January dead.

Remember that big snow storm?

Couldn't find anyone afterwards.

Nah! The January ones melted out

a long time ago, the wolves ate them.

I bet you this is one

of the November dead.

- January.

- November.

He's from our regiment.

Get Captain Rahe.

Careful there, it's a German officer!

Even that he won't feel anymore.

It's Reike!

He looks like he's crying.

His eyeballs are frozen.

They're thawing now.

It's Lieutenant Reike, sir.

Bury him in the church courtyard.

Make a cross.

Yes, sir.

Send his personal belongings home.

Four captured guerrillas

have been sent here to be shot.

I'll need volunteers.

Very well, sir.

Volunteers! Step forward.

I volunteer, sir.

Choose the others. You're in command,

we have no officers left.

All right, the rest

of the firing squad detail.

Immerman! Sauer! Hirschland!

Weiber! Gräber!

Make the grave bigger, Grandpa,

she'd like to be comfortable.

I think they loathe us.

We're soldiers. Why should we be

called on to shoot civilians?

Oh, you can always say no.

Get shot yourself instead.

No one knows for sure

that they are guerrillas...

Not our worry. We didn't sentence it,

so we're not to blame.

That's the excuse for everything we do.

No matter how rotten it is

we can always blame it on...

Line up!

Look alive!

There will be no more grumbling.

You are given orders

and you will obey.

Without question.

Without complaint.

Oh Lord and master

of my life, keep from me the spirit of...

I'm gonna shoot over their heads.

You won't be doing them a favour.

We've all tried that.

Just had to do it again.

It's like executing them twice.

Oh, sovereign Lord, let me see

my own sins and transgressions

and not judge my brother...

Leave the cow for me, will you?

Murderers!

God will punish you and all Germans!

What have you done?

I pray to God that He will grant

that your children will meet my sons.

My curse be upon all of you.

They will shoot them down

just as you are shooting us down.

Ask her what she wants.

She doesn't want anything.

She's cursing you and all Germans

for standing on Russia's soil.

For every Russian that you kill,

they will kill ten Germans.

For every home you destroy,

we will destroy ten cities.

- For each insignificant life...

- Shut up! Shut up, you lunatic!

Kill us while you still can!

Kill us!

But soon we will annihilate you!

Ready!

Up!

Hirschland! Hold that rifle steady.

Take aim!

Fire!

Hey! Vodka!

Sergeant Muecke rounded it up!

It's a reward for the firing squad.

It's first class vodka,

don't you want it?

I told you to get out of here,

we're trying to play cards.

- Sauer!

- In a minute!

Listen, do I tell the Sergeant

you refused...

Tell the Sergeant anything!

Just put them down and get out!

- Sauer, you're holding up the game.

- Quit yelling.

All right, idiots.

Do what you want.

That won't stop the rest of us

from drinking our part.

Berning?

- Wagner?

- No, go away.

Drink it yourself and stop bothering us.

Maybach, see what's on the radio.

Turn it off!

Turn that thing off!

They're like old women,

they'll be at each other's throats next.

It's always that way after an execution.

Turn that back on!

You do and you'll be wearing it

on your head!

There's an official news broadcast too.

Don't you know it's an order to listen?

I'm not in the mood.

And don't waste your breath

informing on me, Steinbrenner.

Times have changed.

I'm a crack machine gunner, the sort

of talent that's needed round here...

more than yours.

I open for twenty.

I pass.

I said twenty.

Drum fire. If it keeps building

we can expect company.

Are we artillery observers

or are we playing cards?

I opened for twenty.

Tomorrow we will be back in the lines.

If there’s a line left anywhere.

Stop worrying about your furlough.

At the rate we're going back, we'll all be

in Germany soon without furloughs.

Either play or tell stories,

make up your mind.

Are you telling me to shut up?

If he isn't, I am. Shut up!

Why don't we all shut up.

What's going on here?

Nothing.

Argument over cards.

Ha! Good vodka. Wasted.

I'm not the man I used to be. In France

I could spit in a high, beautiful arc.

Now I spit like a civilian.

I wouldn't care how I spit

if I was a civilian.

- Gräber.

- Yes, Sergeant.

Report to the captain.

Your furlough's come through.

- Hey, finish the hand.

- Save it. I'll be back in three weeks.

Gräber! What is the first thing

you will do at home?

What a question!

Get deloused. Take a hot bath.

Sleep in a clean bed.

Forget for three weeks there's a war.

- That's all?

- Yeah, I got better ideas.

Why aren't you inside?

They're drinking the Sergeant's vodka,

aren't they?

No, they're not.

And what if they were?

Not drinking it won't change anything.

And it won't bring anyone back to life.

Hirschland, don't think because

you stood there disapproving

with your big baby eyes

that you're any better.

It's not that easy.

What are you staring at?

Why don't you stop thinking about it?

Drive it out of your mind.

I don't know how. Do you?

No.

I don't.

And I don't want to talk about it.

I don't want to talk or think about the war

for a long time.

Oh, Gräber. At ease.

Here it is.

Thank you very much, sir.

When was the last time you were home?

Over two years ago, sir.

Two years!

Hirschland, sir.

He's dead.

- Must have been an accident, sir.

- No, the coward shot himself.

Muecke!

Yes, sir.

Make out a report.

Death by accident.

Yes, sir.

Take the boy to the church.

Gräber.

If I were you, I'd leave at once.

The whole front's coming alive,

leaves may be cancelled.

If you’re gone, you're gone.

How much?

If you have to ask how much

you don't want my services.

have real soap left over from France.

Easy! Remember we're on...

Don't say it. I've sworn to myself,

the next man who reminds me we're on

the same side loses a piece of throat!

Attention!

To celebrate your homecoming

the Führer himself has decreed

that every man on leave

is to be given a package of food.

It is a gift for your families as evidence

that the front line troops are cared for

and can even bring food home.

It is your responsibility

to comfort and cheer...

Never mind! They're ours!

It is your responsibility to comfort

and cheer your dear ones.

Divulging of troop movements

or positions is treason.

Idle criticism is treason.

In short, you are to tell them

nothing of the front.

Nothing.

Understood?

And now,

men with furloughs to Cologne,

raise your hands.

Cologne is at the present time restricted,

your leaves are cancelled.

My whole family is in Cologne.

Has something happened there?

Men with furloughs to Hamburg

and Bremen, raise your hand!

Check everybody's papers.

The rest of you, get yourselves

cleaned up and deloused.

Begins to look like home, doesn't it?

I'll be there in time for supper.

Not out of a tin mess kit either -

supper served on real china plates.

Verden! All out for Verden!

Doesn't this train go

to the main station of the city?

You'll have to walk the rest of the way.

The same horse! Hasn't changed

since I was seven years old.

Do you want that wall on your head?

Where's number 18?

I can't seem to find it.

Where is 18? You mean where was 18.

Was is the word.

- Don't you know that yet?

- No.

No! In what hole

have you been hibernating?

The front. I just got back.

The front!

And what do you think this is?

Six raids we've had in ten days.

Six in ten days!

While you damn front line soldiers

have been running away out there,

we couldn't.

My wife and child couldn't.

They're dead.

18 is over there. By that digging.

Are there people buried in there?

No, we're digging for the exercise.

I'm looking for my parents. Gräber.

Are they in there?

How would I know?

Quick! There can't be

much air left in there.

It is crowded enough for three in here,

you are holding us up.

But I'm just...

We'll go faster without you.

This is not 18. It's 16.

That's 18.

There's nothing over there.

You're wasting your time.

Your papers.

- You lived here? At 18?

- I was born here.

Do you know anything about

my parents? Were they saved?

Who knows?

Maybe they weren't even in the house?

Look on the door over there.

Maybe they left a message?

I know those signs by heart.

Heinrich. Come to Uncle Hellmann,

Thüringenstrasse, 4.

Irma dead, Mother.

Are you Heinrich?

Maybe you are Otto?

Otto, we are at

the primary school.

- For God's sake...

- Go away! Let him alone.

Anything from them?

No. They didn't know

I was coming home.

There must be a better way than this

to find someone.

Not tonight. Tomorrow you can start

making the rounds.

There ought to be a record of them

somewhere. If they’re still alive.

Well, goodnight.

Böttcher. Herman Böttcher.

- Be...

- Böttcher!

There is no Böttcher! Next!

What do you mean there is

no Böttcher? What am I? A cucumber?

Next!

Gräber. Paul and Marie. Worked

in the tax office. 18 Hakenstrasse.

Deller, Glassmann...

Nothing but bedlam.

The filing system,

everything that wasn't burned

those blockheads in the Fire Department

ruined with water.

You'd think they would show

some respect for important records.

Gräber. Paul and Marie.

Yes! Where are they?

You needn't shout.

18 Hakenstrasse is all I have.

- Try the missing person section.

- I've been there.

Then the food ration office,

ifthey're alive, they've got to eat!

I've been there too. And the Red Cross

and the hospital.

It's closing time.

Come back tomorrow.

Skinny women, skinny women,

ask them a question

you're in for a strafing.

It's the same every place, Gräber.

Nobody knows anything.

Almost used up my whole furlough

looking for my wife.

I'm just starting.

Hey, wait a minute, wait a minute.

- How about a little strategy?

- Strategy?

Whenever you ask for your parents,

why don't you ask for my wife too?

- I'll do the same.

- All right.

See, that way we can cover double

territory. Her name is Alma.

You better write this down.

Alma Böttcher.

Excuse me.

Oh, skinny, skinny!

Now take a look at Alma!

Some woman, eh? Built like

a brewery horse and twice as strong!

All solid muscle.

Fightin' or lovin', the house shook!

Pictures fell off the wall!

Only reason I joined the Army

was to rest up.

Think of it. A woman like that

waiting for me somewhere,

and I spend my nights

playing cards down at the infirmary

with a bunch of ugly soldiers.

Hey, you got some place to stay?

They told me down at

the District Military Office

to report to the barracks

for bombed out men on leave.

That's where I am. Come on,

I'll get you to the barrack's infirmary.

- The food's better down there.

- But there's nothing wrong with me.

There's nothing wrong with me.

I happen to know an orderly.

He can get you in without even seeing

a doctor. Might cost some cigarettes...

A doctor! Doctor Kruse,

he's been treating my mother for years.

He's sure to know where she is.

I'll meet you at the barracks later.

Yes?

- Is the Doctor at home?

- Doctor Kruse no longer practises.

Well can I see him anyway please?

I only want to ask him...

Doctor no longer lives here.

But that's his name plate.

Oh, well. That should have been

taken down long ago.

Who is it?

Frau Lieser, is there someone for me?

Elisabeth!

You are Elisabeth Kruse, aren't you?

What is it you want?

Well, I don't want to disturb

anybody, but...

Well, your father was...

Oh, it's about my...

Come in.

I do know you.

Didn't you go to high school here?

Yes, I'm Ernst Gräber.

Ernst Gräber, of course.

Oh, it's been years.

At least seven.

I didn't really recognise you either.

Just guessed. You've changed so much.

Frauline Kruse! Aren't you ashamed?

Entertaining a man in your room!

The nerve! The nerve!

Who is that crocodile?

An official tenant.

Bombed out of her own place

and put here by the authorities.

They moved in three more since.

Don't you have anything to say about it?

I was told I should be happy

I'm allowed to have this room for myself.

She's a member of

the Women's Corps of the Party.

I suppose that gives her special rights.

She'll probably come back to listen.

What about my father?

What do you know of him?

Your father?

Nothing. What should I know?

You have no news of him?

I only arrived last night from Russia.

I was hoping to get some news

from him about my parents,

I can't locate them.

My father isn't here anymore.

What happened to him?

Oh, nothing... He's not here, that's all.

He was taken away four months ago.

They don't tell me where he is,

or why, or...

I thought maybe you knew something...

...you don't.

I'm sorry, I know nothing

about your family.

You'd better go now.

They're coming

earlier than usual tonight.

Preliminary warning!

Preliminary warning!

I want every light out

and everybody to the shelter.

Quietly and calmly now,

do you hear?

Everybody to the shelter!

Hurry! Hurry!

Hurry!

Parsley.

Oh?

They were the only seeds I could find.

I wanted to see something green

and lovely grow again.

- Is there that much time?

- The shelter is in a basement.

There isn't room for everybody

so if you don't hurry you won't get in.

What then?

There's a community shelter

on Karlsplatz, just follow the others.

You'll have no trouble finding it.

I'd rather wait for you, but er...

Do those have to be watered just now?

Yes. I won't be stampeded...

Hurry, hurry!

...like them!

Frauline Kruse, as block warden

I warn you officially,

you'll be reported if again

you don't go to the shelter.

One of the few sensible things

a soldier learns

is to take cover when things start to fly.

- Then take it!

- Don't be angry!

I'm not angry.

It's just that...I will not be frightened.

You don't have to be,

I'm frightened enough for both of us.

Those bombs don't give

a good Lord damn who they fall on.

Just because Frau Crocodile

happens to be the warden...

It's more than that.

It's... Well, I...

I have to do something,

no matter how small and laughable,

to defend what's left

of my personal freedom.

Because if I can,

then others certainly can and...

You're a strange girl.

- I promised myself I would not run...

- All right.

Let's walk.

All aboard. Kindly step to the rear.

To the rear please.

Keep moving. Welcome, friend.

I'm glad you could make it.

Are you enjoying yourself?

I might if I could figure out

how you breathe in here.

Oh, you don't. We have all been trained

not to breathe during the raids.

No self-respecting cave dweller would!

Kindly step to the rear

of our pleasure car. Move on please.

You feel it, Ernst?

It's fear.

Excuse me.

Frau Langer?

Remember me?

Ernst Gräber.

Yes! Ernst Gräber.

Yes

Do you know where my parents are?

They're dead.

My Lena and my August, too.

You knew them both, didn't you?

Dead?

How did it happen? When?

Did you see it?

There was nothing to see.

It was all...fire.

Fire... Shrieking!

I didn't see my Lena either.

They wouldn't let me near her.

Why would they do

a thing like that, Ernst?

Why? Why?

Herr Langer...

She...she still can't grasp it, Ernst.

Can you?

Or you?

If you can, you are no better

than the one...

...who caused...

She says my mother

and father are dead. Is that true?

She doesn't know, Ernst.

She thinks...

...that everyone who isn't here

must be dead.

Because our children are.

She says things.

We've been reported because of it.

Have you seen my parents at all?

Yes, two or three weeks ago

on the street. Not since then.

How did they look, were they well?

They were alive, Ernst.

I'm sorry, Herr Langer.

I'm sorry about your...

They are flying past.

Did those people know anything

about your parents?

No.

Thank God they didn't attack.

They are going somewhere else.

- Oh, Arnold?

- Yes?

- Did you turn off the gas?

- I don't know.

Ah, that means you didn't.

Dinner will be burnt to a crisp.

Life goes on again!

When the all-clear sounds, if we're near

the door, we can get out sooner.

Frau Lieser isn't home yet.

How can you tell?

If she were home,

we'd be hearing her radio by now.

The home front relay a broadcast.

She turns it on full to blast it

into the ears of all the neighbours.

I don't know how you stand living

with her. You ought to move.

I can't. As long as I'm here I can hope

that my father will come back.

If I went away it would be like giving up.

- Thank you.

- Say, would you like to go somewhere?

For a cup of tea or something?

You're just home on furlough, I'm sure

you want other company than mine.

Good night.

Elisabeth!

Here's something for you.

Oh?

- It's food. And I thought...

- Yes. I know those packages.

But...I'd like you to have it.

I've nobody else to give it to.

And that's the only reason

you're giving it to me?

What's the matter with you?

It's always food packages, cigarettes

and French perfume.

You soldiers expect every woman to...

How do you know what I expect?

I wanted to give you this

because I thought you'd like it.

Not because I have to buy

my way around.

I'm sorry, but fighting

is not my idea of fun.

Not even with you. Goodnight.

Good evening, soldier.

Why don't you tell me all about it?

Here, you take it.

And you never saw such legs!

Long, beautiful and slim!

And such eyes! And such teeth!

Like a white gardenia flower.

So, I opened the bottle of brandy.

50-year-old Napoleon,

expensive, but this was worth it.

It took only two glasses.

Ah, that Napoleon!

So? Well, and then?

Well that's as far as a cavalier can tell

a story and still be in good taste.

It's an obscenity, Reuter.

Betraying your wife...

Oh, idiot!

How can a man betray his wife when

he doesn't even know if she's alive?

If she were here, I wouldn't betray her.

I am simply the victim of army life.

I'm a martyr.

Oh, gentlemen, we haven't welcomed

Gräber here to our club.

- Schilling, the bottle.

- Here, here.

This is home made potato schnapps,

it's an insult to the stomach

but it's all that's available.

Give me that! You know the doctor

told you to lay off this stuff.

Everybody always wants

to take care of me.

All my life, caviar and champagne -

now, in the Army, I get the gout.

Which in turn saves my life.

It's better to be sick here

than healthy at the front.

Give me that...

You keep quiet!

I drink this to save my life.

Come on. We've got more important

things to do than waste time on him.

Give me a hand.

Now I can check all the villages. They're

crowded with people from the town.

Don't they keep a record

of where people were sent?

Records may be

good enough for you, but not for me.

When you know your parents

are safe somewhere, you can relax.

But you can't relax just knowing

your wife is alive.

She's got to be with you.

Especially when

she weighs 200 pounds.

It's simple for you. You grab the first girl

that comes along and everything is fine.

But with me, where do I find a woman

like my Alma?

At the restaurant, down the street.

The waitress.

And she weighs over 200 pounds.

Oh, fat. Tired, flabby, fat.

It's frightening.

But my Alma... You could break a finger

trying to pinch her.

And now somebody else

is breaking his finger, huh?

- You don't know my Alma.

- Oh, I know, I know.

She's waiting some place only for you.

Like Nasick's wife, huh?

Hey, Nasick, tell them.

Tell them how the whole Fire Department

was helping you wife wait for you.

Reuter, one of these days,

as a special favour to Nasick,

I'm going to cripple your other leg too.

Gräber. Take my advice,

don't be a fool

and waste your whole furlough

like Böttcher.

Enjoy your life while you can.

Have you any idea how long your life is?

These days, who does?

Three weeks. As long as your furlough,

three weeks of life.

Then, death holds the trumps.

Why, you've been home three days

already. That's three out of twenty one.

Why that's as much as ten years

of normal life.

Ten years of waste.

Come on, let's get out of here.

Records? Ha!

We can't even get them buried.

If the air raids continue

I don't know what we will do.

There is no space.

Did you try the other cem...

Ernst!

I thought it was you!

Don't you recognise

your friend anymore?

Binding. Oskar Binding, of course!

Who else! Where have you come from?

- Russia.

- Russia!

I'd say that calls for a celebration.

Come along to my place.

I have a first rate cognac or

anything else you want. Anything at all.

Come. For old time's sake.

- I could use a drink.

- Ah!

You've worked your way up in the world.

District Leader Binding. Not bad!

Just goes to show you

anything can happen.

Me, who couldn't even get

a passing grade in History.

Political leader

to keep the Mayor straight!

Come on.

Cosy, isn't it.

And all mine, a milkman's son!

Who would have thought that I,

Oskar Binding, would be...

an art collector!

What would you like to drink?

Brandy? Cointreau? Vodka? Gin?

Kimmel? Wine? What?

Anything, it doesn't matter.

What's bothering you, Ernst?

Anything I can do?

If there is, tell me, you know

I've got quite a position here now.

Maybe you can help me, Oskar.

My parents are missing.

They were bombed out,

I can't locate them.

How terrible. I'll see what I can find out.

What else?

Nothing else.

It's as good as done. Come on,

make yourself comfortable.

Take off your coat.

- Frau Kleinert. Brandy glasses.

- Yes, Herr Binding, brandy glasses.

- Where are you living now?

- At the old barracks.

A furlough in barracks?

You must come and stay here with me.

- Thanks, but I can't.

- Of course you can, look.

Here you would have

your own room and bath.

How long's it been since you had real

soap and all the hot water you want?

Seems like I've never had them.

Well you have them now.

Well, how do you like it?

It'll do!

- Here, let me take that.

- Thanks.

Say! You've acquitted yourself well!

They hand those out

to make us look good.

That how you got that little ornament?

- Russia?

- Africa.

So you were there too?

Isn't that something.

- Herr Binding?

- Yes.

- The brandy glasses.

- Thank you.

And if you want a woman, Ernst,

or several women if that’s your taste,

this is the place for it.

They're around here like flies,

begging for favours.

Offering everything they have.

Even if they no longer have it.

You should have seen

the one in here yesterday!

A beautiful creature

from the old aristocracy,

with long red hair and a superb figure.

Pleading with me on her knees

to get her husband

out of the concentration camp.

But it isn't all fun.

You've no idea how lonesome it gets

for a man in my position.

- If you stay here...

- I'm sorry, I can't.

You see, everywhere I've been

for news of my parents

I've given the barracks as my address.

I understand, but remember,

you always have a home here with me.

And if you need anything,

one has connections you know.

That's very good of you, Oskar.

Not at all. If old school mates

don't stick together, who will?

Can you really get someone out

of a concentration camp?

It's easier for me

to get them in than out.

But naturally I didn't tell that

to the red head.

You remember Professor Pohlmann?

Of course.

I intend to drop by school to see him.

Don't. Remember, he's the reason

I had to quit school.

He couldn't get it through his head that

my work with the Hitler Youth

was more important than

his lousy examinations.

Well, when I became Party Adviser to

the School Board, I returned the favour.

I had him put in a camp!

Naturally that meant that he was

kicked out of his teaching post.

He had me kicked out,

so I had him kicked out.

That's justice, eh!

And he's still in the camp?

No, we only left him there for

a few months to teach him a lesson.

You know my soft heart.

The last I heard,

he was living in the back of

the bombed out Jahnplatz Art Museum.

I felt so sorry for him

I let him stay there.

Binding, what are you doing?

Sacrificing my favourite bath salts.

Lilac. The perfect finish

to a gentleman's bath.

Finish is right. Holy jumping Jupiter!

To your parents...and our friendship.

I'll put a couple of men on it

first thing in the morning,

in a few days

we ought to know something.

- How about another drink?

- All right.

And a bottle to take with you.

There was a message for you,

I tore it off.

This isn't to be used to make dates.

Here.

"Ernst, if you want to see me,

I'll be home after 7."

Elisabeth!

Thanks.

Oh, it's you! I was all set for a battle

with the crocodile!

Ha ha! She's gone to a meeting

with other crocodiles.

Come in.

I'm sorry about

the way I acted last night.

- Oh, don't...

- There is no excuse for it.

I have such a terrible temper.

I try to control it, but...

Why didn't you just kick me?

I would have, if I hadn't of thought

you'd enjoy it.

You're early.

I at least hoped to comb my hair

or change my blouse before you came.

- I could go and come back later?

- No, no. Please.

Sit down, won't you.

I'll be just a minute.

Did you learn anything about

your parents today?

No. But I had one good break.

Bumped into an old friend of mine.

Party District Leader, no less.

- He promised to do...

- The District Leader is your friend?

He was a class mate of mine.

The milkman Binding's boy.

He offered to do anything he could

to help me find my parents.

What was I supposed to say? No?

Not only that, Elisabeth.

He kept asking what else he can do.

I thought if I handle him right I...

I might be able to find out something

about your father.

That should be easy for him.

All he has to do is ask the Gestapo.

Or maybe he's one of them.

All I know is he's the person I've seen

since coming home who's willing to help.

Murderers are never murderers

24 hours a day.

Some adore their mothers,

some cry when their dogs are dying.

But it's enough when they are murderers

for one minute a day.

At least for the people who are

in their hands at the time.

What happened to you, Ernst?

Are you blind?

Or don't you want to see?

It's nearly as dangerous to talk to you

as it is to walk through a minefield.

Now, this came from Binding.

Shall we call it loot from the enemy?

Or shall I pour it down the sink?

We'll drink it.

I must have a corkscrew some place,

but where?

I'll show you how we do it in the Army.

That's one way to avoid a hangover

I guess!

You should laugh more often.

Or does it only happen when

a bottle of brandy is smashed?

I thought I was smelling brandy,

but it isn't, it's lilac.

But it can't be,

it's too early in the year.

Let's go for a walk, Elisabeth.

It must be spring somewhere.

I know just the place.

We can get a drink and sit a while.

Or have you been out all day?

I've been sitting behind a machine

in a sticky room with 50 other women.

We make Army overcoats.

The Labour Service asked me what

I could do, I said, "I play the piano."

So they put you to work

as a seamstress?

Yes, they must have heard me play!

- Closed.

- Oh.

I used to come here with my father.

He'd drink beer and talk with his friends

while I went wading in the river.

I remember the boats going by,

and the music playing...

Oh, please, Ernst.

No "I remember when" talk.

This is where the lilacs must be.

Smell it?

Must be an early blooming variety.

That warm spell we had last...

I'm the only variety that's blooming early.

It isn't every day a district leader

drowns you in his bath salts.

I think I'll volunteer

to be shot to the moon.

Let's go down to the river.

The first star.

What did you wish?

That it wouldn't be an enemy bomber.

- It isn't.

- No, it's a star.

Is something wrong?

No, nothing.

I just thought...

Oh, it's crazy!

I'm just not myself at all.

Well, whoever you are,

I'm glad you're here with me

and smiling.

Don't stop.

It's the nicest thing I've seen in years.

Ernst, look. The tree!

It's blooming!

Long before it should be.

None of the others are.

That boat house took a bomb.

The heat of the fire

must have forced it to bloom.

Half the tree's gone but it blossoms

as if nothing had happened!

If only we could do

what this tree is doing, Elisabeth.

Just trust life and go on.

If only we could do that.

- I tried to have courage but suddenly...

- You have courage enough.

I don't.

I only pretend to have.

That's what we all do.

All right, so she's been unfaithful.

What do you expect,

you've been away for three years.

And so what? She's not made

out of soap, she won't wear out.

I've made up my mind.

She'll have to give me a divorce.

Why should she be so stupid?

As long as she's the wife of a soldier

she gets 200 marks a month.

And a very nice death benefit when

your ash can gets punctured.

Nasick, why don't you do

the whole town a favour,

buy a fireman's hat and go home so

the Fire Department can go back to work!

Get away from him! Leave him alone.

Oh, getting dressed

to go out already, huh?

- Same girl?

- Yep.

Gentlemen, let's drink a toast to the man

who is smart enough to take my advice.

No you don't.

Oh, thank you, Doctor Böttcher.

Will you do me a favour?

I want to go somewhere special tonight.

Do any of those wonderful places

where you spent your time still exist?

There is a law. In war time,

luxuries are not permitted.

Of course, the officers

who are supposed to enforce these laws

sometimes need a little luxury.

So there is such a place.

I was once its best customer!

The Germania in Lindenplatz.

Oh, but you see?

You cannot get in with this.

It's patched, it's not even pressed.

You have to at least look like

a rich private to be admitted.

I'll loan you my uniform, it's brand new

and it was made by a general's tailor.

It won't fit. Besides, I'm in a hurry.

Now, nothing starts at the Germania

before 9 o'clock.

We will have plenty of time to fix you up.

Feldmann here used to be a tailor.

Feldmann! Get out of your sack!

Our primitive Casanova needs

some help - he is going to the Germania!

Ah! Ha ha ha! Yes!

That's the way

it was supposed to look on me.

Of course, you do lack

my air of distinction.

But I should think in the dark

you'll be able to get away with it.

Now remember,

the old head waiter's name is Heinz.

The wine you are to order is

Johannisberger Kochsberg '37.

'37.

- From the cellars of G.H. von Mumm.

- Von Mumm.

Not too chilled mind you.

And order it as though you are

accustomed to bathing your feet in it.

Now, remember my boy,

it's easier to die than to live.

So, you do us all proud tonight.

Thank you.

If you need anything, send for me.

Yes, you tell her tonight is

your last night, for tomorrow you die!

Tell her anything

except your right name!

We'll be waiting for a full report.

I'm available if you need help!

And if her husband comes...

On with the game.

Cut.

Ernst!

You can't come up. She has visitors.

Old crocodiles.

Why aren't you dressed?

I had to see you first.

Which? This one's mine.

I can be ready in five minutes.

This was my mother's.

I'm not finished making it fit but it will

only take another 30 minutes. All right?

I'll wait.

You knew I would.

Good evening. Quickly, please.

Is old Heinz still in charge here?

Yes, of course. Er...

But, er...

Herr Reuter sent me.

That's an elegant new uniform.

Where did you get...

♪ It's much too late

to debate what's right or wrong...♪

There's no such place, Ernst.

Not anymore.

Is there a war going on or am I...

Good evening, Heinz.

Table for two, please.

A great pleasure to see you again,

I have a very nice table for you.

♪...and make this lovely time

♪A time to love ♪

We'd like something

that's not on the menu.

I have only what is on the menu.

Pity. In which case, bring us a bottle

Of Johannisberger Kochsberg 1937.

From the cellars of G.H. von Mumm.

Von Mumm.

Not too chilled mind you.

Certainly not. I can see you are

a connoisseur in all things.

For you I have a fine Ostend sole,

absolutely fresh,

with a few parsley potatoes

and a Belgian salad perhaps.

And a little Strasburg goose liver

for hors d'oeuvre.

- We are entirely in your hands, er...?

- I am Otto, sir.

- Thank you, Otto.

- Madam.

Ernst, where did you learn all that?

The barracks.

From a man named Reuter.

He's such a gourmet

he even has the gout.

This is his uniform,

made by a general's tailor.

Until I mentioned Reuter's name

that doorman was going to throw us out!

Places like this

aren't supposed to be open anymore.

Suppose you were caught here,

it may be all right for them but...

How would they punish me?

Not send me back to the front?

There's nothing to be afraid of.

Not even the prices here?

I've nearly two years' combat pay

with me.

And only two weeks to spend it or so.

Two weeks or so?

That soon?

Two weeks is a long time.

Nice and clear crystal glasses.

The finest.

- Very good.

- Thank you, sir.

Something wrong?

If I drink before eating I'm liable

to fall right under the table!

- On wine?

- On anything. I drink so little.

Nonsense.

Here's... Here's to everything

that's been missing from our lives.

See you on the floor!

- Is it good, sir?

- It's wonderful.

It must be, because I'm thinking things

that I haven't thought for a long time.

Like dancing.

It's the wine, madam. The sun

that ripened it shines out again.

It was a great year for wine, 1937.

That's the way to remember

our great years, Otto.

By their wines, not their wars.

Certainly, sir.

Oh, sorry! Tell me to stop.

No, go on! I guess that's

one way of enjoying wine.

I can stop, I know I can.

If I concentrate on something...

Look at that

lovely goose liver, Elisabeth.

And that lovely silver

which is not just silver anymore,

and the music's not just music.

Well, whatever it is, I'm drinking to it.

And to Reuter the gourmet.

And G.H. von Mumm for his wine.

And to you.

To us.

To us,

but especially to you.

Because your eyes are shining

and you're more beautiful

each time I see you.

Only, right now...

you look like the next time.

- Are we drunk?

- On one glass of wine?

The warning alarm, sir.

There was no preliminary alert.

Excuse me.

But please, do not be concerned.

The cellar here is safe.

Drink it down, all of it.

Forget the sirens.

My hiccups have gone.

You've got to hurry, sir.

Madam.

It's that way.

♪ Life, let us cherish

♪While all the lamps aglow... ♪

Ladies and gentlemen, I regret that

the last song was...slightly off tone.

Enjoy the war my friends,

the peace will be awful.

♪ Life, let us cherish...

Everybody out! Quickly! Please!

Our coats. Go up!

Help me! Help!

Help me!

I'm a doctor.

Here, let me.

- Ssssh. You'll be all right.

- Help!

This will help until the ambulance comes.

Your hand, Ernst. You burnt it.

Just soot that came off my coat.

Let's go.

- Are you sure your hand is all right?

- Mm-hm.

- It doesn't hurt?

- No.

Then I might as well get started

cleaning your coat.

Where did this come from?

The wine cellars.

You simply took them?

Why not? A soldier who neglects

an open wine cellar is sick.

Now I know why we sew such

big pockets in the Army overcoats.

Bend your backs!

Keep working.

This area must be cleared by morning.

Where are you going?

They're from the concentration camp.

My father may be one of them.

You can see from up here.

Don't get into anything you don't have to.

No, he's not there, but somewhere

he's in a labour gang too.

And all because he thought

Germany couldn't win the war.

One day he said it to the wrong person.

That was his great crime.

- May I have some of that wine, please?

- Of course.

- Elisabeth?

- Yes.

Elisabeth...

Why don't we get married?

It's going to rain.

Didn't you hear me?

There's nothing wrong with my hearing.

It's my sense of humour.

I don't have any about certain things.

I wasn't trying to be funny.

As the wife of a soldier you'd be

entitled to 200 marks a month.

Plus a nice death benefit.

Why make a present of it to the State?

I see.

Then it's settled?

Certainly not.

That's what I like: enthusiasm.

But why not? 200 marks a month.

I don't want it!

I guess you don't.

Well, I can't say that I blame you.

What's a lousy 200 marks

if you have to take me with it...

- Don't say that!

- What would you prefer me to say?

- That you understand.

- I understand.

Do you? Because you don't have to

offer me anything in order...

That's not why I offered it to you!

I simply wanted you to have it.

But don't you see, I can't accept it...

Don't bother to spell it out!

You just don't want me so...

I'll go back.

Ernst.

I want you so much I ache.

Elisabeth.

Ernst!

Morning!

Good morning, and start talking.

I'd like to know what my uniform's

been up to all night.

How about lending it to me a while

longer? I want to take it to a wedding.

- Whose?

- Mine.

Schilling...

Leave the bottle where it is, Schilling.

Some other time. Got the...

- Where are you going?

- I'm leaving.

He's found his beloved, Alma.

What luck, Böttcher!

Where did you find her?

On the street.

She was simply standing there.

I'd been running through

twenty villages looking for her.

What did you say when you saw her?

I didn't recognise her.

I just passed her by

and suddenly a voice said, "Herman?

"Don't you know me?"

How could I be expected

to recognise a woman

who once was a proud 200 pounds

and now is a measly 112?

You're the most ungrateful creature

I've ever seen.

Who ever heard of loving

a woman by the ton? You deserve...

I deserve after two years at the front,

my wife as she used to be.

But she's alive, you dope,

you can fatten her up again.

How? With what?

With only five days left

of my furlough? How?

I love my wife, but I needed all of her.

Goodbye.

I know I'm late. I'm sorry.

But I wasn't satisfied just getting

a day off

I asked for a week. Of course,

the answer was no! What's wrong?

This.

To save time I got the applications.

They require full information...

...about our families.

Our families? I see.

And because my father's in a camp

you think that...?

They may check the Gestapo records.

If you’re brought to their attention,

someone may get a dangerous notion.

Those things happen.

I know they do.

Ernst, I want to go through with it.

You're not afraid?

No.

Only, don't ask me why

my hands are shaking.

Take a seat, please.

Go out on the corridor

and watch me from there.

If you see me lay my cap down,

leave at once.

Don't go home.

Go to the Jahnplatz Art Museum,

Professor Pohlmann lives right behind it.

Wait for me there.

- But Ernst...

- Please, do as I say.

- Gräber.

- Yes.

Your applica... What are you staring at?

Haven't you ever seen a glass eye?

Yes, but...it's a different colour

from the other. It's blue.

It's not blue, it's brown.

My real eye is blue.

I broke the other one this morning

and had none to replace it.

I had to borrow this brown one.

Where is Frauline Kruse?

She had to step out for a moment.

Everything's all right, isn't it?

I'll ask the questions.

Is she the daughter

of Doctor Bernhard Kruse?

- Yes, but she...

- But what?

Nothing.

Doctor Kruse doesn't practise anymore.

Talked too much, didn't he?

Well, he did.

But he saved this eye for me.

We'll say he's retired.

According to the official version, he is.

When do you want to get married?

As soon as possible.

You know how short furloughs are.

You can get married at once. Sign here.

Your papers are in order.

But Frauline Kruse has to sign too.

- Are her papers in order?

- I already told you so.

Well, she'll be right here...

My cap! I'll be back in a second.

Elisabeth! Wait!

Everything's all right.

We can be married right away.

Oh, Ernst!

Where do you want to go

on your honeymoon?

We've got the whole rest of the day.

Do we have to go anywhere?

Why don't we go home to my place

and not stir out until peace is declared?

Or maybe not then.

Frauline Kruse!

You have already filled one tub,

I heard you.

How dare you use all the hot water!

20 minutes I've been waiting to get in.

Frauline Kruse!

Go! Answer the door.

Frauline Kruse!

Open this door immediately or...

Yes?

What is it?

I did hear you calling me, didn't I?

Good evening.

Excuse me.

Frau Lieser.

There's a package

for an Ernst Gräber.

That's for me.

How dare you! How dare you!

I am a decent woman!

And while I'm in it

this is going to be a decent house.

I'm going for the police this instant.

And before I return,

that man better be out of here

and you with him Frauline Kruse.

I know this is going to upset you, but...

my name is Frau Gräber now.

Ha! Do you think I'd fall for that old trick!

- You're not only shameless, you're...

- Read it!

I told you Frau Lieser wouldn't be happy

till she saw our marriage certificate.

I can see she's delighted.

It's written all over her face.

You wanted to go to the bathroom?

Go!

I couldn't have planned it better!

I'm even for everything

she's ever done to me.

I hope that isn't the only reason

you married me?

- What is it?

- From Binding. Wedding present.

How did he know?

Must have phoned the barracks.

Look at this.

Dutch chocolate, Polish ham,

brandied peaches.

Champagne.

I don't have the proper glasses.

Never mind that.

Any kind of glasses will do.

In Paris we drank champagne

out of our canteens.

All my life I hoped

one day to go to Paris.

Perhaps for my honeymoon.

But we'd never be welcome there,

would we?

Did they hate you very much in Paris?

I was only there in the beginning.

And Holland? With its canals

and sail boats.

Would we be welcome there?

Holland?

I think not.

We destroyed Rotterdam.

My father and mother went

to Hildesheim for their honeymoon.

They told me about

a thousand-year-old rose vine

climbing up the side of the old cathedral.

That's destroyed now too I guess.

So even if we could go on a honeymoon

there's no place for us, is there?

It's all been destroyed by bombs

or hatred.

Elisabeth.

I know, I'm sorry.

To us. Wherever we are.

To us.

- I saw that in a movie once!

- So did I!

Only I forget who cleaned it up.

Oh?

I'm pretty sure it was

someone with shoes.

Better let me.

"Shortening of line successful.

"Heavy losses inflicted on enemy

at the Prut River."

Sounds simple, doesn't it?

Not a word about our losses.

Thank God you weren't there.

Men I knew better than my own family.

Watch out for the broken glass.

Ernst? Let's both try to forget

everything outside this room.

This is the first night of our marriage.

Maybe we'll have the same dream...

...that time stands still.

And in our dreams we might find a place

where people won't hate us

and won't ask our nationality,

only if we love each other,

and that will be our passport

and visa enough.

You there, soldier!

I've been waiting for you to show up.

I have something for you.

It came in the mail for Gräber.

It was sent to Ernst Gräber at the front

and forwarded from there.

Must have just missed you, huh?

- It's from my mother.

- Your mother!

There's no return address.

They're alive! My parents are alive!

This was sent the day they were being

evacuated! They don't know where to.

They'll let me know their address

as soon as they have one.

She tells me not to worry!

I'm very glad for you.

I'll take your notice down. There are

so many others and so little space.

Herr Gräber?

Yes?

I've something for your wife.

It came after she left for work.

I promised I'd see that she get it.

I'll tell her. I know

she'll be deeply touched.

A summons from the Gestapo.

She's to report tomorrow at 4 o'clock.

- Professor Pohlmann.

- What is it?

- I'm Ernst Gräber, a former pupil.

- Gräber...!

What do you want?

Can I see you for a few moments,

Professor?

I need your advice.

I no longer have the right

to receive students.

I must talk to you, Professor.

There's no one else I can go to.

Please let me come in.

Anyone see you come back here?

No.

Only the workmen out front.

Workmen?

They may be workmen

but one may not be.

I'm being watched, Gräber.

Come back another time,

but make sure no one is around.

Knock twice slowly,

then twice more quickly.

Gräber?

Yes.

If the workmen ask you anything,

tell them I wouldn't talk to you.

Or even open the door.

You, soldier. The shelter's a block over.

Come with us. Hurry!

In broad daylight?

They're going to make sure they get

the factories this time.

You crazy fool! Clear out!

Is that the uniform factory?

It was. What are you doing

on the streets?

My wife works there. Was there time

for everyone to get to the shelters?

There was a power breakdown.

Just before the alert.

Most of the workers were sent home.

The overcoat section too?

How should I know?

Why don't you go home

and find out?

- Frau Lieser, have you seen my wife?

- I don't know.

Did she get home? Is she in the shelter?

What shelter? We were flooded out,

can't you see?

Ernst!

Oh!

Elisabeth! Thank God you're here.

I went to the factory,

they wouldn't let me get to you.

I saved all I could.

Thank you.

Well, I suppose we'll sleep

in the streets tonight.

But not this one, Ernst.

Any other I won't mind.

Why don't we go to

the Jahnplatz Art Museum?

It's an elegant ruin as ruins go

and I want to see

Professor Pohlmann anyway.

Pohlmann isn't home.

I hope he'll like us for neighbours.

When I was seven years old I wanted

to be a gypsy, just to live like this.

A quiet night, a bed and a woman...

like you.

That's what we used to

dream about in the field.

- Did you get a letter?

- Oh, and what a letter!

In all the excitement

I forgot to tell you about it.

It's from my parents.

They were being evacuated,

they didn't know where to.

Then they're alive! And you forgot that.

How could you?

Is someone there?

It's Pohlmann.

It's me, Professor. Ernst Gräber.

We were bombed out and I...

We? Someone is with you?

My wife.

I was married a few days ago.

I see.

It's all right, Josef.

Ernst, Josef.

It's better not to mention other names.

I can't take you and your wife inside.

You would be in great danger

if you were found there.

With a man who is wanted.

I'm a Jew.

Nothing may happen tonight.

The city is always in confusion

after a raid but one never knows.

Professor, I must talk to you.

Come in for a few minutes.

Have you any idea why the Gestapo

would want your wife?

Her father's in a concentration camp.

Then they must want information.

What would you do, Josef?

Hide. That's why I'm still alive.

In any case, interrogation by the Gestapo

is something to be avoided.

Josef is a specialist in these things.

Couldn't I go in her place and find out

what they're up to?

They'll tell you nothing,

it's your wife they want.

I know someone they would tell.

Oskar Binding.

He's offered to help me. And he has

connections, Gestapo connections.

He's bragged to me about them.

To me too. And he proved it.

I'm supposed to go back to the front

in ten days, and if I go, she'll be alone.

I'll have to see Binding in the morning,

I don't know what else to do.

Thank you for seeing me.

Ernst.

You said if you go. Are you thinking of

not going back?

I must find out what will happen to

my wife. Until then I...

If you desert, they will shoot you.

There's a chance you could

escape alone, but not with your wife.

That's practically impossible.

If you know anyone hiding

you would be risking penalty of death.

Are your parents alive, Ernst?

Yes, but I haven't been able to find them.

They would find them. Your wife too.

And they would use them to get you.

So I must go back,

just as before.

And do the same things as before.

But how? I don't believe in anything

I was taught anymore.

Tell me, Professor, is there anything

left to believe in?

Yes, there is.

- What?

- God.

- You still believe in him?

- More than ever.

You never have any doubts?

Of course I have.

Without doubt, there would be

no need for faith.

How can anyone believe in God

with all that's happening here?

God is not responsible to us.

We are responsible to God

for all that's happening here.

If that’s true, Professor,

how much am I responsible?

Isn't there a time

when taking orders stops

and personal responsibility begins?

When duty turns into crime

and can no longer be excused

by blaming the leaders?

I have to make a decision, Professor.

I must know!

No one can make that decision for you,

Ernst, not even your teacher.

Each man has to decide it for himself.

But first you must face the truth,

no matter how grim.

The war is lost, Ernst.

And more terrifying, it must be lost

before our country can regain its soul.

I'm not making it any easier for you,

am I?

No. Harder.

You're smiling.

Why aren't you screaming?

I am screaming,

you just don't hear it.

Gräber.

Gräber!

Are you awake, Gräber?

If you care to, you may wash up inside.

Herr Pohlmann has some coffee on,

such as it is.

If it's all right, I'd like to let her sleep

a little while longer.

Does she know about

the Gestapo summons?

I thought not.

Gräber. If you find she's in danger

and need a place to hide her...

Yes?

Meet me at Saint Cunibert's.

I'll have an address for you to go to.

You'll find me up in the little storeroom

of the northern tower.

I suggest you leave your belongings

in the church

before going anywhere this morning.

That way you can have your wife

meet you there without alarming her.

Thank you.

And be careful,

especially when you talk to Binding.

Come in!

Well! Do come in said a spider to the fly.

Come in!

Ernst, boy! What a time

to come crawling!

I know it's early

but when I heard the piano...

That's been going on all night.

What a party you've missed!

But I'm glad you came by.

Now relax!

Let's have a drink.

Good, isn't he?

I don't know anything about music but

everybody tells me Heíní is a master.

He's even been invited to Berchtesgaden

where he played with such great art

he made the Führer cry.

Don't take my bottle!

Mustn't take bottle from baby baby.

Heíní, I want you to meet

my friend, Ernst.

On furlough from the Russian front.

Ha! I had a great time there,

finest time I ever had.

Their vodka is 120 proof,

better than gasoline.

We poured it down their throats,

made flame throwers out of them.

You should have seen them jump!

Spitting fire!

It was fun, baby!

Great fun.

Tut tut tut.

Careful with that.

From our own recipe.

We call it the layer cake.

First you have the prisoners bring

a layer of wood.

On which they lay down.

Then, one bullet for each.

Heíní, careful with that!

And you're ready for the next layer.

Who also bring their own wood,

and so on.

Sprinkle liberally with gasoline.

And...

Herr Baby,

your piano needs tuning.

This note is flat.

Mad fellow that Heíní.

He's the Commander

of the camp here now.

I don't enjoy that sort of thing.

You know me,

much too soft-hearted.

You think it's all right for him to do it?

I don't think about it.

I'm not responsible

for what other people do.

No, none of us is ever responsible.

That's what we tell ourselves

at the front, too,

when we're ordered to shoot hostages

Your vodka, Ernst.

You've shot civilians?

Yes I have.

Drink!

You're one of us.

I guess I am.

- Heíní!

- Late, baby, late. Duty calls.

- Shall I phone for your car?

- I want to walk.

Ernst could take my car and drive you...

I said I walk! Think I can?

He's in one of his moods.

The concentration camp

will be hell tonight.

Another...layer cake?

What's the difference how people die?

They're equally dead.

You've killed lots of them yourself.

Maybe not the right ones.

Ernst, I'm very drunk.

I don't understand a word you say.

So don't say anymore.

You're right.

I... I'd better not.

Where are you going?

You're always running away.

Goodbye, Oskar.

Who do I see about this?

This is for Elisabeth Kruse.

I'm her husband. It came after she left

for work this morning, I thought...

Room 72. Cellar floor.

Your wife is

the daughter of Bernhard Kruse?

Yes.

Sign here. Kruse.

Under your signature write,

"Husband of Elisabeth Kruse"

and the date and registry office

of your marriage.

Sign.

The Kruse package.

For what am I signing?

The receipt for the ashes

of Bernhard Kruse.

Cause of death...heart disease.

Sure.

What else?

Complete discretion is to be exercised.

And, er...no death notices

in the papers.

Understand?

- Josef.

- Well?

It was this.

Her father's ashes.

I went to Pohlmann's, he wasn't there.

Pohlmann has been arrested.

He saw them coming.

He ran into the street

to draw them away from the house

so that I could get away.

A cigar box,

it's almost like a coffin.

Usually they use old tin cans

or paper bags.

You knew him?

He was our family physician.

A fine man,

and this is all it comes to.

What do you think I should do with it?

She'll be here soon.

There are graves in the church garden.

It's consecrated ground

if that’s what you want.

What will happen to Pohlmann?

And you?

If I'm not caught, I'll survive.

You must hate us.

Hate.

Hate makes one forget to be cautious.

Besides, I remember the time before -

the Germany I grew up in and loved.

And there's Pohlmann.

Am I to hate him? Or Pastor Brenner

who hides me here?

Shall I hate them?

- Are there many like them?

- Yes. Not enough, but many.

It isn't hopeless.

You say that there's hope!

Of course.

I'm alive, isn't that proof?

You'd better go now.

It will be kinder if you’ve buried that

before your wife comes.

Good luck, Ernst.

Good luck, Josef.

Is it your wish that the child be baptised

and brought up in this faith?

Yes.

I baptise you Christina Renata

in the name of the Father,

the Son,

and the Holy Ghost. Amen.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Amen.

Ernst, I've nothing but good news!

There's no work until the factory

can be moved. At least three days!

That's wonderful.

We can sleep late

and do anything we like.

It's a miracle, isn't it?

It would be if we had

a place to sleep.

We can't stay here, they only take

families with children.

But I only told you the first miracle,

the second you have to see to believe.

It's not very far, we...

What are you talking about?

You're wasting time!

Let's get our things and go.

It's hardly touched.

Even some of the windows are in.

- It must be a mirage.

- No, no it's real. I'll show you.

Frau Witte!

This is my husband.

- Good evening, Herr Gräber.

- Good evening.

Yes, he's everything you said.

He is handsome! And his eyes...

- We're not late, are we?

- Late? One is always on time!

But first you'll want to take

your things to your room.

How did you find this place?

By accident. The street

I meant to take was blocked.

I really don't serve meals anymore,

not for two years,

but I couldn't say no to your wife.

You too, eh?

So I decided the butcher

wouldn't say no to me either.

In the soup, you'll find

a little piece of sausage.

It's my daughter's room,

her name was Ilse.

It was the second air raid

she didn't come home.

I never reported it, I didn't want

anyone else in her room.

But I want you to have it.

Please, let her stay on here,

I have no one else.

Thank you.

When you are ready for dinner,

give me five minutes warning

so I'll have the table set.

I want our house to be

exactly like this one.

Tiled stove and...everything.

Can't you see it, Ernst?

Our families together

for Sunday dinners,

children climbing all over them.

Everybody talking at once.

I didn't know you

wanted children so much.

It's your children I want to have.

In times like these

doesn't that frighten you?

Other things frighten me more,

like not having them.

My father's brought a thousand babies

into the world.

But wait till you see his face

when he holds ours.

Oh, how he'll spoil them!

What is it?

Nothing.

Ernst?

What aren't you telling me?

There's something!

You're going away.

No, I would have told you that.

Then what?

Is it something I did?

Something I didn't do?

My father.

Dead?

Dead.

There were still a few bottles of wine

left in the cellar.

And I thought I'll...

Shall I serve dinner now?

Yes, Frau Witte, please.

Soldier, you must be insane.

New orders come through every hour

cancelling furloughs.

But you're not satisfied with even

all your furlough! You want it extended.

Sir, my wife...

Broke her leg? Is having twins?

Or double pneumonia? Which?

We were just married, sir.

We've had very little time together.

Even if it meant one more day,

I had to take the chance to ask.

You're due out on a troop transport.

The train leaves at 6 in the morning

and you must be on it.

Report here at 5.

Even Reuter would approve of

Frau Witte's wines.

Berndtcassler, 1935.

According to Reuter,

the perfect wine for lobster...

if we just had some lobster!

Don't open it, Ernst.

It doesn't do any good.

This one will.

I'm not really crying.

And if I do cry, don't worry about it.

It isn't sorrow. I'm happy.

So much has happened

in these weeks,

I can't press it all into myself.

I've tried, but it won't go.

Tonight you must be patient with me.

I wish I'd taken you out of the city,

to a village or somewhere.

Even if I didn't have to work

at the factory, I'd want to stay here.

Because I'll need to be some place

where I've been with you.

Do you want to sleep now?

I can sleep on the train all the way there.

Then? Will you ever have a bed?

The best I can hope for after tomorrow

is a field cart

or a sack of hay from time to time.

It's not that bad. You get used to it

soon enough. And summer's coming.

It's the winter that...

As soon as I hear from my parents

I'll send you their address.

If they’re anywhere close,

try to visit them.

I will.

They're gonna love you.

Kiss them from me.

Everyone to the shelter!

Lights out.

Herr Gräber!

Herr Gräber, the air raid shelter is

around the corner on Leibingstrasse.

Ernst!

No matter what happens,

I don't want to spend my last night

with you in a cellar.

Could we stay?

I understand. I'll tell the warden

that everyone is out of the house.

Ernst.

What happens if the planes

destroy the station?

Or maybe the train?

They'd make us walk.

Darling, please don't

come to the station tomorrow.

Last time, my mother went with me

the train was late leaving

and there was

this nervous, weeping woman

saying the same things over and over.

Not my mother as she really is at all.

No, we shouldn't do that

to each other.

- Is this seat vacant?

- Sure.

Maxl, say goodbye to your daddy.

The child, must be tired.

Go along, Elsa.

He can wait.

I wish you had stayed home.

Fourth Company!

Gräber!

Over here!

Immerman!

Well, if it isn't the furlough boy!

- Sauer!

- Yes?

You crazy fool,

why didn't you stay home?

The rate we're running

you could have waited for us to join you.

What brought you back to this muck?

How did you find us?

Came up with an engineer outfit.

Been looking for you guys

for two weeks.

Oh, relax.

Sling that rifle back on your shoulder,

we haven't had anything

to shoot at for days.

They keep pounding us

with artillery,

when they run out of shells, we rest.

And pretty soon they've got more shells.

- Sauer!

- Yes, sir.

Get those men out of there!

Move out of there.

What are you doing?

Gräber!

I don't know how you got here,

but I'm glad.

How was it at home?

I know.

Come on.

Come on, keep moving.

Come on. Relax, boy.

They're just looking for us.

They haven't found us yet.

Sauer, I think I'm catching cold.

Don't worry, your insurance is paid up.

Yeah, but my wife's too stupid.

She wouldn't know how to collect it.

Hey, Sauer, look!

Beer!

- I'll get it.

- No, no. I'll get it.

Hey, this must have been a brewery!

Keep moving! Sauer, Gräber, move...

Sir.

Keep moving.

Keep moving!

Sauer! Keep moving!

Go on!

Stay here and rest.

Break rank.

Mail!

Emmerich.

Dead.

Zender. Dead.

Dead.

Immerman.

Smith.

Gräber.

From my wife!

Keep moving.

Pick up your feet.

We found them hiding in a cellar, sir.

I'm sure they are guerrillas.

- Did you find any weapons?

- No, sir.

Then how can you be sure?

We'll hold them until we can

turn them over for questioning.

But where?

The grain storehouse by the lake has

an outside bolt on it, sir.

All right. Take them and...

Gräber.

Yes, sir.

Take charge of these prisoners.

They are to be locked up and guarded.

- Lamas.

- Yes, sir.

You'll show him where.

Krüger.

Nothing for you, sir.

There's nobody to write.

You should have gotten to us yesterday,

you'd have a lot less to carry back.

Why don't you get yourself some rest?

Fine. I could use it.

'I'm writing this sitting under

the bombed tree by the river.

'It's growing and living again as though

it had never been scarred.

'You told me we must be like that too,

and we are.

'We're going to have a child, Ernst.

'And the thought of our child

shuts out all else.

'Except you.

'Frau Witte says it doesn't matter to her

what we call the baby

'as long as it's a girl!

'I will now write to your parents

offering them a vote too.

'You sent the address

just in time, so I...'

Gräber!

Gräber! Get back to the platoon.

We're pulling out.

Where are you going?

We're not gonna hold them with us.

Get going, I'll finish them off.

I'm responsible for them.

All right, then you do it.

I'll let you have the honour.

It's no honour.

- But it is an order.

- To me it isn't.

Do you know who you are talking to?

I know exactly who I'm talking to.

Go!

You're free!

Well, go!

German beast!