Alexandria... Why? (1979) - full transcript
"Yahia", a young man living in the cosmopolitan Alexandria during World War II. Between his dreams, which up to Hollywood and constraints of his life in the middle class trying to be a new Hamlet to be or not to be . Uprising dreams wondering where all new meaning to life amid the horrors of war and life pain .
Subt?tulos ripeados por Leonnos
avenidalibertad ? apolocinegay
"When the Khamsin wind blows,
coming on top of you,
nothing can stop it.
It is like a mountain of dust.
It was just like that in 1942:
Rommel's advance towards
Alexandria,
was inexorable.
To the journalists he said:
"The key to Alexandria
is in my hand!"
And Hitler swore:
"Alexandria! You are MINE!"
Stop acting like Clark Gable.
We'll miss Tom and Jerry.
25.000 casualties in Kharkov.
2500 killed.
To come early as all God's
other creatures,
would be below Victoria College.
To hell with you!
Kutchuk! D'you mind?
He's our pal.
Yes Kutchuk!
You've started to smoke?
Since two years!
Yehia, have one!
It's full of soldiers.
Good we found seats.
Why are you late?
He was chatting up girls.
That's the Australian
who almost bashed your face.
Let go of him! He's my pal.
What's that ass saying?
He doesn't like Egypt.
We didn't invite him here.
Your days are over here.
Hitler's going to turn you
into belly dancers.
An ice-cream.
There was a blond eyeing me.
Cool it, man.
I've got the blues
and up above it's so fair
Shoes, go on and carry me there
I'll build a stairway to paradise
With a new step every day
With a new step
every day
Those Americans.
Miracle workers!
Top people of world.
Today and forever!
I saw the new Esther Williams
yesterday.
She's devastating.
D'you think the Yankees will
help us get rid of the British?
Sure. If it's in their interest.
Let's take a ride
and pick up a girl.
Now?
In front of each other in the car?
You can look away.
I don't want to be looked at.
I can't!
Indeed you can't.
Look who's talking!
Britain and the U.S. are allies.
Allies today, enemies tomorrow.
Enemies today,
allies tomorrow!
Enemies today, allies tomorrow?
That's fantastic.
Where did you read that?
Read it?
I just thought it up now.
What a repulsive subject.
Shut up!
I don't speak about sex.
I just do it.
But you guys are greenhorns.
Let's chat up a chick.
Drop it.
I'd like to watch the film again.
I missed a few things.
Stop living in films.
Let me teach you the way of all
flesh. Here and not in Hollywood.
You haven't drawn a card.
Of course I did!
You just don't see.
Why are you screaming?
I can't study with all
of you bellowing.
Instead of seeing the film twice,
you should have come early.
Card games can't be played
quietly?
We're locked up,
stifled by those black-outs.
Can't we have some fun?
Just tell Albert to lower
his voice.
This is a respectable house.
What is this? A queen, no?
How many queens are there
in a deck?
I throw what I please!
Sounds like a brawl.
Turn off the lights.
They've opened the window.
Turn off the lamp.
I won't!
It's Morsi! He's at it again.
May your heart stop beating,
Morsi!
Poor fellow... He looks like
an angel.
Angel? That's an aussie ass.
The planes will spot us.
Morsi, that monster,
kept kicking his face.
What's this, Salha?
A jack.
I just threw one.
D'you expect me to throw
a trump?
I don't know what to do.
Feel sorry when they're
beaten up,
or kill them when they ask
for whores?
We're living on top of a cabaret!
How can they guess we're
decent people?
I love your pips, captain man!
I love your uniform,
captain man!
Oh captain man. Oh captain!
Why not wrap him for Adel Bey?
Good brand.
Adel Bey wants an officer
from New Zealand.
An officer!
Isn't this the air raid alarm?
You're right. It is.
Yehia! An air raid! Hurry!
There was no alarm.
Your voice covered it, Salha!
Almost killed us shouting about
your silly jack.
Take this sandwich and choke
on it. Better than bombs.
The bombs will only hit you.
I want Halvah.
Get it for him, Nadia.
Can't it wait?
Come on in, captain.
Come in, you're crazier
than your father!
Play on, idiot!
Inside.
What do you do with all
these bottles?
Refill them with bathtub stuff?
Do we look like moonshiners?
With prices going so high,
everyone hustles one thing
or another.
We have very good tyres.
Need silk stockings
for your lady?
Straight Nylon.
You're missing a deal.
We need to get rid of the British.
Believe it or not?
You're my worst clients.
I usually deal with "high life"...
In a couple of minutes
you'll see one.
A bit wacky, but really "high".
What does he buy?
Tyres?
No, man! Flesh and blood.
He wants a New Zealand officer.
New Zealand?
To kill him... his idea
of patriotism.
Takes him to his mansion,
then elegantly carves him.
I tell you he's high class, man!
Uncle Adel, a guy wants
to see you.
Astounding! I read about
the general
found dead under a tank.
Real patriotism!
What brought you here?
Found you a pure breed officer
from New Zealand.
The fellows who have him,
want a stiff price.
I gave you fifty pounds.
They want two fifties!
One now,
and the other one on delivery.
Get me a hundred pounds.
First promise to congratulate
Chaker.
Is this modesty?
Or a change of ideology?
Sarah Sorel coming to congrat-
ulate the brand new pacha?
Your sister is my friend.
And Chaker, her husband.
A friend to the workers
you love.
An urge to discuss politics?
A compulsion?
With you? Who dares?
Many of your men are found
dead in the streets.
Mr. Kowalsky is Polish...
he can't understand you.
How do you communicate?
Sign language.
The moment I have your man,
I'll call.
Liberty at any price.
Even if thousands are sacrificed.
Such is the way of life.
- Sure, I agree.
- Clever man!
You must congratulate
the Pasha.
If he were not my nephew's
father, I would have shot him.
Your Excellency will come
with your car.
Delivery in twenty minutes.
Bon appetit.
New Zealand meat.
We'll sing "Lady be good."
Samir still sings false.
From 5 to 7 we'll pick a girl.
Then we go to the party.
I'll join you after tennis.
Ok? At 5 in front of
Yehia's house.
Are we fishing for a girl...
or racing?
There's one... easy does it.
Please come in.
Welcome, I'm David.
These are just friends.
Tell me you love me
to make my blood run!
Are you an idiot?
Get it over with.
You smell of onions.
Like animals.
I'll never be able to make it.
Touch her thighs! That'll do it.
I can't... your leg's there.
Should I feel your thighs?
That's enough.
You're too many.
Three aren't doing anything.
Hey, are you OK?
I'm not.
And you?
I'm the asshole driver!
Let go!
Then seconds later
she was drooling all over me.
Miss Sarah wants a tie
for Ibrahim.
Why didn't you try
doing it with her?
You're going to Mohsen's
party tonight?
If you don't he'll kill you.
Ibrahim my son,
a strike would not harm
the pasha alone.
It could postpone badly
needed armament
at a time the Nazis are
at our door.
The workers' interests are
over the Americans
the British and the Russians.
The workers make money
working for the British!
Maybe temporarily.
No one will forgive you this.
Neither the Pasha
nor the Russians...
What's your stand?
New ideas have cropped up.
I need to think.
Think? What's your programme
for today?
I'll go home work on
the university project,
then sleep to dream of you.
And when you get up?
I'll think of you,
and wait.
I'll drop by tomorrow.
What about tonight?
Take these. They'll keep
you warm.
I'm warning you, I'll become so
brilliant
I'll forget all about love.
I'd kill you!
Any book of value is banned
by the palace.
How d'you expect them
to know anything?
Simple.
You look worried.
What's wrong?
The Americans have discovered
huge oil reserves in
Saudi Arabia.
What's upsetting about that?
Nothing.
However, logic says they'll need
a military presence somewhere.
To "protect" the oil.
Palestine! And we wondered
why the US
and Britain seek our goodwill.
Palestine, oh promised land.
Instead of setting the highest
ample in brotherhood and love,
you will become the stage
of terror.
Man will kill his brother,
just like in Genesis.
O Jerusalem.
Murderess of innocents
and prophets.
I told you I can't come
to the party.
Try it... I've sown it well.
No use... forget it.
I can't make it.
I have work to do.
What is it?
Yehia is unhappy about
his jacket.
I'm lost.
The kids need so many things.
Your husband could change
his attitude about money.
I sent him Saneya Desouki,
who wants to divorce,
and instead of taking the case,
he tells:
"Go back to your man".
He's right. Both are our friends.
You're more stupid than he.
You like to suffer.
Saneya just went to
another lawyer
who took the money,
lost the case,
then said the judge was an ass.
You could have used
that money.
It's hot, you know.
Just throw it casually across
your arm.
They'll all be at their best.
You know that.
And l'll be like a pauper.
We've had a new dress made
for your sister.
She's grown to be as lovely as
Hedy Lamaar.
And you're in the best school
in Egypt.
Best British education.
The best of the best.
By whose standards?
Your friends'?
And this best school,
doesn't require decent clothes?
Just simple, decent clothes.
When you'll grow you'll
have had an education
with the elite.
Your father has sacrificed
his job
to guarantee your school fees.
Well?
Gorgeous!
You're lovelier than
Hedy Lamaar.
May I?
Yehia, please go to Mohsen's
party. They love you.
Ma, honest, it's not that
l can't go...
I just don't want to.
I'll take a dive
then study my Shakespeare!
Do you want to attract
the military police up to here?
He's again going back
on his word.
You had approved.
I thought again.
The Germans are more
dangerous than the British.
If we kill the guy,
we'd be helping them.
Our deed will end seventy
five years of occupation.
With one little blow!
Moreover, I've set Morsi to
pursue an intelligence officer
on a secret mission.
We'll know where Churchill's
submarine will accost.
The submarine appears,
we zero in on Churchil.
The British panic!
The Germans charge!
Bye bye British!
Adel!
Just a friend.
Ibrahim... at our very
first meeting,
I craved to hear your voice.
Then I wanted to see your eyes.
One look... I was yours.
Sarah, l have always felt that
loneliness was my lot.
That kept on being true,
until I came to Alexandria...
...and met you.
Sarah,
I was blind,
you opened my mind,
you showed me the way.
Give your back to the
blackboard.
You're a cad.
The party was boring
without you.
I was ashamed to wear
my torn jacket
amongst all those filthy
rich people.
Girls like you for your dancing,
not for your silly jacket.
It was really boring.
Sorry, what could I do?
It's all in Arabic on the board.
You'll remain asses
all your lives.
I just meant to recite
the speech.
Please sir, let me do it.
I'll recite another scene:
Hamlet's Mother.
Look here upon this picture
and on this.
The counterfeit presentment
of two brothers.
See what a grace was seated
on this brow.
Hyperion's curls, the front
of Jove himself.
A combination and a form
indeed.
Where every god did seem
to set his seal.
This was your husband.
Look you now what follows.
Here is your husband, like a
mildew'd ear.
Have you eyes?
Could you on this fair mountain
leave to feed,
and batten on this moor?
Ha? Have you eyes?
You cannot call it love:
for at your age,
the hey day in blood is tame,
it's humble,
and what judgement
would step from this to this?
It's humble,
and waits upon the judgement.
And what judgement...
What devil was't that thus hath
cozened you at hoodman-blind?
O shame, where is thy blush?
To flaming youth,
let virtue be as wax
and melt in her own fire.
Nay, but to live in
the rank sweat
of an enseamed bed,
stew'd in corruption;
honeying and making love
over the nasty sty.
A murderer and a villain.
A slave that is not twentieth
part of the tithe
of your precedent lord,
a vice of kings, that from a shelf
the precious diadem stole.
Save me; and hover o'er me
with your wings.
You heavenly guards.
What would you, gracious
figure?
Do you no come your tardy son
to chide,
that laps'd in time and passion,
let's go by...
the important acting of your
dread command?
O, say!
O, say!
Come back!
You're not allowed to sail
in front of the ships.
They're audacious, knowing
the Germans are at Matrouh,
like women they're gifted
with the sixth sense.
See the timing of their
demands?
The British will surely
stop them.
They wouldn't let them
enter Alexandria.
How come you say the British
Ambassador attends your show?
- Mr. Hayden said he's coming...
- When?
The show is in two weeks.
When did Hayden mention
the ambassador?
Yesterday.
Only yesterday?
Ok. Go now.
If the ambassador is attending
the show,
it means: all's well!
What is it?
I need five pounds.
That's the salary of five men.
They're underpaid.
Heard this? One would think
he's a communist.
Forget it.
Drop by the cashier,
he'll settle your problem.
Why the detours?
Here, take this.
Tewfik, go tell the workers off.
Ok for the overtime?
I said no!
Sir, l don't think we should
try to be too clever.
My God! You're a pest.
He's over there... fishing.
In that case I'll come back later.
No. Just a few words with dad.
Dad, I really impressed
my class today.
Good! Like father like son!
I also usually did.
Always top of the class.
For the first time I love school.
I dropped my independent
job just
to guarantee you the best
of schools.
You must go to University;
I want you to be an engineer.
I always wanted to be
an engineer,
but we were too poor.
You'll fulfil that dream.
But I am successful... acting.
Why not? Act and have fun
if you want,
but study something serious.
Acting is something serious.
Your father's quite a guy.
Always either hunting or fishing.
While your father fishes
for war sterlings.
Spends his nights counting them
and wants me to do the same.
Imagine! His father and mine
went to the same school like us.
You think we'll be different
like'them?
Who was that?
A summation. We either pay
the rent or the furniture goes.
How about my family reunion?
You should have told us.
The first Thursday every
3 months.
Courts and summations and
you speak of family reunions?
My fault to have sold
my belongings to help you.
You expect these to make
a soup?
They're rats not rabbits!
Catch... thief... my brief case!
I swear to God, I'm telling
the truth.
The woman fell head over
heels on me.
I felt sorry for her and gave her
some money.
You should have finished
him off.
I didn't intend to hurt him.
He argued... I punched him
in the eye.
Did you find whatever
you needed?
That's it!
C-H-U... 1st part of
Churchill's name.
Then the word: "house".
CHU-house.
The spot where Churchill
will land.
Let me see.
A submarine!
See Ibrahim. Tactics!
Top secret, that really
must be it.
Now for the finances.
I just sold a private for
150 pounds.
Imagine what Churchill
would cost.
You're talking to patriots
performing their sacred task.
And I should be a sucker?
You take medals and
I end up broke?
We've taken nothing yet.
You will!
Take these...
Only that? No way.
Come and see me when...
you appreciate the real value
of things.
Morsi... shame on you!
You want to buy Churchill
for ten pounds?
You're really low life.
Let's beat him then grab it.
It's not necessary.
I've learned it all by heart.
Give them what they want.
Our war situation is critical.
We can't afford delays.
It'll cost you much more, Pasha.
I can't cover for you this time.
Finished work?
I've just started.
I'm pleased to comply with your
demands, and henceforth.
Henceforth my ass!
Nobody's forcing you to dance.
Some rhythm.
Why stick to us when you're
such a lousy dancer. Come.
Stay here and don't move.
You're driving us crazy.
One. Two. Three. Four.
And I'm dancing. There!
Sixteen different figures?
Think you're Ziegfeld?
The pasha's coming!
We have spent every penny
we have
to hear him say he'll be
an actor?
You often see the same movie
three times the same day.
That means actors make money.
I want him to be an engineer.
Kadry, stop fooling me.
I know what is eating you.
They came here?
The kids know?
Selling my office was still
not enough.
They want the furniture...
This appartment...
The war is causing
a crazy inflation!
The boy's tuition alone needs
a special budget.
How will this end?
What will I tell the kids? The
furniture just walked away...
Your mother must have
told them.
The girl's no problem.
She'll get married.
But the boy must continue
his schooling.
And he has the nerve
to want to be an actor.
A clown.
I think, he ought to be
an engineer.
What's gone wrong in our lives?
Why has it stopped clicking?
Maybe, we're living beyond
our means.
It's no crime to strive for
a better life.
We're killing ourselves
to keep our standard.
You like fine things. Elegance
for you and people around you.
And here we are. Elegant with
our furniture in the streets.
Granny says there's no sugar,
for her quince jam.
And she can't do without
cloves and sage.
She's worried about
aunt Olympia.
Not only will aunt Olympia
find no quince jam,
but she won't even find a chair
to sit and eat on.
All the better!
Your granny told you?
You bet.
What is it? What's wrong?
Where's father?
The Nazis made it from Tobrouk,
to Marsa-Matrouh in four days.
They could enter Alexandria!
Pack everything. Tomorrow
we sail for South Africa.
I'm staying in Alexandria.
I am expecting Ibrahim's baby.
Ibrahim has to know this.
The Nazis exterminate
all the jews!
Being egyptians won't spare us.
We must flee the Germans.
To South Africa... Right away.
After the war, if things
work out, maybe to Haifa.
Ibrahim will never accept.
Have you told him about
your pregnancy?
Cheers to "henceforth"!
And to "the fulfilled demands"!
You deserve a million!
Never!
We must strive for a just
society!
Strive for a just society?
Sounds like your henceforth!
Why don't you guys talk Arabic?
I want the boy.
You must not get rid of it.
Call him Ibrahim.
What if it's a girl?
Call her Ibrahim.
I'll see you before you leave?
The moment I have news,
I'll call.
God! It's awful,
but that's war.
What is it, man?
I'll be a father.
That makes you sad?
The boy is still not born,
and the Germans will be
here soon.
A family that wants to take
the tram to go downtown
now needs at least ten pennies.
Outrageous.
Sign the petition, Mister.
Or you sign it, Aida.
Patience, Mussolini will
soon be here...
to exterminate injustice.
Sign first.
I wrote the English.
My son must be comfortable
at the prisoner's camp.
Or else!
Curse the English!
What are you staring at?
Hell's fire?
Damn you all.
If the Germans arrive
don't tell them you've
worked for the British!
Both can go to hell!
Every idiot has made money,
except your father.
One deal with the British,
and we would have been
well off.
What will Olympia and her
horrible husband say
when they see we have
no furniture?
Don't worry.
The landlord has left
leaving dad the care of the rent.
God! Now, he'll squander
that too.
OK Granny. Stay scared!
Cheers, Nadia!
Meanwhile, no sale. The
furniture stays and the piano!
Leave the old man alone!
Mussolini will come riding his
te horse to rid us of you.
Kutchuk's gone,
he's emigrated too.
Mohamed can replace him.
He's not up to it.
He's overworked.
And it seems the Germans are
about to take the city.
So no show and no ambassador.
Who the hell cares?
My Dad does! And how!
Very, very, very much!
The front rows.
What'd make the ambassador
sit in the third row?
Ma! Where's the Mussolini hat?
Everyone's here already.
What do you mean?
"Everyone's here"?
We can see the British fleeing.
Some come, others go...
Yet decent people, never budge!
Recite the poem.
You abandon my family,
to go to a silly show.
You want to embarrass me
in front of my family?
Yehia insisted so much.
So Yehia's more important
than me?
I should never have sold my
building to lend you money.
Ingrates.
David! What's wrong?
I'm not a child anymore.
You could have told me
we're leaving.
We fixed everything for you.
And kissed my friends goodbye?
Sarah... Alexandria means
all to me.
Generations of our family
have lived here.
Also... my youth, all my
thoughts, took root here.
Your dear mother is buried here.
To abandon all this means to rob
me of my past.
I'll wander away forever.
You're crazy to do this
alone uncovered.
Every time I ask, you say later.
Go ask them there to postpone
their retreat.
The bullet's almost out.
Feel at home.
Sarah must have already left.
God's curse on he who
brought us together.
I was sure the car would
be intact.
A little push will do it.
We're really all set.
Water. Food.
The Germans have reached
Matrouh.
I'd say they've reached
Alexandria!
How could Churchill come then?
To pep-up his troops morale.
The paper says he'll speak
at the House of Commons
tonight.
Bet you, it's a look-alike.
Old war tricks.
One speaks there
the other visits here.
I hope our plan works.
You're a man of God.
Have faith.
Mr. Hayden says strike out
the "Hitler" sketch.
Too late. It's already on.
Who are you?
- I'm Hitler.
- Then who am I?
Calm down. The news
must be OK.
Our guys have stopped
the Germans.
The British are really panicking.
Pending disaster.
This is hell.
We must reach the Germans,
and tell them of our secret.
Churchill disappearing
will end the war in a jiffy!
I'll make everyone pay toll here.
- You must pay toll.
- How come?
The English paid, the Italians
did. The Germans too.
But we're Egyptians.
OK then, half tickets. Like kids.
Sir! Slight problem with
the cannon.
No, no... heat the tea-pot first.
The Italians have surrendered,
what do we do with all these?
Pray they do not occupy that
spot before we end our mission.
Are we to understand
that you are counter-attacking?
That is already done.
Yehia was marvellous on stage.
He had us die laughing.
- He should go to Hollywood.
- You're born for Hollywood!
Bet Yehia has arrived?
Like cats: he has seven lives.
I have an idea.
A bad one, I bet!
Who'll vote for me? Who? Who?
Hurray! Hurray!
Here you have a genius
with rich ideas. American ideas.
All kinds of ideas.
Hurray! Hurray!
Actors' Association Elections
Let's go.
Why let everyone know
we're pawning everything
we have?
Everybody is doing the same.
It's the war. Who cares,
anyway?
Had your husband accepted to
take Sania's case...
Still not divorced?
Why would her lawyer
get one for her?
He's not like your husband.
Call that honesty?
Yes I do. Had Kadry accepted
every foul case
we would own whole buildings.
Welcome to my best client.
We'll have a super-show.
Like in American musicals.
With an opera troupe and ballet.
Why not a live circus?
And policemen to check
the traffic.
I can handle anything.
Dad won't like that.
I don't want to fail either.
Failure? Never.
We'll go see Princess Chahinour.
She'll patron our show.
Your private course starts now.
Every session costs two pounds.
Hear him... I speak of royalty
and he worries about 2 quid.
Gladly! Of course.
Just show the program
to my secretary.
I... can't find...
words to thank your serene...
I mean your excellency...
I mean...
Brilliant idea.
If that man joins us,
our manpower problem
will be through.
Thousands are behind him.
The British are our problem,
Your Eminence.
We can handle them
if you give us the men.
Why wouldn't YOU join US?
We'd become invincible.
Our aims are similar. However...
Listen to me son:
we are no bigots.
Through religion, we aim
at precise political goals.
The final goal being Egypt's
happiness and prosperity.
That same Egypt of which
the Prophet said:
Egyptians are the noblest
of all soldiers.
They are truthfully loyal.
I pray Allah to safeguard you
for Egypt,
and I pray Him to safeguard
Egypt for you,
and to help us overcome hate
rank, jealousy and Atheism
for He is the Almighty.
- He's a great guy. The best.
- What a brain.
But did you get whether he'll
help us or not?
What's that? Have we not
asked him?
It does not matter.
His words have sparked
another marvellous idea.
We STILL haven't heard your
previous magnificent one.
What is that there?
Farouk's palace.
I grab this and blow out
Farouk's brains.
450 pounds for one evening?
That is more than
a week's return.
That's business.
But they are just kids and
their parents are friends.
Their show is for the
Red Crescent.
Look, this is war.
It won't last forever.
Granny, where's the piano?
There's a fiance for your sister,
we need money for her
trousseau.
I needed it for my rehearsals.
Rehearse at Mohsen's.
The trousseau is more
important.
And this "couscous" is
also more important?
That's an annual-tradition!
Slowly, it must simmer.
I was at the pawn shop;
I pawned my new ring.
And I was at the Princess'
palace;
she agreed to sponsor
the show.
The Princess is about to leave.
The hooligans are throwing rice
at the orchestra and audience.
I warned you it wouldn't work.
We couldn't rehearse
even once.
We had the theater 15 min
before the show.
We should have cancelled it.
Stop whining. Will you?
Stop the opera and start
the sailor number.
Did you stop the opera?
Hey you, pull up the curtains!
No, not that one!
The Princess left.
And the pasha needs me
early tomorrow.
OK, we'll jump to the finale.
I suggest that you apologise to
the public.
Just two more numbers to go.
It's two in the morning.
I'm responsible for these girls.
We'll take taxis.
OK, go to hell.
Get ready for our dance.
Mohsen, we'll go to the
final number.
Forget the rest.
But you dance in it!
I killed myself for this number.
I'll do it.
No one's left to see it.
You've burnt Christ!
You've burnt Christ!
It's not me. It's him.
Then he'll surely die.
He'll die for burning Christ!
Get the sheets and wrap
the boy.
It's his last chance.
Soak the sheets in hot water.
Wrap him in completely
from head to toe.
The elder died!
The elder died!
He died for burning Jesus.
Lock him in his room.
The younger should've died
instead.
Why hide in this sinister place?
If I have to face the
whole world,
I'll still be an actor.
We all support you.
Granny once said:
The younger should've died!
'This your brother?
A genius.
You really made that film?
With my camera.
The projector is mine.
It's terrific!
Who are these?
Essam and Nicolas,
passionate actors.
That's you?
You could say so.
My son Mohsen is a musical
genius.
But I'm sending him
to Lancaster,
to study Political Economy.
Excellent, Yehia.
Really professional.
Why not Mahmoud Tracy?
Pasadena?!
They couldn't pay the
theatre... fiasco.
They ruined the guy.
The best school of Dramatic
Arts is certainly
London's Royal Academy.
What's all this about
studying abroad?
His father is penniless!
If only dad would let me
go to the U.S.A.,
I'd study music and you cinema!
America?
Penniless... Penniless...
Oh what a pain...
Samir is leaving at dad's
expense.
His father works for your dad.
Both U.S.A. and Britain
want you, Yehia.
Could Yehia be helped to go
to the U.S.A.?
You've once invited the British
Ambassador to a show.
It was a great show.
Organise another
and I'll invite the
U.S. Ambassador.
Roosevelt is the winning card.
Hamlet would be ideal.
Show uncle Adel your genius!
Lights!
Camera!
Angels and Ministers of Grace
defend us.
Thou comest in such
a questionable shape.
That will speak to thee.
I call thee Hamlet...
Majesty!
Father...
King... Royal Dane.
Oh answer me.
We suggest Hamlet, Sir.
Our committee decided.
Unanimously.
That was a collective vote.
A democratic decision!
Cromwell! Remember?
Like your first parliament?
That's what you taught us.
Reject a good deal?
Chaker Pasha has fired us all.
Now that the British have won...
...He can hit back.
Sly son of a bitch.
Let us use the worker's wrath,
and start our organisation.
None of my business.
I take my wages and leave.
That's not manly.
Leaving the fight.
Real cowards.
He fires you and you accept.
I'd shoot him down!
All collaborators
should be shot down.
Rest assured, it is almost
cannon proof.
Mr. Elie is on the phone.
You didn't give them the theatre
for one single rehearsal.
They are kids, and after all it's
a charity show.
I know you're no charity.
If you need anything from
the port, just ask me.
He'll cut the sum in
10 instalments.
Where would we get them?
Your pocket money.
If you fail, you pay.
He should help us.
And lose fifty pounds.
There's a war on, you know.
People are killing each other
for money.
Had the Germans won,
and had someone
denounced us,
we'd all be in the streets now.
Worse off than Yehia
and his failure of a father.
And what if they had
confiscated your car?
Why? I'm Egyptian,
not English.
They don't give a damn. Neither
do I. I'm ready to be anything.
Red, blue or green
to save my wealth and skin!
You, maybe. Not I.
Spare us your uncle Adel's
patriotic act.
Does the pasha return
afternoons?
What to write, my love?
It's hell.
Life away from you
is unbearable.
Far from Egypt.
Egypt is not just a word.
It is kindness and generosity.
I see it through your dark eyes.
I see it smiling, against all odds.
My return to Alexandria,
has become an obsessive
dream.
Yet a dream, fading away
every day.
So many are trying
to convince father
that our place
is Palestine,
the promised land.
The Zionists have overwhelmed
father's thoughts
and conquered David's heart.
All this stuff is yours?
Ibrahim, right?
Who are your accomplices?
I have none.
You're a communist,
you'll be condemned.
If the sentence is tough,
it'll be hard on his parents.
They spared nothing for
his education.
But that's how lucky
he could get!
My son has just tasted injustice.
People I trust, told me about you
and about your patriotism.
They say you smashed a guy's
head because he suggested
you were not Egyptian.
Your friend has parents?
Let me put things straight
from the start.
1) My name must never
be mentioned
or else I'll be fired from
the army.
2) There'll be absolutely no
remuneration for you.
Both his parents and I
are penniless!
What's the verdict?
Fine. Kindly stay seated.
The Brits have forbidden
hunting on lake Mariotis.
I might go shoot at Edkou.
Ducks are good there.
The bullet is for 3 pennies.
Where will Mohsen study?
In England.
The war seems to be ending.
He'll go with Samir. His cousin.
Samir and his father
prepared everything for the trip.
Good.
They'll have each other
company.
Travelling alone is no fun.
Albert says he finally found
a job for you at the bank.
If I had Chaker Pasha's money,
I would've sent you to Paris
"Mother of all arts".
You know?
When I got my B.A. there,
I got acquainted with the
loveliest ballerina.
You just fill this application,
you'll be accepted at the bank.
Albert has a connection
in the bank.
You start your training
there tomorrow.
Then after a small test,
they'll take you as
a full-time employee.
Just the application.
- Can you give me a lift?
- Sure.
Tomorrow at 9 a.m. at the bank.
Don't forget, kid!
You see me as a bank
employee,
while he pictures me a tinker.
Do you still want to be an actor?
Imagine?
Despite...
Despite my failure?
Because of my failure, maybe.
You have guts, don't you?
Enough guts to know that
I still need to learn.
I don't want to whine or blame
it on the war like you all do.
Everyone mocked us,
even our friends.
Friends? They mock you
and you still call them friends?
Anyway,
if they mocked anyone,
it was me,
not you.
We've lost your brother.
Must we lose you too?
The genius is gone,
why not the flop?
That's the truth.
You think that dad and I
are flops.
Better shut up!
You'd have us thieves,
like all those who thrive
on wars!
That's success!
God! The honest man
is lonely, indeed!
I'm warning you:
It's Pasadena or suicide!
No reaction?
Good idea.
Which? Pasadena or suicide?
That you let me finish
my make-up.
You could have given me a role.
Your French is poor.
Learn it first.
My French is poor, my English
so so, my direction lame!
It's a fact. You are all so so.
No knowledge, no success!
Also with no money...
no knowledge!
It's your turn, Lisette!
I'm coming!
Get accepted first at Pasadena,
then we'll see.
God has given you talent,
take care of it.
It's not yours.
It belongs to the millions.
I don't need a lawyer.
I thank the court for
assigning you,
in the name of fake justice.
Kindly get out, sir.
I need no one.
I can defend myself.
You're done?
That's your lot, man!
Whether you like it or not,
I'll be your defense.
I said I didn't need you.
Sergeant!
You fear I may win the case?
Rest your heart.
I'll lose it.
99 % I'll lose it.
You'll get maximum sentence.
And for the nth time, they'll
call me, an ass of a lawyer.
That's our lot, man!
An ass pleading for an ass.
Why are you insisting then?
A breather.
A breather for both of us.
I might make a nice pleading, a
journalist might say a kind word,
a judge might feel a pang
of justice.
It'll be a breather for all!
Hard times!
Times when dropping bombs
on innocents is justified,
and you want me to win it?
When humans are grilled alive
because of their colour,
and you want me to win it?
When they recruit kids,
aged 16 or 17,
and bury them in the sand in
the name of the 4 freedoms,
and you want me to win it?
When a guy makes
5.000 pounds a minute
while the tram ticket's a problem
for the poor and I win it?
All I can hope for,
is a slightly less cruel sentence.
This court condemns
Ibrahim Charkawi
to 15 years hard labour.
Unwind man. Relax.
15 years?
That's cruel.
Ibrahim is to blame too.
He's too impulsive.
Who stole my pencil sharpener?
Are you calling your
superior a thief?
Much as father is sad that
the war is over,
and happy as I am to travel,
still I wish you'd be with me.
The shadow of death is
away from me.
See? He can't be dead.
Look. His picture.
What is his name?
He's a soldier, and still missing
since the battle of Alamein.
He might be dead.
Many have died.
He wrote me after the battle,
to say he was still alive.
What's happening?
We've rented out our house
for the summer.
Your dad and Nadia will be
able to go to Beirut,
before another girl steals
the fiance.
What's this mess?
We're leaving right away.
Then we'll move to the Mex,
after they leave for Beirut.
We rented a little cottage
on the beach.
We'll be squeezed for a while,
until Nadia and your father
leave.
Yehia, Mohsen wants you
to call him. Urgently.
Mohsen, I was about
to call you.
Leaving immediately?
Go ahead, I'll join the others.
No, please come with me.
I told you to stay near Mohsen.
And carry his suitcase, maybe?
I'll be on the first ship back.
After she cures her rheumatism.
Meanwhile suspend all
payments.
That's a good brake.
You're better than l am.
Are you kidding?
No, I'm not.
That's the second time round.
Come on, let's have a third.
The ship's captain will
murder us.
To hell, let him!
Once more?
No, that's enough.
Write again to Pasadena.
Like you said,
I want you quickly in Hollywood.
Bye-bye you bastard.
Study hard, will you?
A few steps to your right there.
You can't miss the cottage.
There's a great view
of the harbour.
And Albert is cooking
crabs inside.
What's this you're saying?
Swear!
I swear.
Here? Downstairs? Right now?
Control yourself, man!
Her name is...
Sarah!
You deserve these.
He looks like foreigner.
He's our son, Ibrahim.
I thought I escaped the
Nazi inferno,
yet in Haifa I faced another.
Nazism is dead, but in Palestine
battles rage and may last
a hundred years.
Dad had promised
to show me a perfect society.
I saw Judaism become
a nationality
in blood and violence.
Every Jew anywhere
in the world,
has now a nationality, different
from the one of his country
of birth.
I condemn terrorism explicitly.
I refuse to affirm a right
at the expense of another.
Amidst all this,
I dreamt of nothing but
our small room on the roof.
Of your eyes.
Of you.
Ibrahim I want you.
Do you understand?
O God.
His eyes are so blue.
He's all you.
The next one will be just
like you.
Are we completely forgotten?
What news of Mohsen?
He sent me your address.
He's asking about your trip.
Yes miss. We'll check
your account.
Look, if I'm able to save
six dollars from my monthly pay.
I'll need 533 months,
that is 44 years.
Add my age, which is 18 years,
and we conclude that...
I'll be able to pay for my studies
in America
when I'm 62 years old.
To this you may add a minimum
of three years studying...
How much does that make?
65 years exactly.
Ideal age to start a career!
You're crazy.
Delirious?
Oh mother for the love of grace
lay not that flattering unction
to your soul.
That not they tresspass
but my madness speaks.
Hamlet will drive you loony!
What about all this?
You're right.
I have nothing to offer
to anyone.
What about me?
Bear with me!
What do I have but complaints.
And more complaints about
this ship of misery,
this tomb that is Alexandria.
Oh Alexandria!
Why was I ever born here?
There's very little time,
the ship is in the harbour.
You must complete your
visa formalities.
Say that again.
You must go to the consulate
to take your Visa.
The Pasadena Playhouse has
accepted me!
Here! Burn these.
I'll catch the damn boat.
No time to hesitate.
You'll never make it.
We can at least try!
But your father's in Lebanon.
My whole future will depend on
what you'll write in this cable.
15 hours on a train from
Beirut via Palestine,
just to hear you ranting?
What made you come?
You know he's determined.
We knew he'd drive you crazy.
Say the truth, Kadry.
You came back to find
a solution.
To help him.
Who knows? He might succeed
and become
more than just a clerk behind
a desk in a crummy bank,
earning next to nothing?
How much money
do we still have?
Forty five pounds.
I'll pawn this for another
twenty.
You just got it back from
the pawn-shop.
Take these too.
I think, I could probably get
you three pounds tomorrow.
How much do we need in all?
Eighty pounds for
the Foreign Studies Office,
otherwise no Visa.
Then add the ship's fare.
How much is that?
120 pounds.
I have 90 pounds on
my account.
45 pounds plus 40
= 85 pounds.
80 pounds deposit and
five for the Cairo trip.
As for the ticket, we'll work
that out in due time.
But tomorrow's Friday,
everything's closed.
We'll borrow from
Chaker Pacha!
No, not him!
A 24 hour loan won't ruin him.
We'll show him the
account book.
Another yet losing case?
You really enjoy that, don't you?
The Pacha has agreed
to the loan,
only the cashier has no cash.
No 80 pounds for just 24 hours?
Don't worry about the
ship's fare.
Pack my suit-case, Ma.
Don't forget my blue shirt!
The swimming trunks are
worn out, but they'll do.
We'll be back on time
to catch the ship.
Don't tarry.
Nadia, you go to the Consulate,
and tell them to remain open
and keep the stamps out,
until we come back.
They promised to wait.
Will we find the money
for the ticket?
By hook or by crook.
He defends tramps and wants
a loan for that half-breed of his.
Account-book, my foot!
His son in America?
He thinks America is
a doorstep away.
Just like going to the beach.
Why don't they live according
to their means?
They strive for something
better, maybe.
When one's broke, one's better
off staying put.
The father's a failure, the boy
will follow his footsteps.
The boy knows exactly what
he wants. He'll make it.
You bet.
Your brother's gone haywire.
What news?
You count! We still need
another 35 pounds.
I am sure I can get you
three pounds.
- How much do you need?
- Another 32 pounds.
Here are 17. My salary.
- No way!
- I borrowed them from Kadry.
Anything else?
No. There's no one to ask
for more.
I know someone.
Mr. Diab!
Just a second.
Dad! Here it is!
Please... just another half hour.
You're joking.
- You have two new shirts.
- Two shirts for two years?
Tomorrow before sailing,
we'll buy two more.
Tomorrow the shops are closed.
Just rags, all this.
I know! Suddenly he's leaving,
and a second later
the ticket... and the savings...
and then bye-bye and then...
...two years. Two long years
away from me!
Here, son. Try this on.
Hope it's your size.
My brother's beautiful!
Ibrahim knows well you've
done your best.
I've lost the case.
Had you offered that sum
2 days ago...
Today everything's worked
out fine.
We've been able to send
the boy to America.
Please let me be
at peace with myself.
I'm honoured, Mr. Kadry.
I admire people who can
say "No".
I admire you.
My son's leaving tomorrow.
Yehia?
David's back with you!
David is studying in
military school in America.
Then maybe we'll meet.
Maybe.
The taxi is still not here.
Yet I told him to be precisely
on time.
We'll miss the ship.
My car is at your disposal.
Why thank you, sir...
Pasha... Bey.
Not at all, sir.
Thanks truly.
At your service.
Here's my card.
Write... we'll do business
together.
Give my regards to Roosevelt.
And you worry that I may
win it?
Mama! Everything went
at such a speed,
that I haven't had time
to see you.
Be brave but do not stay
there too long.
Your father is getting old
and he would want...
We all want to see you return
an important man.
Successful.
Come back to us, Yehia.
Come back to Alexandria.
I'll wave like that,
so you'll recognize me.
He's so small for that big ship.
What else are you telling him?
A haircut before reaching
New York.
Subtitled by: ANIS EBEID
Cairo - Egypt
avenidalibertad ? apolocinegay
"When the Khamsin wind blows,
coming on top of you,
nothing can stop it.
It is like a mountain of dust.
It was just like that in 1942:
Rommel's advance towards
Alexandria,
was inexorable.
To the journalists he said:
"The key to Alexandria
is in my hand!"
And Hitler swore:
"Alexandria! You are MINE!"
Stop acting like Clark Gable.
We'll miss Tom and Jerry.
25.000 casualties in Kharkov.
2500 killed.
To come early as all God's
other creatures,
would be below Victoria College.
To hell with you!
Kutchuk! D'you mind?
He's our pal.
Yes Kutchuk!
You've started to smoke?
Since two years!
Yehia, have one!
It's full of soldiers.
Good we found seats.
Why are you late?
He was chatting up girls.
That's the Australian
who almost bashed your face.
Let go of him! He's my pal.
What's that ass saying?
He doesn't like Egypt.
We didn't invite him here.
Your days are over here.
Hitler's going to turn you
into belly dancers.
An ice-cream.
There was a blond eyeing me.
Cool it, man.
I've got the blues
and up above it's so fair
Shoes, go on and carry me there
I'll build a stairway to paradise
With a new step every day
With a new step
every day
Those Americans.
Miracle workers!
Top people of world.
Today and forever!
I saw the new Esther Williams
yesterday.
She's devastating.
D'you think the Yankees will
help us get rid of the British?
Sure. If it's in their interest.
Let's take a ride
and pick up a girl.
Now?
In front of each other in the car?
You can look away.
I don't want to be looked at.
I can't!
Indeed you can't.
Look who's talking!
Britain and the U.S. are allies.
Allies today, enemies tomorrow.
Enemies today,
allies tomorrow!
Enemies today, allies tomorrow?
That's fantastic.
Where did you read that?
Read it?
I just thought it up now.
What a repulsive subject.
Shut up!
I don't speak about sex.
I just do it.
But you guys are greenhorns.
Let's chat up a chick.
Drop it.
I'd like to watch the film again.
I missed a few things.
Stop living in films.
Let me teach you the way of all
flesh. Here and not in Hollywood.
You haven't drawn a card.
Of course I did!
You just don't see.
Why are you screaming?
I can't study with all
of you bellowing.
Instead of seeing the film twice,
you should have come early.
Card games can't be played
quietly?
We're locked up,
stifled by those black-outs.
Can't we have some fun?
Just tell Albert to lower
his voice.
This is a respectable house.
What is this? A queen, no?
How many queens are there
in a deck?
I throw what I please!
Sounds like a brawl.
Turn off the lights.
They've opened the window.
Turn off the lamp.
I won't!
It's Morsi! He's at it again.
May your heart stop beating,
Morsi!
Poor fellow... He looks like
an angel.
Angel? That's an aussie ass.
The planes will spot us.
Morsi, that monster,
kept kicking his face.
What's this, Salha?
A jack.
I just threw one.
D'you expect me to throw
a trump?
I don't know what to do.
Feel sorry when they're
beaten up,
or kill them when they ask
for whores?
We're living on top of a cabaret!
How can they guess we're
decent people?
I love your pips, captain man!
I love your uniform,
captain man!
Oh captain man. Oh captain!
Why not wrap him for Adel Bey?
Good brand.
Adel Bey wants an officer
from New Zealand.
An officer!
Isn't this the air raid alarm?
You're right. It is.
Yehia! An air raid! Hurry!
There was no alarm.
Your voice covered it, Salha!
Almost killed us shouting about
your silly jack.
Take this sandwich and choke
on it. Better than bombs.
The bombs will only hit you.
I want Halvah.
Get it for him, Nadia.
Can't it wait?
Come on in, captain.
Come in, you're crazier
than your father!
Play on, idiot!
Inside.
What do you do with all
these bottles?
Refill them with bathtub stuff?
Do we look like moonshiners?
With prices going so high,
everyone hustles one thing
or another.
We have very good tyres.
Need silk stockings
for your lady?
Straight Nylon.
You're missing a deal.
We need to get rid of the British.
Believe it or not?
You're my worst clients.
I usually deal with "high life"...
In a couple of minutes
you'll see one.
A bit wacky, but really "high".
What does he buy?
Tyres?
No, man! Flesh and blood.
He wants a New Zealand officer.
New Zealand?
To kill him... his idea
of patriotism.
Takes him to his mansion,
then elegantly carves him.
I tell you he's high class, man!
Uncle Adel, a guy wants
to see you.
Astounding! I read about
the general
found dead under a tank.
Real patriotism!
What brought you here?
Found you a pure breed officer
from New Zealand.
The fellows who have him,
want a stiff price.
I gave you fifty pounds.
They want two fifties!
One now,
and the other one on delivery.
Get me a hundred pounds.
First promise to congratulate
Chaker.
Is this modesty?
Or a change of ideology?
Sarah Sorel coming to congrat-
ulate the brand new pacha?
Your sister is my friend.
And Chaker, her husband.
A friend to the workers
you love.
An urge to discuss politics?
A compulsion?
With you? Who dares?
Many of your men are found
dead in the streets.
Mr. Kowalsky is Polish...
he can't understand you.
How do you communicate?
Sign language.
The moment I have your man,
I'll call.
Liberty at any price.
Even if thousands are sacrificed.
Such is the way of life.
- Sure, I agree.
- Clever man!
You must congratulate
the Pasha.
If he were not my nephew's
father, I would have shot him.
Your Excellency will come
with your car.
Delivery in twenty minutes.
Bon appetit.
New Zealand meat.
We'll sing "Lady be good."
Samir still sings false.
From 5 to 7 we'll pick a girl.
Then we go to the party.
I'll join you after tennis.
Ok? At 5 in front of
Yehia's house.
Are we fishing for a girl...
or racing?
There's one... easy does it.
Please come in.
Welcome, I'm David.
These are just friends.
Tell me you love me
to make my blood run!
Are you an idiot?
Get it over with.
You smell of onions.
Like animals.
I'll never be able to make it.
Touch her thighs! That'll do it.
I can't... your leg's there.
Should I feel your thighs?
That's enough.
You're too many.
Three aren't doing anything.
Hey, are you OK?
I'm not.
And you?
I'm the asshole driver!
Let go!
Then seconds later
she was drooling all over me.
Miss Sarah wants a tie
for Ibrahim.
Why didn't you try
doing it with her?
You're going to Mohsen's
party tonight?
If you don't he'll kill you.
Ibrahim my son,
a strike would not harm
the pasha alone.
It could postpone badly
needed armament
at a time the Nazis are
at our door.
The workers' interests are
over the Americans
the British and the Russians.
The workers make money
working for the British!
Maybe temporarily.
No one will forgive you this.
Neither the Pasha
nor the Russians...
What's your stand?
New ideas have cropped up.
I need to think.
Think? What's your programme
for today?
I'll go home work on
the university project,
then sleep to dream of you.
And when you get up?
I'll think of you,
and wait.
I'll drop by tomorrow.
What about tonight?
Take these. They'll keep
you warm.
I'm warning you, I'll become so
brilliant
I'll forget all about love.
I'd kill you!
Any book of value is banned
by the palace.
How d'you expect them
to know anything?
Simple.
You look worried.
What's wrong?
The Americans have discovered
huge oil reserves in
Saudi Arabia.
What's upsetting about that?
Nothing.
However, logic says they'll need
a military presence somewhere.
To "protect" the oil.
Palestine! And we wondered
why the US
and Britain seek our goodwill.
Palestine, oh promised land.
Instead of setting the highest
ample in brotherhood and love,
you will become the stage
of terror.
Man will kill his brother,
just like in Genesis.
O Jerusalem.
Murderess of innocents
and prophets.
I told you I can't come
to the party.
Try it... I've sown it well.
No use... forget it.
I can't make it.
I have work to do.
What is it?
Yehia is unhappy about
his jacket.
I'm lost.
The kids need so many things.
Your husband could change
his attitude about money.
I sent him Saneya Desouki,
who wants to divorce,
and instead of taking the case,
he tells:
"Go back to your man".
He's right. Both are our friends.
You're more stupid than he.
You like to suffer.
Saneya just went to
another lawyer
who took the money,
lost the case,
then said the judge was an ass.
You could have used
that money.
It's hot, you know.
Just throw it casually across
your arm.
They'll all be at their best.
You know that.
And l'll be like a pauper.
We've had a new dress made
for your sister.
She's grown to be as lovely as
Hedy Lamaar.
And you're in the best school
in Egypt.
Best British education.
The best of the best.
By whose standards?
Your friends'?
And this best school,
doesn't require decent clothes?
Just simple, decent clothes.
When you'll grow you'll
have had an education
with the elite.
Your father has sacrificed
his job
to guarantee your school fees.
Well?
Gorgeous!
You're lovelier than
Hedy Lamaar.
May I?
Yehia, please go to Mohsen's
party. They love you.
Ma, honest, it's not that
l can't go...
I just don't want to.
I'll take a dive
then study my Shakespeare!
Do you want to attract
the military police up to here?
He's again going back
on his word.
You had approved.
I thought again.
The Germans are more
dangerous than the British.
If we kill the guy,
we'd be helping them.
Our deed will end seventy
five years of occupation.
With one little blow!
Moreover, I've set Morsi to
pursue an intelligence officer
on a secret mission.
We'll know where Churchill's
submarine will accost.
The submarine appears,
we zero in on Churchil.
The British panic!
The Germans charge!
Bye bye British!
Adel!
Just a friend.
Ibrahim... at our very
first meeting,
I craved to hear your voice.
Then I wanted to see your eyes.
One look... I was yours.
Sarah, l have always felt that
loneliness was my lot.
That kept on being true,
until I came to Alexandria...
...and met you.
Sarah,
I was blind,
you opened my mind,
you showed me the way.
Give your back to the
blackboard.
You're a cad.
The party was boring
without you.
I was ashamed to wear
my torn jacket
amongst all those filthy
rich people.
Girls like you for your dancing,
not for your silly jacket.
It was really boring.
Sorry, what could I do?
It's all in Arabic on the board.
You'll remain asses
all your lives.
I just meant to recite
the speech.
Please sir, let me do it.
I'll recite another scene:
Hamlet's Mother.
Look here upon this picture
and on this.
The counterfeit presentment
of two brothers.
See what a grace was seated
on this brow.
Hyperion's curls, the front
of Jove himself.
A combination and a form
indeed.
Where every god did seem
to set his seal.
This was your husband.
Look you now what follows.
Here is your husband, like a
mildew'd ear.
Have you eyes?
Could you on this fair mountain
leave to feed,
and batten on this moor?
Ha? Have you eyes?
You cannot call it love:
for at your age,
the hey day in blood is tame,
it's humble,
and what judgement
would step from this to this?
It's humble,
and waits upon the judgement.
And what judgement...
What devil was't that thus hath
cozened you at hoodman-blind?
O shame, where is thy blush?
To flaming youth,
let virtue be as wax
and melt in her own fire.
Nay, but to live in
the rank sweat
of an enseamed bed,
stew'd in corruption;
honeying and making love
over the nasty sty.
A murderer and a villain.
A slave that is not twentieth
part of the tithe
of your precedent lord,
a vice of kings, that from a shelf
the precious diadem stole.
Save me; and hover o'er me
with your wings.
You heavenly guards.
What would you, gracious
figure?
Do you no come your tardy son
to chide,
that laps'd in time and passion,
let's go by...
the important acting of your
dread command?
O, say!
O, say!
Come back!
You're not allowed to sail
in front of the ships.
They're audacious, knowing
the Germans are at Matrouh,
like women they're gifted
with the sixth sense.
See the timing of their
demands?
The British will surely
stop them.
They wouldn't let them
enter Alexandria.
How come you say the British
Ambassador attends your show?
- Mr. Hayden said he's coming...
- When?
The show is in two weeks.
When did Hayden mention
the ambassador?
Yesterday.
Only yesterday?
Ok. Go now.
If the ambassador is attending
the show,
it means: all's well!
What is it?
I need five pounds.
That's the salary of five men.
They're underpaid.
Heard this? One would think
he's a communist.
Forget it.
Drop by the cashier,
he'll settle your problem.
Why the detours?
Here, take this.
Tewfik, go tell the workers off.
Ok for the overtime?
I said no!
Sir, l don't think we should
try to be too clever.
My God! You're a pest.
He's over there... fishing.
In that case I'll come back later.
No. Just a few words with dad.
Dad, I really impressed
my class today.
Good! Like father like son!
I also usually did.
Always top of the class.
For the first time I love school.
I dropped my independent
job just
to guarantee you the best
of schools.
You must go to University;
I want you to be an engineer.
I always wanted to be
an engineer,
but we were too poor.
You'll fulfil that dream.
But I am successful... acting.
Why not? Act and have fun
if you want,
but study something serious.
Acting is something serious.
Your father's quite a guy.
Always either hunting or fishing.
While your father fishes
for war sterlings.
Spends his nights counting them
and wants me to do the same.
Imagine! His father and mine
went to the same school like us.
You think we'll be different
like'them?
Who was that?
A summation. We either pay
the rent or the furniture goes.
How about my family reunion?
You should have told us.
The first Thursday every
3 months.
Courts and summations and
you speak of family reunions?
My fault to have sold
my belongings to help you.
You expect these to make
a soup?
They're rats not rabbits!
Catch... thief... my brief case!
I swear to God, I'm telling
the truth.
The woman fell head over
heels on me.
I felt sorry for her and gave her
some money.
You should have finished
him off.
I didn't intend to hurt him.
He argued... I punched him
in the eye.
Did you find whatever
you needed?
That's it!
C-H-U... 1st part of
Churchill's name.
Then the word: "house".
CHU-house.
The spot where Churchill
will land.
Let me see.
A submarine!
See Ibrahim. Tactics!
Top secret, that really
must be it.
Now for the finances.
I just sold a private for
150 pounds.
Imagine what Churchill
would cost.
You're talking to patriots
performing their sacred task.
And I should be a sucker?
You take medals and
I end up broke?
We've taken nothing yet.
You will!
Take these...
Only that? No way.
Come and see me when...
you appreciate the real value
of things.
Morsi... shame on you!
You want to buy Churchill
for ten pounds?
You're really low life.
Let's beat him then grab it.
It's not necessary.
I've learned it all by heart.
Give them what they want.
Our war situation is critical.
We can't afford delays.
It'll cost you much more, Pasha.
I can't cover for you this time.
Finished work?
I've just started.
I'm pleased to comply with your
demands, and henceforth.
Henceforth my ass!
Nobody's forcing you to dance.
Some rhythm.
Why stick to us when you're
such a lousy dancer. Come.
Stay here and don't move.
You're driving us crazy.
One. Two. Three. Four.
And I'm dancing. There!
Sixteen different figures?
Think you're Ziegfeld?
The pasha's coming!
We have spent every penny
we have
to hear him say he'll be
an actor?
You often see the same movie
three times the same day.
That means actors make money.
I want him to be an engineer.
Kadry, stop fooling me.
I know what is eating you.
They came here?
The kids know?
Selling my office was still
not enough.
They want the furniture...
This appartment...
The war is causing
a crazy inflation!
The boy's tuition alone needs
a special budget.
How will this end?
What will I tell the kids? The
furniture just walked away...
Your mother must have
told them.
The girl's no problem.
She'll get married.
But the boy must continue
his schooling.
And he has the nerve
to want to be an actor.
A clown.
I think, he ought to be
an engineer.
What's gone wrong in our lives?
Why has it stopped clicking?
Maybe, we're living beyond
our means.
It's no crime to strive for
a better life.
We're killing ourselves
to keep our standard.
You like fine things. Elegance
for you and people around you.
And here we are. Elegant with
our furniture in the streets.
Granny says there's no sugar,
for her quince jam.
And she can't do without
cloves and sage.
She's worried about
aunt Olympia.
Not only will aunt Olympia
find no quince jam,
but she won't even find a chair
to sit and eat on.
All the better!
Your granny told you?
You bet.
What is it? What's wrong?
Where's father?
The Nazis made it from Tobrouk,
to Marsa-Matrouh in four days.
They could enter Alexandria!
Pack everything. Tomorrow
we sail for South Africa.
I'm staying in Alexandria.
I am expecting Ibrahim's baby.
Ibrahim has to know this.
The Nazis exterminate
all the jews!
Being egyptians won't spare us.
We must flee the Germans.
To South Africa... Right away.
After the war, if things
work out, maybe to Haifa.
Ibrahim will never accept.
Have you told him about
your pregnancy?
Cheers to "henceforth"!
And to "the fulfilled demands"!
You deserve a million!
Never!
We must strive for a just
society!
Strive for a just society?
Sounds like your henceforth!
Why don't you guys talk Arabic?
I want the boy.
You must not get rid of it.
Call him Ibrahim.
What if it's a girl?
Call her Ibrahim.
I'll see you before you leave?
The moment I have news,
I'll call.
God! It's awful,
but that's war.
What is it, man?
I'll be a father.
That makes you sad?
The boy is still not born,
and the Germans will be
here soon.
A family that wants to take
the tram to go downtown
now needs at least ten pennies.
Outrageous.
Sign the petition, Mister.
Or you sign it, Aida.
Patience, Mussolini will
soon be here...
to exterminate injustice.
Sign first.
I wrote the English.
My son must be comfortable
at the prisoner's camp.
Or else!
Curse the English!
What are you staring at?
Hell's fire?
Damn you all.
If the Germans arrive
don't tell them you've
worked for the British!
Both can go to hell!
Every idiot has made money,
except your father.
One deal with the British,
and we would have been
well off.
What will Olympia and her
horrible husband say
when they see we have
no furniture?
Don't worry.
The landlord has left
leaving dad the care of the rent.
God! Now, he'll squander
that too.
OK Granny. Stay scared!
Cheers, Nadia!
Meanwhile, no sale. The
furniture stays and the piano!
Leave the old man alone!
Mussolini will come riding his
te horse to rid us of you.
Kutchuk's gone,
he's emigrated too.
Mohamed can replace him.
He's not up to it.
He's overworked.
And it seems the Germans are
about to take the city.
So no show and no ambassador.
Who the hell cares?
My Dad does! And how!
Very, very, very much!
The front rows.
What'd make the ambassador
sit in the third row?
Ma! Where's the Mussolini hat?
Everyone's here already.
What do you mean?
"Everyone's here"?
We can see the British fleeing.
Some come, others go...
Yet decent people, never budge!
Recite the poem.
You abandon my family,
to go to a silly show.
You want to embarrass me
in front of my family?
Yehia insisted so much.
So Yehia's more important
than me?
I should never have sold my
building to lend you money.
Ingrates.
David! What's wrong?
I'm not a child anymore.
You could have told me
we're leaving.
We fixed everything for you.
And kissed my friends goodbye?
Sarah... Alexandria means
all to me.
Generations of our family
have lived here.
Also... my youth, all my
thoughts, took root here.
Your dear mother is buried here.
To abandon all this means to rob
me of my past.
I'll wander away forever.
You're crazy to do this
alone uncovered.
Every time I ask, you say later.
Go ask them there to postpone
their retreat.
The bullet's almost out.
Feel at home.
Sarah must have already left.
God's curse on he who
brought us together.
I was sure the car would
be intact.
A little push will do it.
We're really all set.
Water. Food.
The Germans have reached
Matrouh.
I'd say they've reached
Alexandria!
How could Churchill come then?
To pep-up his troops morale.
The paper says he'll speak
at the House of Commons
tonight.
Bet you, it's a look-alike.
Old war tricks.
One speaks there
the other visits here.
I hope our plan works.
You're a man of God.
Have faith.
Mr. Hayden says strike out
the "Hitler" sketch.
Too late. It's already on.
Who are you?
- I'm Hitler.
- Then who am I?
Calm down. The news
must be OK.
Our guys have stopped
the Germans.
The British are really panicking.
Pending disaster.
This is hell.
We must reach the Germans,
and tell them of our secret.
Churchill disappearing
will end the war in a jiffy!
I'll make everyone pay toll here.
- You must pay toll.
- How come?
The English paid, the Italians
did. The Germans too.
But we're Egyptians.
OK then, half tickets. Like kids.
Sir! Slight problem with
the cannon.
No, no... heat the tea-pot first.
The Italians have surrendered,
what do we do with all these?
Pray they do not occupy that
spot before we end our mission.
Are we to understand
that you are counter-attacking?
That is already done.
Yehia was marvellous on stage.
He had us die laughing.
- He should go to Hollywood.
- You're born for Hollywood!
Bet Yehia has arrived?
Like cats: he has seven lives.
I have an idea.
A bad one, I bet!
Who'll vote for me? Who? Who?
Hurray! Hurray!
Here you have a genius
with rich ideas. American ideas.
All kinds of ideas.
Hurray! Hurray!
Actors' Association Elections
Let's go.
Why let everyone know
we're pawning everything
we have?
Everybody is doing the same.
It's the war. Who cares,
anyway?
Had your husband accepted to
take Sania's case...
Still not divorced?
Why would her lawyer
get one for her?
He's not like your husband.
Call that honesty?
Yes I do. Had Kadry accepted
every foul case
we would own whole buildings.
Welcome to my best client.
We'll have a super-show.
Like in American musicals.
With an opera troupe and ballet.
Why not a live circus?
And policemen to check
the traffic.
I can handle anything.
Dad won't like that.
I don't want to fail either.
Failure? Never.
We'll go see Princess Chahinour.
She'll patron our show.
Your private course starts now.
Every session costs two pounds.
Hear him... I speak of royalty
and he worries about 2 quid.
Gladly! Of course.
Just show the program
to my secretary.
I... can't find...
words to thank your serene...
I mean your excellency...
I mean...
Brilliant idea.
If that man joins us,
our manpower problem
will be through.
Thousands are behind him.
The British are our problem,
Your Eminence.
We can handle them
if you give us the men.
Why wouldn't YOU join US?
We'd become invincible.
Our aims are similar. However...
Listen to me son:
we are no bigots.
Through religion, we aim
at precise political goals.
The final goal being Egypt's
happiness and prosperity.
That same Egypt of which
the Prophet said:
Egyptians are the noblest
of all soldiers.
They are truthfully loyal.
I pray Allah to safeguard you
for Egypt,
and I pray Him to safeguard
Egypt for you,
and to help us overcome hate
rank, jealousy and Atheism
for He is the Almighty.
- He's a great guy. The best.
- What a brain.
But did you get whether he'll
help us or not?
What's that? Have we not
asked him?
It does not matter.
His words have sparked
another marvellous idea.
We STILL haven't heard your
previous magnificent one.
What is that there?
Farouk's palace.
I grab this and blow out
Farouk's brains.
450 pounds for one evening?
That is more than
a week's return.
That's business.
But they are just kids and
their parents are friends.
Their show is for the
Red Crescent.
Look, this is war.
It won't last forever.
Granny, where's the piano?
There's a fiance for your sister,
we need money for her
trousseau.
I needed it for my rehearsals.
Rehearse at Mohsen's.
The trousseau is more
important.
And this "couscous" is
also more important?
That's an annual-tradition!
Slowly, it must simmer.
I was at the pawn shop;
I pawned my new ring.
And I was at the Princess'
palace;
she agreed to sponsor
the show.
The Princess is about to leave.
The hooligans are throwing rice
at the orchestra and audience.
I warned you it wouldn't work.
We couldn't rehearse
even once.
We had the theater 15 min
before the show.
We should have cancelled it.
Stop whining. Will you?
Stop the opera and start
the sailor number.
Did you stop the opera?
Hey you, pull up the curtains!
No, not that one!
The Princess left.
And the pasha needs me
early tomorrow.
OK, we'll jump to the finale.
I suggest that you apologise to
the public.
Just two more numbers to go.
It's two in the morning.
I'm responsible for these girls.
We'll take taxis.
OK, go to hell.
Get ready for our dance.
Mohsen, we'll go to the
final number.
Forget the rest.
But you dance in it!
I killed myself for this number.
I'll do it.
No one's left to see it.
You've burnt Christ!
You've burnt Christ!
It's not me. It's him.
Then he'll surely die.
He'll die for burning Christ!
Get the sheets and wrap
the boy.
It's his last chance.
Soak the sheets in hot water.
Wrap him in completely
from head to toe.
The elder died!
The elder died!
He died for burning Jesus.
Lock him in his room.
The younger should've died
instead.
Why hide in this sinister place?
If I have to face the
whole world,
I'll still be an actor.
We all support you.
Granny once said:
The younger should've died!
'This your brother?
A genius.
You really made that film?
With my camera.
The projector is mine.
It's terrific!
Who are these?
Essam and Nicolas,
passionate actors.
That's you?
You could say so.
My son Mohsen is a musical
genius.
But I'm sending him
to Lancaster,
to study Political Economy.
Excellent, Yehia.
Really professional.
Why not Mahmoud Tracy?
Pasadena?!
They couldn't pay the
theatre... fiasco.
They ruined the guy.
The best school of Dramatic
Arts is certainly
London's Royal Academy.
What's all this about
studying abroad?
His father is penniless!
If only dad would let me
go to the U.S.A.,
I'd study music and you cinema!
America?
Penniless... Penniless...
Oh what a pain...
Samir is leaving at dad's
expense.
His father works for your dad.
Both U.S.A. and Britain
want you, Yehia.
Could Yehia be helped to go
to the U.S.A.?
You've once invited the British
Ambassador to a show.
It was a great show.
Organise another
and I'll invite the
U.S. Ambassador.
Roosevelt is the winning card.
Hamlet would be ideal.
Show uncle Adel your genius!
Lights!
Camera!
Angels and Ministers of Grace
defend us.
Thou comest in such
a questionable shape.
That will speak to thee.
I call thee Hamlet...
Majesty!
Father...
King... Royal Dane.
Oh answer me.
We suggest Hamlet, Sir.
Our committee decided.
Unanimously.
That was a collective vote.
A democratic decision!
Cromwell! Remember?
Like your first parliament?
That's what you taught us.
Reject a good deal?
Chaker Pasha has fired us all.
Now that the British have won...
...He can hit back.
Sly son of a bitch.
Let us use the worker's wrath,
and start our organisation.
None of my business.
I take my wages and leave.
That's not manly.
Leaving the fight.
Real cowards.
He fires you and you accept.
I'd shoot him down!
All collaborators
should be shot down.
Rest assured, it is almost
cannon proof.
Mr. Elie is on the phone.
You didn't give them the theatre
for one single rehearsal.
They are kids, and after all it's
a charity show.
I know you're no charity.
If you need anything from
the port, just ask me.
He'll cut the sum in
10 instalments.
Where would we get them?
Your pocket money.
If you fail, you pay.
He should help us.
And lose fifty pounds.
There's a war on, you know.
People are killing each other
for money.
Had the Germans won,
and had someone
denounced us,
we'd all be in the streets now.
Worse off than Yehia
and his failure of a father.
And what if they had
confiscated your car?
Why? I'm Egyptian,
not English.
They don't give a damn. Neither
do I. I'm ready to be anything.
Red, blue or green
to save my wealth and skin!
You, maybe. Not I.
Spare us your uncle Adel's
patriotic act.
Does the pasha return
afternoons?
What to write, my love?
It's hell.
Life away from you
is unbearable.
Far from Egypt.
Egypt is not just a word.
It is kindness and generosity.
I see it through your dark eyes.
I see it smiling, against all odds.
My return to Alexandria,
has become an obsessive
dream.
Yet a dream, fading away
every day.
So many are trying
to convince father
that our place
is Palestine,
the promised land.
The Zionists have overwhelmed
father's thoughts
and conquered David's heart.
All this stuff is yours?
Ibrahim, right?
Who are your accomplices?
I have none.
You're a communist,
you'll be condemned.
If the sentence is tough,
it'll be hard on his parents.
They spared nothing for
his education.
But that's how lucky
he could get!
My son has just tasted injustice.
People I trust, told me about you
and about your patriotism.
They say you smashed a guy's
head because he suggested
you were not Egyptian.
Your friend has parents?
Let me put things straight
from the start.
1) My name must never
be mentioned
or else I'll be fired from
the army.
2) There'll be absolutely no
remuneration for you.
Both his parents and I
are penniless!
What's the verdict?
Fine. Kindly stay seated.
The Brits have forbidden
hunting on lake Mariotis.
I might go shoot at Edkou.
Ducks are good there.
The bullet is for 3 pennies.
Where will Mohsen study?
In England.
The war seems to be ending.
He'll go with Samir. His cousin.
Samir and his father
prepared everything for the trip.
Good.
They'll have each other
company.
Travelling alone is no fun.
Albert says he finally found
a job for you at the bank.
If I had Chaker Pasha's money,
I would've sent you to Paris
"Mother of all arts".
You know?
When I got my B.A. there,
I got acquainted with the
loveliest ballerina.
You just fill this application,
you'll be accepted at the bank.
Albert has a connection
in the bank.
You start your training
there tomorrow.
Then after a small test,
they'll take you as
a full-time employee.
Just the application.
- Can you give me a lift?
- Sure.
Tomorrow at 9 a.m. at the bank.
Don't forget, kid!
You see me as a bank
employee,
while he pictures me a tinker.
Do you still want to be an actor?
Imagine?
Despite...
Despite my failure?
Because of my failure, maybe.
You have guts, don't you?
Enough guts to know that
I still need to learn.
I don't want to whine or blame
it on the war like you all do.
Everyone mocked us,
even our friends.
Friends? They mock you
and you still call them friends?
Anyway,
if they mocked anyone,
it was me,
not you.
We've lost your brother.
Must we lose you too?
The genius is gone,
why not the flop?
That's the truth.
You think that dad and I
are flops.
Better shut up!
You'd have us thieves,
like all those who thrive
on wars!
That's success!
God! The honest man
is lonely, indeed!
I'm warning you:
It's Pasadena or suicide!
No reaction?
Good idea.
Which? Pasadena or suicide?
That you let me finish
my make-up.
You could have given me a role.
Your French is poor.
Learn it first.
My French is poor, my English
so so, my direction lame!
It's a fact. You are all so so.
No knowledge, no success!
Also with no money...
no knowledge!
It's your turn, Lisette!
I'm coming!
Get accepted first at Pasadena,
then we'll see.
God has given you talent,
take care of it.
It's not yours.
It belongs to the millions.
I don't need a lawyer.
I thank the court for
assigning you,
in the name of fake justice.
Kindly get out, sir.
I need no one.
I can defend myself.
You're done?
That's your lot, man!
Whether you like it or not,
I'll be your defense.
I said I didn't need you.
Sergeant!
You fear I may win the case?
Rest your heart.
I'll lose it.
99 % I'll lose it.
You'll get maximum sentence.
And for the nth time, they'll
call me, an ass of a lawyer.
That's our lot, man!
An ass pleading for an ass.
Why are you insisting then?
A breather.
A breather for both of us.
I might make a nice pleading, a
journalist might say a kind word,
a judge might feel a pang
of justice.
It'll be a breather for all!
Hard times!
Times when dropping bombs
on innocents is justified,
and you want me to win it?
When humans are grilled alive
because of their colour,
and you want me to win it?
When they recruit kids,
aged 16 or 17,
and bury them in the sand in
the name of the 4 freedoms,
and you want me to win it?
When a guy makes
5.000 pounds a minute
while the tram ticket's a problem
for the poor and I win it?
All I can hope for,
is a slightly less cruel sentence.
This court condemns
Ibrahim Charkawi
to 15 years hard labour.
Unwind man. Relax.
15 years?
That's cruel.
Ibrahim is to blame too.
He's too impulsive.
Who stole my pencil sharpener?
Are you calling your
superior a thief?
Much as father is sad that
the war is over,
and happy as I am to travel,
still I wish you'd be with me.
The shadow of death is
away from me.
See? He can't be dead.
Look. His picture.
What is his name?
He's a soldier, and still missing
since the battle of Alamein.
He might be dead.
Many have died.
He wrote me after the battle,
to say he was still alive.
What's happening?
We've rented out our house
for the summer.
Your dad and Nadia will be
able to go to Beirut,
before another girl steals
the fiance.
What's this mess?
We're leaving right away.
Then we'll move to the Mex,
after they leave for Beirut.
We rented a little cottage
on the beach.
We'll be squeezed for a while,
until Nadia and your father
leave.
Yehia, Mohsen wants you
to call him. Urgently.
Mohsen, I was about
to call you.
Leaving immediately?
Go ahead, I'll join the others.
No, please come with me.
I told you to stay near Mohsen.
And carry his suitcase, maybe?
I'll be on the first ship back.
After she cures her rheumatism.
Meanwhile suspend all
payments.
That's a good brake.
You're better than l am.
Are you kidding?
No, I'm not.
That's the second time round.
Come on, let's have a third.
The ship's captain will
murder us.
To hell, let him!
Once more?
No, that's enough.
Write again to Pasadena.
Like you said,
I want you quickly in Hollywood.
Bye-bye you bastard.
Study hard, will you?
A few steps to your right there.
You can't miss the cottage.
There's a great view
of the harbour.
And Albert is cooking
crabs inside.
What's this you're saying?
Swear!
I swear.
Here? Downstairs? Right now?
Control yourself, man!
Her name is...
Sarah!
You deserve these.
He looks like foreigner.
He's our son, Ibrahim.
I thought I escaped the
Nazi inferno,
yet in Haifa I faced another.
Nazism is dead, but in Palestine
battles rage and may last
a hundred years.
Dad had promised
to show me a perfect society.
I saw Judaism become
a nationality
in blood and violence.
Every Jew anywhere
in the world,
has now a nationality, different
from the one of his country
of birth.
I condemn terrorism explicitly.
I refuse to affirm a right
at the expense of another.
Amidst all this,
I dreamt of nothing but
our small room on the roof.
Of your eyes.
Of you.
Ibrahim I want you.
Do you understand?
O God.
His eyes are so blue.
He's all you.
The next one will be just
like you.
Are we completely forgotten?
What news of Mohsen?
He sent me your address.
He's asking about your trip.
Yes miss. We'll check
your account.
Look, if I'm able to save
six dollars from my monthly pay.
I'll need 533 months,
that is 44 years.
Add my age, which is 18 years,
and we conclude that...
I'll be able to pay for my studies
in America
when I'm 62 years old.
To this you may add a minimum
of three years studying...
How much does that make?
65 years exactly.
Ideal age to start a career!
You're crazy.
Delirious?
Oh mother for the love of grace
lay not that flattering unction
to your soul.
That not they tresspass
but my madness speaks.
Hamlet will drive you loony!
What about all this?
You're right.
I have nothing to offer
to anyone.
What about me?
Bear with me!
What do I have but complaints.
And more complaints about
this ship of misery,
this tomb that is Alexandria.
Oh Alexandria!
Why was I ever born here?
There's very little time,
the ship is in the harbour.
You must complete your
visa formalities.
Say that again.
You must go to the consulate
to take your Visa.
The Pasadena Playhouse has
accepted me!
Here! Burn these.
I'll catch the damn boat.
No time to hesitate.
You'll never make it.
We can at least try!
But your father's in Lebanon.
My whole future will depend on
what you'll write in this cable.
15 hours on a train from
Beirut via Palestine,
just to hear you ranting?
What made you come?
You know he's determined.
We knew he'd drive you crazy.
Say the truth, Kadry.
You came back to find
a solution.
To help him.
Who knows? He might succeed
and become
more than just a clerk behind
a desk in a crummy bank,
earning next to nothing?
How much money
do we still have?
Forty five pounds.
I'll pawn this for another
twenty.
You just got it back from
the pawn-shop.
Take these too.
I think, I could probably get
you three pounds tomorrow.
How much do we need in all?
Eighty pounds for
the Foreign Studies Office,
otherwise no Visa.
Then add the ship's fare.
How much is that?
120 pounds.
I have 90 pounds on
my account.
45 pounds plus 40
= 85 pounds.
80 pounds deposit and
five for the Cairo trip.
As for the ticket, we'll work
that out in due time.
But tomorrow's Friday,
everything's closed.
We'll borrow from
Chaker Pacha!
No, not him!
A 24 hour loan won't ruin him.
We'll show him the
account book.
Another yet losing case?
You really enjoy that, don't you?
The Pacha has agreed
to the loan,
only the cashier has no cash.
No 80 pounds for just 24 hours?
Don't worry about the
ship's fare.
Pack my suit-case, Ma.
Don't forget my blue shirt!
The swimming trunks are
worn out, but they'll do.
We'll be back on time
to catch the ship.
Don't tarry.
Nadia, you go to the Consulate,
and tell them to remain open
and keep the stamps out,
until we come back.
They promised to wait.
Will we find the money
for the ticket?
By hook or by crook.
He defends tramps and wants
a loan for that half-breed of his.
Account-book, my foot!
His son in America?
He thinks America is
a doorstep away.
Just like going to the beach.
Why don't they live according
to their means?
They strive for something
better, maybe.
When one's broke, one's better
off staying put.
The father's a failure, the boy
will follow his footsteps.
The boy knows exactly what
he wants. He'll make it.
You bet.
Your brother's gone haywire.
What news?
You count! We still need
another 35 pounds.
I am sure I can get you
three pounds.
- How much do you need?
- Another 32 pounds.
Here are 17. My salary.
- No way!
- I borrowed them from Kadry.
Anything else?
No. There's no one to ask
for more.
I know someone.
Mr. Diab!
Just a second.
Dad! Here it is!
Please... just another half hour.
You're joking.
- You have two new shirts.
- Two shirts for two years?
Tomorrow before sailing,
we'll buy two more.
Tomorrow the shops are closed.
Just rags, all this.
I know! Suddenly he's leaving,
and a second later
the ticket... and the savings...
and then bye-bye and then...
...two years. Two long years
away from me!
Here, son. Try this on.
Hope it's your size.
My brother's beautiful!
Ibrahim knows well you've
done your best.
I've lost the case.
Had you offered that sum
2 days ago...
Today everything's worked
out fine.
We've been able to send
the boy to America.
Please let me be
at peace with myself.
I'm honoured, Mr. Kadry.
I admire people who can
say "No".
I admire you.
My son's leaving tomorrow.
Yehia?
David's back with you!
David is studying in
military school in America.
Then maybe we'll meet.
Maybe.
The taxi is still not here.
Yet I told him to be precisely
on time.
We'll miss the ship.
My car is at your disposal.
Why thank you, sir...
Pasha... Bey.
Not at all, sir.
Thanks truly.
At your service.
Here's my card.
Write... we'll do business
together.
Give my regards to Roosevelt.
And you worry that I may
win it?
Mama! Everything went
at such a speed,
that I haven't had time
to see you.
Be brave but do not stay
there too long.
Your father is getting old
and he would want...
We all want to see you return
an important man.
Successful.
Come back to us, Yehia.
Come back to Alexandria.
I'll wave like that,
so you'll recognize me.
He's so small for that big ship.
What else are you telling him?
A haircut before reaching
New York.
Subtitled by: ANIS EBEID
Cairo - Egypt