Modlitba pro Katerinu Horovitzovou (1965) - full transcript

A PRAYER FOR
KATARINA HOROVITZOVA

In 1943, six Americans
of Jewish descent

on an ill timed visit to Europe

were captured
by the Germans in Italy.

According to Herr Brenske

we are now under police protection.

He assured me

that the exchange

will be carried out

in a courteous fashion

and that he detests any



form of violence

He has promised to come here.

He thinks that we should

arrive at the place

to be reached before nightfall,

decently dressed

Decently dressed.

By Hitler?

Won't he steal
our last pair of pants?

I was just quoting his words.

Attention!

At ease!

I'm glad, gentlemen
to see you in such good humour.

In your situation,
you'll have to try



to keep your spirits up.

Sit down, please.

It's still far from nightfall
and I don't wish you to be...

Fatigued.

Please sit down.

I'd...

rather stand!

Let's go to the merit.

Well, you know gentlemen...

that after the treason of July 1943...

we had to occupy Italy.

This has brought that country

under our jurisdiction.

And that

unfortunately

Gentlemen, means you.

We have a law from which,
as you see...

you are not exempt.

Everyone is equal
in front of the law.

Yet, for an elite like you, gentlemen...

a loophole could be found.

You are of special value.

We too have officers

on the other side

They are not very well off however

and there are expenses
connected with their exchange.

Our party proposes therefore
to exchange you

for a corresponding number

of our officers...

provided you bear all the expenses.

An exchange dictated by necessity

nevertheless,

an exchange, gentlemen.

You are anxious to have them back.

and we are to pay the costs.

I have to implement the exchange...

and I can't say what
the total costs will amount to.

Inclusive of course

of board and lodging,

care for you...

security.

Plus

500,000 Swiss francs per head.

which sum hasn't been fixed by ourselves

but by the American party.

Paying both parties

means

A million francs each.

Total wars are expensive.

For both sides then,
as I said correctly...

You are too intelligent
to need any detailed explanation.

It is necessary to keep separate

for a certain time

the moral aspects

from the practical ones.

That's the way to get round it.

Well, it's going to cost you

a relatively large sum of money.

But we know

you can afford it.

We expect you to be reasonable.

Why are we being guarded like criminals?

Why have our American passports
been confiscated?

You'll get them back of course.

When?

Untouched.

In due time.

Anything else?

Please...

Why have a war if you can't afford it?

You have made me laugh...

in your films

but here your remark
sounds more inappropriate.

I might get a glimpse
of your sense of humour.

You mentioned large sums.

What if we haven't got them?

Our trade department
has answered your question.

Have you verified it?

If not...

Mr. Rappaport...

I see...

You have a large share...

in the Chicago stockyards.

Should Germany lose the war

would the allies
take such pains with us,

as we do with you?

But this has to be

arranged bilaterally.

Your spokesman, Mr. Cohen

has mentioned certain apprehensions
on your part.

Let's have the question

of our proposal

put to the vote.

You have heard, gentlemen...

Mr. Brenske

You've made your picture and I beg you
to tell us what you have decided.

Mr. Varecky...

Mr. Klarfeld...

Mr. Taubenstock...

Mr. Lowenstein...

Are we in the senate, gentlemen?

Are we in parliament?

I'm glad...

that you've
taken your choice voluntarily.

The transfer of funds
can be effected

through your Swiss banks.

The basic payment
can be effected individually.

for the additional expenses
and transportation.

You'd better assign a proxy.

Thank you, gentlemen.

What does it mean,
Nightfall?

Don't we have watches?

I have to get you to a safe place.

and I want to reach it before nightfall.

No!

No! No!

What's up?

I don?t want to...

What's this, please?

A disturbance of some sort.

- I'm sorry.
- I don't want to die.

May I ask please...

Can this woman join our party.

We want a certain number of Generals

Didn't you offer us your help?

You would have to bear the entire costs.

I'll do that.

Attention!

Well, gentlemen...

We shall see.

Take your choice.

Please.

Di... or Paris.

You can try on your undies in there.

Don't be afraid...

little one.

I'm Dayem,

a rabbi from Lodz.

Master of the hair-drying room.

Oh my beautiful one.

Ashes...

After fire.

Our nostrils

full of ashes

Like my eyes.

Can you smell...

Ashes?

I don't understand.

I am master

In the hair drying room.

Where all meet again.

I survived...

to sing for them.

But they have American papers.

Papers also burn.

Oh my beautiful...

foolish one.

My tender...

and trusting one.

Could I ask you for something?

To command!

Will you give
that suitcase to my mother?

A nasty wind in these Polish plains

as if coming from the mountains.

yet they are so far away.

Wind?

Yes, the wind.

- You've done a good job.
- Yes, Sir.

Change in there.

A nasty wind, indeed, I say.

No, no...

I won't try on the trousers.

I have confidence on you.

Well, let's see.

A good fit.

In the U.S.A.
you'd find a good job.

I used to know
an excellent Warsaw tailor.

He went away in time, to Paris.

and later to London.

One such tailor
ended his journey in Gdansk.

Something was wrong with his nose.

May I leave my old suit here?

- Thank you.
- A good job.

It's something.

A thing I'm always glad to see.

I hope you understand.

We did our best, Sir.

but our feeble powers.

I'll never forget...

I know just ashes.

What's that?

In my eyes...

all is ashes...

Ashes.

We like to remember a man's talents.

Get out!

A French author once wrote

that dresses...

bring women to perfection.

War or no war...

People will be people.

This brings us closer together.

Though divided by a fence.

It helps to alleviate things

that have been imposed on us.

Have you got the cheque
for your maintenance

so we can start on our journey?

Alright.

Unsigned.

May I ask why?

We think further payment
should be made

when we are aboard ship.

You mean F.O.B.?

Are our Generals marketable goods?

More respect, if you please.

We are entitled to
the same measure of consideration.

Agreed.

The American party
is demanding a guarantee.

In the cables hitherto received

they show no enthusiasm

about the proposed exchange.

Yet we want our Generals back.

I can't believe

the American authorities
would cause any delay.

You haven't been home for some time.

It's easy to have
an absent person written off.

This is not your fault.

Are you aware of

what will my companions say?

Aren't the prisoners of war
held by the Americans

of special value to you?

The exchange action
has met with so many difficulties

that our terms,
thought hard at first sight

are most liberal, in fact.

You want me to sign,

disregarding the opinion
of my companions

I'm sure you know
what's next door.

Quickly.

And there are free cots in this camp.

Berlin is waiting for an answer
and you have the proxy.

You don't want me to look...

for another six more...

obliging people?

Let me think it over.

Right.

Don't you want to say goodbye to your

father and mother?

May I?

Let me see...

How could...

How could it be done?

Why don't you write

on the bottom of a case
that you are

sending your love,
etc... etc...

Nothing gets lost in a camp, ever.

Camp means,
in a sense,

a climax.

It's an all-inclusive meeting place.

From birth on

and vice versa.

How have you decided?

It's too much money
and hardly any guarantee.

Moreover you want
high ranking officers

in exchange for us.

Nevertheless...

In your case it would only be just

Your luggage got lost

and you've had other troubles too.

I consider it my duty.
Please.

Thank you.

A princely outfit I call it.

You said we ought to hurry up.

I hope we'll arrive at the port...

without any mishap.

Do you know which port?

You'll know...

by nightfall.

When will we get our passports back?

As soon as we are underway.

Is that sufficient?

Any more questions?

Hasn't a delegate of the
International Red Cross

arrived yet?

What's that?

According to International law

every exchange has to be attended
by a delegate of the Red Cross.

- Are you sure?
- Absolutely.

My brother holds a high office
in this organization.

You are too punctilious,
Mr. Lowenstein.

Anybody else?

Please.

- Hugo Varecky.
- Yes, Mr. Varecky.

What form of receipt do we get
for the money we paid you?

On an official blank
of the Reichsbank.

and it'll be valid
to our authorities.

You'll deserve well of the Reich,
however odd it may sound.

And after we occupy America,
it will be a valuable document.

Why are we being guarded?

I hate to weaken one of your fronts.

Your name?

Freddy Klarfeld.

Why worry about our fronts,
Jew Klarfeld?

You have too many of them.

My brother opened too many branches.

- and went bankrupt.
- Shut up!

Gentlemen...

What's all this talk about gas?

Attention!

Heil Hitler.

Sit down.

Gentlemen...

and Miss Horovitzova.

We are starting on our way

towards the exchange.

And one has to realize with emotion...

that it is being sponsored
not only by two inimical parties...

but also by the noble organization
called the Red Cross.

A truly wonderful organization.

An example of humanity
at the right place.

Transmuting the divine principal

into human acts of compassion.

Compassion.

We know what this word means to you

and also

for our soldiers who may
be listening at this moment

to the address

of some officer of the Allies.

Gentlemen

in a port

a ten hours journey from here...

a beautiful ship is waiting.

The name of the port is...

Hamburg.

And the name of the ship...

Deutschland!

This luxury liner
of 15,000 tons displacement

was the scene of a glorious event

you'll find in the primers of history.

From this ship, our Fuhrer,
Adolf Hitler

inspected the latest naval manoeuvres.

However to keep to the subject.

It has been made possible

to let your party be joined by

a woman chosen by your spokesman.

chosen by your spokesman,
Mr. Herman Cohen

Whom I have to thank...

for services hitherto rendered.

When you arrive...

But, I'm anticipating

But I want to get it over,
once and for all.

Be so good

as to put in a good word
for this country.

This war has been imposed on us.

Still, all is well that ends well.

Or rather...

puts...

an end to everything.

One day the destroyed towns

and burned villages
will be forgotten

and better ones

will be built.

Doesn't your example prove

that co-operation can be practiced

without hindrance
and contradiction?

and one day a still closer alliance

may be forged against a common enemy.

You know what I mean.

You may soon witness
the rarest harmony

I want you to work for
a mutual rapprochement.

Preach the truth
at your destination.

I appeal to you

as your friend...

in the name of
our unfortunate country.

And as the man who has
the privilege...

to control your destiny.

Now, Gentlemen
and Miss Horovitzova

let's take our seats
in the carriage,

travel to the port,
and board the ship.

Follow me, please.

I'm not intruding?

Not at all.

Thanks.

We don't seem to be stopping.

We have the right of way,
so to speak.

I wonder where we are now.

If you must know...

We're in East Silesia.

Herr Brenske...

- Are all these guards necessary?
- What do you mean?

If we pledged ourselves
not to try to escape.

We aren't doing this for fun.

The men could be used elsewhere
more profitably.

But we agreed to regard you

as prisoners of war.

There is a war.

By the way,

Miss Horovitzova
would like to see you.

Then, let her come in.

Don't disturb them.

What's the matter, child?

I shouldn't have left them.

- You needn't blame yourself.
- Am I better than them?

Why should I be saved.

My dear...

I am unable to find

any words of consolation.

What could I do?

There's nothing wrong
in what you've done.

You're a kind man, Mr. Cohen.

Help me to save them
and I'll do anything for you.

Yes...

You must realize

I can't do it of my own accord.

It depends on Herr Brenske

Herr Brenske...

Would it be possible for
the family of Miss Horovitzova

to be set free?

It's not only up to me.

I'd spare no expense.

I can't say how
my superiors would react.

It's a closed action.

Please, Sir...

Try...

There's a certain risk,
for me too.

But to oblige a lady...

I can send a wire
with a cautious enquiry.

I shall be back soon.

How good of you...

I have to make a confession.

I wanted to save myself.

That's why I pretended
to be a dancer.

Well...

It didn't look like a lie.

I learned to dance.

years ago.

I wanted to be a Josephine Baker.

To go to France with a young man.

No, don't tell me anything.

I was twelve years old.

He came
and he saw me dancing.

I performed with him once.

Then father chucked him out.

Don't talk about it, child.

You have to know.

He came and advised father...

to exchange his treadle lathe

for one with a motor drive.

Your...

father was a turner?

The only one in the old town.

He made chess figures too.

I liked to watch him...

when I was a child.

You know...

you still are.

I'd be...

so happy to have them here.

Yes, yes, sure...

I'd do anything for you.

Never mind what will be later.

We must be free first.

My express cable has been answered.

It can be done.

See?

This will just mean a cheque

on your Swiss bank.

The same sum as in your case.

For how many persons would it be?

Speak out, child.

Ten, including me.

You don't count.

I'll be responsible for you.

at the final settlement.

Well?

Father, mother...

grandfather and my six sisters.

Sonia, Ludmila, Irene,
Eva, Vera

and Lea.

Prompt action is needed.

To put her mind at rest.

I understand.

I've been instructed to ascertain

whether the gentlemen have relatives

they'd be interested in.

Our small action
might grow into a large one.

Kindly mention it at dinner.

Gentlemen...

Have you considered...

the proposal of Herr Breske?

Have you?

I've signed it.
So has Mr. Lowenstein.

I'll never sign.

Never.

How did you arrive at this decision?

Gentlemen...

Have you read Mein Kampf?

I have.

I agree, gentlemen

that we ought to proceed tactically.

They want something from us,
we want something in return.

How for example.

We shouldn't be just ready to pay.

But offer twice as much.

Are you crazy?

Provided we pay
after they set us free.

In the nearest of our ports.

Not a bad idea.

- Of course.
- Count me in.

Alright. I'll discuss it.

Don't count on me.

Our money is good money.

Too good money.

Yes, too good. I agree.

I thought...

I was dealing with men of experience.

And insight.
More noble minded.

- If you know what I mean.
- Not quite.

Millions of inmates of the camps

would be happy to be in your place.

We'll need a hell of a lot more
mutual confidence.

I don't see...

any reason at all...

It's Miss Horovitzova.

Your authorities refused
to grant her a visa.

I'm afraid she'll have
to join the next transport.

Bureaucracy, you know...

being what it is.

I don't understand.

The apprehensions shown by your
authorities are certainly most foolish.

We are probably suspected

of using Miss Horovitzova
for some nefarious purpose.

What purpose?

We are victims
of slander and defamation.

They see German spies everywhere.

This is utter nonsense.

So it seems.

They said it could be done
if you were man and wife.

They assume that you know
whom you'd be marrying.

You've stated that you're a widower.

But...

Would it be worth while?

Back to the camp?

You must be crazy!

We can't be married anywhere else.

Do they think...

gentlemen,
that we are mangy dogs?

They could have sent a rabbi.

Outside the camp, we have no rights.

Do you realize what it means,

to go back to that lousy camp?

It's preposterous!

Are we all insane or what?

What gives you the right
to make fools of us all?

I beg your pardon.

I beg your pardon?

I just wanted to ask you.

We are still on our way to the port.

You'll have to go without me.
I can't.

I...

can't.

Tell us why you can't.

Could you bear the thought...

that we saved ourselves
at the cost of a human life.

We are doing it
at the cost of many human lives.

Of millions of lives.

You can't pay a ransom
for all of them.

This is no excuse, gentlemen.

This child is our responsibility.

She wants to live.

And also wants her parents to live.

We all want to live.

That's our only crime.

I'm against it.

Aren't you too, Mr. Taubenstock?

Yes.

Well, if she had a passport.

We want to buy ourselves out,
but at what price.

Why these big words, Mr. Cohen?

- I'm for the girl.
- For or against?

Have we all gone mad?

Are you opposed to it Mr. Varecky?

Come on.

If I say yes...

I'm against myself.

If I say no...

I'm against myself too.

All I can do is remain....

neutral.

Tell them what you think about it,
Mr. Rappaport.

- I? Why should I?
- You should.

I say yes.

But that's impossible.

Yes, I'm for the girl.

Why?

Because I don't like such bailiff types
as you are Mr. Lowenstein. Secondly...

Because it makes no difference.

Have you lost your reason?

Can't you see?

No difference.

With the prayer?

Of course.
War or no war.

I can't be suspected to be submitting

to racial degradation.

Go ahead.

Is it thou

my forsaken child?

Where are my parents?

You promised.

You said they'd be here.

They're being searched for.

They are probably
in some disinfection room

And we're in a hurry.

Right?

Your wedding is, after all,

only a symbolic one.

O my lost one

I give thee the blessings

of all thy kin,
passing on the tidings

of their sweet repose
in the kingdom of heaven

In forgiveness of sins,

weaknesses and of all

we have been unable to avoid.

Eternal peace

be give thee.

O bride

by the wisest ruler of the world...

Must you...

walk around in circles?

That will do, I think.

I must do it.

I will do anything.

O you trustful child.

Everything in my power.

O courageous one.

I'll save my parents...

and my sisters.

Now I must begin, o unhappy one.

As the stars and the moon
in the sky

thou the bride standest here

with the bridegroom

May the two live in good accord.

and no contention arise between them

I expected some singing.

And I've traveled
a long way to hear it.

I am the

Witness for the king of kings

Guide them into eternal bliss

of the envelope of these bodies

Ward of the inorexable
day of judgment

Let brightness descend

Which is as brilliant

as the stars

Freed from fetters

May rest in peace

All those marked by wounds

My only one

O my trustful one

That's it.
We're pressed for time.

This isn't my only concern.

I shall be praying for thee.

I am the master
of the hair drying room.

Such fine hair...

and firm

Like ashes.

Such fine hair.

My trustful one

Ashes

The prayer for the dead.

A lunatic

I hate all rituals.

There's something dark about them.

coming from the middle ages.

Something stultifying.

Forget it.

What do you believe in?

Reality...
Reality my dear girl.

You could get things
from the soldiers.

Even in Warsaw.

They'd sell sardines.

They could be bribed,
but you got only the sardines.

Nothing else.

And in the end it was
the camp for all of us.

Warsaw is far from here.

Very far.

I've spent my youth with them.

They talked in words that were images.

And he was talking in images
which meant one single word.

Don't say it.

It doesn't exist for us.

He's mad. Rest now.

When you come to our country,
you'll be free as before.

I'll take care of you.

But...

you needn't feel indebted.

for all this, understand.

You are...

very kind, but what have I done.

No, it shouldn't have happened.

I don't believe
we'll ever get to your country.

But something ought
to be done about them.

If not they'll do to us...

whatever it may me.

I hate to intrude.

Did you sleep well?

Those were solemn moments
for both of you.

One way or another.

And I've...

brought the receipts
for all of you gentlemen.

Will you present them yourself?

Right. Why not.

Haven't we slowed down.

We have reached our destination.

This is the old Hansa town, Hamburg.

The Deutschland.

Exactly.

15,000 tons displacement.

Doesn't she look deserted?

Is she under steam?

Under water more like.

I can see them asking
for more money

for coal, steam...

the ship's gongs.

And maybe for the wake too.

To hell with money.

I'd give my last cent
if this would come to an end.

An end...

Yes...

But what?

the transaction is nearly complete,
gentlemen.

Just one last request to make.

Being exceptional personalities...

you may have divined what it is.

Objections would of course threaten

the successful outcome
of the whole business.

What it is about?

Our party demands

all your assets.

your lives being more valuable.

than your money.

I repeat.

Than... your... money!

I wish I had as much money

as you imagine I have.

I am unable...

No use arguing about it.

We also expect you to send letters

to your relatives
before your departure

informing them
of how you've been treated.

Better make it a formal statement
of our magnanimous treatment of you.

We don't want to use compulsion

do we?

This would hardly be ethical.

Do it of your own free will.

The necessary blanks for the transfer

are there

are at your disposal.

Thank you.

I...

can't...

My glasses got broken.

Will someone lend him theirs?

Try these ones.

Thank you.

You shouldn't have bothered.

Gentlemen...

It's a swindle.

not one of us
will get aboard that ship.

Can't we get in touch

with a representative

of the Red Cross?

Under these circumstances...

I'm not ready to pay either,
Herr Brenske.

You were not prepared for this.

But I'm afraid...

the ship won't sail
until I'm certain...

of your attitude.

A hoax that's what it is.

I won't pay one cent more.

I need time for reflection.

I'm sick of this game.

What about my family?

Are we all to give up hope?

We should have minded our own interest.

Since when, Mr. Varecky?

Gentlemen, Lady...

Heed my warning.

You want to commit a crime.

Shut up!

What are all those tall chimneys?

What makes the flames, night and day?

What's that greasy black smoke?

Shut up!

You want our money?
Only ours?

Not the money of our folks as well?

And then the money of our neighbours.

And finally the whole world!

Don't you want
the whole world?

Silence!

I used to know a different Germany.

One day Germany
will purge herself of this filth.

Or it will be done
by someone else.

And you'll all hang!

Sorry.

I didn't give the order.

Not all our fellow countrymen
are generous enough

to overlook
defamations of the Reich.

Simple minded people.
You'll have to excuse them.

A dead man...

can't testify

against himself,
pleading guilty of slander.

However you are still here, gentlemen.

Have the letters...

cheques and cables been written yet?

And now let me invite you

to a farewell banquet.

While we wait
for the replies from your relatives.

Have a hearty meal.

I want to get to the final solution

- Mr. Lowenstein.
- Here.

Mr. Varecky.

Write a postscript explaining

your shaky handwriting

by the motion of the train.

Your last dinner with us.

Enjoy your meals.

This has been a surprise for me too.

Your authorities don't seem eager

to have you back.

They are more interested in your money.

And in some of our officers.

Even the Red Cross seems powerless.

Moreover Miss Horovitzova's name
is not on your passport.

Why make a secret of it?

All our disbursements

have to be considered
a total loss.

What does this mean?

Acting on instructions,
I've had to cancel

the reservations due to lack of interest
shown by your party.

What's more,
Hamburg is expecting an air raid.

We?ll have to leave the port
as soon as possible.

Does that mean we've been swindled?

It just means a change...

of plans.

We expected from your party
as much willingness

as we found in dealing with you.

Isn't there any chance at all?

An exchange via Switzerland.

You have paid for your liberty.

Why did you kill Mr. Rappaport?

You are so punctilious.
Won't he be missing from your sum total?

He will.
It shouldn't have happened.

But in a war,
we have to reckon with losses

on both sides.

We expect

you to carry out
what you were paid for.

Are there any other guarantees?

Before we arrive at the place

which will set

your mind at rest...

I want to make your journey...

as pleasant as possible.

What about Mr. Rappaport's body?

Mr. Rappaport will be buried

Just as in the case of your wedding

Conforming to the regulations

We'll have to stop at a camp
on our way to Switzerland.

We'd have to stop there anyhow.

Because of the disinfection
prescribed by the Swiss.

There, both things...

Can be attended to.

I want you to know, Sir...

that we

are losing confidence.

in the bona fides of this action.

I'll have to convince you by argument.

As before.

That will be all.

Everything has been paid for.

We may arrive at our
destination before dawn.

Gentlemen, this is the dressing room.

Not very elegant, I admit.

A wartime structure,
pure and simple.

There will be no vaccination
because you are civilians.

The Swiss may insist
on vaccinating you later.

You've shown up till now
a most

commendable discipline.

I've had dealings with
many of your kind

and none of them had your prudence.

Now you'll have to...

undress.

Remember your box.

And when you come back,
just wait here

We have no separate room for women.

This is not temple...

just a bath.

Put all your valuables into the boxes.

You can collect them later.

I'd rather you didn't
talk with the personnel.

I nearly forgot.

You'll be accompanied from here

by a Swiss physician

sent here by the Red Cross.

His plane is just landing.

Is it necessary, this disinfection?

You said by morning we'll be

in Switzerland.

It's seven in the morning.

Seven a.m.

The sooner we begin then

the sooner we'll finish.

A little hygiene
can do no harm.

As soon as we arrived,
I had a...

nice bath, myself.

And that is

sometimes, gentlemen
the last thing a man can

look forward to.

Your suits will be ironed.

You can't arrive...

in crumpled suits.

And now for the final arrangements.

Gentlemen...

This is an awful soap, gentlemen.

This probably is not
a soap at all.

Get undressed, gentlemen.

Don't let the water get cold.

You don't want to catch a chill.

Everything is ready
and just waiting for you.

Men women and children
all have to go in.

Others are waiting already.

In the Alps you can do that you like

Here you gotta step on it!

Put your passports
into those safes too.

You'll meet with that
paper stuff soon enough.

Nobody's ever ashamed here.
Not in our presence.

We've often watched displays
you'd be surprised by.

Don't tell me that
you're ashamed, my dear?

You'd nothing on
when you were born.

Get away, you whelp.

I'm going to show you
how to tame stubborn mares.

So then...

You won't obey orders?

Get those rags off.

You got them from us anyway.

And what's under them,
you'll have to leave those too.

Listen to me.

Strip!

You got your soap.

You've got the number of your box.

Don't keep us waiting.

What are you afraid of,
Carmen from the ghetto?

In here, all women
get their sun tan in the nude.

Commando!

O my courageous

My combative one

Subtitles: Corvusalbus, Kostej
from a translation by: M A Gebert