The House of Rothschild (1934) - full transcript

All Jews must be inside Jew Street by sundown.

Thank you, excellency. Always glad to serve you.

Come on, get inside. This is six.

Mayer Amschel Rothschild. Money changer. Dealer in coins.

Mama.

We're locking uptime. Money hasn't come yet.

It's a long road from Hamburg.

It'll be here in the morning.

Yes, but if anything should happen.

All that money, 10.000 gulden.

So much this journey?



7.000 in one lump from Prince Louis' ties in Egypt.

And then all of the small sums, 10.000 at least.

The roads are dangerous.

Tomorrow morning it'll be here.

We should be thankful, Mayer. Business is dirty.

Nearly a thousand gulden since morning.

- Mama, that agent, did you notice him?
- What?

There he sat, sly and smiling, planning to rob this poor old Jew Rothschild.

And here I was so innocent, a little child, a baby in fact.

And there was that fine old clock, that his master had sent into bagging for.

And when at last I let him have it for less money than it cost me,

I could see in his eyes how pleased he was.

That he got the better of this little baby.

Sold it under cost?



A sprat to catch a mackerel, mama.

He thinks he's so clever, and I'm so stupid.

Always make them think they're clever.

Mama, I've been robbed!

Bad, a whole gulden. A dead loss, damn!

Are you sure? Sometimes they are only cracked.

Right, Mayer, who gave it to you? Could it be that...

That agent! And I gave him some wine, too. Some of the good wine.

Mayer. He'll come again.

He'll come again. And then, mama...

I catch my mackerel.

Well, no one can ever say you don't deal fairly with your customers, Mayer.

It pays in the end, mama.

Now finish your tasks, now I'll lay the supper.

All right, mama.

- The roast is almost done.
- Smells good.

Looks good too.

Mama, quick. It's Nathan.

Mama, the tax collector.

Papa, the tax collector. He's down on the street.

The tax collector, boys!

- Mama, put away the silver.
- I have.

Don't run away. What do you know about?

Take those hats off!

- Here, mama.
- Yes.

Hurry up, Carl.

Come up, James. Open the fire case.

- Remember, no deal for the last five days, understand?
- Yes, father.

Are you hungry?

- Not so very.
- Then look hungry.

Amschel, Solomon, you remain below.

Mama, hide the roast.

All right, we'll take the Rothschild next.

Mama, take your sewings there. Nathan, by me.

Nathan, take your hands out of your pockets.

Open up, Jew!

- Who is it Nathan?
- Mayer Rothschild.

Why, it's my good friend, the tax collector.

Bring out your account book.

Certainly, sir.

Here it is, I was just looking over it.

Things are very bad, I was saying to my poor wife.

Gudula, this is our friend, the tax collector.

Never have I known such a bad month.

For five days not one gulden have I seen.

Customers come, yes, but they don't buy.

No one's traveling these days, so my exchange business is worse than nothing.

- I shall soon starve.
- Starve, huh?

Something smells good.

One of our neighbors must be having a roast.

Close the window, mama.

What do you take me for?

Now bring out the real books.

Real books? Why, excellency, I don't understand what you mean.

Rothschild, you are doing more business than any Jew in Jew Street.

You're gonna pay 20.000 gulden.

20.000!

A count of the big merchants in the city doesn't pay as much as that.

That's another matter, he's outside the ghetto. He's not a Jew.

You're going to kill me this instant.

I could barely raise a thousand gulden.

Upstairs, that's the house.

Hold the badger, pal.

Well, I might perhaps raise 2.000 gulden.

Very interesting.

Oh, that. Nathan, lift up the trip door for the gentleman.

They're just some old stock.

We have a little wine down there, not very good wine I'm afraid.

Good wine costs money.

But no account books, no gold, no jewels I suppose.

Jewels, I had to give up dealing in jewels long ago.

It needs capital.

- Should I lead the way?
- You follow, at a distance.

Stand up, Jew boys!

Wine!

- Fill up a cup!
- But that's green excellency.
- Do as I say.

It had wine in it after all!

Yes, sir. That's what we drink.

But there's some here, that papa keeps for his special customers.

Won't your excellency try it?

You old fox. It's good.

Your excellency, there's his honor.

Rothschild, apparently you've been telling me the truth.

- So you know what I'm going to do?
- No, excellency.

I'm going to charge you 20.000 gulden, just the same.

But I can't do it.

There's not that much money in the whole ghetto.

Rothschild.

You would like to pay only 2.000 gulden again, wouldn't you?

Yes, excellency.

Now what would it be worth to me, if I put you down for 2.000 this time.

Very handsome present for your excellency, say a thousand gulden.

Talk sense, Rothschild.

I want 10.000.

- Would you leave me and my family pennies?
- With a great deal of pleasure.

Come now.

Well, perhaps a 3.000 gulden. But that's the limit, the actual limit.

I'll take 6.000.

Well, make it 5.000.

Alright, have it ready tomorrow. I'll call.

And if any of you breathe a word, I'll have your house burned to the ground.

Boys, you did well.

Nathan, you're a smart lad.

That wine, mama, you should have seen him.

And after all, a 5.000 gulden isn't as bad as it might have been.

But it is bad to have to pay away 5.000 gulden.

Not as bad as having to pay away 20.000, father.

Six o'clock. All Jews inside.

- Should I go after him?
- Oh, let him go.

Mr. Rothschild!

Mr. Rothschild!

What's the matter?

The man who's bringing your money from Hamburg

has been waylaid by the tax agents outside the city.

Their hunting was for the money of Jew Street.

They might have killed him, but he got away.

- With the money?
- No, they got it, Mr. Rothschild.

- All of it?
- Yes, all of it.

10.000 gulden, all money, that we worked for.

- Why doesn't your majesty take them dead?
- Papa, don't get excited, its bad for you.

You are young. Your life is before you.

You got to fight.

Fight for yourselves, fight for our people.

Mama, I had to cheat the tax collector before my own children.

Do you think I want to do that?

I live honestly, I trade honestly.

I want to be honest with them. But they won't let us.

We are Jews, taxed to death.

Forbidden to learn a trade, forbidden to own land.

They keep us in chains. They send men here to rob us.

So work and strive for money.

Money is power.

Money is the only weapon that the Jew has to defend himself with.

Come, he wants to speak with you. All of you.

We are here papa. All of us.

My sons.

When I go I, leave you in your mama's care.

She is wise.

How wiser than I, and good.

Do always as she says, and you will grow rich.

Come closer.

Much money is lost

for sending gold by coach, from one country to another.

In times of war to seize by the enemy.

In times of peace by thieves.

You are five brothers.

I want you each to start a banking business in a different country.

One to go and open a house in Paris, one in Vienna, one in London.

Choose the most important cities.

So, that when money is to be sent

from here, to London, ever say,

you won't have to risk life and gold.

Amschel, here in Frankfurt,

will just send a letter to Nathan in London,

saying I need so and so,

and that will be offset by loans from London to Frankfurt.

- Understand?
- Yes, father.

In your day, there'll be many wars in Europe.

And nations that will have money to transport,

will come to the Rothschilds, because it will be safe.

Papa, you musn't talk anymore. The doctor...

I'm giving advice to our sons, mama.

And that the doctor cannot give.

Remember, unity is strength.

All your lives you must stand by one another.

No one brother must be allowed to fail,

while another brother succeeds.

Now, five banking houses may cover Europe.

But you will be one firm, one family. The Rothschilds.

Who work always together.

That would be your power.

And when that power comes, remember the ghetto.

I shall be here, I shall never leave the house where they were all born.

Remember this before all,

that neither business, nor power, nor all the gold in Europe

will bring you happiness, until we, our people,

have equality, respect, dignity.

And trade with dignity, or live with dignity,

to walk in a world, with dignity.

32 years later, the five sons of the Rothschilds

had established their banking houses in the five capitals of Europe.

And in the same year, the Grande Armée of Napoleon

overran Europe and threatened the peace of the world.

Rothschild and sons, bankers, Vienna

If Napoleon is to beaten in the east,

we must have 15 million florins immediately.

- And more later.
- I think it can be done, prince Metternich.

But I shall have to consult with my brother Nathan in London.

Come Solomon, can't you decide now?

Your highness is aware that the Rothschilds work as a family.

And we've made Nathan our head.

Rothschild and sons, bankers. Naples.

Mr. Rothschild, there can be no peace in Europe,

as long as Napoleon controls Italy.

16 million ducats, as soon as possible.

If your highness will keep the utmost secrecy,

I will endeavor to obtain the consent of my brothers.

Rothschild and sons, bankers. Paris.

You must realize, Monsieur Talleyrand,

how difficult it is for the Paris House of Rothschild to help the Allies against Napoleon.

My dear Mr. James, I will be as secret as the grave.

But we must have 50 million francs.

Rothschild and sons, bankers. Frankfurt.

Your visit honors our House, count Ledrantz.

I'm quite aware of that, Amschel Rothschild.

But there is no one to hear of it.

Only necessity brings me here.

The armies of Napoleon are already in Prussia.

We've gotta have five million gulden, by a month.

- I will consult my brother.
- That's nonsense.

It is an unbreakable rule, your excellency.

The House of Rothschild never participates into deals of this importance,

without the approval of all the partners.

But that is impossible,

my brother Nathan in London is permitted to make a decision.

Rothschild and sons, bankers. London.

Mr. Nathan, it may be that just one more loan will carry us to victory.

You've been most generous, you and your brothers too.

And I can assure you, sir, that his majesty fully realizes,

that the House of Rothschild has already contributed

ten times as much as any other banking house in Europe.

Captain Fitzroy arrived this morning from Wellington's headquarters.

And he's told me how much the general appreciates what you've done.

Lord Wellington's language on the battlefield can't be repeated, sir.

but I've heard him declare that he wouldn't swap any one of those five Rothschilds,

for any five of Napoleon's brigades.

Now I tell the Prime Minister you agree to one more loan.

You realize gentlemen that the Allies are driving errands out throughout Europe.

- It's money that wins wars.
- It's money that makes wars.

For 5 million pounds we can hold Napoleon at bay.

Mr. Herries, tell the Prime Minister I declined to raise 5 million pounds,

to keep the Allies fighting Napoleon.

I'm sorry.

But you can tell Lord Wellington,

that the five Rothschilds will let him have 10 million,

if he'll guarantee to smash Napoleon.

Excuse my hat, sir.

And when, eventually, Napoleon was defeated and exiled to the Island of Elba,

England honored his conqueror, the Duke of Wellington.

The Lords and gentlemen,

once more England is indebted to her greatest soldier.

It is my privilege as Prime Minister to thank him,

on behalf of England,

for his glorious achievement.

We rejoice at your safe return.

My Lords and gentlemen, charge your glasses.

I give you a toast.

His grace, the duke of Wellington.

Well, that's over.

- Empty.
- We've got some snuff here.

May I see sir Amschel, please.

Herries.

Why wasn't Rothschild here?

- Now, some feeling.
- Was me asked?

Well, no, your grace. Some of these people...

Wasn't the man who paid for these wars important enough?

It wasn't a question of importance, it was...

Well, he can't come here, I suppose we can still go there.

- Hey Fitz.
- Yes, sir.

Just as soon as I can get away, we're going to call our Nathan Rothschild.

You order him here.

Light, I call it.

More snuff.

Do you know where the old boy lives?

Very well indeed, sir.

I'd forgotten about that daughter of his.

- Darling.
- No, I'm not sorry. Not in the least.

Neither am I.

Just startled.

I've been trying to tell for a long time.

- I've wanted to kiss you.
- Yes, I know that.

But when it came, it was so sudden, it rather frightened me.

Frightened?

The captain of the guard is to protect you.

The captain of the guard is a very dangerous person.

Only to his rivals.

You know, you're very conceited, young man.

You haven't even asked me if I loved you.

Don't you?

Yes I do. I love you more than anything else in the world.

And then tonight, after I talk to Duke in the bay,

I'm calling your father,

My speech to him is all ready.

I rehearsed it not less than a thousand times.

The trees at night, the guns, even the horses,

I haven't gotten a refusal yet.

I'm afraid it's not as simple as that.

Some of those horses were pretty difficult customers.

It's no use, darling. You're just dodging the real reason.

You're being sweet and thoughtful again.

But you're not making me forget that you're gentile and I'm a Jewess.

- Think of the shock to our families.
- There's no longer a family matter.

It's Fitz and Julie.

Us, us, us...

I've had that clouded me heels all day.

If they had any sense, it's you lead me following around, not me.

Oh, we Rothschilds, and had just as big crowds following at our heels in Frankfurt.

- But not with cheers.
- Or a lot of cheer for you, gladly.

And I hope one day, Europe will realize she owes you something more than money.

Well, my father was a man of peace.

He told us never to loan money to make wars, always to end them.

And that's been our principle.

Everybody knows that, and respects you for it.

No, your grace, they don't know it and they don't respect us.

Our bankers are jealous of us,

the man in the street thinks we're just sherlocks.

And Europe hides its head for shame, because it borrows from the Jews.

I suppose you know it's that Prussian fellow, count Ledrantz, that is responsible for that.

I know. He hates me and all my race.

He's a proper jackass, Rothschild. And he ought to be hanged.

I must admit that the same happy thought has occurred to me more than once.

You know it's a danger having a man like that in authority.

- Always making enemies.
- That's the danger, they may need us again.

What do you mean?

Well, perhaps you're not out of the woods yet.

Why, Napoleon's scotched.

Napoleon's in exile. But he's not dead.

As good as dead, Rothschild. As good as dead.

Perhaps.

Another brandy, your grace.

I often thought it would have saved a lot of trouble, if Napoleon had been born an Englishman.

Where would I be then?

Right, his commanding officer of course.

Thank you.

Sound brandy you've got here, Rothschild.

To the peace of Europe.

Well, I'm a soldier. But I'll drink to that.

Rothschild.

A little secret, mind you?

I oughtn't to tell you this, but I just heard this morning

that they are going to float a big loan to put France on her feet.

An enormous loan, the biggest thing ever issued.

- Yes.
- Well, they've got to do something.

France had had 20 years of war, and the whole country is torn up.

But now they've got peace.

They're going to get together, the five Allied powers, and to help her out.

And the banking house that floats this loan,

will at once become the most powerful in Europe.

- Its prestige will be enormous.
- That's it.

Now's your chance.

Your grace, I can't sufficiently thank you for this information.

Mind you, it's a dark secret.

But it serves the chuckleheads right for telling me.

They ought to know by now I can't keep a secret.

- Send a message to Mr. Roy, and ask him to come to be here at once.
- Yes, sir.

- We'll drink to the house that floats the new French loan.
- To the House of Rothschild.

And its greatest mentor.

There you are.

- Miss Julie.
- Your grace.

Mrs. Rothschild, you've got to watch this young rooster.

I'm beginning to understand now why you were always asking for leave to return to London.

Now that you do understand, I trust you let him come more often.

- It's against the regulations.
- I only saw Julie five times.

And once, when you sent him to the dispatches of the Prime Minister,

Julie was waiting for him, the corner of Downing Street.

- That I hope it isn't against the regulations, your grace.
- Not if he didn't speak to you.

We didn't think you knew about that, Nathan.

I'm afraid it's time to go, your grace.

You can't fox this man, he's a magician.

There's no question about that.

Oh, Rothschild.

I've been told you knew about Napoleon's abdication,

two days before the War Office did.

Is that true?

Yes. But then the War Office never knows anything

for two days after everybody else knows it.

So then they take two more days taking it over.

But how did you do it?

They say Indians get things by putting their ears to the ground,

but you are not an Indian, are you?

No. Just plain Jerusalem, with a heart of gold.

Well, I know something about sending dispatches.

My man Fitzroy here is the best at that.

But if I had 20 Fitzes I couldn't do it in that time.

You knew about Napoleon's abdication almost as soon as it happened.

How the deuce did you do it?

A little bird whispered in my ear.

Oh, you don't intend to tell me.

I don't blame you.

Fitz, we better go before he makes us disappear like a rabbit in a hat.

Mrs. Rothschild, you've a charm in a home.

- And a charming daughter.
- Your grace.

- I hope that cash crowds corner.
- Thank you.

Are they still there?

And this is the man who faced the grand Army.

- Fitzroy.
- Yes, sir.

Writing before the charge always.

There's military tactics for you. There's a young man who'll be a general someday.

Thank you.

Goodbye, Rothschild.

- And remember, it's a dark secret.
- A thousand thanks, your grace.

There he goes.

Longing for the peace and the query of the battlefield.

Yes, sir.

Mom.

Mom, I have to be very happy of it.

- I'm not quite...
- What is it, dear?

Fitz says it's nobody's business but ours, just his and mine.

But it's this wretched family I'm thinking of.

You know mother, nearly all of his answer duchesses and countesses.

Oh I'm so afraid they'll turn up their noses.

He doesn't addict to our money, I hope.

No, he says he's willing to overlook that.

Oh, I'm glad to hear that.

Father, please don't think of Fitz like that.

Please don't, you're hurting her feelings.

- Isn't that rather cruel?
- Oh no, it's my fault.

I never told father I really care as much as I do.

And you didn't either of you think I knew.

We businessmen are not supposed to notice unimportant things like daughters and wives.

- You should know better than, Hannah.
- Well, I knew she loved him.

But we thought we'd tell you when you got to know him better.

Julie, you know the tradition of our family?

A Rothschild to marry a Rothschild.

- But I wasn't a Rothschild, Nathan.
- No.

But you were Hannah. And you are one of our race.

That's what frightens me, mom. These dreadful prejudices.

Could we bear it? Fitz bears it.

I won't pretend Julie, that I wouldn't rather you married one of your own people.

It's a cruel barrier.

Yes. But the world's changed a bit, especially in England.

There's no Jew Street here, and they're lifting other chains from us, too.

- So, perhaps...
- Oh no, don't say perhaps, say yes.

What do you think, Hannah?

I think girls should be allowed to make their own choice.

I'm not sure that I agree with you.

Oh, but this girl, father.

Well, it's about the first time that I've known a Rothschild to make a bad bargain.

You are a Rothschild, and the Duke of Wellington has told me

that the Rothschilds did a great deal for Europe during the war.

Now what have your Fitzroy's done? Nothing.

They are on repeatedly getting leave of absence from duty,

and showing unaccountable interest in awkings.

And a remarkable taste in women.

That doesn't show strength of character. Any fool could fall in love with you.

- But not any fool could get your consent.
- He hasn't tried yet.
- But he will.

When he does, you'll see him?

- Oh, you darling!
- You look rather positively shocked.

- Don't go, Julie.
- But I must, I'm engaged.

Where are you going Julie?

I'm going after the orchid house. Look at the orchids.

Roy.

I sent for you, because I have tremendous news.

This message, must go to each of my brothers, at once.

I want his grace call our magic.

Great news.

Yes, indeed.

Let me have the earliest possible dates on which all private loans can be recalled.

Give instructions to France, no more private loans, until further notice.

I must know at once the exact extent of our available caveats.

The most important deal the House of Rothschild has ever attempted.

French loan decision today.

Oh, let me look at you.

Oh, you really look so very nice.

I'm sure I don't know how they can refuse you anything you ask.

I'm not depending entirely on my profile, here.

- Where's my hat?
- Oh, the carriage doesn't come yet.

I'll take a hat.

That's what I like to do. It always makes me feel so independent.

Sure you won't let me put a little perfume on your handkerchief?

I'm quite sure, yes.

You're so calm. Aren't you excited at all about getting this great loan? Who do there?

Representatives of all the big banking houses in Europe, bearing over their cost.

- And the ministers of the countries interested, I suppose.
- I suppose so.

Ledrantz representing Prussia, Metternich from Austria, and the rest of it.

Still you feel British also, don't you?
Sure at half of it, anyhow.

I have private information that ours was the best bid.

The largest loan in history. You know it's the proudest day of your life.

The proudest day of my life happened 30 years ago.

- I shan't do an easy breath.
- Don't worry.

When I say that no other banking house in Europe can match our bid, I'm not guessing, I know.

- And now where's my hat?
- On your head, I believe.

- Where it should be.
- Where it shouldn't be in the ladies presence.

I beg your pardon.

To Downing Street and Victory.

- Good bye.
- Good luck!

Thank your tip.

But, Mr. Rothschild, even your daughter Mrs. Julie pays me more than this.

Mrs. Julie has a very rich father, I haven't.

- Mr. Gemula.
- Mr. Rothschild.

- How do you do?
- Very well, sir.

How are you, Rothschild?

- Am I too early or too late?
- Early, they're still in the conference room.

My Lords and gentlemen,

- Your hat.
- Oh.

Thank you Mr. Baring.

The meeting is called to order.

Gentlemen.

Bids for a French loan for 450 million francs to be received and recorded.

Offers to take all or a part of the issue of bonds.

The greatest single issue in the history of European finance,

were received from the following banking houses.

J. Lafitte and company, Paris. Gemula, Vienna. Hope, London.

Berton de Lis, Madrid. Baring and company, London.

It is the decision of the conference that the highest authoritative bid

is that of Baring and company, London.

They will be awarded three quarters of the issue, at 71.

- There be no further...
- But you're mistaken, Mr. Herries, there is.

Mr. Nathan Rothschild.

I'm compelled, my lords and gentlemen,

to draw your attention to what was certainly being bogus.

I regret to say, Mr. Rothschild, the decision must stand.

But my house sent in its bid to take the entire issue.

And our price was a point better than Mr. Baring's.

Why is that not recorded?

Perhaps count Ledrantz would like to explain the situation to Mr. Rothschild.

Your excellency.

Your bid was received, Mr. Rothschild.

But to put it as delicately as possible, it was thrown out,

shall we say, on a technicality.

A technicality?

What am I to understand by that?

You are at liberty to give my statement any interpretation you choose.

You mean in brief, I am a Jew.

Likewise in brief, I do.

Gentlemen, I must accept your decision.

But since count Ledrantz has been frank enough

to admit the reason for our exclusion,

I venture to advise him that these attacks on my race

are ignorant and futile.

He may strike, and strike again.

A Jew falls, a thousand are wounded.

But the race lives on.

But unfortunately for his excellency, we are evidently eternal.

Mr. Herries, you say that Baring's takes three fourths of the loan.

May I ask who takes the other fourth?

That is being taken up by count Ledrantz,

prince Metternich, count Talleyrand...

I see. A family party.

- Good day, gentlemen.
- Your luck is out, Mr. Rothschild.

Julie.

Father! Well father, what news? How stands the House of Rothschild?

Well, they've been throwing stones at it,

and I'm afraid some of the stones went wild, and hit usually.

What do you mean?

I just come from a meeting of men in society,

the kind of society to which Fitzroy belongs,

and they stole me because I'm a Jew.

- Fitzroy isn't that sort.
- Julie, you must give him up.
- Give him up?

- I can't.
- I know best.
- But you don't love him, I do.

- Will he continue to love you?
- Father, this isn't like you.

You've always fought for what you wanted, and got it. Perhaps I'm a fighter, too.

This fight's been going on for 2.000 years.

- But things have changed, and you said so yourself!
- I was a fool.

I thought we'd swept away these prejudices. But I was a fool.

Fitz knows what he's doing.

We've talked this thing all over, we are ready to face the consequences.

While you are young. But what are the years to come?

There's no one else in the world for me. I won't give him up.

Well, Nathan.

What is it?

They didn't outbid you.

Yes, my bid was thrown out on a technicality.

- A technicality?
- Because I'm a Jew.

They did me a great service.

They showed me just how they were going to behave to Julie,

if she married into their set.

You'll do as I bid you.

I'll try, father.

Nathan, what have you said to her? You can't ruin their lives.

No, I'm going to save them.

Hannah, she mustn't continue to see this man. You must get her away.

But where?

Take here to Frankfurt and take her at once.

Excuse me, sir.

I heard the result of the meeting and came to offer my sympathy.

Thanks. You have any spare sympathy, you might keep a little in reserve,

for Baring, Ledrantz and company.

I don't think they need it, sir.

No. They may later.

You realize, that Ledrantz, Metternich, Talleyrand, and the rest of the party,

are taking a fourth of this loan, without a penny between them.

But they'll make millions on the rise.

- He's tired.
- Perhaps I better call again later.

Roy.

- If you could buy government 4% bonds at 60, would you pay 74 for them?
- No, sir.

- Would you, Hannah?
- Goodness me, no.

I thought not.

Nathan, what's in your mind?

Murder.

Hannah, I'll tell you exactly what's in my mind,

and this may interest you, too, Roy.

Baring, and those others, h as by Ledrantz,

have taking this new loan at 71.

On the first of the month they're going to offer it to the public at 74.

It pays 4%.

But there is already in existence a previous government bond,

which also pays 4%, of which we have a large holding.

This bond is now sitting at 73.

Hannah says I'm tired.

But I'm not too tired to realize that if the public can buy one government bond per 73,

they won't buy a new issue bearing the same interest for 74.

That's true, sir.

But Baring and the other bankers will run up the old bonds.

- And when they rise to about 75.
- I know what you're going to say.

They'll make the old ones rise,

and then launch the new ones a point lower, and the public rushes in.

Quite so, sir.

But suppose there is no rise.

Suppose somebody pricks the balloon, and it doesn't go up.

Suppose before they can run it up,

somebody else begins to run it down,

Suppose for the first of the month, these old bonds now selling at 73

should fall down to 63.

Then they couldn't possible launch the new loans at 74, because nobody would buy this.

And Baring, and Ledrantz, and his little band of bankrupt biggens, will wait for it to go up.

But suppose instead of going up, it still goes down.

To 55, to 50, to 45, to 40.

Where they'll never be able to last alone at all, and buy. That's where it's going.

Sell.

Sell.

Sell.

Look at Rothschild, you think he was selling apples instead of government bonds.

Runs an hour at 53.

All right. You keep on selling until I tell you to stop.

You're creating something like a panic on the exchange, sir.

I know.

What kind of a flower is this that Hannah gave me this morning?

I don't know, sir.

Very pretty. Smells nice, too.

Mr. Rothschild, do you know what you're doing to the market?

What have you heard?

My dear fellow. I don't hear things, I just imagine.

You know what kind of a flower this is?

No.

52.

52. That means I've done about 25 million francs!

And you the same, Ledrantz!

Can't something be done to stop him, Baring?

You're the biggest banker in England.

Are we all to be ruined by the gymnastics of a dutchy frylock?

I've thrown my entire resources of Baring's Bank into the pool,

but I can't stop it.

He's got us on the run.

Roy. And I bet you half a crown,

that Baring makes straight for this post within two minutes.

I'll take you, sir.

I'm tired of losing money, I'd like to win some.

You are a magician, sir. Here he is.

Mr. Rothschild, I don't have to tell you this is nothing less than slaughter.

You know my position. I'm responsable for this new issue at 71.

- And you are making it impossible for me to put it on the market.
- We are both bankers.

You knew I ought to have a share of this loan, why did you shut me out?

- Certain pressure was brought to bear on me.
- Huh, Ledrantz!

- Well, yes.
- Then let Ledrantz speak for himself.

All right, Mr. Baring. I'll come. I'll follow you.

About how much has this thing cost us up till now?

About five million pounds.

We'll make ten.

I hope I haven't kept you waiting gentlemen,

because I know you must all be very busy.

We send for you Rothschild, but to make you an offer.

You reject being left out of this loan.

Mr. Baring's, you know, holds three quarters of it.

He's prepared to part with half of it, but to you.

- But will that satisfy you?
- What about the other quarter?

That, as you know, is held by us.

- Oh, yes, you bought it at 71.
- We are responsible for it.

- You bought it at 71.
- It was allotted to us.

- But not against your will, I hope.
- Certainly not.

- So you bought it at 71.
- What do you mean, bought it?

And your people at 71.

You know perfectly well that no one is prepared to pay in full for an entire issue.

We're prepared to pay anything.

Could you've sold at a 10 point drop? No.

You took it for a rise.

You're financially irresponsible, the whole lot of you.

Except Mr. Baring.

I know just how much money you've got each one of you.

And if I like to hold down the market, till after the first of the month, and I can,

you're all ruined. And dishonored.

Including Baring's Bank.

Now, I'll rescue you on one condition.

That you pass me the entire issue at 68.

- That's impossible!
- Nobody'll excuse, come we out into the public.

- You say it was found necessary.
- On what grounds?

Oh, on a technicality.

- No.
- Very well.

Wait please, we have to deal with Mr. Rothschild.

Under the circumstances I consider his offer a generous one.

And as the head of the House of Baring,

I insist on Mr. Rothschild's terms being accepted.

What? Are you going to take it over our hands, Rothschild?

That's uncommon good of you.

May I, count Nesselrolde, are you also on the preferred list?

Yes. But I much prefer to be off of it.

Well, we've no choice.

I accept.

I say yes without hesitation.

Count Ledrantz?

Very well.

To save time, I had this little contract drawn,

Which I shall ask you gentlemen, to sign.

You seem to have been very sure of yourself.

I was, quite.

Will you sign first?

49.

You won your fight with me, Jew.

But remember, victory may be bought too dearly.

Anti-Jewish riots have broken out here, and all over Prussia.

Come at once. Amschel, Frankfort.

Ledrantz!

- What are you going to do sir?
- I'm going to Frankfurt, I'll leave within an hour.

Get out. Get out, you doctors. You can't even cure a bellyache.

Take your pills and get out, you're no good.

Come, come mama.

- You know the doctor's doing everything he can for you.
- Yes.

You must remember, Mrs. Rothschild,

you are 88 years old, and I can't make you any younger.

I'm not asking you to make me any younger,

I'm asking you to make me older.

She's better, she's insulting people.

- There's nothing to matter with her. Just nerves.
- Nerves!

Do you think I'm afraid of that rattle?

I've had 88 years of this.

I'm not dead, yet.

But we want you to come away with us for a few months,

you're not safe here.

I was born here and I'll die here.

That won't be soon, either.

I'll live a dozen years, yet.

Nathan, you ought to know enough about bargains

to know the Lord isn't gonna take me at 88,

when he can get me at a 100.

Well, Nathan, what's brought you here all of a sudden?

He came to seize my family.

How's been doing that girl of yours.

She goes kneeling about like a cat, that's lost her kittens.

She needs a change.

She needs a husband. That's what's the matter with her.

What about one the Goshmet boys?

I'm afraid Julie has ideas of her own.

Leave her alone, she's no fool.

- Can you tell me which is the Rothschild house?
- Yes.

That's it.

- What's the use of our pretending?
- I don't pretend a father, he knows exactly how I feel.

You listen, darling, he's determined too.

Did you know we can't give each other up?

Sending you away from me only makes matters worse.

Did you tell him you give me up?

I told him I'd try.

I don't seem to be trying very hard, do I?

Let me look at you.

How long did it take you to get here?

How long have you been riding?

- I left yesterday morning.
- How'd you manage?

I asked Nosy for leave.

Who's Nosy?

That's what we call the Duke behind his back.

I think he guessed where I was bound for.

Anyhow he said yes.

Of course, I had no idea your father was here.

No, of course not.

What are we going to do?

- I'm going to see him have it out.
- Good.

Oh, darling.

Won't you see us through with me somehow.

I've got you and I'm gonna keep you.

Then you be very brave, a soldier.

- Wear this ring.
- Oh, yes.

It's one of those family things my mother wore.

Oh, it's lovely.

What's the meaning of this?

Father, Fitz is only just arrived.

- I saw him, brought him in here.
- Does your mother know?

No.

And nobody knows, but us.

Why are you here? You knew my wishes.

I came here for the same reason you did, sir.

I heard there was trouble and Julie was in danger.

Go to your mother.

- I'd rather stay in here. What do you have to say to Fitz?
- Please go, Julie.

It's no use, father.

I had a good reason for keeping you and my daughter apart.

I desire that you respect my wishes.

If Julie weren't agreeable, I wouldn't be here, sir.

But her happiness is involved as well as mine.

Unfortunately, we differ as to where her happiness lies.

What has changed your attitude toward me, sir?

Captain Fitzroy,

I doubt whether there's a single man in London today,

who would suspect me of being a sentimental fool,

which apparently I have been.

But fortunately I have a certain amount of common sense.

which sometimes comes to my rescue.

You'll please understand that your attentions to my daughter,

are objectionable to me.

- What is your objection?
- You're not of our race.

- That's an objection I think you might have raised a great deal earlier.
- I'm a sentimental fool.

Walk through this ghetto.

Go into the Jewish quarter of any towering patten today.

And you'll see men lying dead.

Julie's people killed by your people.

For but one crime, that they were Jews.

Now you'll understand.

I'm sorry sir, but I still love Julie.

Julie is a Rothschild, and she'll not marry without her father's consent.

Good day.

Fitz.

Fitz, no matter what happens.

No matter even if what father says is true.

I'll love you. Always.

Jews, it's Prussia.

Know that this uprising is the direct result of your quarrel with Ledrantz,

and that has made them bitter against you.

Nathan has done more for the Jews in England than any man who ever lived.

Humanism pressure, mama.

Ledrantz has his agents everywhere.

They spread lies and propaganda.

You've got to put the screws on.

Money is the only screws we have.

And now, with Napoleon in exile,

Ledrantz and the Allies need us no more.

Square, isn't it?

We fight for the Peace of Europe,

and with peace we lose our power.

You've got to do something.

They burned down the Levy's house last night.

And they'd burned down this one, if they did, but they're afraid of me.

You tell all those kings and ministers you feed,

that if they don't stop this outrage, you'll stop their pocket money.

If I thought Ledrantz would listen,

if I thought I could make him call off his dogs,

I'd go to him.

- But...
- Now, don't worry Nathan and make yourself sick.

The Lord isn't going to desert us.

So take a rest, leave the work to him.

If there was only some way you could handle Ledrantz,

for the sake of our Jewish people.

I think you should go to him, Nathan.

Grovel at his feet.

All right.

If you think so, I'll go.

He must have his price. Or whatever it is, I'll pay it.

I'll make you gentlemen pay for your wine.

The cards seem to favor you tonight, your excellency.

Oh, they should. They're my cards.

- Any news?
- Good news, your excellency.

Dresden. Entire ghetto reduced to ashes by fire.

It is estimated that 5000 Jewish refugees crossed the border into the Netherlands.

I've dispatched three agents to the Hague to stir up the populace there.

Frankfurt. The citizens stormed the ghetto and fired two houses.

Serious pogroms prevented by the arrival of the civic guard.

- Who ordered out the civic guards?
- The Bürgermeister, but he won't interfere again.

We've explained your excellency's campaign.

That's splendid news, coronel.

- I have still better news for your excellency.
- Yes.

Nathan Rothschild is in Frankfurt. He arrived from London last night.

If he tries to leave, I want him arrested at the border and brought to me here.

Yes, your excellency.

Upon what grounds?

- Make your own grounds.
- Yes, your excellency.

The House of Rothschild.

The house with the red shield.

I'll make it red.

That's him. The one in the heavy coat.

Goodbye, Amschel.

And I promise you I won't come back without an agreement from Ledrantz.

To stop this pogrom, whatever the cost may be.

May God be with us.

Send word to stop his carriers as he starts to pass through the city gates.

Seize him, and place him under arrest. Quick.

Mr. Rothschild! Mr. Rothschild!

What is it, Schumann?

This message just arrived at the office, sir. It's from Mr. Nathan.

- For me?
- Yes, sir.

What is it?

- Napoleon has escaped from Elba.
- Escaped?

The French are rallying with arms by thousands.

This means war. And not a war.

Now you can go to Ledrantz.

Now he needs you.

Now for the heck is he.

No, I won't go to Ledrantz.

Ledrantz will come here, to the ghetto.

- Michael, bring my baggie's back. I'm not going.
- All right, sir.

Of course, Wellington. I'm Prime Minister but you're the idol of the people.

My dear fellow. I'm going to retire quietly to the country.

- Surrounded by my dogs and my books. And...
- Yes.

- For his grace.
- For me?

Will you excuse me.

- That blasted little Corsican is back!
- What?

Count Ledrantz!

- I gave orders not to be disturbed.
- It's important, sir.

Word has just reached us,

Napoleon has escaped, and is in France mobilizing his army.

You are walking just like a young girl.

Well, boys.

Well. Let's have another look at you.

You're all growing up, aren't you?

Nathan, I think you're getting fat.

I'm proud of you. All of you.

Your father would have been 92 today.

Ours is the richest banking house in Europe,

and we're still being kicked.

It looks as though we haven't played our cards very well, doesn't it?

- Perhaps we haven't.
- I'm not criticizing.

I think we're open to criticism, mama.

And that's what has brought us all together here today.

Oh, is it? I thought you came here to see me.

It seems it takes a war and the Jewish pogrom to get us all together nowadays.

- Now that's not fair, mama. You know...
- Well, don't let's waste time in compliments.

What have you come for?

James.

Nathan.

You run the English house, and so you have the sea between you and trouble.

But we, Carl and Solomon and Amschel and I, are here in the furnace.

I know.

And with Napoleon on the map again our position is intolerable.

Napoleon will be in Paris in a week,

with a whole army, rallying into his banner and deserting Louis.

Napoleon's soldiers must be paid,

and if he can't borrow money, he'll take it.

Has he suggested a loan?

Yes, he sent for me as head of the Paris house. I went to see him in Lyon,

and he made a definite proposal.

Now listen, Nathan. Before you give an opinion.

We've issued 450 million francs with bonds

for a government which started packing at the first blast of a bugle.

Napoleon guarantees the payment of these bonds down to the last centime.

And on future loans, he agrees to double the interest offered by his enemies.

What of the Allies to offer us?

From the simple standpoint of business we shouldn't hesitate a day longer,

Our refusal to support Napoleon means not only the probable loss of a murderous sum,

but James's Paris business, my Napels business will be wiped out like that.

And Amschel's and Solomon's are in great danger.

It's no longer a question with me.

We should support Napoleon.

As far as I can see, the Allies seem to be under the thumb of a...

tyrant from Austria and a scoundrel from Prussia. Metternich and Ledrantz.

Mama has said, we are still being kicked, and she's right.

For a quarter of a century we have stood with the Allies.

And apart from what we've got out of it personally,

houses, fine clothes, carriages, as Jews, we are just where we started.

In the Jew Street, waiting for the change to be put up.

I agree with the others.

We've got to transfer our support to Napoleon,

and start over again with him.

Well, son.

You're right, all of you. Every word you've said is true.

But still, we must fight Napoleon.

Why?

Well, because we are the Rothschilds.

For the time being anyway,

we're something more than five rich Jews looking for the main chance.

We know the world knows.

And until Napoleon is gone forever,

there can be no peace in Europe, for Jew or gentile.

You can't deny, any of you.

We've got to take the risk.

We've got to swallow our pride, to stomach our resent,

We've got to go against every normal selfish impulse in us,

and do what is right for the world.

We can go hand in hand with Napoleon, and spread this war over years.

We can pay for fire and blood, until all Europe is a slaughterhouse.

And the Jew would stand as a pawnbroker in lives.

We can't do it.

And we must stand what we've always stood.

Not for war, but to peace.

And if we all go down, we'll go down with honor.

We'll leave no shame, anywhere.

Nathan, that is what your father would have said.

You're right. I agree.

The House of the Red Shield, your excellency.

- The Philistines are at pass.
- Who is it?

Metternich, Talleyrand and Ledrantz.

- Who could that be, the tax collector?
- Something very like it, mama.

- Is Mr. Nathan Rothschild here?
- Your excellency will enter.

My lords. This is a great pleasure.

But how did you find your way?

The Duke of Wellington was kind enough to supply us with a guide, Captain Fitzroy.

Who has, I believe, been here before.

How won't you come in?

My brothers and I were speaking of you only this moment.

Prince Metternich, Talleyrand...

I won't burden you with introductions,

except perhaps to my mother, who was startled by your arrival.

She thought you were the tax collector, count Ledrantz.

Welcome to our ghetto.

- You will forgive this unexpected visit.
- Certainly, we were expecting it.

Then we may assume you know precisely why we are here.

Not the precise amount, but approximately.

May I congratulate you on your brilliant sons, Madame Rothschild?

Yes, I'm told I'm the mother of hats and loans in Europe.

I am here at the request of the Duke of Wellington and the allied governments.

In that case, my brothers, too, are interested.

Won't you sit down?

- We will not intrude very long.
- They're chained in at six.

Speaking for myself, I admit that I come as a penitent.

We've not always treated you quite fairly, Nathan. And now, frankly, we need you.

You should join Wellington on the field of battle.

He once told me that the test of a great general

is to know when to retreat, and to have the courage to do it.

The Allies need money.

And we're not asking you to give anything.

You're moneylenders, and you'll get your interest.

You sure of that?

Don't you trust the powers?

- No, Austria's bankrupt.
- France is already in the hands of Napoleon.
- And so is Italy.

Why don't you go to the other bankers? Your own bankers?

- They've not sufficient capital.
- You mean they won't take the chance?

What if Napoleon wins?

I suppose there must be a certain amount of risk in your business.

No, we asked security.

What security can you offer us?

Then don't say you are not asking us to give anything,

you're asking us to give a great deal.

I see no reason for prolonging this meeting.

As you say, we are moneylenders.

Not philanthropists, we do it for profit.

You may as well know that Napoleon

has offered us twice as much as you can promise us,

and we've decided to take his offer.

- Call over to the enemy.
- I must submit, I'm amazed.

How will Napoleon get the money to pay you?

Steal it. But that's not our business.

I always thought you stood for peace.

For 20 years we've been supporting the peace of Europe.

Now we are thinking of the peace of our own people.

- The Jews.
- Yes.

Napoleon will give us our freedom.

That's why we are for Napoleon.

Is that your only reason for deserting the Allies?

I resent being cross-questioned by you, count Ledrantz.

I think his excellency was about to make a proposition.

Well.

If we gave you all the freedom that Napoleon could give you,

would you then be willing to sacrifice the financial advantage of his offer?

Count Ledrantz, we are moneylenders.

Come, Nathan. After all these years.

What do you offer?

What do you want?

- Brothers, may I speak for you?
- Yes, of course.

We require an agreement, a treaty.

Signed and guaranteed by your governments,

giving to our people absolute freedom.

In this agreement they would lose their chains.

They would have the right to follow any trade, to own land,

to live with respect, and,

remember what our father said, mama,

to walk the world with dignity.

I fear we will have to lay that before our respective governments.

You are your respective governments, and you know it!

The day this agreement is signed,

the resources of the House of Rothschild will be at your command,

and not before.

Very well, we accept.

Please excuse this, my lords.

Some gentile has evidently strayed into our quarter.

- Goodbye, Glenny.
- Goodbye, my precious.

- Goodbye, dear.
- Who's got my hat?

Oh, here you are, father.

- James.
- Father, I'l go on the carriage with Michael.
- All right, my dear.

James. It's of vital importance that we should have first hand news from the field of battle.

Some of it is to be close to Wellington's troops. Who can we trust?

- In time of war, nobody.
- What about you? Will you do it?

Yes. And I'll get word to you every day.

On every move they make, the instant they make it, and always by the usual method.

- Bye, mama.
- I'll come to the door with you.

You won't let it be a long war, will you?

It should've been just as short as our many convicted.

Good luck!

Goodbye, mama.

It's a horse, dear.

This time I am here by command of the Duke of Wellington, sir.

Give me the ring, quickly.

Darling.

Well.

I must say, I hope the entire war isn't going to be conducted on this romantic basis.

Captain Fitzroy!

I give Napoleon a hundred days. No longer.

If at the end of that time you are still alive,

and you seem to be the type of young man that can't be killed,

you can come and talk to me in London.

Thank you, sir. I shall count the days.

Napoleon has reached Paris.

All Europe mobilizing.

Napoleon victorious in first great advance.

Another victory for Napoleon.

Fear grips England. Panic in stock exchange.

Nathan, the Times says there's a rumor that the stock exchange won't open today.

I wish you were true, but it isn't.

Hannah, sit down.

When people become rich, very rich,

they have grave responsibilities.

I know.

I mean, more responsibilities that come with money,

that poor people never know.

Yes.

Could you bear to be poor, really poor?

I'm asking you now, because tonight may be too late.

- Tell me what you need.
- I'm buying on the stock exchange when everyone else is selling.

I'm risking everything we have to save the credit of England.

I'm sticking to the bargain I made, but things look bad for us, Hannah.

Very bad.

- Are you doing what you feel you should do?
- Yes.

Do what you think is right.

And if you fail, I'll love you all the more.

And whatever happens, with your love,

and your flower in my buttonhole,

I'll still be the richest man in the world.

Father. Mr. Roy's found a message. May we hear it?

It just came forth.

I thought you should have it before going to the exchange.

Napoleon has thrown the entire grand army against Wellington. James.

Worse than worse.

Poor Julie. These are hard times for young lovers.

Father.

You said you gave Napoleon a hundred days.

This is the hundredth day.

Who said he hasn't come back to.

Remember. I am a magician.

My day may be over,

but I know there's a message of love and hope on its way for you.

Am I to continue to buy?

- Yes.
- But its sheer suicide, sir.

- Buy. Support the market.
- But we can't possibly keep it up, sir.

- How long?
- It's two hours to closing time.

- I can't hold on for two hours.
- Then stop this insane buying.

No! I made a deal with Ledrantz and the rest,

and I won't go back and rework. Buy it or we'll brick.

But do you realize, sir, that you're holding more than anyone ever held in the history of the stock exchange?

We've picked our horse, we'll back it till it drops.

But here are the messages from your brothers, begging you to hold back.

You're alone in your judgment.

Are you all blind?

Where will Europe be if England is bankrupt?

And if I can't hold the market, England's credit is gone.

But no one man can hold the nation's credit single-handed, Mr. Rothschild.

One man can try.

I'm fighting in the only way I can fight, with money.

I'm giving all I've got to give, for the peace of Europe.

And whatever other Englishmen do tomorrow, I buy today.

Mr. Rothschild. Forgive me, but wild rumors reach the exchange that Wellington is being defeated.

It can't be true. I've still heard long ago.

We owe so much to you. Will you do one thing more? Come and show yourself on the exchange.

They say you're ruined and down on face to music.

There's a wild panic. Your presence may steady the market.

I come.

Too late, Mr. Rothschild. You backed the wrong horse this time.

Rothschild, you've lost your luck.

Buy both.

Buy.

Buy.

Yes, buy.

Have you had any news? What do you think about this rumor?

I don't listen to rumors, Mr. Baring.

Do you hear what they say?

Wellington's defeated. You might tell me what you're going to do.

I have no objection to all or any of what I'm going to do. I'm buying.

Its Mr. Rothschild's asked me to give you this.

Did she come here to the exchange?

Yes.

Dearest: Remember, rich or poor, always your Hannah.

Look at Rothschild.

Have you ever seen such a cold-blooded fish?

It's a flower on his coat, as he stands on the scaffold without rope around him.

Ney.

News just arrived.

From James.

Wellington victorious possibly. Napoleon defeated.

The war is over!

I have news. News from Waterloo.

Napoleon is beaten!

It is true. Wellington has won in Waterloo.

- How did you get the news?
- Yes, how did you get the news?

By carrier pigeon. By pigeon post from the battlefield.

Now you know our secret! Now will you buy!

Buy with every security you have! Buy without security! Buy...

Oh Mr. Rothschild. Do tell me how it feels to be the richest man in the world.

One has to be very clever to make a fortune these days.

Now perhaps. Better far more clever to keep it.

Really? Well I wish you tell me how to make money on the stock exchange.

What's the recipe?

Oh, same as for a cold bath. Quick in and quick out.

Excuse me.

Take your hands out of your pockets.

Hannah.

Strange, isn't it? If young people like that,

should be just as interested in romance as you and I.

- I congratulate you, young people.
- Thank you, your grace.

Nathan, you are worried about something.

Yes Hannah, and I'm confoundedly worried.

What is it?

Well, Mr. Rothschild, my congratulations.

Herries George, just the man I wanted to see.

I'm very worried. Which knee to I kneel down when I go before his royal hands?

England is deeply grateful to her adopted son.

By his generosity and courage, made some larger part in bringing victory and peace to Europe.

His loyalty never waver. His faith in England never falter.

To England, he has brought nothing but honor.

And for England, we thank you, Baron Nathan Rothschild.

Hannah, I used the wrong knee.

To trade with dignity, to live with dignity,

to walk the world with dignity.