This Land Is Mine (1943) - full transcript

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[troops marching]

[engine revving]

[indistinct commanding]

[troops marching]

[indistinct commanding]

[commanding in foreign language]

[commanding in foreign language]

[commanding in foreign language]



[drumroll]

[trumpet music]

[drumroll continues]

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

[rooster crowing]

- Albert?
- 'Yes, mother.'

Hurry up, darling,
you'll be late.

(Albert)
'Coming, mother.'

[clock chimes]

[banging on ceiling]

- Darling.
- 'Yes, mother, coming.'

'Come along, now,
and sit down, darling.'



'Don't let your
breakfast get cold.'

Good morning, mother.
How's your rheumatism?

Oh, I hardly slept a wink.

I'm sure it's going to rain,
it never fails.

Here's the newspaper.

- Newspaper lies.
- Shh.

'You may find something
interesting in it today.'

[woman laughing]

Milk? How did you
get it, mother?

[whispers]
The doctor gave me
a prescription.

Are you sick, mother?

Oh, have I
ever been well?

Never since
you were born.

Not that I blame you,
my darling.

No, no, no, you know
I can't stand milk.

I never could.

But there's no reason
why you shouldn't

take advantage of my condition.

Yeah, you were
so weak as a child.

'The only way I saved your life'

'was by giving you
plenty of milk.'

'It's shocking now,
so many cows in the country'

'and no milk.'

[clicking tongue]

Oh, look...your coat..

That filthy cat.

Mmm, come now, take it off,
and let me brush it.

'Wish that girl would keep her
cat at home where it belongs.'

'That's why I couldn't sleep.'

'That yowling all night
on the roof.'

I thought it was
your rheumatism.

My rheumatism
and the cat.

Come now,
pick up your milk.

Oh ho ho, you
bad boy. Ha ha ha.

Yeah, some people
are getting milk.

And they don't need
a prescription for it either.

At the mayor's house,
they have cream

on the table every morning.
A whole pitcher of it, ha ha.

'Oh, our mayor
is doing alright.'

So are the merchants.
Black markets.

That's why there's no food
to sell on the coupons.

Selling meat and butter
out the back door

'for ten times its price.'

'Nobody thinks of raising
your salary, my dear.'

Oh-ho, no.

The schoolmaster
must starve

while men who can't even spell
their own names get rich.

Ah, well...at least
we have order.

Things are quiet
in the town now

thank the Lord, so I suppose
we shouldn't complain.

Drink up your milk.

[dramatic music]

What's that?

Liberty.

[patriotic music]

"Citizens, do not believe
in the generosity

"of the conquerors.

"If they are not
driven out of our land..

"...it means generations
of slavery for our people.

"We must resist.

Let each of us say to himself,
this land is mine."

- Troublemakers.
- Yeah.

This is dangerous, mother.

I'd better burn it.

No, no, no, not here.
They might see you.

I'll watch here.

Can't even trust
your neighbors nowadays.

[dramatic music]

That stupid cat,
go, tch, tch, tch.

- Go, tch, tch.
- Mother..

Now, Albert, hurry up,
you'll be late for school.

[clock chimes]

- Goodbye.
- Goodbye, my darling.

Edmund! Hurry up!

- Good morning, Mr. Lory.
- Good morning..

- Good morning.
- Hello, Mr. Lory.

My sister's been looking
all over for that cat.

- Oh, good morning.
- Good morning.

- So, there's the runaway.
- Yeah.

Aren't you ever
gonna stay at home?

'Was she annoying
your mother again?'

Not at all.
We're very fond of her.

My brother had a flat tire.
Is it fixed yet, Paul?

It'll hold out till
I reach the railroad yard.

I'm waiting for
Edmund Lorraine.

Edmund!

He's coming, Mr. Lory.

Do you mind if
we wait for him?

- Not if you walk very fast.
- 'Ask him to dinner.'

(Paul)
'We're gonna have
a real feast tonight.'

Why don't you come?
George Lambert's coming.

Coming? He's
bringing the dinner.

'She's got George
chasing pigeons.'

Paul, don't be so silly.

What's silly about
anything to eat?

'I couldn't figure out
yesterday what George'

'was doing in the roof
of the freight office.'

I found out last night

when he brought my
sister some pigeons.

- He's got traps up there.
- Will you come, Mr. Lory?

Oh, thank you. My mother
doesn't like to be left alone.

- You know, she's not very well.
- I'm very sorry.

Have you seen
this, Mr. Lory?

Paul! Paul,
don't be crazy!

- Watch out.
- Why?

Soldiers.

Hey, Hans,
you wanna read something?

Looks like someone's
trying to compete

with our official newspaper.

Where you get this, Paul?

Under the door.

You find many
of this already?

- All over town?
- Yeah?

- If you find any more, tell us.
- Sure.

[shouting]
And at your house?

No.

You're very smart,
aren't you?

Listen, I don't want
to get into trouble.

Those boys are alright.
They're just doing their job.

- And are you doing yours?
- Oh, sure.

Just as fast as
I can get there.

Why pick on me?

You don't say
anything to George.

[bicycle bell rings]

Hi, Paul. Now, don't
tear my stockings.

You're just like all women

thinking of your
legs all the time.

[bells dinging]

Edmund, come along, we're late.

- Come on.
- Come on.

[bell dinging]

[children shouting]

[bell dinging]

(male #1)
'These books must be burned,
Professor Sorel.'

By your order, Mr. Mayor,
or by the order of the enemy?

"Juvenal.

"Voltaire.

"Plato.

The Republic."

My dear friend,
we have to be careful

about that word republic.

Would you like
to have my resignation?

By no means, by no means,
my dear Sorel. We need you.

You have the respect
of the whole community.

I only want you,
for your own sake

to understand our problems
a little more clearly.

I'm so sorry, Mr. Mayor.
We were told Professor Sorel--

Come in. Come ahead,
Lory. I'm just leaving.

Good morning, Miss Martin.

Is anything wrong?

Yes, Louise.
Come here, please.

- Come here, Mr. Lory.
- Yes, sir.

It's a very delicate
surgical operation.

Cut out the heart
without killing the patient.

It is true our country,
however, is a very

tough, old patient,
and we'll do the best we can.

We start here with Charlemagne.

[indistinct chattering]

(female #1)
'Get down, kids,
here he comes!'

Why do they make us do
this-this dirty work?

Can't they bring in the German
soldiers and get it over with?

Don't be upset, Louise. After
all, it's only a few pages.

Oh, Albert.

[door slams shut]

[children laughing]

[children laughing]

Vincent, grab the duster.

[door closes]

[bangs book shut]

[children giggling]

[rustling]

[clears throat]

Until our new school
books are supplied

we are going to make
a few, uh...corrections.

Um...uh, Edmund Lorraine.

'You'll collect the pages
after they're torn out'

and burn them in the stove.

Uh...ahem, pages 7 and 8.

[paper ripping]

Pages, uh, 15, 16.

[ripping continues]

(Albert)
'17, 18.'

[ripping continues]

Pages 21 and 22.

Now, tear them out carefully.

Page 30.

[rustling]

[ripping]

[siren blaring]

- It's the British!
- 'Emily, don't be nervous.'

We have plenty of time.

We must take shelter..

...even from our
friends in the sky.

Now...when you pass out...
I want you to give me

all the pages that you've
already taken out of your books.

The day will come when
we'll paste them back

where they belong.

[siren blaring]

[blaring continues]

Order, young men.

Don't let the girls be
better soldiers than the men.

Sir, could I go
get my mother?

- She's so afraid of the raids.
- Go ahead, Mr. Lory.

[siren blaring]

[siren blaring]

Albert, who are
you running from?

Why aren't you
in the shelter?

[indistinct shouting]

[blaring continues]

(Emma)
Albert!

[Emma groans]

[explosions]

[banging on door]

Professor Sorel!
Professor Sorel!

[banging continues]

There's room over here,
Mrs. Lory.

[groans]

Oh, yeah, you move
over here, darling.

There's a draft in this cellar.

He catches cold easily.

His lungs are weak.

[children imitating airplanes]

Shh, now they're over us!

- Four engines.
- Wellingtons.

No, no, they're Americans.
Gee, just listen to them.

[children imitating airplanes]

Shh!

[airplanes droning]

[missile whistling]

[imitates a blast]

[explosions]

(Emma)
'It's outrageous,
bombing innocent civilians!'

Why don't they
stay at home?

Things are bad
enough as they are.

I wish I could see the sky
full of them, Mrs. Lory.

Why don't they bomb Germany,
young woman?

Every factory and railroad
in Europe is Germany, Mrs. Lory

until the Germans
are driven out.

[explosions continue]

[missile whistling]

[explosions]

Now, Emily,
don't be frightened.

There's nothing
to be worried about.

We're perfectly
safe down here.

It'll all be over
in a few minutes.

[missile whistling]

[explosions]

[children laughing]

(boy #1)
Hey, look at Mr. Lory.

[children laughing]

[children imitating airplanes]

[imitating Albert and Emma]

Young men.

[missile whistling]

[explosions]

Let's all sing.

Now, if we
sing loud enough

we won't be able
to hear the guns at all.

And I know Julian Lamont
has a good strong voice.

Girls, we don't
want the boys to sing

any louder than we do.

Now, are you all ready?

One, two.

♪ Ting-a-ling
Ring-o-ring ♪

♪ School bells in the steeple ♪

♪ Ting-a-ling
Ring-o-ring ♪

♪ Calling all the people ♪

♪ Time to run away from play ♪

♪ Work begins another day ♪

♪ Ting-a-ling
Ring-o-ring ♪

[explosions continue]

♪ Ting-a-ling
Ring-o-ring ♪

♪ School bells in the steeple ♪

♪ Slowly swing another ring ♪

♪ Calling all the people ♪

♪ Hear the pealing
clear and high ♪

♪ Like some angels
in the sky ♪

♪ Ting-a-ling
Ring-o-ring.. ♪

[bell chiming]

[children shouting]

[knocking on door]

[chiming continues]

(Sorel)
Come in.

You wished to see me,
Professor Sorel?

- Yes, Mr. Lory.
- I know what you're gonna say.

I know I'm ridiculous.

I'm stupid and I'm weak.

I can't help it, sir.

- I'm a coward.
- No, no.

Yes, sir, I'm a coward. I can't
stand violence. It terrifies me.

Noises and explosions,
something happens to me.

I'm a coward and I
can't conceal it

from the boys any longer.
They see it.

They saw it this morning.

Well, you saw it, sir.
Even Miss Martin.

- Sit down, Mr. Lory, sit down.
- No, sir.

Now she knows I'm a coward.

'Would you like to be
transferred to a district'

'where there are no air raids?'

- No, no, no, sir.
- Because of Miss Martin?

Yes.

Does she know
how you feel?

I thought you were
a confirmed bachelor like me.

Oh, well, like all young men,
I fell in love.

But she died.

And I found great comfort
in my work...our work.

My family became this school,
my books, my teachers

you and Miss Martin

my pupils, many
of them grown up now.

It's a wonderful thing
to be a schoolmaster.

It's a lifework, Lory.

You sacrifice a lot of things,
but you get a lot in return.

And now I believe, we are
the most important people

in our country.

It's a time for sacrifice,
now, more than ever.

And our real happiness
lies in doing our job well.

Our mayor was in here this
morning talking about duty.

But I prefer to
use the word "job."

These books
must be burned.

Very well then,
we must burn them.

We can't resist physically.

But morally, within us,
we can resist.

We contain those books,
we contain truth.

They can't destroy the truth

without destroying
each and every one of us.

We can keep the truth alive
if the children believe in us

and follow our example.

Children like
to follow a leader.

And they have two
kinds of leaders today.

We seem weak.

We have no weapons,
we don't march

except to air-raid shelters.

And our heroes
are called criminals

and shot against walls.

The other leaders have guns

tanks, parades, uniforms.

They teach violence,
self-love, vanity

everything that appeals to
the unformed minds of children.

And their criminals
are called heroes.

Well, that's a lot of
competition for us, Lory.

'Love of liberty isn't
glamorous for children.'

'Respect for the human being
isn't exciting.'

But there's one weapon
they can't take away from us.

And that's our dignity.

It's gonna be a fight, Lory.
It is a fight.

But if the children admire us,
they will follow us.

[explosion]

[indistinct shouting]

[siren blaring]

We will win, Lory.

Or maybe we'll get shot.

But every one of us they execute
wins a battle for our cause

because he dies
a hero and heroism

is glamorous
for children.

Oh, I don't ask you to die,
my friend. Not immediately.

You can think
these things over.

I'm sure you'll find
them helpful when..

...we are visited by
our friends in the sky.

You think you can
handle your class

and feel less
nervous next time?

- Yes, sir, I'll try.
- Good.

- Professor Sorel.
- Yes, Victor?

What's the trouble?

There's been a wreck
at the railroad yard.

- Supply train.
- Now it begins.

I'm afraid so, sir.

They'll take hostages
even if this is an accident.

Now we've got to
be strong, Lory.

[dramatic music]

[hissing]

This one, number nine.
I haven't touched her since.

- Seem to operate alright?
- Yes, sir. I closed the switch.

I watched the freight
back into the terminal.

I expected it
to go back

but instead it moved
on the main track

just as the train
was coming in.

It was too late
to do anything.

See if it works now.

- Control cable's broken.
- Cut.

- You know nothing about it?
- No, sir.

It was alright when I
pulled it. I'm sure of that.

You turned in an illegal
newspaper this morning.

- That's right, sir.
- Any idea where it comes from?

[train chugging]

No, sir.

If you do get an idea,
will you report it?

I think so.

Martin...this
was an accident.

[clangs]

- You understand?
- Yes, sir.

[train chugging]

[bell ringing]

Well, what do you think,
Hans? Am I in a jam?

Ach, no.

- You smoke and forget it, Paul.
- Thanks.

What's the old
man up to?

Why does he call
it an accident?

We never ask questions.

[train whistle blowing]

(Louise)
'Oh, Julie.'

- Julie, where's George?
- He's in his office.

He's in an awful temper.

Louise...I'm
worried about Paul.

I just saw that fat pig
leave the switch tower.

If the boss asks for me, tell
him I've gone to the warehouse.

You don't have
to worry about Paul.

(George)
'No, no, don't stop work.
Go ahead and load number four.'

'We'll have the tracks
cleared within an hour.'

- Speed it up now.
- George.

Oh, hello, darling.

Well, the men will
have to work overtime.

If there are any complaints,
refer 'em to me.

That's right. Call me back
as soon as you're finished.

[train chugging]

I'm afraid, I'm in
for some trouble, Louise.

You saw the wreck?
Everything's in a mess.

- I'm worried, George.
- Me too. Dunno how it happened.

I checked with Paul, everything
was alright at the switch tower.

You know how hard I work
to keep everything moving.

Now the chances are
they'll hold me accountable.

George, I'm sorry.

Perhaps I'm selfish,
but I'm thinking about myself.

Something happened today
that I don't understand.

What, Louise?

I went out to buy things
for dinner tonight.

I'd to stand
in line for long.

When I returned home,
the house was searched. I..

[knock on door]

Excuse me, Lambert,
if I'm intruding.

- I thought you were alone.
- That's alright.

- You know my adjutant?
- Yes. I was expecting you, sir.

Louise, this is Major von Keller
and Captain Schwartz.

Miss Martin.

[train chugging]

I know Miss Martin very well

even if she doesn't
seem to know me.

As protector of the town,
it's my duty, Miss Martin

to know what our teachers
are teaching...and thinking.

How are your friends in the sky?

I wanted to talk to you alone,
George. I'll see you later.

Go ahead, Miss Martin,
don't mind me.

She wants to ask you about
some papers she's lost.

Not lost. Stolen.

My report to my
superior says neither.

The forbidden pages were burned.

'We protect
the people we like'

'from their own mistakes.'

- What did you do, Louise?
- 'Nothing, Lambert.'

Nothing at all,
except prove our efficiency.

I found out what I wanted
to ask you, George.

I'll see you tonight.

Don't be disturbed, Lambert.

We've more important
matters to discuss.

I've just been making
an investigation of the wreck.

A very unfortunate
accident, Lambert.

I wouldn't call it an accident,
Major von Keller.

Neither would I.

It was sabotage.

When they began circulating
that illegal newspaper

I knew we'd have trouble.
This won't be the end of it.

- There anyone you suspect?
- I don't know.

Who prints the newspaper?

Every workman in this railroad
yard gets a copy of one.

Find the men who
print the newspaper

and you'll find your saboteurs.

Very logical
but not very helpful.

And not very intelligent
for either of us

to use the word "sabotage."

It is sabotage.

You don't understand,
my friend.

Look...if we
call it sabotage

I shall have to take
hostages from the town

and shoot them finally
if the guilty are not found.

I don't like to shoot
innocent people.

And I don't like
to make martyrs.

Once you begin that
it never stops

until finally, we find ourselves
sitting on a powder keg.

I see.

I've noticed what
happens in our districts

which we are protecting.

The taking of
hostages will make

the guilty men
only more cautious.

And the shooting will
make them more rebellious.

Next time, it'll be
a troop train that is wrecked.

Fortunately, no German
soldiers were killed.

Eggs, meat, potatoes,
whatever has been destroyed

by this accident
can be replaced.

The good citizens of this
town will eat a little less

and talk a little more.

You can't be blamed
for an accident.

Meantime, we keep
our ears open.

I have many ears,
as you know.

And you're in touch with
all the men who work here.

Do you think they'd
tell me anything?

I'm just the man who
gives orders around here.

They regard anybody who
gives orders as an enemy.

I can remember when we had
the same problem in Germany..

...during the Republic,
under capitalism.

I fought in the streets
for our fuehrer, Lambert.

I killed workers
with my own hands.

With both hands then.

For my class it was
either kill or be killed.

But we won and now
we are brothers.

Absolute obedience.

I too fought the unions,
Major von Keller.

Right here in this yard.
I was very nearly killed.

You had a leader and were many.
We had no leader and were few.

- That's why you're here.
- But not as your enemy.

If I thought you were,
I wouldn't be doing this.

I know that.

We're here to
help men like you

rebuild your
own country.

Remember what my country
was before our fuehrer?

A country without food,
without arms, without honor.

But the people weren't dead.

They were only waiting
to be told the truth.

By the glory
of the Third Reich

that we have shed
German blood

to give that truth
not only to your people

but to the Aryans
of the whole world.

Your ideas are
exactly my ideas.

I saw how our country
was destroyed.

False democratic ideas,
women refusing to have children

strikes in all our
factories for a 40-hour week

when your people were
working 70 and 80 hours a week.

I want the new order for
my country. I worked for it.

But I know that we can't have
it until this war is over.

I must tell
you a truth.

I don't like
the occupation.

Neither do I.

I'm glad we
understand each other.

We are both working
for this war to be over.

Only then can we have
a peaceful and united Europe.

And only then can your
country and men like you

regain their
dignity and honor.

Let us both work
for that day.

[train whistle blowing]

[indistinct murmuring]

Sorry, Fraulein,
but you must keep in line.

[indistinct murmuring]

The sound of the mob, Mr. Mayor.
I don't like the way they look.

You don't have to worry,
Major von Keller.

Break up the printing presses,
you break up rebellion.

[rustling]

[indistinct murmuring]

Quiet!

Let's go ahead.

[engine revving]

[crowd murmuring]

[explosion]

[dramatic music]

[whistle blowing]

[speaking in foreign language]

[indistinct chattering]

[dramatic music]

[speaking in foreign language]

[music continues]

[whistle blowing]

[music continues]

[gunshot]

[music continues]

[gunshot]

[music continues]

[gunshot]

- Hello, Mrs. Lory.
- Ah, ah, ah.

[instrumental music]

Hello, Paul.

There's been some trouble.
Did you hear the shooting?

Paul, what's the matter?

- Paul!
- It's nothing. I'm alright.

Paul. Paul, it was you.

Oh, Paul, why
didn't you tell me?

Paul, it was you,
it was you, it was you.

Oh, now, you're the brother I've
always been so very proud of.

Oh, Paul, I can
believe in you again.

[sobbing]

[soft music]

[speaking in foreign language]

Well, that settles it.
The man got away.

Not even recognized.

This concerns you too,
Mr. Mayor.

An attempt was made upon
your life as well as mine.

Well, have you
any suggestions?

What about the two
men you arrested?

They must know
who it was.

I'm afraid you don't
understand your own people.

I know these men. We had
them in Germany. Fanatics.

They'll die
but they'll tell nothing.

And I'm afraid,
I'll have to take hostages.

I don't like to begin it

but two German soldiers
have been killed.

- I'm sorry, Major von Keller.
- I appreciate your sentiments.

But this time my superiors
won't accept any apologies.

Have you ever
studied this paper?

"They make a desert
and they call it peace."

That's classical flavor.

- Who wrote that?
- Why, the two men you arrested.

Oh, no. No,
my dear mayor.

They were only
printers. Workmen.

They're the hands,
I'm looking for the brain.

This shows scholarship.

Schwartz, give me
that list of books

you found on the desk
of Professor Sorel.

"Voltaire, Plato,
Juvenal, Tacitus.."

Tacitus!

[speaking in foreign language]

- You recognize it, Manville?
- Is it Greek?

It's Latin.

Tacitus was speaking
of the Roman occupation.

"They make a desert
and they call it peace."

Well, we've got it.

Surely you don't suspect,
my old friend Sorel?

I've known Sorel all my life.

He's always been a little
radical. Crazy ideas.

I never
agreed with him

but he's one of the most
respected men in this town.

He'd never make
an attempt on my life.

Of course not,
my dear Manville.

Here, have
a glass of wine.

Let's drink a toast...
to Tacitus.

[children clamoring]

(Albert)
'Boys, boys, boys!'

What have you been doing?

I'm very
disappointed in you.

This is a place of
learning and culture.

And the first requisite
of culture is good manners.

'I've kept dignity
in this classroom'

'but if you continue
to misbehave'

'I shall have to report
you to the principal.'

Edmund...what's
that on your face?

They say I'm a Jew.

Who did it?

I don't know, sir.

Edmund, go to the washroom
and clean your face.

Mr. Lory, Mr. Lory, Mr. Lory,
come quickly, please.

They're arresting
Professor Sorel.

(Albert)
Professor Sorel!
Professor Sorel!

They mustn't take you.
Don't leave us. Don't leave us.

W-we can't run
the school without you.

The boys are getting
outta hand. Don't leave us.

Dignity, Lory.
You can run the school.

Stop it! Let go!
You can't take him!

I won't let you!

[indistinct chattering]

(boy #2)
'Father!'

- Father! Father!
- It's alright, son.

Don't worry, I'll come back.

You go home and comfort your
mother. You're the man now.

[engine sputtering]

You're a brave
boy, Edmund.

And so are
you, Albert.

[instrumental music]

I'm afraid you're wasting
your time, Miss Martin.

And mine too.

You surely can't have anything
against Professor Sorel.

Everyone in the town
knows him and respects him.

A lot of us love him.
He's a fine man, a good man.

And he writes
very well.

- I admire his style.
- He's a kind man.

You oughta know that he'd
never do anything violent.

- And Mr. Lorraine--
- Is a Jew.

What will
happen to them?

Miss Martin

two German soldiers
were murdered today

out there in the street.

If the criminal doesn't
give himself up within a week

ten hostages
will be shot.

But not by me.

Their deaths will be caused by
the cowardice of the criminal

who refuses to
confess his guilt.

You mean, you'd
shoot innocent men?

I told you I've
nothing to do with it.

But I confess I don't
find myself grieving

for the innocence
of Sorel.

Your own hostility to me
reflects his teaching.

And you pass it on
to your children.

These ideas are contagion.

And the place to eliminate
them is in the schools.

'You can make a child
believe whatever you want.'

'The children of today'

are the soldiers
and mothers of tomorrow.

Ten years ago, our German
children were like yours.

But we National Socialists
threw out the Sorels

and took over the schools.
And look at them now.

Heroes who have
conquered the world.

No, no, you can't.
You never will.

My dear child, if I didn't know
you were going to be married

to a very reliable man,
I'd be worried about you.

Thank you, Major von Keller,
for helping me to understand

exactly what this
occupation means.

Thank you for your
company, Miss Martin.

And don't worry
too much about Sorel.

We have ways of
finding out things.

The chances are we'll
find the guilty man.

My regards to Lambert.

And save me a piece
of the wedding cake.

[train whistle blowing]

George?

They've arrested
Professor Sorel.

Poor darling.
Don't cry.

Come and sit down.

I know how you feel,
but crying won't do any good.

[train whistle blowing]

There now.
Is that better?

Oh, George.

I'm frightened.
I'm scared to death.

Life is getting terrible

and I don't
know what to do.

I need you.

[crying]

Of course you need me.
That's what I'm here for.

I love you.

I know all
about Sorel.

They also took
the man who runs the shop

down the street from you,
Lorraine and eight other men.

One of them worked
here in the yard.

But nothing can
happen for a week.

If they find the man who threw
the bomb, they'll be released.

But that's just it,
you don't understand.

You see, the man
who threw the bomb..

Oh, George, I'm in
such an awful situation.

I know, dear.

The man who threw
the bomb is a criminal.

If he has any courage,
he'll come forward

and admit his guilt.
Save innocent men.

You really believe
he's a criminal?

Look, Louise, we all
hate this occupation.

I told Major von Keller
to his face

that I didn't like it,
but we must face facts.

They have the power.

If one of us wants to
resist and get killed

that's foolish
but courageous.

He takes the risk
and the punishment himself.

But the man who
secretly resists

with acts of sabotage
is a coward.

He escapes
and innocent people die.

- You-you really think that?
- It's obvious, darling.

You think anyone who resists the
enemy ought to give himself up?

I think so.

But then there's
no more resistance.

Then we'd have peace.
Wouldn't we be better off?

Our first duty
is to stay alive, to exist.

What becomes of a nation
if its citizens are all die?

But...I saw them
take Professor Sorel.

- He isn't afraid to die.
- Well, he's old, we're young.

Life means everything to us.

I know young men
who aren't afraid to die.

Nothing is worth the sacrifice
of your life, Louise.

We have everything before us.
Love, marriage, chi--

No, please, George!
I was in love with you.

Perhaps I'm still
in love with you.

'But I begin to feel as if
I never looked at you before.'

This is the first time
you've ever been frank with me.

Oh, my mind's confused.

I haven't found the answer yet
to the things you've said.

But I feel...
I know you're wrong.

[door opens]

Hello, folks.

[train chugging in distance]

- What's the matter?
- Oh, she's just upset.

She'll get over it.
You know women.

[chuckles]
I sure don't.

[classical music]

(Louise)
I can't understand
what's keeping Paul.

He knew you were coming
to dinner.

Louise...I have something
to say to you.

Oh, are you worried
about something, Albert?

Is it your mother?

'Oh, I know
she doesn't like me.'

- I-I--
- 'Oh, don't apologize.'

'You don't have to
explain a thing.'

'She's old and lonely.'

'I understand exactly
how you feel.'

'You don't have to stay now,
you may go home.'

Thank you, Louise.

- You forgot something.
- It's for you.

For me?

Why, they're lovely.
Where did you get them?

Edmund picked them for you.
He's very fond of you.

Louise..

Lou-Louise, I must speak to you.

Louise, I-I know I'm not young.

You are so very young
in my mind.

I remember the day
when you graduated.

I was already teaching then.

And I remember the day,
you first came back

to teach a class
and I was so worried about you.

So happy, when I saw
how the children loved you.

Well, now we're both
here together..

...and we're the only ones
left in the school

and I feel
so very close to you.

[explosions]

[alarm blaring]

[men shouting in German]

[sharp whistle blasts]

[alarm blaring continues]

[sharp whistle blasts]

[motorbike revving]

[men speaking in German]

- Paul!
- Lory, sit down at the table.

[crockery clattering]

[motorbike revving]

Understand?
I was here for dinner.

I've been here an hour.
Smoke?

[motorbike approaching]

Breathe in.

[coughing]
I don't smoke.

[knocking on door]

[coughing]

Water.

Hello, sergeant.

What's wrong?
What were all those explosions?

Ammunition training.

- Anyone come in here?
- 'No.'

Do you live here?
What are you doing here then?

He's Mr. Lory from next door.
He is having dinner with us.

Why don't you answer
when you're spoken to?

I don't smoke.

He's a schoolmaster.
I gave him his first cigarette.

How long have you been here?

I-I came home to my mother
and then I read the paper.

(sergeant)
'What time?'

[coughing]
Six o'clock.

[coughing continues]

Who was here?

Louise was here.
I mean, Miss Martin.

And my brother Paul.

I'm not asking you.

Who was here?

He was here.

- You're sure about that?
- Yes, sir.

He was here all the time?

Sure. He's sweet on my sister.

[sergeant laughing]

[speaking in German]

You get those men
out of my house!

Where do you think you are?
In Germany?

- Please, please, lady!
- Don't give me any "please."

You get 'em out of my house.

I'm a decent law abiding woman,
and I don't hide anybody.

- I don't hide anybody.
- What do you mean?

You got no right to go
banging about my house.

Albert, you come home.
Come on.

[speaking in German]

[clattering]

[shouting]
My best china!

Get out of here, you lummox!
Get out!

Oh, I'm sorry, ma'am.

(Mrs. Lory)
'My wedding gift
from the mayor.'

[sobbing]

(sergeant)
Come here.

Are you satisfied, lady?

No!

You're a brute.

Hmm.

You're all brutes.

[rooster crowing]

[clock strikes]

- Albert.
- 'Yes, mother.'

[dramatic music]

(Mrs. Lory)
'Albert?'

Yes, mother?

Come and sit down, my darling.
You'll be late.

They ought to be ashamed
to call this coffee.

- Morning, mother.
- Nothing but burnt corn.

You have to stand in line all
day to get four ounces of it.

I've to see what the mayor
has in his table.

It's not this, I'm sure.

Tsh-aah!

That filthy cat!

I wish you wouldn't let it in
in a window in the morning.

It's a very nice cat, mother.

Oh, Albert,
you'll never grow up.

How's your rheumatism
this morning, mother?

I had to get up
in the middle of the night

and rub my legs with liniment.

I think I must have
caught cold

sitting up, waiting for you
to come home.

You know I don't like
to be left alone, my darling.

I'm sorry, mother.

You had tobacco on your breath

when you came home
from that girl's house.

I only took one puff, mother.

- I didn't like it.
- I hope not.

With your weak lungs, tobacco
could be the death of you.

And I'll always believe
that your dear father

could have lived much longer
if he hadn't smoked.

It's poisonous for people
with sensitive nerves.

Now me..

[knocking on door]

I can't stand the smell
of tobacco in the house.

Now what do you want?

Albert Lory?

- Oh, what is it you want?
- Albert Lory, hostage.

Oh.

I won't let you do it.
But I won't let you take my--

- You don't make trouble now.
- He's innocent.

He's done nothing.
He's innocent.

- We have orders to do our duty.
- Get out of my house.

Don't you touch him.
My boy is innocent.

If you lay your hands on my son,
I'll go to our mayor.

He knows my boy's done nothing.
Get out, I tell you!

[speaking in German]

- Where you get this?
- Under the door.

Albert!

He's innocent, let me tell you.
Let me tell you!

- Mother..
- I want to tell you!

[wailing]

Albert!

[dramatic music]

Get out of my way, young man.
I want to see Major Von Keller.

- He's busy.
- I'll wait till he's not busy.

- Do you have an appointment?
- Tell him it's Mrs. Emma Lory.

- I'm a friend of the mayor.
- It's no use, madam.

Write your name
on an application.

State the reason
for an interview.

And I'll let you know
in a few days.

I'm sorry. The mayor's having
a meeting with the council.

If he won't see Emma Lory,
perhaps he'll see Emma Bellard.

Forty years ago, he got slapped
for trying to kiss her.

I'm sorry. I can't interrupt
him. Come back tomorrow.

[dramatic music]

Sorry, Mrs. Lory,
the superintendent is very busy.

- He can't see you now.
- Can't see me now? Why not?

- Now, really, Mrs. Lory.
- George Lambert!

You listen to me! I'm not going
to stand for any more nonsense.

Do you know what
they've done to my boy?

- I'm very sorry--
- Sorry me eye!

You're going to
do something about it.

You sit down.

And you listen to me!

[piano music]

You should go to bed now, Susie,
you've practiced enough.

Come, kiss papa first.

You've not only done
your duty, Lambert..

...you can also expect
to be rewarded

if Martin's the guilty man.

I want no reward, sir.
This is very hard for me to do.

Between you and me,
I hope he is the man.

You know my problems, Lambert.

I have to handle Von Keller
with kid gloves.

'He told me today, he's had
orders to increase the shipment'

'of meat and vegetables
from this district.'

'Our people
are hungry enough as it is.'

'It'll certainly put Von Keller
in a good humor'

'if I can deliver the saboteur.'

'Also, I save many lives.'

'Not just Emma Lory's son,
but my good friend Sorel.'

Sorel's a radical.

They won't release him unless
Paul tells who threw the bomb.

The thing that makes me mad
is how he fooled us all.

Me, his best friend.

Making friends with the Germans.

There's one thing
I cannot stand, it's hypocrisy.

'And neither can I.'

They call me a collaborationist.

Very well I am and you know why.

It's easy for people in
free countries to call us names.

You wait and see how they behave
when the Germans march in.

They'll shake hands,
make the best of it.

'If they don't,
they'll get the worst of it.'

Between you and me,
I do my duty, Lambert.

I'm mayor of the town
and my duty is to defend it.

Where can they find
this fellow Martin? At home?

He's on the night shift tonight.

He should be at the switch tower
in about half an hour.

[dialing]

'Hello, operator.'

'I want to speak
to Major Von Keller.'

[train chugging]

[speaking in German]

Anything wrong?

Don't ask questions.
Go on, do your work.

[singing in German]

[singing continues]

Paul!

[speaking in German]

- Paul.
- Paul!

Julie. Julie.

[girl laughing]

[laughing continues]

Why don't you go
with a girl like that?

Isn't she your type?

I know what people say.

But you've got to
stick by me, Julie.

Believe in me.

I've tried to, Paul,
but this is too much.

I hate these soldiers.

They killed my brother.

Not these fellows, darling.

He, uh...
he was killed at the front.

- Before the armistice--
- I hate you too.

- Julie..
- Don't touch me.

Don't speak to me.

I never want to see you again.

[train hooting]

[speaking in German]

[train chugging]

[speaking in German]

[train hoots]

[train chugging]

Hello, George.

- Hey, George.
- Shh.

You're early. Have a smoke.

Thanks.

Here's a light.

Is anything wrong?

You know I love Louise,
don't you?

Sure.

You know what
it means to me to lose her?

- She'll make up again.
- I don't think so.

- Are you my friend?
- Why, sure.

- Am I yours?
- Say, what is it?

If you were in my place..

...and you knew who did
the sabotage, would you tell?

- You know who did it, George?
- Yes.

- And you told--
- Yes.

Why did you do it, Paul?

Why did you do it, George?

Don't look at me like that.

You're looking
at yourself, George.

That's what you can't stand.

You can't stand it and that's
why you're warning me.

Thanks, George.

(Julie)
'Paul! Paul!'

Paul, I've got to talk to you.

Don't move. Stay here.

Hold her, George.

Paul! Paul!

[speaking in German]

[train chugging]

[train hooting]

[speaking in German]

[train chugging]

[train chugging]

[train hooting]

[gunshots]

Paul!

Paul!

[clock strikes]

[rooster crowing]

[exclaiming]
Ah! My boy, my boy.

Ah, my boy!
Let me look at you.

I couldn't sleep all night

thinking of you
in that horrible filthy prison.

It was very nice, mother.
I saw Professor Sorel.

He was in the cell
right across from me

and we talked all night.

When the German soldiers tried
to listen, we talked in Latin.

[Mrs. Lory chuckling]

So, you were having a good time

while I was lying awake
all night thinking of you.

[chuckles]

Just like a man. Talk, talk,
talk and let the women worry.

I'm worried about Prof. Sorel.
They didn't release him.

I was the only one they let go.

Why did they let me go, mother?

They're not fools. They know
you're needed at the school.

Come along, now my darling.
Come and have your breakfast.

Yes, but Professor Sorel
is needed more than I am.

Don't let's ask questions.

They'll let him out now,
you'll see.

Come now,
have your breakfast, my darling.

Oh, I must go
and tell Paul and Louise.

No! No, no, no!

But, mother, I must tell her
that I'm free.

- It'll make her very happy.
- Oh, Albert, don't leave me.

- What's the matter, mother?
- I don't feel well.

And you must shave
and change your clothes.

You can't go out on the street
looking the way you do.

Now, look, mother, I've just
come through the street.

The house is only next door.
I shan't be a minute.

Hmm.

[whistling]

Louise?

Where's Paul?

You coward.

'You know
what happened to Paul.'

They killed him.

That's why you're free.

To think we trusted
a thing like you.

'I told Paul you'd be strong
enough to keep your mouth shut.'

How much did they pay you?

Or did they just
give you your life?

- Louise--
- That's not worth much.

- Louise!
- Don't lie.

You're the only one that knew.

Get out!

Get out!

Don't let that girl hurt you.
She's mixed up in it too.

Just like that brother of hers.
He was to blame.

- By putting you in prison.
- He's dead.

And you're free,
thank God.

You may as well know now,
I'm the one who told.

Told? Told what?

I saw him climb
through the window

the night you left me alone
for that girl.

Did you? You?
My own mother tell the Germans?

I told George Lambert.

George Lambert!

George Lambert.

Albert! He's your friend.

George Lambert.

[train chugging]

'Good morning, Lambert.'

Mmm, I feel poetic this morning.

"Romeo, Romeo,
wherefore art thou, Romeo?

"Deny thy father
and refuse thy name.

"Or, if thou wilt not,
be but thus sworn my love

and I'll no longer
be a Capulet."

Shakespeare.

Great man.
We love him in Germany.

The English
don't understand him.

Sit down.

You look as if
you have indigestion.

Or didn't you sleep well
last night?

Now me...I slept better
than I have for weeks.

Don't worry, my friend,
she'll never know.

We keep our secrets.

Don't worry about
that broken engagement.

Now she'll be lonely
and make up with you.

Too bad he wasn't taken alive.

I think somebody warned him.

Have you released
all the hostages?

By no means.

Only that fool schoolmaster.

After that scare, don't think
we'll have any trouble

keeping him in line.

One for one.

Fair trade and good business.

Unfortunately,
your friend Martin is dead.

And dead men can't talk.

But I've thought of a way
how to find his accomplices.

Many people will be afraid
to go to the funeral tomorrow.

But you will go.
You will comfort her.

She will admire you
for risking my displeasure.

And when you take her home

she'll want to cry
on your shoulder.

You see, I'm making up
your quarrel for you.

She knows
who the accomplices were.

And you know
the way to my office.

Do you think I'd do that?

I'm sure you will.

Oh, excuse me. I have something
here for the superintendent.

Come in. Come in.

We caught it in a trap,
up in the loft, sir.

I thought maybe
you'd like it for your dinner.

Hmm, it's a fine fat bird.

I wouldn't mind having it
at my own table.

I'm expecting to hear from you
tomorrow night, Lambert.

- I hope you like it, sir.
- Oh, thanks.

[door shuts]

[dramatic music]

[gunshot]

[dramatic music]

Murder!

'Murder!'

'Murder!'

'Murder!'

Gentlemen of the jury..

...I can only sum up by saying
that the murder has been proved.

By the witnesses, by the gun
which he was caught holding.

And which he admitted he held.

By the blood
on his handkerchief.

And a very clear motive.

One of the oldest motives
in criminal history.

'Jealousy.'

[chuckles]
'You may find it preposterous'

'to believe that a man of his
years and timid character'

'could become so enamored,
of a young woman as to..'

'...commit an act
of violence to dispose'

'of a handsome
and vigorous rival.'

'Yet I've never seen
any man too old'

to look at a charming
young lady.

[chuckles]
And I wouldn't give my oath

that such glances
are always innocent.

Gentlemen, all I ask
is a just verdict.

'The prosecution rests.'

I must agree
with the prosecutor.

This court regrets
that you have refused

to be defended by a counsel.

You'll have to address the jury
from where you sit.

'You'll be allowed all
the time you wish.'

'I advise you to speak clearly
and to the point.'

Thank you, Your Honor.

I shall be brief because I have
written down all I have to say.

I don't understand.
I'm sure I had my papers.

It's all I've been
doing in my cell.

All the time,
writing it all down.

Oh, I see.

'It was only a little hole,
but I've been away from home'

'so long,
and nobody sewed it up.'

'Well, I hope you'll excuse me
for speaking badly.'

I've never been able
to speak in public.

I hope the prosecutor
won't think I'm disrespectful

to this court
and the legal profession

in having no lawyer.

My only defense is the truth.

And nobody could know the truth
as well as I do.

Because I was there. Well, I was
the only one who was there.

'Well, the truth is
I wanted to kill George Lambert'

'but I don't think
I could have.'

'I'm too weak.'

'I'm a coward.'

'Well, everybody knows it.'

'Even the prosecutor. That's why
he's making fun of me.'

I'm not a coward here.

I have brave dreams.

I'm not afraid
to commit murder here.

But when I face
reality...outside..

...I'm lost...I'm a coward.

It's strange.
We're two people, all of us.

Inside and outside.

George Lambert was two men.

It wasn't till I saw him dead
that I realized it.

And I knew
why he had killed himself.

He couldn't face reality.

But he was different from me.

He was strong outside..

...and weak inside.

Inside he was a coward.

And when this honest
coward had to face

what that other George,
the brave George, had done..

...he couldn't stand it.

So he killed himself.

It's strange, but I felt strong
for the first time in my life

when I saw him dead
and I was sorry for him.

I suddenly understood
everything.

Of course, in a way,
I was responsible for his death.

Through my mother's love for me.

'Even love can be
a terrible thing.'

'It can commit crimes.'

'Louise, you thought
I informed on Paul.'

'It was my mother.'

'To save me, she told George..'

'...and George told the mayor'

'who told Major Von Keller
and Paul was killed.'

Even Mayor Manville is two men.

They both appear to be strong,
but they're both weak.

'The outside man has
to pretend he's saving the town'

'to hide the inside man
who's saving himself.'

Your Honor, I object.

The accused has no right
to seize this occasion

to slander our mayor,
who's an honorable man.

Excuse me, sir.

If this is a court of justice,
I have a right to be heard.

If I'm stopped, how can anyone
believe that our civil court

to dealing out justice
under the occupation

'as the official
newspapers insist.'

- Proceed.
- 'Thank you, sir.'

Even before the war,
our mayor was convinced

that the enemy
was not the Germans

but a part of our own people.

Here's your speech, Lory,
we found it in the hall.

Thank you.
Our mayor was born poor.

Then he became powerful.

And he began to fear
the very people he'd come from.

Oh! Our country is
full of people like that.

Every country is.

George Lambert
was not powerful

but he took the side
of the powerful men.

He honestly admired them.

'And he found
he got on better that way.'

Your Honor, I object.
It's intolerable.

That the accused should exploit
the freedom of this courtroom

to indulge in
dangerous political talk.

Maybe these things
are political, sir.

But they're the basis
of my defense.

This is a court of justice.

Can the accused
be permitted to slander

the name of his
unfortunate victim?

Is this a free court
or not, sir?

If the prisoner insists
on this kind of defense

I must request permission of
the court to call a new witness.

- 'Who?'
- Mr. Henry Manville.

The mayor of the town.

He's not present. I'll get him
here by the morning.

'I request an adjournment.'

Has the accused any objection?

Not at all, sir.

(judge)
'Very well.'

'This session stands adjourned.'

[murmuring]

[clock strikes]

[clattering]

Good evening, Lory.

I heard about that torn pocket.

You lost your speech.

But you did alright
from all accounts.

May I sit down?

Please, of course.

Sit down.

Lory, I was mistaken about you.

'You're a man of real courage.'

Oh, no. Oh, no, I'm not.

I know what you said in court,
but you're wrong.

I know more about you
than you do yourself.

I was a fool
not to realize it sooner.

- Cigarette?
- 'No, thank you.'

This is my second one.

Lory, I like you.

Too bad, you made a great
mistake in court today.

You called yourself a coward

but you disproved it
by what you said.

Now they know
you killed Lambert.

But I didn't.

Now, come, come,
I'm not trying to convict you.

I'm here to save you,
I'm your friend.

I told the truth.
I didn't.

Lory, I believe you.

Now I remember the way
Lambert looked when I left him.

Why, that's incredible.

Well, that makes it
all very easy.

Lambert was despondent
because of losing Miss Martin.

The police will find
the suicide note.

We can handle the jury
and you'll be acquitted.

Oh.

'You won't have to say
another word in court.'

Oh.

[sighing]
Oh.

Did they find a suicide note?

You're a poet, Lory, a poet.

'I don't understand why
you're trying to save my life.'

I told you.
I like you.

Oh, I see.

You don't want me to say
anything more in court.

My dear, Lory,
it's a peculiar situation.

A courtroom is a public forum.

Of course, we Germans
could take over courts

schools, town halls

the administration
of the whole country.

But we are not tyrants,
we prefer not to do that.

'We prefer to collaborate,
to give freedom to the nations'

'that we defeat
on the battlefield.'

'But freedom must be limited
by the necessities of war.'

'We're still fighting
another France.'

'Now, it's a very small
sacrifice we ask of you'

'when we are still
sacrificing our lives'

'for the future happiness
of the world.'

'You see, I'm frank,
I have nothing to conceal.'

'I tell you these things because
you're a man of intelligence.'

'Lambert was just a tool.'

'Very honest,
but not very bright.'

'The mayor, you were
right in the court room..'

'...he's working
for his own interest.'

But we need them. And we find
them in every country we invade.

Why, even in Germany
we used them.

That's the way
our party got into power.

They're everywhere.

And that's why nothing can
stop us from winning the world.

America feels secure
because of our oceans.

They think of invasion in terms
of armies and airplanes.

But they are already invaded.

The honest Lamberts
and the dishonest Manvilles

are waiting to welcome us,
just as they did here in Europe.

And if any time we need peace..

If peace should be
a further weapon of conquest

their sincere patriotism
will find plenty of arguments

for the peace.

After all,
what is the United States?

A charming cocktail
of Irish and Jews.

Very spectacular,
but very childish.

And England?

A few old ladies wearing their
grandfather's leather breeches.

[Lory chuckling]

Well, Lory?

'What do you say?'

[sighs]

Could I have another light
for my cigarette?

- 'Oh, certainly.'
- Thank you.

Lory, I'm glad you've decided
to live and be a free man.

You're a schoolmaster.

And you have a great duty,
the regeneration of the youth.

You must make them ready
for the world of tomorrow.

And believe me,
it will be a fine world.

[marching footsteps]

[soldier speaking in German]

[speaking in German]

Professor Sorel!

'Professor Sorel!'

[soldier speaking in German]

[guns clicking]

Professor Sorel!

[gunshots]

[murmuring]

[bell ringing]

You may call your witness,
Mr. Prosecutor.

If it'd please the court

it will not be necessary
to call Mayor Manville.

For the cause of justice,
new evidence has been found

'which will make unnecessary
the continuation of this trial.'

What evidence? Why hasn't
the court been informed of this?

I only found it
this morning, Your Honor.

Among some mail
which I'd forgotten to open.

It's in the handwriting of
the deceased George Lambert's.

And was mailed
at the railroad station

shortly before his death.

I offer it in evidence.

It saves us from a grave
miscarriage of justice.

Because it shows clearly that
the deceased George Lambert

intended suicide.

Uh, excuse me, Your Honor,
it's a forgery.

'I know all about that letter'

'but I didn't know it was gonna
be mailed to the prosecutor.'

Quiet, you fool.

Just one moment, Mr. Prosecutor.

What do you mean?

The letter's forged, Your Honor.

Major Von Keller
told me last night.

He's out of his mind,
the man's insane.

No, Your Honor,
I'm not insane.

Prosecutor wrote
that letter to himself.

I think he's trying
to save my life.

[audience laughing]

[bell ringing]

This is no laughing matter.

Your Honor, for the sake
of dignity of this court

I respectfully ask, the man who
started that unseemly outburst

be forcibly removed
from the room.

The court agrees with you,
Mr. Prosecutor.

Which of you started that
laughter? Please, stand up.

'I ask you again,
who started that laughter?'

Excuse me, Your Honor.

I don't know,
but I think I can guess.

Maybe it was
the unknown soldier.

- Proceed, Mr. Lory.
- 'Thank you, sir.'

I found out last night
that I'm a very lucky man.

This is the only place
left in my country

where a man can still speak out,
standing where I stand now.

Excuse me, Your Honor,
I ask the courtroom be cleared.

He's afraid, Your Honor.

He wants to deprive me
of my last chance to speak.

I know I'm a condemned man.
I know I must die.

Are you going to let me speak,
Your Honor?

'Or are you afraid, too?'

(prosecutor)
'I demand that
the courtroom be cleared.'

Proceed, Mr. Lory.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

I'm a very lucky man.

Last night, I had a moment of
weakness, so I wanted to live.

I had very good reasons to live.

Major Von Keller
told me beautiful things

about the future
of this world they're building.

I almost believed him.

But it's very hard
for people like you and me

to understand what is evil
and what is good.

It's easy for the working people
to understand who the enemy is

because the aim of this
invasion and this occupation

is to make them slaves.

But middle class people like us
can easily believe

as George Lambert did
that a German victory

is not such a bad thing.

We hear people say

that too much liberty
brings chaos and disorder.

And that's why I was tempted
last night by Major Von Keller

when he came to my cell,
but this morning, I looked out

through bars and I saw this
beautiful new world working.

I saw ten men die because
they still believed in freedom.

Among them was a man
I loved, Professor Sorel.

He smiled and waved at me as if
he were telling me what to do.

I knew then I had to die.

And the strange thing is,
I was happy.

Your Honor,
I demand an adjournment.

I object to this insane talk.

Quiet, please.

Those ten men died
because of Paul Martin.

'But they didn't
blame Paul Martin'

'they were proud of him.'

'Paul was a soldier.'

'Without glory,
but in a wonderful cause.'

'I see now that sabotage
is the only weapon'

left to a defeated people.

'And so long as we have
saboteurs'

'the other free nations
who are still fighting'

'on the battle fronts will know
that we are not defeated.'

Oh, I know, that
for every German killed

many of our innocent
citizens are executed.

But the example of their
heroism is contagious

and our resistance grows.

Oh, it's very easy to talk about
heroism in the free countries.

But it's hard to
talk about it here

where our people are starving.

The hard truth is..

...the hungrier we get,
the more we need our heroes.

We must stop saying that
sabotage is wrong

that it doesn't pay.

It does pay.

It makes us suffer,
starve and die.

But though it increases
our misery

it will shorten our slavery.

That's a hard choice.

I know.

But even now they are bringing
more troops into town

because of the trouble
that has started.

And the more German
soldiers there are here

the less they have
on the fighting fronts.

'Even an occupied
town like this'

'can be a fighting front, too.'

'And the fighting is harder.'

'We not only have
to fight hunger'

'and a tyrant.'

First, we have to fight
ourselves.

'The occupation'

'any occupation in any land'

'is only possible'

'because we are corrupt.'

'And I accuse myself first.'

'For my own competent security'

'I made no protest
against the mutilation'

'of the truth in our
school books.'

'My mother got me
extra food and milk'

'and I accepted it
without facing the fact'

'that I was depriving children'

'and people poorer than we
were of their portion.'

'Now ,you're
the butcher, Mr. Noble.'

'Naturally, you
wanted to survive'

'and the black market
was your answer.'

'You keep your business
going by selling meat'

'out the back door at
ten times its price.'

'Some to my mother,
who is equally guilty'

'as I was in eating it.'

'You, Mr. Millett, are doing
very well in your hotel'

'even although it's
filled with Germans'

'you've never sold
so much champagne'

'and at such a good price.'

'Of course, they print the money
for nothing.'

'But with this money'

'you are buying property.'

Just as the mayor is I could say
the same about many of you.

'If the occupation
lasts long enough'

'the men who are taking
advantage of it'

'will own the town.'

I don't blame you
for making money.

But you should blame yourselves

for making the
occupation possible.

Because you cannot
do these things

without playing into the hands

of the real rulers
of the town, the Germans!

'That's why I know
you must condemn me to die'

'not because I killed
George Lambert, which I didn't.'

'But because I've tried
to tell the truth.'

'And the truth can't be allowed
to live under the occupation.'

'It's too dangerous.'

'The occupation lives upon lies'

'as the whole evil world'

'they call the new order does.'

'Officially, you'll find me
guilty of murder.'

'But, don't worry, my friends,
even if you were to acquit me'

'and I would walk out
of this court a free man'

'the enemy would put me up
against a wall, and you too.'

'They can find any reason
to take hostages.'

'Oh, there's one final charge
I must answer to.'

And I'm very guilty.

Yesterday, I was ashamed
when the prosecutor

accused me of
loving you, Louise.

'I've always
loved you secretly.'

'But now, I'm not ashamed.
I'm proud of it.'

'I don't want to
keep it a secret.'

'I want to tell
the whole world.'

'I don't feel silly at all.'

'Maybe it's because
I'm going to die.'

'But I feel very young.'

'You know..'

'Major von Keller said a very
funny thing to me last night.'

'He told me I wasn't a coward.'

'I think he was right.'

'And I'm not the only one
who's not a coward.'

'This town is full of courage.'

'I'm proud of it.'

I'm proud to be
born and die here.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Gentlemen of the jury, you will
now retire from this courtroom

to exercise your free conscience

and arrive at a just verdict.

We have already agreed
on a verdict, Your Honor.

Albert Lory, please stand.

What is your verdict?

We, the jury,
by unanimous agreement

fully conscious
of our responsibility

in weighing the guilt
or innocence of the accused

who has been here tried
for the murder of George Lambert

find him not guilty.

[crowd cheering]

[bell tolling]

Thank you, young men.

Sit down.

I'm afraid this
is my last class.

I don't know how
much time I have.

If this must be a short lesson

I think I've found
the best book.

It was given to me
by Professor Sorel.

The only reason it wasn't
burnt with the others

is because I hid it
away in my bedroom.

I'm going to read you something
that was written by great men.

Written in a night of enthusiasm

a long time ago,
a 150 years ago.

These men came from all classes

rich people, poor people,
businessmen, men of religion.

And they didn't fight
with each other.

They all agreed
on that wonderful night.

Now other men
are trying to destroy this book.

Maybe this copy will be burned

but they can't burn it
out of your memories.

You'll have to rewrite
it someday.

That's why you young people
are so important.

You're the new nation.

"A Declaration Of
The Rights Of Man.

"Article one.

"All men are born
and remain free

"and equal in rights.

"Article two.

"The purpose of all political
parties is the safeguarding

"of the natural
and inalienable rights of man.

"These rights are liberty,
property security

"and resistance to tyranny.

'"Article three.'

'"The principle
of all government'

'"resides in the nation itself.'

"No group, no individual
can exercise any authority

"that does not expressly
emanate from the people.

'"Article four.'

"Liberty consists
in freedom to do all

"that does not harm others.

"Article five.

"The law has
the right to forbid.."

[door opening]

Just one moment,
gentlemen, please.

"The law has the right to forbid

only those things which
are harmful to society."

Well, I must go.

I must go not because I'm
harmful to society which is you

because I am harmful to tyranny.

Come on.

Don't move, don't move, Louise..

...and don't cry.

I'm happy.

That's enough.
Come on.

Goodbye...citizens.

Sit down.

"Article six.

"The law is the expression
of the will of the people."

"All citizens have
"the right to assist personally

"or through their elected
representatives

"in its formation.

"It ought to be
the same for all

"whether it protects
or whether it punishes.

"All citizens,
being equal in eyes of the law

"have equal rights
to all dignities

"places in public positions

"according to their capacity and
without any other distinctions

than those of their
virtues and talents."