Pancho Villa: The Centaur of the North (2023–…): Season 1, Episode 5 - Villawood - full transcript
This story is inspired by real events.
The people and events shown
were created for artistic purposes.
Any similarity to reality
is purely coincidental.
Previously.
You have to take me to Mexico City.
Have we heard from Abraham González?
No.
[Lucita] They killed our daughter.
My daughter.
Gather all the men.
We're giving it all we've got.
This is Rodolfo Fierro.
General Villa.
My Colorados are willing
to fight every last man.
[Velasco] If Villa thinks
this'll be like Ciudad Juárez,
he doesn't know what's coming.
[Villa] The taking of Torreón
was a military campaign on several fronts
that took many more days
than we anticipated.
Retreat!
[Urbina] We took Gómez Palacio!
And Torreón is ours, my man!
[cheers]
-[grunts]
-[shatters]
[pants]
[film projector whirring]
[no audio]
[Villa] In those years,
I had a lot of contact with the Americans.
They even wanted to do a movie with me.
[Reed, in English]
This is the first time in history
that an actual war has been filmed.
Incredible!
[film projector whirring]
[director sighs]
[whispers] Mr. Thayer will kill me.
I hardly can see a thing,
and it feels so... documentary.
[whirring stops]
[clears throat]
It's great, Villa, but we need more.
[in Spanish] Much more.
[Villa] More what?
-[Reed clears throat]
-Look, General.
Mr. Thayer's Mutual Film Corporation
will pay you $25,000,
plus 50% of box office sales
to film you in the battlefield,
but if we can't get any good takes,
you'll have to dramatize the combat.
-Me act, Juanito?
-No, no.
You just be yourself, that's all.
Mr. Raoul Walsh will be the director.
[Walsh, in English]
This is your image for the USA,
maybe the world.
[in Spanish] Pancho Villa worldwide.
My image? The press takes care of that.
For them, I'm a bandit,
a liberator.
And who knows what else.
[in English] This will be the real you.
[in Spanish] The real me?
[in English] Got a pen?
[in Spanish]
I don't care what they say about me,
as long as it's the truth.
The truth of what I say.
[pen clicks]
I'll even have a wagon
for you to put your stuff in.
Tell him I promise him plenty of action
and lots of blood.
[In English] Mr. Villa promises
lots of action... and blood.
[Villa, in Spanish] But that wasn't
my only deal with the gringos.
After taking Torreón,
the border had to be controlled
before we moved to the South.
-[people chattering]
-[gun rattling]
Look, Juanito,
cameras are loaded just like machine guns.
Except their bullets don't kill.
[Reed] That's right, General.
But sometimes they're even more powerful.
-[cameraperson] Slow.
-[bystander] Hey, here come the gringos.
[horses approach]
General Villa.
I am General John Pershing.
[in English] Border guardian.
[in Spanish] I congratulate you
on the recent victories in Juárez
and in Torreón.
[in English] Very impressive.
[in Spanish] You're the Mexican Napoleon.
[Villa] It's an honor.
I'm told you captured those
who crossed over to the other side.
[in English] Right.
[in Spanish] And their arms.
Among them there's a General Orozco.
[in English] Patton,
we have a general among our prisoners?
I'm afraid not, General.
Only troops.
[in Spanish]
I hope you find that traitorous dog.
[Villa] Pascual Orozco
had fled across the border...
-[gunshot]
-[groans]
Green River, August 1915.
...and sought Germany's support,
a country already at war
with the United States over in Europe.
He was discovered a few months later.
The Rangers hunted him on the run.
He was killed by General Pershing
and buried in El Paso.
But many more dogs had to be killed
to put an end to the rabies.
PANCHO VILLA
CENTAUR OF THE NORTH
-[film projector clicks on]
-[Villa] Mutual sent camera men
to film The Life of General Villa.
And I became even more famous worldwide.
Meanwhile, the Americans
took the port of Veracruz
on April 21, 1914,
with many excuses and few explanations.
Worried about my popularity and power,
Carranza decided to take Zacatecas
all by himself.
His General Natera was defeated
by the strong federal defense
from General Barrón.
Desperate, Carranza sent a telegram
asking me to send much of
the Northern Division to Zacatecas,
but said that I should stay in Torreón.
[film projector stops]
[Villa] "You're officially being removed
from your position.
All troops have been ordered
to report to Zacatecas
as soon as possible."
How do you view Don Venus?
[Urbina] We'll never obey him. Hmm?
No, man.
I don't want to go against the old goat,
but we're all going.
So we don't split up.
We must be careful
not to break up hierarchies.
We need to be united.
Let's send a dispatch to Carranza
saying the entire Northern Division
will go to Zacatecas,
but under the command
of the only general-in-chief we recognize.
Pancho Villa.
-[Carranza hits desk]
-This is unacceptable,
a rebellion of such magnitude.
What do you think, General Obregón?
That prick Villa has never had
military discipline.
And he's become unbridled.
And if he takes Zacatecas,
he'll march to the capital next,
to Mexico City.
[Obregón]
Without any accountability to you.
And worse yet,
he'll be able to join forces
with Emiliano Zapata in the South.
[Villa] When the trains arrive,
go and check the weapons.
Go right now
and start laying the groundwork.
I'll catch up later.
I have to see Hipólito.
-Juanito!
-Hey.
[in English] We got it, General.
[in Spanish] Got what, man?
Something I ordered.
Where are the reins?
Here, you climb over it
and press the pedal to start it up.
With that side of the handlebar,
you accelerate and go forward,
and you brake with this one.
No, I mean...
-Hell, it's kinda short for a horse.
-[Ángeles laughs]
No, it's very cool.
Well, better get on it.
No, no, no. Fierro.
General,
I don't know how to thank you.
[Villa] Get going. Start it up!
[in English] Yeah! Let it pop, Fierro.
[laughs]
[motorcycle departs]
[in Spanish]
General, we must go to the airfield.
The airfield?
What are you cooking up now, General?
You'll see.
Hold on tight, Fierro!
[chuckles]
Let's go.
[Villa] Well, look at that little angel.
[engine slows, stops]
-[Jáuregui] Let me help you, Miss.
-[chuckles] Thank you.
[Villa] Well, look at that.
You got all muddy, miss.
Yes, sir. I must get to the train station
as soon as possible.
[Villa] Why's that?
I just got into the White Cross.
I'm assigned
to General Villa's wagon-hospital.
I can't have the train leave without me.
Don't worry. That train
won't be arriving before tomorrow.
Really?
Oh, what a relief.
No. Relief is
that a nurse as pretty as you has arrived.
What's your name?
[chuckles]
Elena. Elena Arizmendi.
-It's a pleasure.
-[chuckles]
Listen, what if we take you to the city?
Tomorrow, we could
leave you at the train station
and then head to Zacatecas.
Oh! I would really appreciate it.
I'd be scared to fail the general.
[Villa]
Jáuregui, put the bicycle in the truck.
Yes, General.
So, tell me,
why does Pancho Villa scare you so much?
They say he's half crazy,
and he kills those who disobey him.
You're so kind,
but you didn't tell me your name.
Pancho Villa.
Please, get in.
No, no. I'm sorry. I...
Unload that.
[horse blusters]
[chattering]
DYNAMITE
[general] He already has Torreón,
but Villa won't take Zacatecas.
With your men, General Argumedo,
they won't be able to defeat us.
[box clatters]
Hey! Careful with that dynamite!
President Huerta is organizing forces
from the center of the country.
If we manage to stop Villa's men
long enough,
we can finish them.
We're surrounded by
mountains and mines here.
Villa knows about fighting in deserts...
and he trusts his cavalry.
[bullets clatter]
But he can't use it here.
We have artillery in the hills.
I'll stay in the city to fight
and supply you with ammunition
and explosives.
Whatever you need.
[Argumedo] How will you get it to me?
[Barrón] We'll use the mining tunnels
to cross the hills undetected.
Zacatecas is a natural fortress,
and there are more than enough supplies
for us to resist.
Bring me the check.
I thought you'd change
your clothes, honey.
[Elena chuckles]
Did you see me with a suitcase?
I have no other clothes.
I appreciate you giving me
a place to stay tonight.
Where will you stay?
I'm from the countryside.
-Any cave or thicket will do.
-[laughs]
Sorry to interrupt.
Mmm.
This is my brother, Hipólito.
Nurse Elena.
-Please don't get up, miss. My pleasure.
-Nice to meet you.
Pancho, you didn't show up
at the airfield.
-[Villa] Mm-hmm.
-The guy made me fly.
Honestly, I got very dizzy.
Ah, well,
then you're officially my copilot.
You'll bring the plane to Zacatecas.
Me?
[groans]
All right, Pancho. Well...
Miss.
[Elena chuckles]
Is it true you sleep anywhere,
and never in the same place?
That's right.
I swear on the saint himself.
I'm very devoted to the Holy Child.
No way. So is my man Urbina.
The truth is, well,
I've only heard about her.
She was a rebel.
Like you.
They say she died,
but later woke up.
The doctors said it was catatonia.
People said it was a miracle.
She was a seer.
She started talking about God's justice.
She urged people to rebel against
bad government.
Everyone called out her name
as Porfirio Díaz massacred them.
That's how I'd want them to call out mine...
but while they're alive.
[knocks]
Who is it?
[Villa] Pancho Villa.
I give you the powerful
Northern Division Air Force.
[crowd applauding]
Captain Jefferson...
What's next, man?
DeVille.
De...
DeVilla then. Captain Jefferson DeVilla.
And my brother Hipólito,
General Director of the heroic Air Force,
and copilot.
[crowd applauds]
[in English]
General, one moment for the shot, please.
[Villa, in Spanish] One photo, man.
I don't see you carrying a machine gun
or any other weapon, eh?
At least it will scare them away.
That's my hope.
Our strategy will be
to weaken their defense with artillery.
Mainly in the hills.
So we have control
and a clear shot
at the federal soldiers in the city.
We've already cut the water supply
and almost all the power.
But they have reserves for reinforcements
who'll arrive shortly.
We have 48 hours to take Zacatecas.
Otherwise, we're dead right here.
My brigade will attack the south,
near Loreto Hill.
There's less artillery there
since it's farther away.
Our men will concentrate up north,
by El Grillo Hill, and surround them.
They'll climb up as soon as it's dark.
What do you want, man?
Can't you see
I'm also trying to direct my movie?
[in English] I-I'm sorry, but...
[in Spanish] ...it's almost dark.
We can't film like this.
The cameras can't capture it.
So, what do you want me to do?
They're about to turn on the floodlights.
They're gonna sweep the hills
to see where our men can climb up.
If they're seen,
artillery will rain down on them.
Aren't those lights good enough?
[in English]
I... I'm sorry, but we need sunlight.
[in Spanish] Sun, lots of sun.
All right.
Generals.
We'll have to attack tomorrow morning.
It's good, because my back is sore
from climbing so much.
Boys,
turn on those toys.
See if that light is enough for you.
-[soldiers] Yes, General.
-[Villa] Now.
[gunfire]
So they know we're here.
[Villista] One, two, three.
[Villista 2] Get to the shade.
Take it to the shade.
What now, General?
Is the battle starting?
[Villa] We'll attack
when there's more light.
But it's so good to see you, Elenita.
I have this nagging ache
that only you can make go away.
Oh, really? Don't tell me.
Let's see, where?
Right here.
Hmm.
Well, yes, I can cure you,
but you want me to take care of you
just like that?
Look,
once we take Zacatecas,
we can look for a priest.
You see? I do believe in marriage.
[Elena laughs] Yeah, right.
The problem is,
you don't believe in divorce.
-Oh, Elenita.
-[laughs]
-The things you notice.
-[laughs]
[Villistas chattering]
[Villista]
Help them, help them, quickly! Help them.
[chattering continues]
That's machine-gun fire! Come on!
Let's go, hurry!
-Cannon ready?
-[federal guard] Ready.
[Villa] Well.
Are you all ready, Ángeles?
Let's hit these bastards
with everything we've got.
We're well positioned, General.
Ready, artillerymen?
[Villistas] Ready!
-Cannon 1!
-[Villista] Ready.
Fire!
Hold the barricade! Keep them out!
[cannon booms]
[Barrón] Keep them out! Keep them out!
[Argumedo] Don't stop attacking that hill.
[gunshots]
We have the advantage in this position.
[gunshots continue]
Concentrate the machine-gun fire
on those climbing the hill.
[shouting]
[machine-gun fire continues]
[Raúl] Take cover!
Get down!
[Argumedo] Ready for the second load!
Cannon 2!
Fire!
-[explosion]
-[screaming]
[debris falling]
-[Ángeles exhales]
-Shit! That was close, Ángeles.
That came from La Bufa.
[gunshots]
[cannon ball whistles, explodes]
[shouting]
Come on, cover that corridor.
[shouting]
[horse whinnies]
General,
the rebels are taking Loreto Hill.
They can reach our positions from there.
General Argumedo
is waiting to stop them in La Bufa.
We'll fire cannons from both flanks
and see who gets tired first.
-Move.
-Yes, General.
[horse whinnies]
[Ángeles] This is how it is, soldiers.
Some must die.
But to avoid our own deaths,
we must eliminate the enemy first.
Reposition the cannon
and aim it at La Bufa.
And open fire.
[Villista] Yes, sir.
[Villa sighs]
[Ángeles sighs] General...
we have to take the hill.
If we don't,
we'll be trapped in the cross fire.
[artillery fire in distance]
Urbina must be climbing up now.
-[Villistas shouting]
-Get moving, men!
-[artillery fire]
-[explosions]
Take cover! Take cover, everyone!
Advance without fear!
We'll cover them from here with artillery.
Cannon 1, ready?
[Villistas] Ready.
Fire!
[Argumedo] Cannon 2. Fire!
Cannon 1!
Fire!
[screams]
Those bastards will end up hitting us
with a cannon ball.
Better us than the troops, right?
Right. Whatever you say.
-[Ángeles] Cannon 2. Ready?
-[Villista] Ready.
[explosion in distance]
Fierro is completely insane.
A true son of a bitch.
[gunshots]
[soldiers clamoring]
[Fierro panting]
[federal soldier] To the middle, look out!
-[gunshots]
-[shouting]
[pants]
[Villista] It's not working!
[Fierro] Take cover!
-[gunfire continues]
-[pants]
Take cover. Move. Let's go.
-Take cover! Take cover!
-[machine-gun fire]
[Urbina] Take cover!
Take cover!
[gunshots continue]
[screams, groans]
Fierro's been hit.
And Urbina is putting his life
on the line.
[shouting]
[panting]
[groans]
Thanks, Urbina. I thought
I wouldn't make it, man. I owe you.
[federal soldier] Take cover!
I hope you won't have to return the favor.
[pants, groans]
Security, cover me!
[machine-gun fire]
[explosion]
[machine-gun fire]
[explosion]
[shouting]
[Villista] Cover me.
Cover him!
-Take cover, men!
-[Fierro shouts]
-[groans]
-Get down!
Like an old man would say,
"Those are real men."
Your men are very brave, General.
[Argumedo] Fire!
-[Villa] Watch out!
-[explosion]
[Villista groans]
[Villista screams]
[cannon ball whistles, explodes]
Cannon 1, aim higher. Don't let them rest!
[groans, screams]
[Barrón] Hurry up, goddamn it. Move it!
-Hurry up!
-General, the rebels are taking the hills.
General Argumedo's post
requests more ammunition to fight back.
We're about to send this load.
-Hurry, goddamn it.
-Come on!
[Barrón] Let's go, move!
[explosion]
What was that?
It came from the south entrance, sir.
Near the market.
Come on, hurry up!
Faster!
No way.
[Ángeles] Ready, artillery. Fire!
Watch it! Take cover!
-[shouting]
-[groaning]
[explosion]
[gunshot]
Cannon 2, reload!
[Villa] Ángeles.
You stay here. I'm gonna do my thing.
Yes, General.
We'll take care of everything here.
Cannon 2, ready?
Fire!
[explosion]
[film projector whirring]
[Villa] Zacatecas became a battle
in which cannons fired all over,
all day long.
We couldn't advance
more than a few meters,
with dozens of dead and wounded.
The terrain was perfect for defense,
and that had always been
the federal troops' strategy.
Wait for our attack.
[panting] General,
all the rebels have advanced to the hills.
Shouldn't we fall back to the city?
Are you crazy?
If they take this position,
they'll take the city in no time.
[explosion]
[Argumedo] Where are the supplies
Barrón was supposed to send?
[gunshots]
Let's see.
Anyone in there?
I'm Pancho Villa.
I want to ask you a favor.
Please don't make me splatter your guts
all over this tunnel.
You'd better tell me.
Where are you taking that ammunition?
[federal soldier] Charge!
[soldiers shouting]
[shouting]
[shouting continues]
To the cannons! To the cannons!
Kill those dogs!
[Argumedo] They're coming!
[Argumedo grunts]
[Ángeles] Adjust the angle.
[Villa] After hours of hitting hard,
we took positions in the hills,
and then the sky fell on the Federals.
Ready to open fire.
Focus on City Hall.
Cannon 1.
Fire!
Cannon 2.
Fire!
[shouting]
Take your positions!
The Villistas are coming!
[Barrón] Take defensive positions!
Positions!
[whinnies]
Protect City Hall!
They'll come through here soon!
[federal soldier] Fire!
[airplane approaching]
[Jefferson] Long live the Revolution!
[Hipólito] I'm gonna puke, man.
Fine, puke on them,
but drop that bomb now!
[horse whinnies]
[Villista] Dynamite!
[Barrón] Resist!
[Villista 2] Charge!
-[bomb whistles, explodes]
-What's going on here?
[ears ringing]
[faint] Retreat! Retreat!
[film projector whirring]
[Villa] The Devil suddenly appeared,
as if leaving one of the mines.
[explosion]
[explosions continue]
[objects falling]
[Villa] Nobody really knew
what caused the arsenal to explode
at the City Hall.
Some said it was
one of Ángeles' cannon shots.
[no audible dialogue]
Some even said it was our Air Force.
I hope so, because my brother Hipólito
was sick as a dog for two days afterwards.
[airplane passes overhead]
[Fierro] Where do you think you're going?
Come on!
Everyone against the wall!
[Urbina]
Make way for General Pancho Villa!
Long live Villa!
-Long live Villa!
-[Villistas] Villa!
-[gunshots]
-[Urbina] Villa!
[all] Long live Villa!
Long live Villa!
[Urbina] Long live Pancho Villa!
[cheering continues]
-[Villista] Villa!
-[gunshot]
[flies buzzing]
[chattering]
[birds chirping]
[apparatus clinking]
[Villa] Have them take the cannons
-and pick up all the weapons.
-Understood, General.
-[in English] M-Mr. Villa.
-[in Spanish] How's it going, man?
Is the light all right?
Or should we wait
so the blood looks more red?
I think this is frowned upon...
[in English] ...by Americans.
[in Spanish] We have to film with a...
[in English] ...script.
[in Spanish] More control.
[in English] All the rules.
[in Spanish] Rules.
[Villa] You just spat out two words
that piss me off, mister.
[Raúl] General.
Well, Zacatecas is ours now.
It was tough, but fast.
We have to tell Don Venus
so the old man doesn't get angry.
I'm gonna rest and recharge
before we leave for the capital.
We gotta get that traitor Huerta.
[Villa] I got married to Elenita. I think.
But with so much going on,
I saw very little of her.
Someone told me she had a son by me.
Who knows?
[singing]
♪ Wipe off the sad faces♪
♪ The Villistas have arrived ♪
♪ And they took Zacatecas ♪
[Carranza] Send General Villa
the following telegram.
Congratulations on a victory
for The Revolution in Zacatecas.
Stop.
I have ordered General Obregón
to march as soon as possible
to Mexico City.
Stop.
I'm informing you of the removal
of General Ángeles as Subsecretary of War.
Stop.
I order you to report to me
to account for your contempt.
Stop. The end.
What are you waiting for? Send it!
Now what?
What's going on here?
[in English] General, I hope...
[in Spanish] ...you like your portrayal
in The Life of General Villa.
It's a great script.
[in English] And that final!
[in Spanish] You're proclaimed...
[in English] ...President of Mexico.
Me, President? I'd rather die!
Now you've done it.
Let's make one of those scenes I like.
Ready!
[hammers cock]
Aim!
Camera!
-Action!
-[gunfire]
[glass shattering]
[film projector stops]
The people and events shown
were created for artistic purposes.
Any similarity to reality
is purely coincidental.
Previously.
You have to take me to Mexico City.
Have we heard from Abraham González?
No.
[Lucita] They killed our daughter.
My daughter.
Gather all the men.
We're giving it all we've got.
This is Rodolfo Fierro.
General Villa.
My Colorados are willing
to fight every last man.
[Velasco] If Villa thinks
this'll be like Ciudad Juárez,
he doesn't know what's coming.
[Villa] The taking of Torreón
was a military campaign on several fronts
that took many more days
than we anticipated.
Retreat!
[Urbina] We took Gómez Palacio!
And Torreón is ours, my man!
[cheers]
-[grunts]
-[shatters]
[pants]
[film projector whirring]
[no audio]
[Villa] In those years,
I had a lot of contact with the Americans.
They even wanted to do a movie with me.
[Reed, in English]
This is the first time in history
that an actual war has been filmed.
Incredible!
[film projector whirring]
[director sighs]
[whispers] Mr. Thayer will kill me.
I hardly can see a thing,
and it feels so... documentary.
[whirring stops]
[clears throat]
It's great, Villa, but we need more.
[in Spanish] Much more.
[Villa] More what?
-[Reed clears throat]
-Look, General.
Mr. Thayer's Mutual Film Corporation
will pay you $25,000,
plus 50% of box office sales
to film you in the battlefield,
but if we can't get any good takes,
you'll have to dramatize the combat.
-Me act, Juanito?
-No, no.
You just be yourself, that's all.
Mr. Raoul Walsh will be the director.
[Walsh, in English]
This is your image for the USA,
maybe the world.
[in Spanish] Pancho Villa worldwide.
My image? The press takes care of that.
For them, I'm a bandit,
a liberator.
And who knows what else.
[in English] This will be the real you.
[in Spanish] The real me?
[in English] Got a pen?
[in Spanish]
I don't care what they say about me,
as long as it's the truth.
The truth of what I say.
[pen clicks]
I'll even have a wagon
for you to put your stuff in.
Tell him I promise him plenty of action
and lots of blood.
[In English] Mr. Villa promises
lots of action... and blood.
[Villa, in Spanish] But that wasn't
my only deal with the gringos.
After taking Torreón,
the border had to be controlled
before we moved to the South.
-[people chattering]
-[gun rattling]
Look, Juanito,
cameras are loaded just like machine guns.
Except their bullets don't kill.
[Reed] That's right, General.
But sometimes they're even more powerful.
-[cameraperson] Slow.
-[bystander] Hey, here come the gringos.
[horses approach]
General Villa.
I am General John Pershing.
[in English] Border guardian.
[in Spanish] I congratulate you
on the recent victories in Juárez
and in Torreón.
[in English] Very impressive.
[in Spanish] You're the Mexican Napoleon.
[Villa] It's an honor.
I'm told you captured those
who crossed over to the other side.
[in English] Right.
[in Spanish] And their arms.
Among them there's a General Orozco.
[in English] Patton,
we have a general among our prisoners?
I'm afraid not, General.
Only troops.
[in Spanish]
I hope you find that traitorous dog.
[Villa] Pascual Orozco
had fled across the border...
-[gunshot]
-[groans]
Green River, August 1915.
...and sought Germany's support,
a country already at war
with the United States over in Europe.
He was discovered a few months later.
The Rangers hunted him on the run.
He was killed by General Pershing
and buried in El Paso.
But many more dogs had to be killed
to put an end to the rabies.
PANCHO VILLA
CENTAUR OF THE NORTH
-[film projector clicks on]
-[Villa] Mutual sent camera men
to film The Life of General Villa.
And I became even more famous worldwide.
Meanwhile, the Americans
took the port of Veracruz
on April 21, 1914,
with many excuses and few explanations.
Worried about my popularity and power,
Carranza decided to take Zacatecas
all by himself.
His General Natera was defeated
by the strong federal defense
from General Barrón.
Desperate, Carranza sent a telegram
asking me to send much of
the Northern Division to Zacatecas,
but said that I should stay in Torreón.
[film projector stops]
[Villa] "You're officially being removed
from your position.
All troops have been ordered
to report to Zacatecas
as soon as possible."
How do you view Don Venus?
[Urbina] We'll never obey him. Hmm?
No, man.
I don't want to go against the old goat,
but we're all going.
So we don't split up.
We must be careful
not to break up hierarchies.
We need to be united.
Let's send a dispatch to Carranza
saying the entire Northern Division
will go to Zacatecas,
but under the command
of the only general-in-chief we recognize.
Pancho Villa.
-[Carranza hits desk]
-This is unacceptable,
a rebellion of such magnitude.
What do you think, General Obregón?
That prick Villa has never had
military discipline.
And he's become unbridled.
And if he takes Zacatecas,
he'll march to the capital next,
to Mexico City.
[Obregón]
Without any accountability to you.
And worse yet,
he'll be able to join forces
with Emiliano Zapata in the South.
[Villa] When the trains arrive,
go and check the weapons.
Go right now
and start laying the groundwork.
I'll catch up later.
I have to see Hipólito.
-Juanito!
-Hey.
[in English] We got it, General.
[in Spanish] Got what, man?
Something I ordered.
Where are the reins?
Here, you climb over it
and press the pedal to start it up.
With that side of the handlebar,
you accelerate and go forward,
and you brake with this one.
No, I mean...
-Hell, it's kinda short for a horse.
-[Ángeles laughs]
No, it's very cool.
Well, better get on it.
No, no, no. Fierro.
General,
I don't know how to thank you.
[Villa] Get going. Start it up!
[in English] Yeah! Let it pop, Fierro.
[laughs]
[motorcycle departs]
[in Spanish]
General, we must go to the airfield.
The airfield?
What are you cooking up now, General?
You'll see.
Hold on tight, Fierro!
[chuckles]
Let's go.
[Villa] Well, look at that little angel.
[engine slows, stops]
-[Jáuregui] Let me help you, Miss.
-[chuckles] Thank you.
[Villa] Well, look at that.
You got all muddy, miss.
Yes, sir. I must get to the train station
as soon as possible.
[Villa] Why's that?
I just got into the White Cross.
I'm assigned
to General Villa's wagon-hospital.
I can't have the train leave without me.
Don't worry. That train
won't be arriving before tomorrow.
Really?
Oh, what a relief.
No. Relief is
that a nurse as pretty as you has arrived.
What's your name?
[chuckles]
Elena. Elena Arizmendi.
-It's a pleasure.
-[chuckles]
Listen, what if we take you to the city?
Tomorrow, we could
leave you at the train station
and then head to Zacatecas.
Oh! I would really appreciate it.
I'd be scared to fail the general.
[Villa]
Jáuregui, put the bicycle in the truck.
Yes, General.
So, tell me,
why does Pancho Villa scare you so much?
They say he's half crazy,
and he kills those who disobey him.
You're so kind,
but you didn't tell me your name.
Pancho Villa.
Please, get in.
No, no. I'm sorry. I...
Unload that.
[horse blusters]
[chattering]
DYNAMITE
[general] He already has Torreón,
but Villa won't take Zacatecas.
With your men, General Argumedo,
they won't be able to defeat us.
[box clatters]
Hey! Careful with that dynamite!
President Huerta is organizing forces
from the center of the country.
If we manage to stop Villa's men
long enough,
we can finish them.
We're surrounded by
mountains and mines here.
Villa knows about fighting in deserts...
and he trusts his cavalry.
[bullets clatter]
But he can't use it here.
We have artillery in the hills.
I'll stay in the city to fight
and supply you with ammunition
and explosives.
Whatever you need.
[Argumedo] How will you get it to me?
[Barrón] We'll use the mining tunnels
to cross the hills undetected.
Zacatecas is a natural fortress,
and there are more than enough supplies
for us to resist.
Bring me the check.
I thought you'd change
your clothes, honey.
[Elena chuckles]
Did you see me with a suitcase?
I have no other clothes.
I appreciate you giving me
a place to stay tonight.
Where will you stay?
I'm from the countryside.
-Any cave or thicket will do.
-[laughs]
Sorry to interrupt.
Mmm.
This is my brother, Hipólito.
Nurse Elena.
-Please don't get up, miss. My pleasure.
-Nice to meet you.
Pancho, you didn't show up
at the airfield.
-[Villa] Mm-hmm.
-The guy made me fly.
Honestly, I got very dizzy.
Ah, well,
then you're officially my copilot.
You'll bring the plane to Zacatecas.
Me?
[groans]
All right, Pancho. Well...
Miss.
[Elena chuckles]
Is it true you sleep anywhere,
and never in the same place?
That's right.
I swear on the saint himself.
I'm very devoted to the Holy Child.
No way. So is my man Urbina.
The truth is, well,
I've only heard about her.
She was a rebel.
Like you.
They say she died,
but later woke up.
The doctors said it was catatonia.
People said it was a miracle.
She was a seer.
She started talking about God's justice.
She urged people to rebel against
bad government.
Everyone called out her name
as Porfirio Díaz massacred them.
That's how I'd want them to call out mine...
but while they're alive.
[knocks]
Who is it?
[Villa] Pancho Villa.
I give you the powerful
Northern Division Air Force.
[crowd applauding]
Captain Jefferson...
What's next, man?
DeVille.
De...
DeVilla then. Captain Jefferson DeVilla.
And my brother Hipólito,
General Director of the heroic Air Force,
and copilot.
[crowd applauds]
[in English]
General, one moment for the shot, please.
[Villa, in Spanish] One photo, man.
I don't see you carrying a machine gun
or any other weapon, eh?
At least it will scare them away.
That's my hope.
Our strategy will be
to weaken their defense with artillery.
Mainly in the hills.
So we have control
and a clear shot
at the federal soldiers in the city.
We've already cut the water supply
and almost all the power.
But they have reserves for reinforcements
who'll arrive shortly.
We have 48 hours to take Zacatecas.
Otherwise, we're dead right here.
My brigade will attack the south,
near Loreto Hill.
There's less artillery there
since it's farther away.
Our men will concentrate up north,
by El Grillo Hill, and surround them.
They'll climb up as soon as it's dark.
What do you want, man?
Can't you see
I'm also trying to direct my movie?
[in English] I-I'm sorry, but...
[in Spanish] ...it's almost dark.
We can't film like this.
The cameras can't capture it.
So, what do you want me to do?
They're about to turn on the floodlights.
They're gonna sweep the hills
to see where our men can climb up.
If they're seen,
artillery will rain down on them.
Aren't those lights good enough?
[in English]
I... I'm sorry, but we need sunlight.
[in Spanish] Sun, lots of sun.
All right.
Generals.
We'll have to attack tomorrow morning.
It's good, because my back is sore
from climbing so much.
Boys,
turn on those toys.
See if that light is enough for you.
-[soldiers] Yes, General.
-[Villa] Now.
[gunfire]
So they know we're here.
[Villista] One, two, three.
[Villista 2] Get to the shade.
Take it to the shade.
What now, General?
Is the battle starting?
[Villa] We'll attack
when there's more light.
But it's so good to see you, Elenita.
I have this nagging ache
that only you can make go away.
Oh, really? Don't tell me.
Let's see, where?
Right here.
Hmm.
Well, yes, I can cure you,
but you want me to take care of you
just like that?
Look,
once we take Zacatecas,
we can look for a priest.
You see? I do believe in marriage.
[Elena laughs] Yeah, right.
The problem is,
you don't believe in divorce.
-Oh, Elenita.
-[laughs]
-The things you notice.
-[laughs]
[Villistas chattering]
[Villista]
Help them, help them, quickly! Help them.
[chattering continues]
That's machine-gun fire! Come on!
Let's go, hurry!
-Cannon ready?
-[federal guard] Ready.
[Villa] Well.
Are you all ready, Ángeles?
Let's hit these bastards
with everything we've got.
We're well positioned, General.
Ready, artillerymen?
[Villistas] Ready!
-Cannon 1!
-[Villista] Ready.
Fire!
Hold the barricade! Keep them out!
[cannon booms]
[Barrón] Keep them out! Keep them out!
[Argumedo] Don't stop attacking that hill.
[gunshots]
We have the advantage in this position.
[gunshots continue]
Concentrate the machine-gun fire
on those climbing the hill.
[shouting]
[machine-gun fire continues]
[Raúl] Take cover!
Get down!
[Argumedo] Ready for the second load!
Cannon 2!
Fire!
-[explosion]
-[screaming]
[debris falling]
-[Ángeles exhales]
-Shit! That was close, Ángeles.
That came from La Bufa.
[gunshots]
[cannon ball whistles, explodes]
[shouting]
Come on, cover that corridor.
[shouting]
[horse whinnies]
General,
the rebels are taking Loreto Hill.
They can reach our positions from there.
General Argumedo
is waiting to stop them in La Bufa.
We'll fire cannons from both flanks
and see who gets tired first.
-Move.
-Yes, General.
[horse whinnies]
[Ángeles] This is how it is, soldiers.
Some must die.
But to avoid our own deaths,
we must eliminate the enemy first.
Reposition the cannon
and aim it at La Bufa.
And open fire.
[Villista] Yes, sir.
[Villa sighs]
[Ángeles sighs] General...
we have to take the hill.
If we don't,
we'll be trapped in the cross fire.
[artillery fire in distance]
Urbina must be climbing up now.
-[Villistas shouting]
-Get moving, men!
-[artillery fire]
-[explosions]
Take cover! Take cover, everyone!
Advance without fear!
We'll cover them from here with artillery.
Cannon 1, ready?
[Villistas] Ready.
Fire!
[Argumedo] Cannon 2. Fire!
Cannon 1!
Fire!
[screams]
Those bastards will end up hitting us
with a cannon ball.
Better us than the troops, right?
Right. Whatever you say.
-[Ángeles] Cannon 2. Ready?
-[Villista] Ready.
[explosion in distance]
Fierro is completely insane.
A true son of a bitch.
[gunshots]
[soldiers clamoring]
[Fierro panting]
[federal soldier] To the middle, look out!
-[gunshots]
-[shouting]
[pants]
[Villista] It's not working!
[Fierro] Take cover!
-[gunfire continues]
-[pants]
Take cover. Move. Let's go.
-Take cover! Take cover!
-[machine-gun fire]
[Urbina] Take cover!
Take cover!
[gunshots continue]
[screams, groans]
Fierro's been hit.
And Urbina is putting his life
on the line.
[shouting]
[panting]
[groans]
Thanks, Urbina. I thought
I wouldn't make it, man. I owe you.
[federal soldier] Take cover!
I hope you won't have to return the favor.
[pants, groans]
Security, cover me!
[machine-gun fire]
[explosion]
[machine-gun fire]
[explosion]
[shouting]
[Villista] Cover me.
Cover him!
-Take cover, men!
-[Fierro shouts]
-[groans]
-Get down!
Like an old man would say,
"Those are real men."
Your men are very brave, General.
[Argumedo] Fire!
-[Villa] Watch out!
-[explosion]
[Villista groans]
[Villista screams]
[cannon ball whistles, explodes]
Cannon 1, aim higher. Don't let them rest!
[groans, screams]
[Barrón] Hurry up, goddamn it. Move it!
-Hurry up!
-General, the rebels are taking the hills.
General Argumedo's post
requests more ammunition to fight back.
We're about to send this load.
-Hurry, goddamn it.
-Come on!
[Barrón] Let's go, move!
[explosion]
What was that?
It came from the south entrance, sir.
Near the market.
Come on, hurry up!
Faster!
No way.
[Ángeles] Ready, artillery. Fire!
Watch it! Take cover!
-[shouting]
-[groaning]
[explosion]
[gunshot]
Cannon 2, reload!
[Villa] Ángeles.
You stay here. I'm gonna do my thing.
Yes, General.
We'll take care of everything here.
Cannon 2, ready?
Fire!
[explosion]
[film projector whirring]
[Villa] Zacatecas became a battle
in which cannons fired all over,
all day long.
We couldn't advance
more than a few meters,
with dozens of dead and wounded.
The terrain was perfect for defense,
and that had always been
the federal troops' strategy.
Wait for our attack.
[panting] General,
all the rebels have advanced to the hills.
Shouldn't we fall back to the city?
Are you crazy?
If they take this position,
they'll take the city in no time.
[explosion]
[Argumedo] Where are the supplies
Barrón was supposed to send?
[gunshots]
Let's see.
Anyone in there?
I'm Pancho Villa.
I want to ask you a favor.
Please don't make me splatter your guts
all over this tunnel.
You'd better tell me.
Where are you taking that ammunition?
[federal soldier] Charge!
[soldiers shouting]
[shouting]
[shouting continues]
To the cannons! To the cannons!
Kill those dogs!
[Argumedo] They're coming!
[Argumedo grunts]
[Ángeles] Adjust the angle.
[Villa] After hours of hitting hard,
we took positions in the hills,
and then the sky fell on the Federals.
Ready to open fire.
Focus on City Hall.
Cannon 1.
Fire!
Cannon 2.
Fire!
[shouting]
Take your positions!
The Villistas are coming!
[Barrón] Take defensive positions!
Positions!
[whinnies]
Protect City Hall!
They'll come through here soon!
[federal soldier] Fire!
[airplane approaching]
[Jefferson] Long live the Revolution!
[Hipólito] I'm gonna puke, man.
Fine, puke on them,
but drop that bomb now!
[horse whinnies]
[Villista] Dynamite!
[Barrón] Resist!
[Villista 2] Charge!
-[bomb whistles, explodes]
-What's going on here?
[ears ringing]
[faint] Retreat! Retreat!
[film projector whirring]
[Villa] The Devil suddenly appeared,
as if leaving one of the mines.
[explosion]
[explosions continue]
[objects falling]
[Villa] Nobody really knew
what caused the arsenal to explode
at the City Hall.
Some said it was
one of Ángeles' cannon shots.
[no audible dialogue]
Some even said it was our Air Force.
I hope so, because my brother Hipólito
was sick as a dog for two days afterwards.
[airplane passes overhead]
[Fierro] Where do you think you're going?
Come on!
Everyone against the wall!
[Urbina]
Make way for General Pancho Villa!
Long live Villa!
-Long live Villa!
-[Villistas] Villa!
-[gunshots]
-[Urbina] Villa!
[all] Long live Villa!
Long live Villa!
[Urbina] Long live Pancho Villa!
[cheering continues]
-[Villista] Villa!
-[gunshot]
[flies buzzing]
[chattering]
[birds chirping]
[apparatus clinking]
[Villa] Have them take the cannons
-and pick up all the weapons.
-Understood, General.
-[in English] M-Mr. Villa.
-[in Spanish] How's it going, man?
Is the light all right?
Or should we wait
so the blood looks more red?
I think this is frowned upon...
[in English] ...by Americans.
[in Spanish] We have to film with a...
[in English] ...script.
[in Spanish] More control.
[in English] All the rules.
[in Spanish] Rules.
[Villa] You just spat out two words
that piss me off, mister.
[Raúl] General.
Well, Zacatecas is ours now.
It was tough, but fast.
We have to tell Don Venus
so the old man doesn't get angry.
I'm gonna rest and recharge
before we leave for the capital.
We gotta get that traitor Huerta.
[Villa] I got married to Elenita. I think.
But with so much going on,
I saw very little of her.
Someone told me she had a son by me.
Who knows?
[singing]
♪ Wipe off the sad faces♪
♪ The Villistas have arrived ♪
♪ And they took Zacatecas ♪
[Carranza] Send General Villa
the following telegram.
Congratulations on a victory
for The Revolution in Zacatecas.
Stop.
I have ordered General Obregón
to march as soon as possible
to Mexico City.
Stop.
I'm informing you of the removal
of General Ángeles as Subsecretary of War.
Stop.
I order you to report to me
to account for your contempt.
Stop. The end.
What are you waiting for? Send it!
Now what?
What's going on here?
[in English] General, I hope...
[in Spanish] ...you like your portrayal
in The Life of General Villa.
It's a great script.
[in English] And that final!
[in Spanish] You're proclaimed...
[in English] ...President of Mexico.
Me, President? I'd rather die!
Now you've done it.
Let's make one of those scenes I like.
Ready!
[hammers cock]
Aim!
Camera!
-Action!
-[gunfire]
[glass shattering]
[film projector stops]