The Anthem of Leuthen
To His Memory
Winter 1757
The king has fought victoriously in Thuringia against the French and the Imperial Austrian army.
But in Silesia, all seems lost.
Breslau has fallen, the Duke of Bevern, the king's brother-in-law, commander of the Silesian army, taken prisoner.
The remains of the beaten army withdraws to the north, worn out, dead tired and desperate.
- I can't go on. - if you want to know, neither can I
don't give up
you've no idea what weariness a man can stand
this isn't weariness, this must be something else
I can feel it in my legs, in my stomach
I'm sick of it
it must be the war
- look over there, a castle
that's the palace of Lissa in Silesia
in Austria, you mean
- how do you mean? - tomorrow you'll see
a pity it isn't today
then we could eat our fill with good Austrian food
shall we go inside? are you coming?
I need some warm food in my stomach
but we don't know the people in the palace
they'll get to know us, don't worry
I want food
look how the folks are living here
get out at once
soldiers can get food in the courtyard
blessed are the peaceful
they haven't heard of that around here
war is outside
why didn't he tell us at once?
you with your war, dirtying everything and I'll have to clean up
under these circumstances we'll refrain from any violence
I'm that hungry I haven't slept for the last nights
what's that?
beef beuschel
my specialty
but that's lung hachée
what did you say?
how do you call that in Prussian?
lung hachée
come on, let me have some of your beuschel
here you are
would you take that back and give me another helping? that little beuschel here seems a bit overripe
what? take it back?
you eat it first, then I'll take it back
I was joking
Zieten-Hussars covered the retreat
hello Lotte
- Lotte - Hans!
Hans!
what's the matter with you?
what's the matter?
Jean
water
he'll open his eyes
golly!
are you injured?
not at all
countess, I think a schnitzel, a roast beef, a Tokayer wine would be the right medicine for the cavalry captain
I think he's right
I'll talk with the cook
I had to see you once more, darling
who knows what will happen now
the Austrians are down on our necks
they could be here in an hour
Silesia is lost for us
thank God
Marianne!
the countess has finally got out of bed
why should I lie?
I am an Austrian, you're a Prussian
or shouldn't I say what I think, just out of politeness?
are you starting off again?
he only came to say farewell
leave it, Charlotte
I'm going
no, stay, cavalry captain
I'm only honest
there are worlds between us
but during the Prussian occupation I've come to know you as a worthy person
of course you are always welcome as a guest in my home
farewell
I don't say "auf Wiedersehen"
the Prussian officers won't be able to visit Silesia again in the future
countess
one never knows
qui viendra verra
what about you?
you can be assured of my love
dumplings and and pork roast, cavalry captain
that's tasty
just like my mother's cooking
I might even get used to it
I must be off
who knows what will happen, Charlotte
I wonder if we'll see each other again
Hans
all your relatives are good Austrians
you'll forget the Prussian officer
you'll have to forget him
Hans
let's get married
at once
Lotte
if it were up to me, all Silesia could bugger off
well that's what happening right now
why?
I see, if you look at it that way...
shut up
there you are
why don't you report?
at your service, cavalry captain I've my mouth full just now
as usual
- you've your mouth full (are fed up) - yes sir
listen
- I need a parson at once - a parson?
shut up
run to the village and fetch one
yes cavalry captain
I beg your pardon, protestant or catholic?
I see
doesn't matter
run along
as the cavalry captain wishes
fill it up
no Charlotte
it's my duty to tell you that
if your mother were alive...
then she certainly wouldn't prevent my happiness
that couldn't bring you happiness
the Prussians are our enemies
but I love him
you're of age, Charlotte
do what you think is right
yes I will
cavalry captain
don't shout in here
what's up?
I couldn't find the priest
he's hidden himself somewhere in the forest with his cattle
but I brought his robe
- I need a priest - I can get you someone resembling a priest
in our company we have a man who could perform such duties. if the cavalry captain agrees I'll fetch him
Christian
Christian, come here
here he is
he has studied to be a parson
wipe off your lung hachée, otherwise you won't look like a parson
what's his profession?
I have been candidate of theology
I don't know what this is all about, cavalry captain...
I wouldn't recommend him for the church
but for home-use he's adequate
can he perform a wedding ceremony right now?
a war wedding ceremony
a war wedding ceremony?
nothing easier than that
let's go into the chapel, we'll start at once
they're already in the chapel
the Austrians are coming!
all troops forward
the Austrians are coming
before the almighty God and before these witnesses I ask you, cavalry captain Hans von Wustrow
will you take as your lawful wedded wife Charlotte comtesse von Mudrach, ... till death will part you?
yes
will you faithfully keep the marriage bond till death will part you?
cavalry captain!
answer with yes
yes
exchange the rings
cavalry captain, the Austrians
coming
but I haven't finished yet
what God has united man must not set apart
go now
but I'll be back tonight
- what about the Austrians? - I don't care
they can't keep me from coming to you
to my wife
please go now
in the park, at the fountain
farewell
mount
off we go
God's greetings
servus, Mariandl
servus
hurry, the Austrians are at the door
but I must still take my leave of you
Madame cavalry captain
God's greetings
God be with you, Madame cavalry captain
and...
well you know
a good day, priest
we've only come to check out our quarters
as you please
outside there is warm soup for you
thank you, that's kind
a good day, priest
make way for the priest, you fools
much honoured, priest
don't shove, all of you
I haven't seen such a crowd for some time
a specialty, lung hachée
you silly goose, but that's Beuschel
the Prussians call it lung hachée
those Prussians pigs (Sau-Preußen), of course they would!
and further on the worn-out soldiers dragged themselves
towards the king, who was approaching with this victorious battalions from Roßbach
the king... the king
vivat
- Colonel Rawitsch - here
here you are, colonel
this is much nicer that a haystack, isn't it
what's the matter?
his excellency
good evening, here we are
thanks, my dear Moess
please announce me to the countess, I want to call on the ladies
I have the honour, gentlemen at ease
any news, Rawitsch?
at your command, your excellency
the king of Prussia is approaching with his troops by forced marches
there we are
do you know his position?
he's crossed the Silesian border yesterday
I've heard his excellency had been unhappily in love with the the countess
we'll halt the advance
we'll stay in the defensive
- do you know the countess? - of course, from the court balls
she's a charming woman
our positions on the Weistritz river will be prepared for defence
I kiss your hand, countess
how do you do, your excellency
and there's the comtesse
God's greetings
how beautiful she has become
and so grown-up
very sweet
cornet, come here
he is our regimental pet
cornet von Währing, also called the fried chicken because he's so young and fresh and tasty looking
colonel von Rawitsch
he's the greatest Prussian-eater in the army
one does what one can
excuse me, my ladies, the gentlemen's duty takes precedence
I'll leave you the cornet, make good use of him
at your service, your excellency
my ladies
reporting for duty
the field marshal
servus, major
God's greeting, gentlemen
deliver this order at once
his highness prince Karl of Lothringen
servus, my dear field marshal
your highness has come in person?
yes, there's a small matter...won't you sit down
I've come to ask you something
I've heard that you intend to hold your positions behind the Weistritz
yes your highness
why?
we hold an impregnable position there
if he attacks us there...
he'll find it a nut too hard to crack
attacks?
I'm sure he's only too relieved if we don't attack him
I beg your pardon, your highness
I don't agree
I don't agree either
I bed your pardon
it's just my opinion
but that's of no use to us here
so what?
the king of Prussia is no ordinary person
if he has set his mind to do something then he unleashes hell
if would be madness to give up our favorable positions
let us stay where we are
I beg your pardon, field marshal, but that would be undignified
let's attack, finish it once and for all
say, how many men has Fridericus anyway?
He'll bring 14.000 men from Roßbach
and the duke of Bevern's remaining forces are 16.000, and that's a generous guess
that makes...
30.000
thank you
let's add another 5, then he'll have 35.000
and how many men do we have, field marshal?
86.000, your highness
let's say, 90
and you want to stay put in here?
do you intend to camp here for the winter?
no way!
I want to be back in Vienna by Christmas
we'll just push him and his Potsdam guard battalion out of Silesia and...
and the job's done.
isn't it?
then I'll have to obey
hand me the order
I suppose your highness is personally taking the responsibility for this?
of course I am
I am glad to have convinced you
The Prussian headquarters in Parchwitz
yes your royal highness
you'll have to convince him that he must return home
and finish this business here
I've thought about it
I'm very worried
one might...
I thought...
he's not himself!
one could suggest in Berlin...
you understand...
if a sick man were sitting on the throne...
I see
if a sick man were sitting on the throne...
I'm telling you, the generals have lost the spirit to fight
I've heard them myself, they say he's gone mad
what if I said such a thing about my captain?
but that makes all the difference, you mutton-head
it's beyond my comprehension
no army leader in the whole word can go to battle with a band of vagabonds
impossible. but don't worry, the generals will have their say
you'll see the generals will chicken out once the king is here
do you imagine Fritz lets one of those generals order him about?
he must be forced to give up Silesia and make peace
my esteemed brother
with what business has he come here?
what bad news might he be bringing?
your majesty, our situation is desperate
I know that.
did you undertake the long journey just to tell me that?
sire, you must make peace.
you want peace?
so do I.
we agree about that.
anything else?
your majesty, I have come here in the name of the heir to the throne
in the name of the entire Royal family
so that's it, they are sitting in Berlin on their cozy warm stoves and conspire against me
the heir to the throne recommends to start immediate deliberations for peace
the heir to the throne!
the guy can't even command 10 men
he's should breed some children first
he's of no use for anything else
your majesty, the whole country is laid desolate
the Swedes stand before Prenzlau
your majesty, I am speaking in the name of the homeland
sir!
for whom do you imagine am I waging this war?
for the homeland!
your majesty
you must make peace
the army doesn't support you any longer
the army?
are you talking about my soldiers?
I forbid you to insult my soldiers!
sir!
your majesty
I ask you to accept my resignation
will you say this again
- I ask you to... - halt
repeat what you said about my generals
there's a council of war tonight at 2 o'clock
yes?
I want to the king
cavalry captain von Wustrow
the Austrians have crossed the Weistritz
and are advancing on Leuthen
so the foxes are leaving their holes
Fritz, listen to me
Adieu
out with you!
look at this, we can't go on like this
we're standing here waiting for hours and don't know what's going to happen
adieu
give my regards to Berlin
good evening, gentlemen
good evening general
what's going on?
that's what I'm asking you, Seydlitz
his majesty thinks it's his personal war
he thinks he's waging this war all alone
and we were just to obey
we're the marionettes
do you have something to drink
- Ritzke - here - mount
Günther? Ladewieg?
come here
listen to me
we'll ride to the castle of Lissa
- understood? - yes sir
off we go
tell me why the sky is so blue
tell me what happened today
Today I have looked into the eyes of the most beautiful, the sweetest woman
blue as the sky, deep as the sea
that's why I feel to happy and so sad
now I know that no other woman will please me again
on the whole world
charming
did you write that song?
yes countess. just today I thought out the song all of a sudden
charming
thank you
but I'm afraid the comtesse didn't like my song
I have a headache
but comtesse, don't go into any trouble because of us, make yourself at home
good night, Marianne
good night, gentlemen
sweet dreams
I beg your pardon, comtesse
I wonder if I may sing my song to you at a more suitable time
certainly
- patrolman, I'm now going up to the palace
here's the watch
if I'm not back in 15 minutes
you'll ride back alone
yes sir
and take my horse with you
yes sir
careful
but you must come to Vienna, to the court ball
since when do you dance, my dear Daun?
it's true, I haven't had much time to dance in the last years
but in order to please you I'd be a young man again
don't joke about your age
when I look at you, countess...
I realize what I missed at the time.
a pity
il ne faut jamais perdre l'espoir, cher conte
merci mille fois, madame
bonsoir
c'était un grand plaisir de vous revoir.
my dearest
Hans, I have to leave immediately
out of the question. do you think I slipped in here just for...
but there's something important I must tell you
now I do the talking
after we're married, you may talk
but we're already married
that's right
have you already forgotten?
I surely haven't noticed it much
Hans
the Austrian high command has occupied the palace
Daun and his staff are there
golly
where can I get a barrel of dynamite to blow up the whole bunch
then the war would be over and we could sleep in a bed again
excuse me
are you angry?
you're my little wife
one may say what one thinks
and feels
in one's heart
I long for you so much
lung hachée, that's what the Prussians call it
but it tasted good
tell me why is the heaven so blue...
who's that?
a silly cornet
what does he want?
he serenades me
he's a bit in love with me
what?
I'll kill the boy
but Hans
he sings beautifully
just the right song for two people in love
- can you see him? - no
what if he comes here?
halt. who goes there?
halt
my boy
I could kill you right here
but you sang so beautifully
let go of me
guards
spread out
off we go
what's been happening here?
dismissed
what's your business here, comtesse?
what's been happening here?
what's happened here?
speak up please!
this way
- password? - victoria
guard, you go to the king at once
report to him that field marshal Daun and the Austrian headquarters are stationed at Lissa castle
repeat
good, off with you
come here, Währing don't act foolish
have a seat, comtesse
cornet
will you answer
your excellency
I ask permission to keep silent about the affair
Rawitsch
don't you see what's been going on there?
if you force the cornet to speak...
you'll cause the greatest embarrassment for the comtesse
I beg your pardon, your excellency
I must know what's happened there
colonel
gentlemen, leave us alone
colonel Lukatschek
Waritsch, you stay here
what's happened?
countess
perhaps you can make the comtesse talk
in the park there had been a Prussian spy
no
the comtesse seems to be involved in the affair
I knew it would end badly
the countess knows something?
you know the man?
yes
Marianne!
I beg of you
it's no use to keep silent, you'll make everything worse
your excellency
the Prussian officer is Charlotte's husband
your excellency
cornet, you stay here
yes sir
I want to know what you have been talking about with that Prussian
comtesse
I'm terribly sorry, but I can't help you
you must talk now
I only told him he should flee because the Austrian high command was stationed in the palace
you shouldn't have told your husband that
he's a Prussian
I think that's sufficient, your excellency
to have the comtesse tried by court martial
comtesse
I deeply regret
but I must place you under arrest
stay in your room
come with me, Charlotte
cornet, you can go
your sword
the court martial will sit tomorrow evening at 7 o'clock
I'll preside
I've been a general for 15 years
and I'm on intimate terms with him
And I'll go to him now...
I'll tell him: Fritze
do with us what you will!
but you must tell us what you are going to do with us
that's right
rider
urgent message from cavalry captain Wustrow: field marshal Daun and his headquarters are in Lissa castle
we must report that at once
the royal mint
is instructed to have
the silver treasure of my palaces
coined into talers as quick as possible.
Möllendorff, what's the matter?
report from cavalry captain von Wustrow: Daun and the Austrian headquarters are stationed in Lissa
I've already thought so.
your majesty, the generals are waiting.
doesn't he know that I've ordered them to come at 2 o'clock
but your majesty knows how they are
sitting there, waiting, drinking...
and complaining...
let them wait
let them complain
but after all we would like to know what's going to happen tomorrow
what's going to happen tomorrow?
can he keep a secret?
of course, your majesty
so can I.
the council of the city of Stettin
is instructed
to undertake the building of the harbour as speedy as possible
the academy of fine arts...
what did he say, Möllendorff?
go on, spit it out
gentlemen
can you keep a secret?
sure
so can I
that's what he said
that's all
yes your majesty
message from the Ansbach-Bayreuth regiment
should the enemy advance...
the regiment will retreat to the village Borne
should the enemy advance
the regiment will retreat to the village Borne
deliver it at once
yes your majesty
the generals at 2 o'clock
- how late is it? - half past one, your majesty
one might lie down for a while
it's the Saxon officer
what's the matter?
his death sentence must be signed
the king's asleep, I cannot disturb him now
first you agreed about the sentence
now I don't want to wait
I'll see
what does he want?
your majesty, the death sentence against the Saxon officer must be signed
you're disturbing me because of that?
let him come in
the king wants to talk to him
he has brokes his promise
I gave him his freedom on his word of honour
he has been caught fighting again
there cannot be any talking of a pardon
I haven't asked your majesty for a pardon
excellent
we're both candidates of death
for him the whole business will be over in 15 minutes
for me, by tomorrow probably
if I don't achieve what I have set myself to do till tomorrow evening...
I shall no longer be among the living.
this is my firm intention.
please sit down, sir
sit down
I need a man...
who can be silent beyond the grave
please, do sit down
take this
write
my last will
write
my last will
ad. 1
In case I should be killed...
business will go on as usual
without any change
they shall bury my body
without pomp and circumstance
at night
on the terrasse at Sans-souci
ad. 2
In case
I should be captured by the enemy
I forbid
to make the least concessions for my person
in that case, my brother take over the command
and I hold him
as well as all my generals and ministers
personally responsible with their heads
that neither a province
nor a ransom will be offered for me
and that this war will be continued
as if I had never existed.
has he written it down?
yes your majesty
that's all
adieu
your majesty
I am going to die
it is an honour for any man to have been of service to the king of Prussia
but as a Saxon officer it is my deepest wish that this last will has not been written in vain.
that's possible
guard
march off the prisoner
halt
throw the man into the fortress till the armistice
but he's to keep his mouth shut...
till tomorrow!
it's 2 o'clock, gentlemen
get up, the king is waiting
better a warm stench than cold air
all step forward for the bread and schnapps rations
that smells great in here
a whole jar of schnapps, a whole basket of bread
that's funny, what does it mean?
I can tell you what that means
that's the last ration
if you want to draw food tomorrow you'll have to get it from the Austrians
there's surely something happening here
let me tell you then
I shall against all rules of war
attack the enemy forces which are three times stronger that our own wherever I can find them
I must dare this action or all is lost
we must beat the enemy
or let ourselves be buried by his batteries
that is what I think
and that is how I'm going to act
if one of you gentlemen...
is afraid...
to share all the dangers with me...
he can hand in his resignation today...
without hearing any complaint from me.
I knew beforehand
that none of you would leave me
I put my whole faith in your loyal service
in the victory which is certain now
now, gentlemen
farewell
in a short time we will have beaten the enemy
or we'll never see each other again
gentlemen
towards Leuthen
mount
where might he be heading for?
for paradise, your majesty
he is probably pious?
yes your majesty
does he imagine that up there there is someone sitting and looking after him?
but I do
I believe so
where else could we find the courage for the battle?
I suppose I am not sufficient for him?
but I assure you, you are
for the battle yes
but for the...
I know quite well what he means
what's his profession?
student of theology
I should have thought so
but he's an educated and intelligent person
even though he's a theologian
and... will He up there help us win the battle?
but certainly, your majesty
if your majesty would ask Him to
I'll tell you something:
YOU ask Him to help us!
what are they singing?
will your majesty order them to stop?
no, let them sing
with those guys I'll win the battle
Christian
you've put that nicely just now
that bit about the God the father
but...
the Fritze is someone we can count on
he'll look after us
but that's what I've been saying all the time
then for once you've got something right
good luck, grenadiers
- be brave - Jawohl
you'll see, it'll pass very smoothly
they'll march back to Potsdam, as I said
all that dirt around here
about turn
the left wing stands fast
till the right wing has executed the detour
the Prussian wages war on us
he'll attack us
but where could he attack us?
we're reinforced here and here....
I ask you, where could he attack us?
but if the Prussian were to dare...
then it would be..
silence
- the Prussians are preparing to attack - yes I know
they'll attack the right wing, I expected that, that's why we've reinforced it
no your highness. Fridericus has attacked the left wing
so he has dared...
where are you running to, turn back, you bastards, do you want to live forever?
against the enemy
his majesty shouldn't expose himself to danger too much
fire a salve
into the cemetery's walls
cavalry captain
ride the squadron into victory
attack now!
count Fincken is to attack now
the king's order
count Fincken is to attack the left wing at once
what's the matter with you
damned
don't curse now
run along
I'm done for
now now, how long do you want to stay here?
Christian
what's the matter?
my stomach
is it bad?
George, say something
Christian
I think he wants to pray
Our Father who art in heaven
hallowed be thy name
thy kingdom come
thy will be done
she doesn't want to talk
we've no time, we must be off
what can I say?
I haven't kept silent about anything and I haven't lied
you'd ease your sentence if you told us what that Prussian officer, your husband has told you
but I haven't...
but even if she knew something
she couldn't be made to talk
countess
you won't get anywhere with your threats
a comtesse Mudrach is no spy
countess, I ask you for the last time to be silent
I won't be silent
you have no right
that's not for you to decide
but count Daun has promised us...
he isn't here
write this down
the comtesse has nothing further to add to her statement
the hearing is closed
my ladies
I ask you to wait for the court-martial's decision in your rooms
come
place double guards in front of her doors
the king
cavalry captain von Wustrow with 20 hussars on the way to his quarters
join me with your hussars, cavalry captain
Is this the Breslau road leading through Lissa?
yes your excellency
who's he?
I'm the innkeeper of Saala, your excellency
come here and light my way
yes your excellency
take hold of my stirrup
- you must have suffered quite a bit - you can say that, your excellency
what gave the Prussian the idea to attack our left wing?
who else could have betrayed us?
those women here
in Lissa there has been some fishy business going on
they are taking the comtesse away to Breslau
she's to appear before a court-martial
because of espionage
a Prussian hussar officer is involved too
your majesty, allow me to ride to Lissa castle in advance
- so that your majesty won't be in danger. - are you mad?
get back
halt
put out the light
cavalry captain, chase that guard to the devil
where is the comtesse?
colonel, I hope you aren't serious about this execution
I am not in the habit to joke about such matters
she's still in the castle
go to hell
after today, mercy with such a spy would amount to high treason
that's my opinion about an officer's duty
colonel, it would be a shame for the whole army
shut up
you can do with me what you will, but I will not tolerate that a harmless woman...
I am in command here and I order the execution
bonsoir messieurs
good evening gentlemen
could you let me have something to eat?
of course, your majesty
I beg your pardon, your majesty
you must be mistaken, these are the Austrian headquarters
not any longer
I beg your pardon
but gentlemen, do sit down
pressed sausage, your majesty
unfortunately no champagne, your majesty
please
- have another slice - non merci
it's no trouble at all, your majesty
delicious
your pressed sausage
we haven't had anything like it for a long time
at least your majesty finds it tasty
perhaps conditions will improve in our country from now on
I just want to know, is he mad? or are we?
I think he is
we must do something
one could earn the order of Maria Theresia
your majesty
I must ask you to hand me your sword
the almighty God
may grant us in our lives
an eternally happy heart
and noble peace
and He shall keep us in His grace
gentlemen
I have played vabanque today
you must forgive me that you have lost at the game
bonsoir messieurs
Lotte
Hans
and God the Holy Ghost
on heaven's highest throne
Him, the triune God
as it had been in the beginning
and as it will remain
now and forever
now let us all praise God
the Father and the Son
and God the Holy Ghost
on heaven's highest throne
Him, the triune God
as it had been in the beginning
and as it will remain
now and forever
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