On Leave On a Word of Honour
gloria gloria...
This film's action takes place in autumn 1918, when the homeland had already been undermined by pacifist slogans, while the field-grey front was still steadfastly defying the whole world.
... for the fatherland
the little birds in the forest sang so beautifully...
in the homeland there will be a reunion
who knows if we will meet again
on the green shores of the Spree
who knows if we will meet again
on the green shores of the Spree
hey you!
on the green shores of the Spree!
reunion!
bullshit
how refined your speech is right now
it's been four years we've been listening to that song
and what's the outcome?
leave is dumped, the homeland is dumped
I'm fed up with it all
Emil, stop it. it's not my fault
shut up, you old beard-scraper
you've started with that damned song
and what about you? at the waking call, you've all bleated like goats about the fucked-up leave
and now you're singing like the salvation army "O sole mio"
if we go on like that, we'll soon be a chorus society
no wonder, it'll soon be the fifth year of the war
I didn't start the war
and it won't end because of your big lip
the war will never end
why do they send us back to the front without any leave?
it looks fishy out there, I tell you
but we are entitled to leave before going back to the front, even we recruits are
entitled entitled?
you milksop
a hero's death is what we're entitled to, nothing else
and I had been looking forward to my leave so much
because I wanted to visit my Adelheid in Berlin
I even saved half a ration of bread for her
you'd better eat it yourself, you half-ration
otherwise your Adelheid won't recognize you
- talking about women again? - on the contrary
about the cancelled leave
leave and women, that's all he thinks about
pass me a light
I can tell you one thing
if we should really pass through Berlin
you won't see me again
not me
if if
don't get exited, my boy, just throw your cards away
grand slam from the hand with threes, tailor and "black" announced too
now you'll die a hero's death
take it easy, let me see your hand
here you are, not one trick!
I tell you, lucky in love and lucky at cards
oh well, love...
it would be great if we should pass through Berlin though
I have some business to do there
do you imagine they'd send us through Berlin since half of our company are Berliners
they know all about it
one of us might disappear quietly
a child's game
I will overhear that remark
18 - got it 20 - got it
luckily not all guys are such bastards as you are
24 - got it 30 - pass
you too? look at that
- my name's not Kirchhoff - Herr Kirchhoff
guys!
what's the matter
I'm going crazy
say, what's the matter
Berlin! we'll get to Berlin alright
Rosengarten! it's true!
we're going directly to Berlin
Berlin
boy, we'll make it
well old sourpuss, what do you say now?
we'll be getting to Berlin after all
at last. then the war's over
I won't be leaving Berlin again. Berlin is big.
and I guess they will win the war without me
don't get caught, my boy, they don't shoot with blanks
shooting a pig (soldier) coming from the front? that's not done any more
not a "front-pig", no. but a pig!
now gentlemen, what about our game?
??? is trump
no, Berlin is trump, professor
now I've something very important to do
now you two philosophers are speechless, aren't you
- where's the old man? - next door
what business does Hartmann have with the lieutenant all the time? does he know him well?
they've been together since '16 when the lieutenant had been a volunteer
and I think Hartmann has dug him out of the trench once
shoot
you know, lieutenant
you see, I'd like to, right at the Silesian station
when we arrive there, I'll be home in five minutes
I could spend half an hour with my wife and children
while you are marching to the Potsdam station
even more, it'll take you an hour marching through the town
and if I join you by tram I'll be right on time too
with greatest pleasure, my dear Hartmann
but what about the others?
why?
then everybody will want leave
all the Berliners would want to go home too
where will that lead me to?
listen, first injured, then base hospital, reconvalescent company
one week drill and now straight back to the front without any leave
is that right?
- am I any better? - you aren't
four years in the trenches
three times injured
and now back to the front without leave
my dear Hartmann, it's impossible, really
our regiment has to move to the western front tomorrow
on top of it? "thick air"? and we're in it too?
I don't know
It gives me such a funny feeling
who knows if I will ever see my wife or my children again
but Hartmann! an old hand like you
we've gone through lots of danger together
no, without leave
that's not right
it's no use
get it out of your head
think of the others
the piano concerto I wrote in the hospital
maybe I'll be able to listen to it after all
in Berlin
do you think they will give us enough leave?
my old teacher wrote me that he was ecstatic
he even studied the work with his class
then I might be able to see Vera
of course
even if it's only for a few hours
it would mean so much to me
Vera
her last letters had been so strange, so...
so cold and distant
it must be the separation
but once we've seen each other and talked it over...
then it'll all be alright again perhaps
sure
you mean bastards. give me back my bread
who stole my bread?
tasted good too
give me back my bread
don't torture the poor boy, he's been starving himself for his girl
here you are, we were just having a bit of fun
I'd have killed you if you had eaten it
love must be sweet
be peaceful kid, pick up your guns
Berlin - Silesian station
station commander Silesian station
lieutenant Prätorius with 70 reserve soldiers to join infantry regiment 435
thank you, I know
you'll proceed to Brandenburg and join the newly formed infantry regiment 435
- leaving for the front tonight - yes captain
I'll check when your connection leaves
Falk speaking, say, Herr von Treskow, I have 70 men here who are to proceed to Brandenburg
when will the connecting train leave?
one moment
not earlier than 6.30
thank you
you've some time left yet
you can only move on at 6.30
but that's six hours
the men will be happy
half of them are Berliners
but you don't imagine to give them leave?
that's strictly forbidden
some of them might forget to report back
but I know my men, captain, some of them even from outside (civilian life)
don't do anything foolish
we're in the fifth year of the war
it's so easy to get underground in Berlin
I strongly advise you to take military police along, one never knows
I'll give you six men
that's unnecessary captain, I trust my men
as you please
you're taking the responsibility
and where are we to spend the six hours, captain?
the Potsdam station is big enough, anyway you'll have to march an hour
- good luck, and keep your flock of sheep together - thank you sir
at ease
eyes straight
column left wheel
company at attention
eyes straight
at ease
we'll march to the Potsdam station, we'll leave only at 6.30
- see to it that the men are making a decent impression in Berlin - yes sir
shoulder arms
column right wheel
forward march
what's the matter? marching us off impossible now that we're in Berlin
those bastards
- what about our leave? - forget it, we'll leave at 6.30
6.30? but then we're 6 hours in Berlin!
forget about our leave?
six hours in Berlin and not get home
but I have to go to my Adelheid
no way, we'll leave immediately
- do you think that right? - no
what a fuck-up. six hours in Berlin and no leave
no leave? we'll see about that
I'll go on my own. Me too
imagine, six hours in Berlin
six hours in Berlin?
- lieutenant - Hartmann, what's got into you?
are you mad?
I hear we'll only leave in six hours
- then we'll get leave, won't we? - out of the question
too dangerous. Berlin is a bad spot right now
but you know me. I've always been a decent soldier
but I must get home. I live very close by. I couldn't stand it
you tell me the minute when I should be back at the station, lieutenant, and I'll be there
my word of honour
very well, the train leaves at 6.30
you'll report back to me at 6 sharp at the Potsdam station
now off to mother!
have you all gone completely mad?
back to the ranks
double quick
company, attention
- have you gone all mad? - go home, boys
- it's all rubbish anyway - let them finish their war themselves
order!
front man
what's gotten into you all of a sudden?
I won't stand it!
you'll march through Berlin like decent soldiers
not like a group of muttons
the guy's got the stuff it needs
he surely told them
company, forward march
yes, your daddy is here
golly kid, how you've grown up
I already go to school
did you learn something, did you study hard?
Emil, good day my boy
you've come through the winter quite well
you've written me a great letter
it took you quite an effort, didn't it?
but you write Kohlrüben (turnips) with Ü, not with I
here you are too, Fritzchen
and who's the young lady?
is it my Erna?
good day, my child
you're helping your mother a lot I heard
where is she?
at work, but she must be back soon
- her shift isn't finished yet? - she's on her last round
Fritze, take my gun
and don't shoot any sparrows
Erna will take my backpack
and Emil - here
I'll run along, maybe I'll catch her
- can't we come with you, father? - no, stay here, I'll be back soon
why don't you take a nap on the rails, you...
idiot
you can ring the bell, but you know nothing about conducting
very true, women should darn socks, not drive tramways
what did you say?
- Heinrich - Here I am
little Anna
I tell you, men's work it is
that was sudden
Heinrich
- did they give you leave? - they did Anna, I got it
- you surely haven't forgotten conducting - I haven't
- but you must let me drive into the depot - why?
otherwise the boss will "give me a cigar"
I used to know him in the depot
it's good to get your hands on something else than just that damned gun
that's mean. he let Hartmann go
I have the loaf of bread for Adelheid, and I won't be able to give it to her
I'll try at the next corner
it'll be easier at the station
silence in the ranks
Wilhelmplatz
and now straight home
the switch is jamming
we don't have enough oil
you don't have enough men either, don't you
Anna, what do you think you're doing?
what if Heini knew...
he knows it, Eugen
I'm going crazy, but that's him
yes sir
wait a sec, I'll just drive the tramway into the depot, then you can take us with you in your limousine
great, then we'll be home quickly
how long will you be able to stay, Heinrich?
Anna, I'll have to be at the station at 6
what? you can't stay overnight?
no, sorry
but you have blinds on your windows, don't you
Potsdam station
so, till the departure you may stay at the station
yes, first lieutenant
- make yourselves comfortable, you have five hours - yes I know sir
but, my young friend, we're having a tender beefsteak for dinner, so...
- if you want to have dinner with me... - thank you, but I'll have dinner with my men
as you wish, good luck
well, Schnettelker, is it tasty?
yes, lieutenant
- here's the lieutenant's ration - thanks
those poor guys are to sit here for five hours
and half of them are Berliners
makes me want to vomit
yes sir
sergeant, is there nothing one can do?
about our leave
how could the lieutenant grant it?
do you imagine everyone will report back? Will you the responsibility for this?
for everybody? no
but I must get home
lieutenant
lieutenant, I have 10 minutes to walk
then I'd be with my wife
she's pregnant in the 8th month
well, difficult
it this really true?
yes sir
and if my wife ever learns that I've been in Berlin
and that I haven't gone to see her...
that could bring about a misfortune
well
could you promise
to be here half an hour before the train's departure?
my word of honour, lieutenant
if you shirk, man
I'm in a bad way
the lieutenant can rely on me
you'll be back at 6 sharp
lieutenant, I...
my belt, where's my belt
I'm off, I'm on leave
what? he too?
why?
that's too much
first Hartmann, then Schmiedecke
what about us?
then we'll want to go on leave too
follow me
what do you want?
lieutenant
you've granted Schmiedecke leave too
there are so many Berliners among us
so we thought...
but that's impossible
it's their home, lieutenant
even if it were only for an hour
just one hour, lieutenant
I...
- lieutenant lieutenant - silence
attention
form ranks
at ease
Berliners, step forward
- but I' not from Berlin - Neither am I. doesn't matter, maybe we'll get leave too
silence
gentlemen
I'll grant you leave
against all orders
on my own responsibility
I know that no one among you will let me down
our train leaves at 6.30
at 6 o'clock at the latest everyone of you will have reported back to me
6 o'clock at the latest
understood?
yes sir
if only one of you is missing
I'll get a court-martial
can I rely on you?
my word of honour, lieutenant
my word of honour
6 o'clock
sharp
yes sir
such an opportunity can't be missed
the Berliners seem to have doubled in numbers
yes, Berlin is a beautiful city, lieutenant
so you'd like to get leave too?
I'd like to, lieutenant, but...
very well, ask who else wants to get away and show the men around Berlin
- but you'll be back on time! - yes sir
thank you, sir
(in the dialect of East Prussia) and if the spotted brown has her calf...
you'd better get the old Blakeys
but no Russian
why no Russian?
nurse, it's hard to explain
but I won't have another Russian on the farm
and now the greeting, yes?
and you must sign yourself
sister Inge, a glass of water please
sister Inge, please lift my leg again
kids, it's your turn soon
please sign
but it's hard with the left
much better than with the right
but with my right, I never could write anyway
well Nikolai, I'll post your letter and now it's the others' turn
- sister Inge - what is it?
- telephone - for me?
yes, go ahead
but you mustn't
excuse me nurse, it won't happen again
yes please
sister Inge
who?
Prätorius?
Walter Prätorius?
how nice of you to call me
but how did you know I worked here?
very easy. I called at your home, they told me you were a nurse at the base hospital
I see. And why did you look for me?
any special reason?
perhaps
I'm passing through
my train leaves at 6.30 for the front
I'm...
alone at the station
I'm waiting for my men
I thought of the times when we used to see each other
in Potsdam
do you remember?
and you're calling me because of this?
not only because of this
I want to see you
I absolutely must see you before I return to the front
that's impossible
I'm on duty
really, it's impossible
but...
if you're so lonely...
maybe I'll find someone to keep you company
no thanks
I wanted to see only you
only you
do you see?
but if you don't want to...
very well
farewell
hallo
I'm fed up today
heavy duty it was
first five operations
and then all those new patients
I really earned my day off
I beg your pardon, I didn't realize you were still talking
what's the matter?
did you get a sad message?
no
but he's feeling so lonely
and no one is with him at the moment
who is?
Walter Prätorius
you know, the one I told you about
the hero of your dreams whose portrait you always hide so carefully?
I mean, if he's so terribly lonely, if he doesn't know at all what to do...
perhaps I could cheer up the lieutenant a bit?
no, it had rather be me
sister Inge, you're on duty at the base hospital, not at the Potsdam station
but like I said, I might act as your deputy at the station
talking about deputy, how about it if you, sister Maria...
quick, sister Maria, Schröder's bandages must be changed
he wants only you to do it
you see, everybody wants you
you're irreplaceable
but not at the station
unfortunately I'm not
Peter
oh Peter
Fräulein Vera? she doesn't live here any more
she lives now in the studio where she works
with the professor Knudsen that's what he's called
but I've sent all my letters to this address
yes, she came here to fetch your letters
Prof. H. Knudsen Vera Georgi
Professor Knudsen?
yes?
I would like to see Fräulein Vera Georgi
yes, but Fräulein Georgi is...
Hans
I see
here is where you're living now
yes
Hans
but I...
your landlady... you've moved out of your room months ago
and you've let me write to your old address
don't you have anything to tell me?
Vera
perhaps may I explain to Herr Wegener that...
you!
don't have to explain anything to me!
barber - hairdressing salon Franz Krawutke
here I am
Julius
do you want to kill me?
Julius
my boy
here I am
easy with it, I've stayed alive in the war so far
don't cry mother
- you should be glad - I am
I'm not on the casualty list yet
my boy
my boy, where do you come from?
war's over, mother
what's for dinner?
sure my boy. good heavens, I don't have anything
nothing?
the meat rations are used up
I got my bread on credit
I'll go next door to Frau Weber
perhaps she'll borrow me some turnips
turnips?
what's new!
little Hans, are you glad that I'm back home?
now Frau Krawutke, finish me off, will you
mother you stay where you are, I'll finish this boy here
makes no difference to me
gosh, it's like Christmas
but father Krause, where's your beautiful belly?
my belly! I've gotten rid of it long ago
don't worry. you'll soon have it back
now they're cooking up something out there
Hindenburg has specially requested me
high time that they make an end to it out there
they haven't advanced one meter in the last offensive
no wonder, I'd been in the base hospital at the time
how? were you injured?
no, just a nervous breakdown
why?
I got frightened by the tanks
that must be amazing things, those tanks
rubbish! all you need to know is how to treat those things
open up the lid, a hand grenade inside and the whole box goes up in flames
a child's game
Julius, you are quite a hero
this is my theory
well the others are... I didn't want to push myself into the first row
I see
Artists' hotel Aurora
boy, now you're going to have the time of your life
you're going to see some "action"
my good boy, here you can...
some action
sleeping beauty
she had even been sleeping when I enlisted
Aurora!
my God
Herr Pichel
is the war over?
no, sleeping beauty, you go on sleeping
where's Dolores?
room 7, as usual
but they're still all asleep
old trick, saves you a breakfast
come on, boy
now you'll see how I wake them up
get up
get out of the bunk, and be quick about it
who's there?
requisitioning
the Rudi
where do you come from?
Rudi
Dolores
but you've grown heavy
with that rationing?
say, have you been true to me?
now and then
I don't want to hear any complaints!
that's the little Hellwig from Prenzlau
pleased
that's Fräulein Dolores Schulze from Pankow (working-class district of Berlin) on the Panke
my partner and so on...
not since the war, and so on...
Rudi
the Rudi has come, the persona gratis
I've even brought my adjutant
The Rudi
Ilonka, beloved fiery Hungarian Puszta girl
do you still have so much paprika in your heart
and Tokayer in your veins?
Rudi, I feel so lonely
I've paprika in my heart, but men are as rare as butter
as butter?
at the varieté, nothing but women
no men any more
what about me?
I meant men
here's the next generation
look at his growth
he lifts a whole sack with one hand
he'll be a decent artist one day
artist? I say!
artist? well if my father...
you father, go on! what does such an old commercial counselor know about our noble art?
Ilonka, I'll hand him over to you
train him, make a man out of him
kids, put on your best clothes, then to my room
I've a whole bottle of cognac left
a love token from an army supplier
long may they live, three times
again: long may they live, three times
bravo Kalle, you haven't forgotten about your accordion
kids, have another, this will give you strength, you'll need it
no, I see everything double already
double, be glad about it, girl
and what does Heini say about it?
hot
sure it's hot
I've distilled it myself from nettles
Grete, don't swallow the spoon
that was tasty
you don't get fried potatoes every day
the poor worm doesn't even know the taste of a buttered slice of bread
isn't that so, snotty nose?
the good Sunday apron
today is a holiday
not a holiday, it's a wedding
let's hear a tune
we bind your virgin's wreath
virgin's wreath, they exaggerate
why not, it's been six months
kids, I think it's going to rain
I mean it's getting late
about time to go to bed
kids, you embarrass me
Eugen, you're a friend
I have a delivery to make anyway, it's still early
the kids can play at my place for the time
my rabbit has delivered some young
you're so sweet
after all one has a heart
get going kids, the bell's ringing
you want to go already?
did the bell ring finally?
now let's sing the wedding anthem all together
now let us all take our leave
because this reunion had been so nice
have fun my dear, and take it easy
I'll come for you at 5.30 and take you to the station with my limousine
great. I can count on you I hope
word on honour
auf wiedersehen
good that you're here
I still can't believe it
I've longed for you so much
me too, Anna
and when they told us today that we'd be passing through Berlin...
I was beside myself
corporal Wegener reporting back from leave
what's the matter? you've seen enough of Berlin already?
yes sir
what's the matter?
nothing, sir
here's the transport leader, colonel they've arrived an hour ago
- I'll have a look at the men. when will they move on? - 6.30
the main thing is that they be in Brandenburg on time I want to have my regiment ready by then
- who's in command? - Lieutenant Prätorius
pleased to meet you
you've been assigned to my regiment, 435?
yes colonel
I'd like to have a look at the men
- good men? - very good men, colonel
but where are they?
they're on leave
they'll be back in 5 hours, they're all Berliners, colonel
what?
have you gone mad?
don't you know that Berlin is full of deserters?
how many do you think will report back?
I think, all of them, colonel
what do you say to this?
that's irresponsible
I say nobody will report back
not if they're from Berlin
haven't you been warned, lieutenant?
yes, major
but I know my men
since when are you an officer?
one year at the front, colonel
then you'll know what will happen to you if only one man is missing
I realize that, colonel
I'll eagerly await the scum you'll bring me to Brandenburg
I'll be expecting your report, lieutenant
if only one man is missing, prepare yourself for the worst
a good day
a good day, colonel
End war! Karl Liebknecht World revolution will come
cheers Emil, you haven't forgotten to dance
kids, it's great to be here
and this is how we live every day
cheers
you could live like that too
you just have to want to
you'd be mighty stupid, Emil, if you went out again into the mess
rolling in cash
waiter, another round
and we'll need a few more courageous guys for the party
well I don't know
we've been waiting for one like you
I don't know
I'm so glad that I have you back, and you fool want to get back
you don't have to go if you don't want to
no, you don't have to
but we need you here in Berlin, when we'll start
we've organized it all on a grand scale
our comrades are in every factory
if you're worried about papers...
it's a child's game to us
I ran away 6 months ago
I have papers now which are 100% alright
I know someone, for 50 marks he'll make a Spaniard out of you
what does he need a passport for? the party will look after everything
in a few weeks we'll strike. till then we'll hide him
no no
if I hadn't promised the lieutenant, if I hadn't shaken hands on it...
I know him
from outside
I can't get him into trouble
say, listen...
tango
his lieutenant will be waiting in vain for that one
my God
when I think of the world outside
thanks
and this place
a table all set, a soft bed
you
and I've eaten my fill at last
full up
full up already?
for the time, yes?
I raise my glass to the most charming, the most intelligent and the most experienced old maid of Berlin
I thank the brave warrior for those warm words of appreciation
how happy I am
I won't be leaving this place
do you imagine I'll let you go again?
you're safe and sound with me
"World Peace"
here you can feel safe
feeling safe with that stuff lying around?
if they catch us with it...
nonsense
are those the new pamphlets you're writing with Hellriegel?
yes, with Hellriegel
and you're to make the drawings for it
they'll add the right "pepper"
but the police calls it high treason
high-treason, one has to earn one's living, doesn't one
after all, I'm working for peace
doesn't matter anyway
not now
later
Hellriegel expects me in the café
Hellriegel, what business have you with this Hellriegel?
I can't stand his face
don't worry, a strictly Platonic affair
you and Platonic!
that's like a tiger eating grass
- who's there? - me, Gustav
- the Gustav - good day
where do you come from?
we're off to the front. where's your sister?
- Adelheid is away - what?
- where to? - to the West, Konstanzer Str. no. 13 director Wehrholz
I've ran all the way and she isn't here
I even brought her half a loaf of army bread
what? one whole half of an army loaf?
with no ration card?
how long will she be working there?
she was going to finish work at 4 today
she wanted to do some errands
I think I'd rather leave
such a long way, more than an hour isn't it?
I don't know if I've the change for the tramway
you couldn't lend me a groschen?
mother's working at the factory, she doesn't leave me any money
she's afraid I'll buy myself something to eat
then I'll drive as far as the money will get me
good-bye
you could leave the bread here
I'd like some of that bread
no, but that's my present for Adelheid
I prefer to give it to her myself
take care
can't you play anything else, I'm tired of those love songs
I suppose he's never been in love
it's you!
as you see
I thank you
but how did you manage to get here?
and so fast
I'm exhausted
I had a hard time with sister Maria till she let me have her day off
she insisted on coming herself
so you hadn't been indifferent after all
to the fact of my being alone here
I had the feeling that I had to go to you
I don't know
somehow I was afraid for you
afraid for me?
yes, the tone of your voice reminded me of those times when we had been together in Potsdam
it was a few hours before you had to leave for the front
do you remember?
of course I do
I remember everything
there had been a terrible noise around us
people were artificially funny
danced like mad
only we weren't...
how beautiful your eyes are
say, where are your men?
I've given them leave
till 6
you've given them leave, like that?
haven't you been reckless?
don't you know that all Berlin is under an evil spell
thousands of deserters are said to be hiding here
perhaps it had been foolish
but imagine...
70 men
most of them from Berlin
should get to the front directly from base hospital, without any leave
they are begging for leave
what would you have done?
probably the same thing
after having visited the palace, the cathedral and the other places of historical interest in the empire's capital...
I'll show you now the place where Germany's glorious arms have found their eternal resting place
the Zeughaus (army museum)
gentlemen, I'll pay for your entrance fee and collect later
follow me please
columns right wheel
forward march
how many tickets?
- 15. how much? - 1 mark 50, sergeant
(Saxon accent) good heavens, Zeughaus, they're exhibiting guns
I thought it was some kind of cinema
(Bavarian accent) Good God, what's that!
we've seen nothing but guns for four years
and now he's showing us some more guns, just for the fun of it
(accent of Hamburg) and we're to pay for it on top of it
(accent of Cologne) - pay for it! - utter nonsense
we could have had something to drink for that money
the sergeant ought to stick his guns up his arse
come on kids, we'll "pour some on his lamp"
but gentlemen, don't you appreciate....
of course sergeant, but we could appreciate a place much more where we could down a few pints
to your health
and that we see each other again very soon
and I drink to your quick reunion with your men
are you very worried about me?
you don't have to cough because of that
cheers
let's have another drop from the little mug with the handle
cheers
oh Susanna, life is beautiful
well Gems, will you pay for a round?
I don't have any money
let's borrow some from the sergeant
no way, I won't borrow
ask him
gentlemen, a decent man never borrows money from his friends
and we don't have any enemies
- You (Sie)! - you can call me "you" (Du)
look here, 12 tickets for the Zeughaus
couldn't we exchange them for beer?
everyone dreams of love, everyone knows a heart's torture
whether king or beggar
only love makes us happy
everyone dreams of the sun
everyone has a piece of luck
only love pleases God's creature
every little heart wants to be happy just once
love is life's element
you're searching for it in vain
love comes all of its own, you cannot force it
a glance from a pair of beautiful eyes
I'm love, catch me
love is life's element
you're searching for it in vain
love comes all of its own, you cannot force it
Olé
how you're staring at me
how beautifully you dance
thank you. but I can do other things as well
kids, life is short, but war is long
the great warrior is shy
your health
how long have you been in the war?
I'm going to the front for the first time
I'm only 18
only 18
and I'm already 18
hear hear. I always thought you were 18 when the war was over (1871)
I'll make some music for them
where's my suckling baby?
don't worry, Ilonka knows how to take care of him
really, my dear Hagen
I congratulate you
your composition is wonderful
powerful
stirring
there's the war in it
yes professor
the war is in it
as soon as I got the concerto from you
I studied it with my class
and now you yourself shall conduct it
professor
please
strange
I am so happy
and still...
I'm afraid
afraid? I know about that
that we had been at peace once...
and that we'll be at peace again once more...
can you believe that?
no
war has become our life
it has become a force of its own
there is nothing else besides
nothing else at all?
what would you do if there were peace?
peace
being free
lying in the grass
somewhere
for once not being responsible for others
and then to tell you what I feel in my heart
why can't you do that now?
I can listen to you here too, at the army's train station
in the midst of war
even if you have to get back to the front in a few hours
that's just the point
I can't speak with you the way I want because we'll have to separate in a few hours
that would be too cruel to myself
and perhaps also too cruel for you
we should have a garden
and when you come home from work our boy would run to you
do you know it'll be a boy
feel it
- do you feel it? - yes
only a boy can be that strong
and when there's peace again, Ilonka
and when I'll come back
then I'll marry you
you silly boy
I'm serious, Ilonka
or don't you want to?
you child. of course I want to
but till then you'll have learned how fast one forgets women
I'm telling you, mother, once the war is over
yes boy, I wish it were over yet
listen mother, then I'll open a fine salon, with all the extras
- where - on the Kurfürstendamm
- why there? - it's nicer than in our quarter
I'll be in charge of our 12 apprentices and I'll be the manager
and you'll be the cashier ringing those coins
it'll be completely different from this place, mother
one cuts the hair
to the left there sits a blonde, a sharp girl, well turned out
taking care of the nails
and on the floor another one is sitting, cutting your corns
no, I won't have that!
but mother, that's a pedicure
now you're surprised, are you?
I've learned all that in Brussels
war has its good sides too
Julius
I'd like to see Fräulein Adelheid Krause, she's a seamstress at director Werthauer's
but then she's a servant. go to the back entrance, young man
can't you read? only for visitors
stuck-up fool
good day, director, such beautiful weather
back entrance, round the corner
excuse me, but I've come to fetch Fräulein Adelheid Krause who works here
she's just left, young man
but run along, maybe you'll catch her, she left by the front entrance
listen, has the Fräulein I've come to see come out here?
maybe she came out, I don't pay attention to everybody
you know, a small thin girl with a small nose
- and with freckles? - that's her!
- she's left - what?
and you haven't called me, you old stinker
as I'll be leaving for the front and...
get lost, you rascal, or...
yes please
I don't have any money, conductress, but...
if you'd accept bread?
I only need a two-change ticket
of course, young man
bread is better than cash
hand it over
I'd like to have passengers like this any day
yes, my dear, whether you believe it or not
I am well informed about the psychology of the front soldier
- you must know - indeed
perhaps better than you do
I've returned eight days ago
from the front
why shouldn't he? do you own the front?
we've made a very instructive round tour of the mine field with the press
round tour? with the bus, wasn't it?
old phrases
we know them by heart
phrases, yes
nothing but phrases
of course, phrases
what else. by the way gentlemen, the affair had even been a bit dangerous
you don't say
we even feared for our lives
- just imagine... - I want to vomit
we're standing on a kind of hill...
suddenly a thundering noise
planes attack
we throw ourselves on the ground
your friend Hellriegel
and explosions as if the world would end
the earth trembles
800 meters before us three bombs explode
fountains of earth up to the sky
my heart stopped beating
and your bowels started moving
what's the matter with you, Kirchhoff?
why didn't you get the "Pour le mérite" order, Herr Hellriegel?
I don't understand you anymore
this is not about personal matters
why so aggressive?
aggressive? indeed! I'd like to punch you in the face
I thought you'd be doing some serious work around here
I had even been prepared to end it all to work with you for the revolution
but what do I see? idiots what do I hear? phrases
and what do I see: a man who's betraying our idea
you've betrayed that long ago yourselves
you needn't take any leave to tell us that
take leave? what do you know!
Lulu, you're coming?
or...
go with him. we need him. bring him back
I know that. just nerves
5.30 high time
there's still time left
how much such a few hours can give one
just imagine professor, if I had been sitting on that desolate platform instead
thank your lieutenant for it
also from our part
that we could have you here
members of this music school dead for the fatherland
professor
won't you keep the score?
but why?
it's better that way
say, Adelheid must be here now
I've gone after her, but she had just left when I came
no Gustav, she isn't here yet
but she'll be here any minute now
and I've hurried so to catch her
I even sold my beautiful bread for a bus ticket
and I had been so looking forward to it, eating my fill once again
if you can't talk serious matters with me, lieutenant, at least we'll have some fun
have fun? now?
but perhaps you're right
can't you play anything else?
something funny
some dance tune
I see, after all
I haven't danced for some time
the last time it had been with you
that long?
you were so afraid, you thought you'd never learn
you make a face as if you still haven't learned
really, I haven't learned how to dance yet
you know, I'd like to try it with you here
why not?
come on, nobody's looking
how beautiful. one could forget everything
but not the war
what's the matter?
it seems I haven't learned it yet
no you haven't
now I think I have forgotten to dance
König, you'd better stay right here. you belong into the monkey's cage
you fool, I couldn't take your place
silence, gentlemen we are standing before the great ape
according to Darwin we originate from those animals
you haven't really changed that much
I hope you won't hold that against me, but the difference to you isn't that great either
silence gentlemen
this animal had been born in the forests of Sumatra and had been presented to the Berlin zoo in 1914
by whom?
by his majesty the emperor of Abyssinia
holy mackerel. it's 6 o'clock
high time
where are our two Sunday children
Ilonka
six o'clock, high time
tear yourself away from your young happiness
I have to deliver the boy in time
a soldier may be drunk, but never unpunctual
that's what I think
unfortunately you're both: drunk and unpunctual
you're supposed to be there now
and it'll take you 20 minutes to get there
good heavens. then you'll have to pay for a cab
naturalemente
the young love
what do you mean? we've just been chatting a bit
chatting? come on, kids
into the cab
Pichel, I must tell you something
I won't go back with you
you've turned soft, have you?
I want to stay with Ilonka forever
ok, you may sit next to her in the cab
here, before I shall kick your arse
where is she?
if she doesn't come now, I'll have to borrow the money for the tramway, I won't make it any more
and if I run, the train will be gone
the beautiful bread, and you gave it away
and Adelheid won't come anyway
I can't wait any longer
if I run the whole way, maybe I'll make it to the station
well, give my love to Adelheid
tell her that I would have liked to have seen her just a moment before going back to the front
who knows whether I'll ever...
6.10 only 20 minutes left
and nobody here yet
20 long minutes
time enough to tell me what you couldn't tell me before
I want to know very badly
couldn't you tell me now?
but Inge, I...
corporal Schmiedecke, reporting back from leave
corporal Hagen, reporting back from leave
and I thank the lieutenant that I could go home
and my wife sends her greetings too
she says it'll be a boy for sure
great, Schmiedecke
well Hagen, how was it?
I'll never forget what the lieutenant did for me
I'm glad, Hagen
you see, they're coming back
I knew it
and that's why I let them go
I too would have granted leave to those two
but are all of them like those two?
yes, all of them
almost all of them
then you should have held back the others
don't you make my life harder too
just now, when the colonel...
calm yourself
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you
then they'll come
6.13
yes, 6.13
can't you forget the war for just a moment?
forget the war?
the war doesn't forget me
that's it
you have no idea what will happen to me if my men won't come back
and then...
am I to tell you now...
that I...
yes
you're to tell me now
now
Inge
now
I'm taking a bit of peace
back to the front
well sergeant, has everybody arrived?
four still missing, you scoundrels
don't be so strict, first lieutenant
sergeant, do you notice something?
yes, you're drunk
that we are anyway
I mean, don't you notice anything else?
have a good look at that one here
I don't notice anything
you see, a boy and a man left, and two men came back
you cannot explain such a thing, it's psychology
come Julius
- but mother! - why not
- what's the matter, Krawutke - my mother wanted to meet the lieutenant
- lieutenant, he had been telling such nice things about you - is that so?
- a good day lieutenant. - a good day, Frau lieutenant.
Frau lieutenant, my Julius is always so brave
even as a boy he always couldn't keep his mouth shut
Frau lieutenant, perhaps you could support me with your husband
that he'll look after the boy a bit
but Frau Krawutke, you shouldn't be afraid
I'm not afraid for my husband either
don't be afraid, Frau Krawutke
really, lieutenant?
the way those women imagine war
how good it is that you understand me, Frau lieutenant
one doesn't have an easy life with those men
yes, one doesn't have an easy life with those men
step forward, to the guns
pick up arms
6.15 lieutenant. everybody's here, except Jahnke, Kirchhoff, Sasse, Hartmann
damned
I don't worry about Hartmann
yes, but the others, Kirchhoff, Sasse
Kirchhoff is one of those reds too, isn't he?
but Sasse!
Sasse had always been a good soldier
yes sir, but lately he only stirred up trouble
this could get really bad
but it's only four
I won't go home, home I won't go
that piece of tin, what can you buy for it? and that's what you risked your life for
take off your hands, you snotty lout. I'm sensitive about that
listen to me, that's all one big eyewash
only you can fall for something like it
you've got it here, but there nothing but liquid air
a piece of tin like that I can buy for 6 pence
I've had enough
Emil, be peaceful
Emil
get lost
now you know how you get a piece of that tin
you arseholes
6.21
so it's agreed, you'll become a party member
we'll get rid of Hellriegel somehow
leave that to me
stop looking at your watch for a moment
give me a light
then we two will run the shop
there's enough money
and that's the main thing
why do you look at your watch all the time?
it 6.22 now
6.22
get into the train
Inge, if the four will let me down...
be calm, you've another 7 minutes
all of them might still come
Hartmann will come, even if it's at the last second
but the others...
so, you'll concentrate on your drawings
the day after tomorrow our new pamphlet will come out
we'll need at least five pictures
sharp, hitting the target, aggressive
motto: peace at all costs
but that's ridiculous
you don't even listen to me
6.28
two minutes before departure
in any case, we'll take the baggage of the missing men
but Hartmann!
where's Hartmann?
- first lieutenant. - well, have all your sheep come back in time?
four men are still missing
I regret that
but it's a transport train
surely we could wait a few more minutes
I'm sorry, that's out of the question
everything has been organized to the second
the train must be in the side track on time, so that the 7 o'clock express train can pass by
but we've still lots of time, perhaps they'll come after all
if half of the men had stayed away
that wouldn't have angered me as much as Hartmann
what are you going to do?
I'll hold my head out for them
tell me where the men live, I'll go to them, take them here, send them after you
Inge
you must come back
look at this, that's Sasse
that's Sasse
you see, one less
man, we already saw you on the ???
shut up
in the homeland there will be a reunion
come back
I've ran so much my lungs have almost burst, and now the train's gone
do you belong to the transport?
yes
how could you be so irresponsibly late?
how could you let down your lieutenant?
do you know what he went through because of you?
Fräulein, I didn't have any bus fare, I had to run
I ran all the way
because I didn't have any fare
- when will the next train to Brandenburg leave? - in 25 minutes, an express train
thank you
you must take the express train, I'll buy you a ticket
wait
Gustav
there you are
as soon as I heard from little Christine I drove after you
Adelheid
I ran after you for five hours
and the beautiful bread is gone too
the main thing is, I could still see you
Heini, get up
get up
where's my gun
good heavens
the train
damned
you stupid fool, you were going to wake me
what am I to do now?
but I was going to, but I had a puncture on the way, and...
you've no telephone
what am I to do?
I don't know what to do
and I promised the lieutenant that I'll be back on time
and I'm the only one he granted leave
I told him "you can rely on me"
and now...
I won't survive that
girl, I won't survive that
me neither
it's all my fault
it's my fault
I'm guilty as well
guilt, so what? I'll have to face the consequences
I'll have to hold out my head
what will they do to him?
he'll be shot at dawn
good God
you're the guy to joke right now!
I won't have it
don't get mad, there'll be more trains
you don't say, they'll get me a special train, won't they
who knows if I can rejoin them tomorrow morning
the others may have left by then, and I'll face a court-martial
no, I'll have to go after them right now
even if I ran the whole way
you keep on running, you'll catch them for sure
Eugen, you're my friend
you must help me, you must drive me with your lorry
you can't ask that, the lorry is loaded with furniture
rubbish, the furniture won't run off, but with me it's a matter of life and death
but it's not my lorry, if the boss hears about it I'm fired
don't talk, the trains are driving slow nowadays, you'll catch up with them easily
you with your 50 PS
alright, it doesn't matter anymore
- you'll do it? - yes, get dressed
my belt
get off that lorry, you monkeys
I told you you're not to climb the lorry
today it's not possible
- shall we let the kids have some fun? - nothing matters anymore
I want to go with you too
sure, get up
now everybody's on board
what's the matter? off we go
those rascals
of course the lieutenant will have to report those men immediately to the military police at Brandenburg
especially that Kirchhoff
that red brother
very well, write a report
yes sir
so, Jahnke, Kirchhoff,
and...
Hartmann
go on, push on the pedal
can't you drive faster
I must catch them
we'll catch him
what's going on there?
kids, look at that
that's him, Anna, my lieutenant
Hartmann, you old prune
you've finally made it
come back to mother, we'll give you a good hiding
golly, they're stopping
lieutenant, you must excuse me
I've overslept
you've oversleep during your leave?
well, lieutenant, you see...
lieutenant, it had all been my fault
that's her, Anna, my wife
the lieutenant knows all about her
these are my kids
come on kids, shake the lieutenant's hand
Fritz, Erna, Emil
and that little chicken, that's Gretel
you see, lieutenant, because of them I had to get home
I'm pleased
I'm honoured, lieutenant
that's my friend Piesecke, who helped me out of a tight spot and drove me here
attention, step aside
the express train will pass
kids, so long
make an effort, Anna, at my next leave I want them to be five
I'll pay for the gas when the war's over
I wonder if they'll come back
sure they'll come back
we won't fight another winter
it's October already
who knows if they'll get to the front at all
boy, am I glad
that I made it
if I hadn't caught the train, I wouldn't have survived it
are you very angry, lieutenant?
two are still missing
Kirchhoff and one of the recruits
why?
did they desert?
they didn't return from their leave
leave?
did you grant them leave too?
I granted all of them leave
all of them?
I beg your pardon, but that had been most reckless
how could you do such a thing?
with such unreliable men?
you're just the right one to complain. it's been all your fault
- I? - yes, you!
you've made the men rebellious with your shouting
my shouting?
good heavens, yes, that was stupid
but I had been so happy
what about me?
I've lost two men
and the outcome will be bad
Brandenburg
Jahnke and Kirchhoff
what's going on? where did you come from?
we followed by express train
pull down your pants, you'll get your spanking
the lieutenant must excuse us, we've been a bit late
but we followed by express train straight away
and I am to tell the lieutenant
the Fräulein sends her love
she paid for my ticket
you ought to be thrown into jail
but...
well, we'll pass it over
I hadn't expected to see you again, Kirchhoff
that damned sense of duty
lieutenant, I'm expecting your report
transport company Schneidemühl for infantry regiment 435, 1 officer, 3 non-commissioned officers, 67 soldiers reporting for duty
and how many stayed behind in Berlin?
not one, colonel
subtitles serdar202