COLONEL REDL
Colonel Redl's story is not based on authentic documents.
Actions of the characters involved are entirely fabricated.
This film was inspired by John Osborne's play "A Patriot for Me"...
...and by historical events of our century.
Your grandfather was a friend of his majesty, the Emperor.
The Emperor once asked him, "Well, my friend, what's new?"
Like the dew from heaven sent, may on him be blessings spent.
May they give the strength he needs, for all of his majestic deeds.
In all lands may he glory earn, our welfare is his one concern.
Woe to those who dare reject, his hand of peace, so circumspect.
His holy wrath shall strike them now, with laurels to adorn his brow.
Very nice, young Redl. Sit down.
Maybe you'll become a great poet of our motherland.
I haven't heard such a glorious poem about His Majesty for a long time.
Sir, this is the boy, Alfred Redl. I humbly ask for your support...
...to help him enter the Imperial and Royal Cadet School.
Always remember to keep a straight posture.
We will be so proud of you.
And we shall never forget what the Emperor has done for us.
How wonderful it would be, if you would return as an officer.
What an honor.
Your grandpa was just a poor peasant...
...and you suddenly get this honor.
Never forget that the Emperor made this possible. Always be grateful.
Up - down - up - down - up - down...
Hands behind your head! Jump in place!
Up and in position!
Get ready! Attack, defense, go!
Redl, Kubinyi! Be careful, you'll get a beating, if you break your weapons.
Third grade, stop the drill!
Line up in two ranks for punishment!
Redl, Kubinyi, shirts off!
See Redl, it's snowing.
Christoph Kubinyi reporting to his grandma...
...would like to introduce a friend.
Harry, come here Harry!
Don't worry, he just wants to make friends. Good dog.
Tell me Redl, our Monarch's empire is so vast, I have a hard time telling...
...which of the many people of our Majesty you belong to.
- I was born in Galicia. - Polish?
No, my father is Ukrainian, partly of German descent.
I believe my mother's grandfather was from Hungary.
Yes, they were Hungarians.
The family was noble but lost everything; their entire estate.
But later His Majesty helped them...
...and gave them a position in the Civil Service.
Fine.
Then you certainly have Hungarian blood in you.
Yes, my mother would always sing a Hungarian song.
"A csitari hegyek alatti".
- He is very nice! - He doesn't speak French, grandma.
He has to learn it, sweetie. It's as important as horseback riding.
But horses are the most important, aren't they?
He is charming, your little friend.
Come on up, Christoph, it's a gorgeous view.
Yes, but do I have to climb the tree for that?
You smell good, soldier, like a foal.
Are you ticklish? Let's see.
One, two, three...
...four, five, six...
...seven, eight, nine...
...ten, eleven.
Could you please help me?
Katalin!
What can we expect from civilians...
...if soldiers act like animals? Is this a zoo?
Class rise!
- Are you the orderly of the day? - Yes, sir.
Who was it? File a report, I want names.
I'm sorry, Colonel, I don't know who it was.
But I do, Cadet Redl.
I know the name. Christoph von Kubinyi.
Sir, I'm sure it wasn't him.
- Who then? - I don't know sir. I was singing.
Redl, report. Are they the usual gentlemen?
Von Freyberg, Galliena, von Gencsy, von Kubinyi?
No, it wasn't Kubinyi, sir.
Who then? Redl, I'm losing my patience.
Then I am forced to expel all four of them, led by Baron Kubinyi...
...because of this outrageous incident.
- Sir, I think it was von Gencsy. - Very good, Redl.
You'll be a loyal soldier to His Majesty.
You are a bright peasant boy.
Dismissed!
Judas!
I'm a Judas. I am not a soldier. Those over there are soldiers.
I am a treacherous peasant.
Colonel Feldhauer wants to see Cadet Redl in his office.
Well... I have to tell you something.
Cadet Redl, your father has died. Here's the telegram.
You'll get leave of course and if you should need anything...
...money for the journey or a wreath for your father's grave...
...please tell me.
You can count on me.
Colonel, may I ask for permission to stay here...
...I want to take part in His Majesty's name-day celebration.
Now that Emperor Franz Josef the First has become your godfather...
...and by the bond of our Holy Church you have become his sons.
Our Father, Franz Josef.
You may call him that from this day forward...
...with humble pride and the right to do so.
By the sacrament of confirmation, you are accepted as his sons.
This will make the bond between you all, between you and the army...
...between you and His Majesty even more indissoluble.
May your filial gratitude, your filial loyalty...
...preserve this indissoluble bond with the Lord God...
...with your Emperor and your Motherland for all eternity.
Why has Detachment D still not rejoined the main troop?
Lt. Schorm! Send an adjutant to find out the reason. I want a report.
The medical personnel is still in the valley!
Lt. Hidegkuti! I ordered the reserves into action...
...to break through the enemy lines and occupy section QX.
QX, yes sir.
Alright, then.
Colonel, the enemy lines have been attacked and taken.
Good, Redl. You have executed this tactical exercise perfectly.
This is a command post, not the Officer's Club...
...where we stand around smoking, and watching friends play pool.
Lt. Schorm. The other ranks out there may not smoke either.
Smoking is forbidden on maneuvers. Carry on.
- Lt. Schorm, give the order to finish. - Yes sir, order to finish.
Colonel, I gave Lt. Schorm permission to smoke.
That was an error, Captain. Self-control always and everywhere.
We shouldn't have compromised with the Hungarians in 1867.
Why not take the whole country, as the English did I reland?
Without that, Austria wouldn't be a great power now.
Vienna curbed us, thanks to our politicians' willingness to compromise.
Kubinyi's lamenting the fate of oppressed Hungarians again.
But he forgets that Hungary, too, oppresses its neighboring peoples.
Everything has its price.
Arad and Haynau, generals executed like criminals!
Come on, Kubinyi...
The compromise was one of His Majesty's greatest deeds.
Redl, you look so sad.
- Perhaps because of you. - Don't be sad because of me.
Let's drink to the health of Captain Redl.
- Do you like him? - Yes, he's a very nice man.
You hear, old man? She likes you, so drink!
Drink from the bottle.
What I put in my hand, I put in my mouth.
Should I hold it?
This Redl was born in Lemberg, wasn't he?
And you in Pomerania.
- You think it's all the same? - It damn well is!
Oh, you're a cosmopolitan.
No, Hungarian. Secondly, an officer and Redl's friend.
What did His Majesty say? "The Hungarians, a beloved nation!"
Are you trying to provoke me?
No, why should I?
Let's go.
Baron, are you being unfaithful to me?
Indeed.
Jealous?
I don't know you yet, but it can soon be arranged.
Have you ever been with me, or do you prefer to sit and stare?
Have you ever done it?
Or is your biggest thrill to shout at your soldiers?
What's so special about Kubinyi that you're all so crazy for him?
He not only knows how to do it, he likes doing it.
What?
Everything.
Well, then teach me, too.
You can't teach that. Either a man has it, or he doesn't.
- Kubinyi is handsome. - And wonderful.
What do you like best?
- His hairy behind? - Yes.
He has a lovely little rock-hard bottom and muscular thighs.
Just like a little boy. One has something to hold on to.
- The scar on his knee? - Yes, I like that, too.
How does he do it? Quickly? Slowly?
Rough or gentle?
Is he gentle?
No, he comes in, grabs hold of me and my breasts...
...and he bites. And I have to bite him, too.
So, he bites?
And you?
How do you want to do it?
Was Schorm your friend?
No, Colonel.
If your part in this incident is known, it will harm your career.
I am aware of my position, sir.
We have decided to act discreetly.
Thank you, Colonel.
With Kubinyi it's a different story. He's been in trouble before...
...however, he survives such unpleasant incidents more easily.
Redl, I must say... you were only a second, but that was a grave error.
Never get involved in anything like this again.
Yes, Colonel.
You think an officer without dazzling family connections...
...remains unnoticed? Is that your opinion, Redl?
I'm convinced the army seldom allows merit to go unacknowledged.
Correct, Redl, and for obvious reasons.
The future of the Monarchy and E urope depends on the army.
I've noticed that officers who complain about privilege...
...are of a verage ability; mostly below that.
Exactly. A good soldier always recognizes another.
That's the basis of comradeship.
Redl, it is my duty...
...to inform the War Ministry about officers of outstanding merit.
Your merits have surpassed your present rank.
Here's your promotion to Major...
...and here's your order to report to Vienna.
His Majesty has appointed you second-in-command of a garrison.
It's a pity, it had to arrive on this unfortunate day.
Nevertheless, congratulations.
Thank you, Colonel.
It means a great deal to me. After all I trained you.
That's the way it is.
A wallet and a briefcase. I had them made in Vienna.
"A.R."
I grew very fond of you, my son. Dismissed!
Colonel...
I'd like to take Lt. Von Kubinyi with me.
He's a good soldier.
An odd team, you two. I'm not sure it will help you.
It can be arranged through his family connections in Vienna.
Katalin, did you see him?
The Emperor, admiring the view?
He has a hunting lodge here and is often seen.
The Emperor.
What if we'd stopped to greet him?
What would you have said? Major Redl begs to report?
I'd have wished him good health and a long life.
Wait, turn in to the Inn.
I'm tired, Major. We'll take a room.
I can't believe I saw the Emperor today.
Horse and saddle, a fine soldierly smell.
Christoph never smells like a soldier.
- Do you smell the soldier on him? - Me?
Here you are, madam.
Soldier, uncork the champagne.
I've made a lovely, big bridal bed for us.
What will your husband say if you don't come home?
I'm sleeping at my mother's. Your my witness.
I've neither time nor inclination to be a gracious society hostess.
I like riding, eating, drinking.
Why don't you and your husband have any children?
We just don't. I can't stand my husband anymore.
Shall I marry you? Do you want a pretty Kubinyi?
You deserve it.
Let's drink.
Why do you close your eyes?
I don't know.
Are you thinking of someone else?
Yes.
Christoph?
Yes.
- Were you always thinking of him? - No.
Whom do you love more? Whom?
- I'm very fond of you both. - And now?
I feel fine, but I don't know for how long.
You know, Christoph and I...
...we're...
...actually, I'm afraid of him.
But now you're over him.
No.
You're wonderful Katalin. I like touching you.
I have nobody I can embrace, just you.
Don't forget, you're here in Galicia, not by the Adriatic.
We have many Poles, Jews, gypsies, thieves and whores.
Be on your guard. Many of them smuggle Vodka across the border.
We are right at the border, not Bad Ischl or Alt-Ausee.
There's so little to do, the officers go hunting for chamois.
You get my meaning.
Lt. Ehrlich reporting. Maneuvers proceeding according to plan.
Major, Lt. Mészaros reporting. Maneuvers proceeding as planned.
Throw Grenades!
Up!
Fire! Throw grenades!
Up! Stop! Go back!
Didn't you instruct your men in the use of grenades...
...unexploded grenades or those falling short?
Assemble the platoon!
Throw away your cigarette. Repeat the regulations.
- I'm sorry, I don't know them all. - Not all?
Item one?
Item two? Three? Five?
Your order, officer?
- A schnapps, please. - Coming right up, Major.
You get many officers here, don't you?
- How did you guess? - You knew my rank.
You recognize ranks when you're as old as me...
...but you never know people. I'll get your drink.
And Vodka?
No, that's contraband.
Maybe a glass of aquavit?
Colonel Ruzitska wishes to see you in the conservatory.
Colonel?
I have bad news for you, Redl.
When did you last see Mézáros?
This afternoon, during the maneuvers.
- He has deserted. - Really?
To the Russians.
Tonight at six he appeared on the other side of the barrier...
...and shouted to our soldiers:
Say 'hello' to Mr. Ruzitska and Redl for me!
And then he did this.
I've had enough of the Russian border.
I'm applying for retirement.
I'd like to recommend you as District Commandant.
You have a great future.
I was no more than a troop commander. That's fate.
One doesn't necessarily have to be on the General Staff.
These damned Habsburgs!
I hate these Habsburgs, do you hear? I hate them!
What do you think of them?
Maybe you think they're wonderful.
But I'm drunk tonight...
...so I must tell you honestly, you can have them. I hate them!
Galicia and Cracow would join Poland so fast, Vienna would be left gasping.
And our Monarchy? It would vanish from the map of E urope.
This Empire can only be saved by war, but after so many lost battles...
...the senile Emperor has to go first. - Are you crazy?
Trying to play switchman, are you?
I'm forced to put you on increased duty for one week. Dismissed.
- Yes? - It's Alfred.
Are you busy?
- What do you want? - To talk.
I'm expecting someone who wouldn't like to see you.
Duty inspection.
- Major, the password please. - Schnitterin ruht.
- Who is the duty officer? - Lt. Kubinyi, sir.
- Where is he? Where? - He fell asleep in the cafeteria.
- Why didn't you wake him? - I did.
- Why isn't he here then? - He said, sir...
...he told me to go to hell.
I'll take over.
A serious breach of duty. At war, you would be court-martialled.
- Understood, Lieutenant? - Yes, Colonel.
I'm now forced to transfer you.
Within 24 hours you'll report to Helmut Haynert at the War Ministry.
He already knows. Your future will be decided in Vienna.
Oh, you fools. Dismissed.
A farewell drink.
I'm almost sorry for you.
I wonder if Redl's a Jew, but instead of a caftan, he wears uniform.
Then it'd be great camouflage.
Redl will soon be on the General Staff.
A Jew on the General Staff?
Our top moron already is in the hands of the Rothschild family.
I didn't thank Redl for this trip. Watch him, he might be useful to us.
Go away!
Get lost!
Go!
Go away! What do you want from me?
Major, may I ask you, are you also a Jew? Through your mother?
Several people have said so.
I also heard, you don't like to mention it. Maybe you're right.
I won't tell anyone, Major, my heart's just overjoyed.
- May I sit down, Major? - Please.
If you'd excuse me, Major...
...my wife would like to invite you to our Friday night supper.
Lt. Ehrlich feels quite at home with us, too.
A large family and beautiful children, Major.
Don't! Don't touch me!
I have to warn you, Lt. Ehrlich...
...and all the other gentlemen, including our doctor...
...that close contact with the Jews is to be avoided.
Our supreme Commander, His Majesty...
...allows Jewish soldiers entry into the Officer Corps of the Royal Army.
If most comfortable with junk merchants in a caftan...
...you shouldn't be in uniform.
There's something else.
Some of the Jews here, no, let's say most of the Jews here...
...have close trading connections with Jews across the border.
Vodka, fabrics, God knows what else is being smuggled.
We suspect that information is traded as well...
...gathered from some officer during the family's gefilte fish dinner.
We must decide...
...either you're an officer of the Imperial Army...
...or a Slovak...
...or a Ukrainian...
...or a Jew.
Dear Sonnenschein, old doctor... I haven't heard from you for awhile...
A woman wants to see you, Major. She said she's your sister.
- What does she look like? - She's elderly.
- Tell her I'm busy. - Yes, sir.
Hold on! Send her in.
Alfred?
Soferl!
Soferl, what are you doing here?
Mother sends her love. We heard you were here.
- From whom? - A soldier, Schilhanek's son.
Yes, mother sends her love.
I Ise and the children, too. Magda has moved with her husband.
Are there any problems?
No more than usual.
- Something important to tell me? - No.
- Please. You need money? - No.
I can give you some every month. I'll send it to you...
...or I'll bring it myself. I don't mind.
Here.
Please don't ever come here again.
You can't do that. These are barracks!
This isn't like a post office.
You shouldn't come here using my name.
No.
I now have to...
Take it. Put it away.
- Christoph is really hurt, you know. - I'm the one that's hurt.
He said and did things I couldn't accept, as an officer or his friend.
Alfred, don't be ridiculous. Stop lying to me.
Stop pretending for your own sake.
The concept of the Monarchy is good.
I can't imagine anything better in its place.
The Emperor's old and makes mistakes. Some reforms are due.
But I must show that from where I stand...
...the Monarchy isn't crumbling, but strong.
If a few others felt like me...
...things wouldn't depend on the old man alone.
Then we could save this Monarchy.
Everything I can do, I shall do.
And what do you want to do?
And you wonder why people hate you?
I know everything...
...everything about them.
I can strike them down whenever I like.
Gentlemen, will you please line up according to rank.
By rank, I don't necessarily mean military rank.
I assume you know your closeness to Vienna, although that can change...
The lower ranks should line up according to height.
Short people first.
There's no disgrace. The Heir-Apparent isn't tall, either.
Neither am I, so obviously no disadvantage here, gentlemen.
When the Archduke enters, we stand to attention.
Receive decorations, head high. At his handshake, bow your head.
You won't lose it just yet.
Please, line up now according to your rank and position, facing the door.
They're coming.
I'm glad I did transfer you here, for I really trust you.
The decisive factor was you not belonging to any fraction.
We must do our duty, independently, and to the best of our ability.
Your task is to modernize military intelligence.
You've done excellent work, but largely as an amateur.
From now on, you are the number one specialist in this field.
If you have any problems, come to me and I'll help.
And when you become War Minister I'll let you raise my pension.
Just one more piece of advice.
Choose subordinates who have reason to look up to you.
Men who are grateful to you, because you selected them.
I welcome you as members of this newly formed office.
Please get to know each other.
Don't be bothered that most of you have different mother tongues.
Your task will be in the provinces, with people whose language you know.
Our mutual task is to preserve and protect the strength of the Monarchy.
Whatever we say or don't say, in order to achieve our goal...
...is no lie, but our mission. Duty.
We must know everything about everyone.
The smallest town holds people we need.
It's up to us entirely to find them.
Suitable types abound, nearly everyone is susceptible.
Details of our work are strictly confidential.
If you are successful you'll be praised by nobody but me.
Mistakes... nobody will defend you. The same goes for me.
But we belong to a group whose hand is on the pulse of the Monarchy...
...and can make decisions in its interest.
This trust, after long and careful consideration...
...was lent to you. Lent, not given.
As hard as it was to gain this trust...
...as easy it is to lose it. To lose everything.
That's power.
Note everything about every officer.
Who was he with? Where was he? What did they talk about?
How much they spend, what they like, what their passions are.
Which officers are regular customers. Name, rank and garrison.
Redl, Alfred.
According to some: Career driven, concerned only with his own welfare.
Likes to be considered an aristocrat.
Admires power and often stresses his gratitude to the Habsburgs.
No contact with his family and sister, resident in Lemberg.
Poses.
Insincere.
It's not pleasant for me to repeat this question...
...but Field-Marshall Konrad asked me whether you're homosexual.
And I think it odd that even the Archduke has made inquiries.
What do you say?
They're plotting against you already.
Unless it's a plot against me.
They don't dare touch me, so they're starting with you...
...because they know that I'm backing you.
That's the world around you. Take stock of it.
I've got the impression, you make enemies easily.
Avoid that whenever possible.
For my sake, too.
You should marry. That would calm people down.
I'll introduce you to a girl from a good Viennese family.
Or we'll pack our bags and go to America.
Should we?
We may face an offensive in the Balkans.
The Emperor wants peace. He knows what war would do to the Monarchy.
Yet he makes bad mistakes. He appoints men to key positions...
...who represent everything he fears.
The Archduke works openly against him and he pretends not to notice.
When the Emperor dies, the Monarchy will fall to pieces.
Look at this here, from an earlier empire. What does remain?
Stop that!
That civilian suit is the greatest lie in your life.
I know.
Are you coming?
Of course.
Alfred.
Yes, I'm coming.
Welcome, Lt. Colonel.
May I check your uniform, according to regulations?
Colonel, your sword, please. Thank you.
Kindly wait a moment.
- Kubinyi. - Hello, Redl.
I thought you were in St. Petersburg.
I'm now on the General Staff for Hungarian affairs.
If you need anything from that area, please come to me first.
- And if I can do anything... - I don't snoop on fellow officers.
Take care.
Lt. Colonel, His Imperial Highness is expecting you.
Imperial Majesty, Colonel Alfred Redl begs to report!
Colonel Redl. I'm glad we can have a talk.
I've heard so much about you.
How do you like your position?
Thank you, Imperial Highness. I have a lot to do and I like to work.
Do you enjoy the power in your hands?
Sometimes? Just for a moment?
What I feel rather is the weight of my task.
They say your loyalty is unshakeable and based on gratitude.
You want to serve and prove yourself, am I right?
I am deeply honored, if they say that about me.
You're a good toll-collector, then.
You won't side with those who've gained eminence by their noble blood.
Are you Catholic?
Yes.
Well, we understand each other. People say things about me, too.
I've read some of your reports. You writevery well.
Or rather, convincingly.
You like to work hard, like in Galicia, where you proved your ability.
We'll see whether you are just as talented here.
We have to focus on the interests of our Monarchy.
The world has become dangerous. Army morale is shaky.
The Imperial Army has begun to resemble a casino...
...playing pool, drinking and chasing women, right?
Yes, unfortunately.
Where the spirit of liberalism undermines everything, terrible.
Please, sit down.
In such a situation...
...one has to make a clean sweep to restore order.
Don't stand there, sit down.
The army must be as rock-hard as ice on a frozen lake.
Your Highness, fish swim under the ice.
We must make lasting examples, as your previous activity proved.
But this time you must arrange some action that will shake the entire army...
...to make clear to all that the time of liberalism must end.
The Emperor must see that an effective army needs a new spirit.
In my view, the peoples of the Monarchy...
...must be shown a distinct face of the enemy.
The picture of a common enemy, who threatens them.
The feeling of fear, you see, is the only thing that makes an army tough.
Think it over, Colonel.
Check your files and submit your suggestion to mevery soon.
It should relate to the Balkan...
...and the action of Russian forces.
Or possibly French.
You have full authority.
How long have you known Colonel von Komjáthy?
Since I was in the 32nd, Maria Theresia Regiment.
Cognac? Grappa? Liquor? What would you like?
Cognac, please, if I may.
Who are the confidants of Colonel von Komjáthy?
Komjáthy... I'm sorry, I can't remember.
Thank you.
I thought you were a bright peasant boy.
Think it over.
Will one afternoon be sufficient...
...to give me an accurate list of officers' relations in your garrison?
The building material contract for the Przemysl fortress...
...was signed by Ullman.
The engineer responsible was Worowka.
To whom did you pass on the material?
Whom did you hand the material? Where?
And how?!
Imperial Highness, there are five cases at our disposal, unfortunately...
...each case amounts to high treason.
I suggest we remove a case from the military court and make it public...
...with special reference to the equally guilty environment.
We do it so spectacularly, that it creates tension throughout the army...
...and among the civilian population.
I suggest a public trial with press coverage...
...and many witnesses.
The idea is excellent, Redl. It all depends on the person accused.
I suggest either the case of Max von Dornheim...
...or Colonel György von Komjáthy from Budapest.
Please.
Look, Lt. Colonel.
This trial must show the army and the officers...
that the enemy's in our ranks, and that we'll...
...strike down anyone who neglects his duty.
At the same time, we must show the whole world...
...a united and strong Austro- Hungarian army. That's politics.
So, the accused cannot be Austrian, certainly not an Austrian aristocrat...
...it'd weaken the trust in the leadership.
He cannot be Hungarian either, since we live in a dual Monarchy.
We don't want to irritate the enemy within.
Under no circumstances can he be a Czech. They keep demonstrating.
Too many independence movements, they would see it as a provocation.
It certainly can't be a Jew. The Dreyfus affair enraged all of Europe.
We'd stir up an international storm of indignation and upset...
...the Emperor's vitally important links with the Rothschild bank.
And finally...
No Serb or Croat. That zone is too hot and must be tackled otherwise.
You have Hungarian blood in you?
Ukrainian.
That's what we need, a Ukrainian.
Look for a duplicate of yourself, Redl.
I'd have to search Galicia.
Then look there. Similar background, career and connections.
That can't be a problem for you.
You have files on everyone with your wide network of agents.
What happened?
I'm included in the Archduke's schemes.
The bullets are whistling past my ears.
Colonel, we have the answer for you.
Dismissed.
Salapska! Salapska!
Were you asleep?
Ineed a special train from the Ministry...
...and notify Commandant Lemberg to put Victor Ullman under surveillance.
But no open action before my arrival. I mmediately.
Good evening.
- Are you Victor Ullman? - Yes. How can I help you?
- I must speak to you in private. - Why?
Please come.
- This way. - Go ahead.
Excuse me.
- Salapska. - András!
Give me the keys to the safe and your desk.
- May I have an explanation? - I am searching the premises!
I could fabricate evidence and nobody would ever know.
But I don't want to. The key.
- I won't tolerate this! - Give me the key. Major...
...take Mr. Ullman next door. I'll interrogate him later.
By the way, where's the engineer Worowka?
I don't know. In Vienna, I presume.
András!
Take him away!
Przemysl.
Major, make a list of all firms, all engineers...
...and their army partners.
Possible private contacts aside from business relations.
But first a telegram to the Vienna police:
Find and arrest engineer Worowka.
- Put it back, please. - Leave me alone.
I'll have to handcuff you, if you don't.
Stop! Don't move!
Stop!
Get a doctor, quick!
Heir-Apparent. Christoph Kubinyi, St. Petersburg.
Turn right, please. Right, I said.
Announce me to the General.
The General is retired since yesterday.
The chief of the General Staff handles all open cases.
Understand?
I understand.
Please allow me, Imperial Highness, to question Major Christoph Kubinyi.
What about?
I'm sure, that engineer Worowka and army supplier Victor Ullman...
...conspired to pass plans of the Przemysl fortress to Petersburg.
Galicia again. Have you arrested them?
No. Ullman committed suicide and Worowka was murdered in Vienna.
Once you go into action, death follows.
Przemysl. What do you want to know from Kubinyi?
Whether Ullman had any military diplomatic contacts.
Tell me, Redl, are you a cruel man?
Imperial Highness, I am doing my duty.
- What faith? - As I told you, I'm Catholic.
- You're hesitant. You like children? - We have none. My wife is ill.
Excuse the questions. I just wonder why Roden always backed you.
Because you graduated with honors and you're a good mathematician?
I see no point in you interrogating members of the General staff...
...or harassing our most reliable men.
But this concerns high treason.
I shall decide who is the traitor.
Przemysl is of minimal military importance.
The guilty have sentenced themselves. Case closed.
You haven't succeeded this time. A dead duplicate is no duplicate.
Spin your web better and do it faster...
...or will von Kubinyi replace a Ukrainian?
He's not a duplicate of you.
Imperial Highness, you misunderstand me.
I don't misunderstand you.
Open your eyes when you look for the enemy, Redl. You're not senile yet...
...like this Roden with his watery eyes, whom we finally managed...
...to put into well-earned retirement.
You admired him, or not?
Your Highness, he indeed was a bit emotional.
Look Redl, the Emperor's Waltz isn't danced anymore.
War is coming. Can we avoid it? Maybe.
However, the Monarchy needs a spectacular case.
A bit of a fright. A few days of threat and fear, then a quick victory.
War, then?
A retaliation for some assassination.
Then a small, local war for a couple of weeks...
...to save what can be saved.
Mr. Redl. This profile... an extremely ruthless type.
But something about it suggests sensuality.
- Slavic face. - Yes, the cheekbones.
Looking at this photo, clearly a brutal personality.
Lt. Colonel Redl.
First we'll promote him.
The whole thing is monstrous treason.
The Archduke plans a military coup, to seize power himself.
He doesn't believe in the old Monarchy.
The only one who does is the Emperor.
I hate politics! I hate politicians!
My world, yes, my world.
Today I wish it would fall apart.
A quick hero's death. Done. Then we're even, the Monarchy and I.
I'm forty. Do I admit now that I've been on the wrong side all this time...
...when all other possibilities are just as miserable?
Nothing matters, Alfred, only life itself.
To breathe this wonderful morning air.
It's no sin to be involved. It's a sin to remain involved.
Montaigne.
I learned it in my French class.
Why do you keep this?
- I want to know what he thinks. - About you?
I can't prevent what's brewing up.
What I wanted to defend doesn't exist.
I dreamt my father sat on my shoulders, pressing me into the earth.
You know more about me than anyone else.
If you ever misuse that...
...I'll shoot you.
Colonel, it's a masked ball.
- Even for me? - Yes, until midnight, for everyone.
Oh, Colonel Redl, whom we all fear, is here as well. And your wife?
Unfortunately, in a sanatorium.
- May we ask why? - A shadow on the lung.
I wish her a speedy recovery.
Good evening.
If there were an explosion in this room now...
...it'd be the solution for E urope.
And would we be inside or outside?
I'm convinced Trieste will fall to the Italians, so don't buy that villa.
Every battalion's safe has an envelope...
...with the secret mobilization order.
Colonel Redl?
What do you say to that?
I heard that Austria-Germany, not Hungary will save the Habsburgs.
Katalin, dear, excuse me...
...would you introduce that Esterházy to my daughter?
We'll meet later.
Yes, but the Germans are in Silesia.
The Ukrainians will join the Russians. They prefer the Tsar.
I couldn't think of any other reaction from them.
Pardon me.
Long live the Habsburgs, even though it might not be long...
...and the army of course.
It is midnight. All masks are falling!
Alfred, may I introduce our new guest, Tenente Velocchio.
Alfredo Velocchio.
Redl.
The most important thing for me is...
...that you love me...
...protect me and trust me.
All my life I've been weak. I need your help.
Tell me what to do.
Tell me how to be. Cynical, maybe?
Why cynical?
You said you don't believe in the whole thing anymore, yet you go on.
You said war is coming, but you, you'll lose it anyway.
Am I supposed to seize power? Enough officers share my views.
Should we support the Emperor who is old and may be dying?
It's the war we should stop.
Or...
...a bullet from this pistol might be the solution.
No, there is a better way.
- Who sent you? - Excuse me?
Who sent you?
The Italians? Russians? French? English?
Who?
I don't know who.
- I'm getting 12,000 crowns for it. - For what?
I'm supposed to get military secrets from you.
They're most interested in the plans to attack Russia.
Over.
The code letter for war with Russia is 'R'.
Yes. R.
On the northern front there are 788 battalions.
377 cavalry squadrons.
379 batteries with 2,222 guns.
69 technical companies.
6 companies of bicyclists.
1,234 machine guns.
Understood?
In the fortresses Lemberg, Cracow, Przemysl: 22 battalions.
7 cavalry regiments.
1 battery with 6 guns.
83 artillery regiments.
And now get lost.
From where did you know Alfredo Velocchio?
I didn't. I met him that night in October.
Who introduced him to you?
- I forgot. - Think.
Who was it? Who told you to introduce him to me?
- Excuse me? - Who commissioned you?
No one. He asked me to introduce him.
- What did he say? - Nothing.
- You're lying. - I'm not.
You're lying!
I swear, he mentioned Christoph.
Why don't they arrest me? What are they waiting for?
They need a Ukrainian.
Our Father who art in Heaven...
Perhaps I should have tried this earlier.
Thank you.
Salapska. Colonel, we must speak to you.
Come in.
We have orders to disarm and arrest you.
Which is Colonel Redl's room?
First floor, number 71. He has officers visiting already.
Major Salapska reporting; this way.
Redl, you will be court-martialled for passing military secrets to the enemy.
The court-martial will decide your fate in an open hearing. Is that clear?
I've been provoked.
No, we were!
Since you were in Fiume, you've been a miserable traitor.
The Archduke chose me because our childhood friendship...
...and your relations with my sister make you part of our family.
He asked me to deliver his message to you personally.
Behave properly in court and admit the charges...
...then the sentence will be light.
Hinder proceedings and you'll be sentenced for treason and betrayal.
Betrayal... is a national virtue nowadays.
I'm sorry we're meeting again like this.
If it's any consolation, some people know, and I've told them, too...
...no officer has been more reliable than you.
Alfred, I really would like to have your child.
Do what you're expected to and nothing will happen to you.
Haven't you noticed, that no one's on your side?
Nobody but me.
Children?
Now...
...I don't like children anymore.
They telegraphed me to come here from Fiume.
May I?
- How do they know we were friends? - They know everything.
- Did you really betray secrets? - Not the way you heard.
Then you must stand up in court and defend yourself.
The court only accepts evidence that can be proved 100%.
The Emperor would never allow an unjust verdict, Alfred.
If the charge is false, they can't take the uniform.
They'll take yours, too, if it suits them.
They might need a better scapegoat soon.
Then it'll be your turn. The Jews. The simplest solution. Popular, too.
None of us will be wearing this beloved uniform much longer.
I converted to Christianity, you know that.
And what shall I do?
My grandfather, Doctor Ignaz Sonnenschein, always said...
"Lord, you didn't make me Moses, you didn't make me an Emperor...
...so you can only hold me accountable...
...for being Doctor Ignaz Sonnenschein all my life."
Tell them what they want to hear. It's just another year or two.
I dreamed about you.
I walked in utter darkness and you showed me the way out.
We should live together.
We're talking about the head of Intelligence.
He was the head, Captain. Is that clear?
Yes, sir. But Colonel Redl was my superior.
Didn't you ever notice anything about his behavior, Captain?
Yes, Colonel. His will to work. He rarely slept or ate, just kept working.
Gentlemen.
Remain seated. How are the trial preparations?
He won't cooperate, Highness. I'd have this traitor shot.
The papers could call it an accident.
He was run over or fell out of a hotel window, then a military funeral.
I'm not sure yet what's best for the Monarchy. No other aspect matters.
Well, gentlemen.
Solution 1: An open hearing.
But Redl won't cooperate.
Correct?
Yes, Highness. Not to mention that Redl has a lot of information...
...which he might disclose at the trial with unpleasant results.
Solution 2: A closed hearing.
Sentence made public after execution...
...in such detail that it alarms the whole army...
...and also the whole civilian population. Do you agree?
Whoever agrees with solution 2 should raise his hand.
Lt. Colonel Kubinyi, you don't agree?
Imperial Highness, I beg to reply, no.
What do you suggest?
Redl should have the chance to decide his own fate.
You were his school friend, hence prejudiced. Principally, you're right.
How can Redl decide his own fate? He won't even agree to a public trial.
We're speaking of a traitor.
One can only deal with a traitor when he's dead.
I won't inquire how this man managed to get into the Ministry...
...who backed him, or whom he deceived.
These questions will be answered later.
For the peoples of the Monarchy, the position now is...
...that we're dealing with an officer in the Imperial War Ministry.
So, I suggest he should be allowed to end it himself.
And we can publish the version acceptable to us.
A third solution. What is the public told in this case?
He picked up a certified letter, two detectives saw him...
...he was captured trying to escape and committed suicide.
Yes?
Your Highness, in this case journalists will insist on details.
He might have...
...torn the envelope and mislaid the pieces or left it in a car...
...or his penknife he used to open the envelope, or the penknife case.
Very good. It should be published like this.
I suggest it not be published like that. It should leak out.
But not in Vienna. In Lemberg, Budapest, or in Prague.
Let some bright reporter uncover it.
We just plant the clues that lead to Redl.
We should check a list of all journalists in Prague.
Any counter-suggestions, gentlemen?
I also think this is the best solution.
Lt. Colonel Kubinyi. Your opposition led to this solution.
You'll visit Redl, as an old comrade, and hand him your service revolver.
Highness, I can't perform this task.
An officer cannot take action against a superior.
By the grace of the Emperor and by my own decision...
...I promote Lt. Colonel Kubinyi...
...to Colonel of the Austro-Hungarian Army.
My order takes effect immediately.
Colonel...
...you know how to use the weapon.
You will have a moment, but please be brief.
Then there is no trial...
Is there anyone you wish to say goodbye to?
Make sure you get out of here, quickly.
A briefcase and matching wallet, leather, with the monogram A.R.
Eighty crowns.
One bid for eighty.
Ninety.
One hundred.
- One hundred... - A hundred twenty.
One hundred and twenty. Going once, going twice, sold!
Next a child's poem, handwritten, dedicated to our Emperor and King.
Like the dew from Heaven sent, may on him be blessings spent.
May they give the strength he needs, for all of his majestic deeds.
Alfred Redl, elementary school pupil.