Has something bad happened?
You know, Mélinée,
I always felt revenge was an awful idea.
Changed your mind?
I don't know.
I've become a real fighter.
It's my first act but won't be my last.
Once you've started, you can't back down.
You can't turn back anymore.
I know what awaits me.
Missak! Missak!
Today is the anniversary of Soviet Armenia.
I remember my father killed by Turkish soldiers,
my mother who died of grief
and the brother I loved so much.
I'm an orphan like all the other Armenian victims.
But I'm lucky because you're all here.
Because you have become my family.
A family of fighters to confront the occupier!
Long live France!
Long live Armenia!
Long live the ILO!
Good evening. Come in.
What's this meeting?
An Armenian wedding.
- Who's the bride? - I am!
You can find love at any age!
Can't you, officer?
Have a drink!
- We'll bring our bikes in. - They're safe here.
Don't worry. Go ahead, please.
What would you like?
That white wine there will fit the bill.
Glad you're back, Manouche.
Me too, Narek. We'll work well together.
Cheers! To your good health!
Enough orders from London and Moscow.
They never set foot here and they think we're useless!
What can we do? They supply our weapons.
A few at a time, as if we were kids!
We'll follow you, but not the Hungarian.
Which Hungarian? Petra?
- No names, please. - I know.
But I agree with him. I won't obey a Stalinist.
- Go on, drink! - I am drinking!
To the Marshal!
When a train derails or locomotives are destroyed,
that isn"t one train less for the Germans,
it means the French will go without.
When a power station or a dam is bombed,
when saboteurs blow up a transformer or cut power cables,
French workers go idle, French housewives lack electricity,
French craftsmen have to down tools...
- Wait a second. - What?
I'll check we weren't followed.
Hello, Mrs Elek.
This is Mélinée, my wife.
Missak talks a lot about you!
- Is that lie true? - I never lie, unfortunately.
- Can I give you a kiss? - Of course!
- Is Thomas here? - I'll fetch him. Sit down.
Thomas!
Hello. You want to see me?
I think I'll get her stuffed chicken recipe.
Sit down.
Was that a password?
No. I need to talk to you alone.
- Did you mention me? - Yes.
As group chief, I want you with me. But it wasn't easy.
Thank you.
My only worry is your parents.
- They're not a worry. - Are you sure?
They don't want to know.
I told them you were teaching me chess.
You and Missak make a lovely couple.
I'd like to meet your husband.
He's a real bear. He reads all day long.
He's read Missak's poems. He found them moving.
Meet Boczov tomorrow afternoon at 5 sharp,
at the corner of Rues Ternaux and Oberkampf.
Don't wait more than five minutes. Ever.
If he doesn't show, go back the next day at 5.
If he still isn't there, he's been arrested.
- Got that? - Yes.
Watch carefully.
The knight is protected by two pawns. We work in threes.
One acts, the other two defend him.
I hope this war won't last. What do you think?
We must fight to end it one day.
You sound like Tommy.
I know why Missak has come to see him.
I prefer it this way.
On his own, he'll do something really stupid.
I'm glad he's being taken in hand.
But don't tell him that. He has to think
we have our heads in the clouds.
See the car?
That's Saas.
You know Patriciu.
He was at the restaurant.
The one on the bike is Cristea.
I led them all in Spain
against the Francists.
There's a Sten under the vegetables.
I know that one.
An English submachine gun.
Every morning, a Wehrmacht unit relieves the guards at Renault.
- Olga scouted it out. - A motorbike opens the way?
From time to time with a sidecar, never on Monday.
If it's there, I step in as back-up.
Here's the bus...
It's like clockwork.
He moves the old lady. No innocent victims...
And we avoid any unnecessary risks.
We must be precise.
We have to stay alive, Thomas.
Thomas?
Yes...
Why are you up so late?
I told you to wear a scarf.
I forgot. You aren't in bed?
I was waiting up for you.
If you're here, it went well.
I can't say.
I'm not asking.
I'm with you, that's all.
Is Dad too?
He's afraid for you.
No sense in worrying him even more.
Go to bed, son.
Here we go.
Soldiers from the barracks come here to drink, sing
and get laid. There are at least 20 or 30 in there.
Only Krauts?
A mix, but a stinking mix.
Rayman, you're with me as second back-up.
Narek, first back-up, at the bottom of the steps.
Celestino, go in, toss the pineapple and come back out.
- Don't I have time to get laid? - Or to talk crap! Go.
What's he up to?
Go on...
Why isn't it going off?
What the hell has he done?
- I couldn't do it. - Why not?
The place is full of women. I can't do it.
One wasn't even 18, as pretty as a picture...
She had this dress... and a lovely smile.
Sorry.
What's going on?
- I'll do it! - Pull out. That's an order!
I'm disobeying. You can dump me now!
Marcel, come back!
- He'll pay for this. - Maybe right away.
Where's the goddam pin?
I'm getting cramp.
You a pain, Rayman!
Some things you can't do!
Like I said.
Very bad work. Very bad...
There were innocent girls. We can't do that!
Sure, we'll talk about it later.
Hurry, I can't hold it!
What are you doing in my sewing box?
I need a safety pin, a needle, anything...
Hello, Mélinée.
Come over here!
Don't move.
Let go. Slowly...
Good evening, ma'am.
It's true, she had a lovely smile.
Listen to him!
What happened to the bloodthirsty killer?
Know what time it is?
I can tell the time!
I'm waiting for your father
because there's no sense in waiting for you.
You only do as you please.
You stink of drink! Where have you been?
At a brothel.
Stop saying such nasty things. Stop it!
Is Simon asleep?
Of course! I don't want you waking him up.
Go to bed, Mum.
And stop waiting for Dad.
He'll never come back.
You want to kill me too, is that it?
No, I want you to live.
As long as possible.
Near Chalon-sur-Saone, 18 dead and 32 wounded in an attack.
In Grenoble, a terrific explosion causes 1,500 casualties.
In Bourg-en-Bresse, pillaging during General Dobenet"s funeral.
This is the work of foreign terrorists, nearly all Jews,
Armenians, Polish Jews, Red Spaniards...
We shall answer violence with fair but merciless repression.
Good morning.
It won't rain today!
- Goodbye. - Have a good day!
Police!
Hands up!
This is good.
It's very good, Pujol.
Quite a haul thanks to you.
Their forged papers are a good lead.
We searched that Forestier's place.
We found this.
Not flour, it's potassium chlorate.
Well, I'm delighted to have been of service.
Tell me, Pujol...
Do you like the 11th?
It's humdrum.
You deserve better.
Would you like to join my unit?
My chief may not agree.
Hennequin?
A good man for the municipal police but lacking vision.
I'll see the Interior Minister.
A rapid promotion for you.
I'm a chief superintendent at 34! Beat that.
Here's what I tell my hunting dogs...
You'll get shot more often than congratulated.
It's your choice.
I'll think it over.
Don't take too long.
Let me show you the basement.
The basement?
I want you to meet Daime and Barrachin.
Concerning your district... from June 7th, in occupied France,
all Jews over the age of six must wear the yellow star.
They must report to the police. You have better things to do.
Such as the big clean planned for July.
We'll talk about that later.
Boys, meet Inspector Pujol.
He helped catch these bastards.
- Congratulations! - Bravo!
Hold him tight.
- Where are we at? - Nowhere.
This scum faints every five minutes.
It's slowing us down.
Listen carefully, swine.
We'll strip you,
lie you between two tables
and crush your balls.
You understand French?
The other two?
Resting. We'll get back to them in an hour.
- I have to go, sir. - You know the way.
Strip him!
Hold him tight.
Look...
This the secondary track from the Gare du Nord to Verneuil.
The Germans reopened six months ago.
We get here at 8:30 p.m., we hide...
and we don't move until midnight
when we unwrap our gear.
Cops patrol the area.
Expecting someone?
No. Don't move.
Who is it?
Missak.
Come in.
- What's wrong? - Don't keep a gun here, I said.
What's the problem?
They got your pals, Patriciu, Sass and Cristea.
No...
That's impossible!
Pack, we have to hide.
Seine Swimming Championship
On your marks!
Go, Michel!
- Go, Michel! - That's good!
We won!
Brilliant!
Michel Rougemont!
Lane 5, Seine champion!
- Mr Rougemont, how old are you? - 19.
You're a prime example of athletic and determined French youth.
The Marshal would be proud. Any comment?
I've broken my own record and I hope to go further.
Bravo and keep going, young man.
Bravo. Really.
- Do you think Mum... - Shut up!
Mum!
Speak, say something.
- I'm so ashamed... - Stop it.
I was at the grocer's when they came.
Mrs Lavet hid me in her cellar.
We mustn't stay here.
Where on earth can we go?
Let things cool down.
When the escapees resume their lives,
we'll serve them a second helping.
Look at those two.
They don't have stars.
What does that prove?
You're right, nothing.
Hold your nose and check their dicks.
No, I'm worn out. We have our quota of Yids.
6,000 in Drancy, 7,000 at the stadium.
It's a fine score.
First, stay away from your old street.
Second, we've rented you a place on Boulevard Soult, at number 83a.
Move there with your mother and Simon.
Third, stop screwing up. And that's an order.
What did I do?
A German soldier yesterday.
A policeman two days ago.
- He was doing an ID check. - Listen.
Obey or we cut you loose.
You're not Jewish...
Know what Hitler said in a Reichstag speech in 1936?
He said, "'Who remembers the Armenians now?"'
My family vanished a long time ago.
Sorry.
We'll change the mail drop next week.
Money for the month
and bread stamps too.
How much do you make?
1,600 francs like you. A married man needs children to earn more.
There's no future in the Resistance.
What are you reading?
"'Les Misérables"'.
- You live on this yard? - Yes. Over there.
Why don't you go in?
You'll catch a chill.
I'm afraid alone at home.
Where are your parents?
In Drancy. I haven't heard from them for weeks.
- Take off the star. - I can't.
It's obligatory for Jews.
There are always exceptions.
- But the police... - I am the police.
My name's Pujol. Inspector René Pujol.
You stitched it on well!
- It's ages since I had lemonade. - Good.
Listen, I'll try to find out about your parents.
- What's your name? - Stern.
Monique Stern.
Monique... That's a pretty name.
Pretty like you.
Why don't you arrest me so I can be with my parents?
You'll see them again.
Obersturmfuhrer Raffenbach, I'm sorry they wouldn't say a word.
Not even their names.
I know your methods, superintendent. I know you did the maximum.
The SS could learn from you.
- Don't exaggerate. - I'm not.
I'm impressed.
Our collaboration exceeds our hopes.
Your Police Minister, René Bousquet, has demanded
something Himmler never dared ask your troops.
The stadium round-up is a fine success for France.
Not one German took part.
Allow me to invite you to dinner, my dear Fernand.
Clitch blew his brains out to avoid arrest.
He was a good man.
We must be even more vigilant.
You don't sound convinced.
- The comrades are exhausted. - And you?
Me?
I'm eating soup with the woman I love. I can't complain.
I have good news.
- Is it true? - Of course it's true.
They're well, the food's good and you can write to them through me.
You can even send parcels. I know an officer who'll get them in.
Thank you, Mr Pujol!
You can call me René.
You can even give me a kiss too.
Thank you!
Know how you could thank me?
It's very simple.
We're not getting enough press, I'm telling you.
- The command is "'mispleased"'. - Displeased.
We've thought hard. To keep your command,
we need spectacular results in the coming weeks.
Spectacular how?
People aren't talking about us enough.
So the Germans don't shoot enough hostages after each attack?
I mean the press.
The Resistance has to make headlines!
The Paris-Cherbourg train
will have 1,500 German soldiers on it when we derail it.
Come up with something better or you're out!
I knew you'd be here.
The yellow star's gone?
Yes.
For good.
You hit the jackpot?
You could say that. I've met someone.
Who?
A friend.
What does he do?
He's in business.
- Shady business? - Not at all.
I don't really know. He does as he wants.
- Sleeping with him? - He's a friend!
He knows people. I can write to my parents.
- Your parents? - I even sent a parcel today.
To Auschwitz?
What are you saying?
Your parents left Drancy long ago.
For Poland. In cattle wagons.
Your friend's taking you for a ride.
You're so evil.
I came to tell you I still love you
and you...
- You have to forget her. - You know about girls now?
- How are your parents? - They're living in a cellar.
Dad planned it without telling anyone.
He's fine with his books. It's less fun for Mum.
- And Marthe and Béla? - They read all day.
And you?
I'm ok. I manage on my own.
- 45 Germans down on Quai de Valmy. - I wasn't alone.
Narek told me
you shot two Krauts who were chasing you on the elevated metro.
That takes guts.
You'd have done the same.
- For confession? - Yes, for this gentleman.
Father! I was here first!
What's on your mind?
I have to meet someone.
Who?
We've hardly talked.
It's better that way.
I'm just good for making love?
I didn't say that.
Why don't you trust me?
I don't trust anyone these days.
I want to fight with you.
What do you mean?
I'm not stupid.
I want to avenge my parents with the Communist Youth.
Nothing to do with me. Ask Krazu.
I last saw him before the round-up. Everyone's avoiding me.
I'll set up a meeting.
I promise.
Still seeing your protector?
No.
You were right, he's a bastard.
You want to screw her?
She's very cute.
Jewish girls freeze me up.
You wouldn't turn your nose up at her if she was in your bed!
Ask my wife what she thinks.
General Julius Ritter is a prime target.
Last year, he sent 600,000 French workers to Germany.
What's he like?
A big general with his petty habits.
Every morning, his chauffeur picks him up at 8:45.
We could attack then
or in the Bois de Boulogne. He rides there every Sunday.
The Bois. I'll get him at the polo ground.
And I look on?
No, you're back-up.
- Which one shoots best? - Don't start!
It's my decision.
We have to split up now.
We leave at three-minute intervals.
Marcel, go first.
Marcel says you want to work with us?
- How about a hello? - Some other time.
Not very nice...
It's the times we live in.
- Marcel's wrong to be sweet on you. - You're jealous?
I have to go.
I came here for nothing?
Where did you get the earrings?
And the fur?
- You've met someone. - I've stopped seeing him.
You're a whore?
He was too good for me.
- Get him to buy you dinner. - Why?
Before we decide, we need to know who you see.
Come back tomorrow
at the same time.
We've got him. Henri Krasucki.
They all come from the same street.
A hive of terrorists, a real shtetl, Jews and Commies.
All lying low since the round-up.
Want us to arrest this Krasucki?
No, don't.
One suspect leads to another. That's how we trace the network.
Go slowly, chief inspector.
Chief inspector?
I promised you swift promotion. You have it.
They're doubling our numbers.
Rottée has transferred you.
Get L"OEuvre!
General Ritter killed by terrorists! Germany in mourning!
Get L"OEuvre! General Ritter... L"OEuvre, sir!
"'A day of national mourning throughout Germany.
"'Himmler asks Oberg to annihilate all terrorists.
"'The army of the shadows steps into the light."' Happy now?
Well done, Missak.
But you must be a lot more cautious from now on.
Here's the payroll.
Violence, pillage and murder are not French words.
Those who have stayed here
have retained a better idea of French values than the immigrants
who sell themselves
and auction off their country.
Over to you, Pujol. You have a free hand.
But keep it secret. Walls have ears, even at police HQ.
Pull him out.
Pujol, one of your colleagues.
Mathelin...
A good cop, a good father,
well on his way to promotion.
But working for Bolshevik partisans for two years now.
You have leads?
Pujol...
We've been tailing a certain Marcel Rayman, a Polish Jew,
and he's likely to...
I want proof and results!
All right, we'll make arrests.
We won't disappoint General Oberg.
General Oberg demands a large scale round-up!
We'll hold a show trial.
We must terrorize the terrorists!
Forget the others.
But you promised to save Marcel.
You can't just leave.
Stay a while longer...
my honey.
You said if I slept with you, Marcel would be safe.
We've done that.
Did you like it?
If you want more, take care of him.
Mrs Frydman? Are you Marcel Rayman's aunt?
- A cup of chicory? - No, thank you.
Mrs Frydman, your nephews are about to be arrested.
I don't know where they are but hurry and tell them to hide.
There's no time to lose.
You understand? The partisans are dropping like flies.
Marcel has to hide or he's had it.
Thank you, inspector.
You're going?
Certainly not. It reeks of a trap.
You're sure?
Why would he want to save Marcel? Whatever for?
It doesn't seem right.
Run, Simon!
Run!
Wait...
My name is... Petra.
There we are.
I knew we had found someone important
and sensitive.
Get him a glass of water.
Mr Petra...
Here are a few photos.
We know this one is Marcel Rayman, isn't he?
Yes.
General Ritter's killer, right?
Yes.
You see, Pujol, there's no need to rush.
Raffenbach and Oberg will be pleased.
This one is known as Gilles Estain.
Colonel Gilles.
The top commander with the partisans.
His real name
is Joseph Epstein.
And this one?
Missak Manouchian.
The head of the group.
- No one followed you? - No.
- You're sure? - Yes.
I saw two men in the café. I think they've left.
- Got the package? - Yes. Here.
Leave it on.
Go and stay with Cristina. Come back tomorrow.
If this rag's still here, run and drop everything.
- And you? - I'm meeting someone.
Tell me who you're seeing for once.
Colonel Gilles.
He's here. He's waiting up there.
Hands up!
"My whole soul is on my lips
"And I cannot communicate with those I love
"Countless duties jostle and assail me
"I don"t know which one to pursue
"l"m thirsty for science, "Thirsty for art
"Thirsty for love, thirsty for life"
You still won't talk?
Nothing to say?
No.
Are you sure?
- Yes. - Sure?
Has anyone talked?
No.
Here, have a seat.
Be nice to us, we'll be nice to you.
I'll be right back.
I know him...
Shut up. Nobody knows anyone here.
I'm Marcel Rayman's brother.
You're Simon? How old are you?
Fifteen soon.
Can you let me in?
I've been thinking of you, Mrs Mélinée.
Thank you, Mrs Viard.
It's Mélinée, Mrs Elek.
Hello, Mélinée.
Come in.
Don't get up, Mr Elek.
If I don't move, I'll get rusty.
Any news?
Mr Darnand, congratulations!
General Oberg is expecting us.
What we want is a trial that will cause a stir,
to mark public opinion.
French patriots need to know
that the Jews and Communists who led their country to war
are dangerous terrorists in the pay of England and the USSR.
Minister Darnand
has designed a brochure.
We'll call it "'The Army of Crime"' and distribute it all over France.
Excellent!
The trial will be held in February
and they will be executed immediately after at Mont-Valérien.
My dear Simon,
l"m counting on you to do all I can"t.
Take care. I love you.
L"m pleased.
Be happy. Make mother happy.
I would have if I had lived.
Live the beautiful and happy life you"ll all have.
Sorry this letter is so crazy but I can"t stay serious.
Marcel.
Members of the press, this is the full Manouchian group.
Take a look at these characters!
Polish, Hungarian and Romanian Jews.
Spanish and Italian Communists too,
with the leader of their gang,
an Armenian!
They claim to be liberators
but this is the army of crime, vengeance and hatred.
Generals Raffenbach and Oberg want posters displayed all over France
showing these terrorists' countenances.
There.
I'll leave you to do your work with the sample that we've selected.
Hold onto that gun.
You'll need it when the FFI cut off your balls.
Shut your mouth, filthy Yid!
Antoine Salvadori, Amadeo Issiglio,
Cesare Luccarini, Rino Della Negra,
Spartaco Fontano, Georges Cloarec,
Arpente Avitian, Roger Rouxel,
Robert Witchitz, Wolf Wajsbrot,
Celestino Alfonso, Willy Szapiro,
Marcel Rayman, Stanislas Kubacki,
Szlama Grzywacz, Léon Goldberg,
Jonas Geduldig, Maurice Fingercwajg,
Emeric Glasz, Thomas Elek,
Olga Bancic, Feri Boczov,
Missak Manouchian.
"Mélinée,
"my beloved little orphan,
"In a few hours, I shall be gone.
"We are to be shot this afternoon at 3.
"It"s like one of life"s accidents.
"I don"t believe it but I know l"ll never see you again.
"What can I write?
"Everything is vague yet clear.
"I joined the Army of Liberation as a volunteer
"and l"m dying with victory in sight.
"Joy to those who survive us to savour sweet freedom
"and the coming peace.
"As I go to my death,
"I feel no hatred for the German people, nor for anyone else.
"The German people and all others will live in peace
"after this war that will soon be over.
"I wish l"d had a child with you as you wanted.
"And so I beg you to marry after the war
"and to have a child to fulfil my last wish.
"Joy to you all.
"Your Missak.
"Post scriptum:
"I have 15,000 francs in my suitcase at Rue Louvois. Pay off my debts."
Mrs Rayman was gassed on arriving in Birkenau.
In Auschwitz, Henri Krasucki took care of Simon Rayman.
The Allies freed them in 1945.
Mélinée never remarried.
To relate the commitment
of foreigners in the French resistance,
I have had to alter certain events.
That was necessary to recount this modern legend,
to help us live here and now.
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