The Anthem of Leuthen
To his memory
Winter 1757
The King fought victoriously in Thuringia against the French and the Imperial Austrian army.
But in Silesia, all seemed lost.
Breslau has fallen, and the Duke of Bevern, the King's brother-in-law, commander of the Silesian army, is taken prisoner.
The remains of the beaten army retreat to the north, worn out, dead tired and desperate.
- I can't go on. - if you want to know, neither can I
don't give up
you've no idea what weariness a man can stand
this isn't weariness, this must be something else
I can feel it in my legs, in my stomach
I'm sick of it
it must be the war
look over there, a castle
that's the castle of Lissa in Silesia
in Austria, you mean
- how do you mean? - tomorrow you'll see
a pity it isn't today
then we could eat our fill with good Austrian food
will you join me? shall we go inside?
but they'll throw us out double quick, man!
we'll see about that, I need some warm food in my stomach
but we don't know the people in the palace
they'll get to know us, don't worry
what a swinish business!
I'm hungry!
I want food
look how the folks are living here
get out at once
common soldiers can get food in the courtyard
blessed are the peaceful
they haven't heard of that around here
war is outside, and food is outside
why didn't he tell us at once?
you with your war, dirtying everything and I'll have to clean up
under these circumstances we'll refrain from any violence
I'm that hungry that my father hasn't slept for the last nights
what's on the menue, sweetie?
beef beuschel
my specialty
but that's lung hachée
what did you say?
how do you call that in Prussian?
lung hachée
come on, let me have some of your beuschel
here you are
would you take that back and give me another helping? that little beuschel here seems a bit overripe
what? take it back?
you eat it first, then I'll take it back
I was joking
Zieten-Hussars covered the retreat
Good day, Lotte
- Lotte - Hans!
Hans!
what's the matter with you?
what's the matter?
Jean
water
he'll open his eyes
golly!
are you injured?
not at all
countess, I think a schnitzel, a roast beef, a Tokayer wine would be the right medicine for the cavalry captain
I think he's right
I'll tell the cook
I had to see you once more, Charlotte
who knows what will happen now
the Austrians are down on our necks
they could be here in an hour
Silesia is lost for us
thank God
Marianne!
the Countess has one of her honest moments
why should I lie?
I am an Austrian, you're a Prussian
or shouldn't I say what I think, just out of politeness?
are you starting off again?
he only came to say farewell
forget it, Charlotte
I'm leaving
no, stay, cavalry captain
I'm only honest
there are worlds between us
but during the Prussian occupation I've come to know you as a worthy person
of course you are always welcome as a guest in my home
farewell
I don't say "auf Wiedersehen"
the Prussian officers won't be able to visit Silesia again in the future
countess
one never knows
qui vivra verra
what about you?
you can be sure of my love
dumplings and and pork roast, cavalry captain
that's tasty
just like my mother's cooking
I might even get used to it
I must be off
who knows what will happen, Charlotte
I wonder if we'll see each other again
Hans
all your relatives are good Austrians
you'll forget about the Prussian
you'll have to forget him
Hans
let's get married
at once
Lotte
if it were up to me, all Silesia could bugger off
well that's what happening right now
why?
I see, if you look at it that way...
Wuttke
silence!
there you are
why don't you report?
at your service, cavalry captain I've my mouth full just now
as usual
- you've your mouth full (are fed up) - yes sir
listen
- I need a priest at once - a priest?
shut up
run to the village and get one
yes cavalry captain
I beg your pardon, protestant or catholic?
I see
doesn't matter
run along
as the cavalry captain wishes
hold it
no Charlotte
it's my duty to tell you that
if your mother were still alive...
then she certainly wouldn't prevent my happiness
this couldn't bring you happiness
the Prussians are our enemies
but I love him
you're of age, Charlotte
do what you think is right
yes I will
cavalry captain
don't shout in here
what's up?
I couldn't find the priest
he's hidden himself somewhere in the forest with his cattle
but I brought this robe
Rubbish! I need a priest
I can get you someone resembling a priest
in our company we have a man who can do such stuff. if the cavalry captain agrees I'll call him
Christian
Christian, come here
here he is
he has studied to be a parson
wipe off your lung hachée, otherwise you won't look like a parson
what's his profession?
I have been a candidate of theology
I don't know what this is all about, cavalry captain...
I wouldn't recommend him for the church
but for home-use he's adequate
can he perform a wedding ceremony right now?
a war wedding ceremony
a war wedding ceremony?
nothing easier as that
great!
let's go into the chapel, we'll start at once
the Countess is already in the chapel
the Austrians are coming!
off with you!
the Austrians are coming
before the almighty God and before these witnesses I ask you, cavalry captain Hans von Wustrow
will you take as your lawful wedded wife Charlotte comtesse von Mudrach,
to love and cherish her, in holy matrimony, in sickness and in health, never to leave her till death will part you?
If this your heart's wish, then answer with yes
yes
absolutely not fit for ???
will you faithfully keep the marriage bond till death will part you?
cavalry captain!
answer with yes
yes
exchange the rings
cavalry captain, the Austrians
coming
but I haven't finished yet
what God has united man must not set apart
go now
but I'll be with you tonight
- what about the Austrians? - I don't care
they can't keep me from coming to you
to my wife
please go now
in the park, at the fountain
farewell
mount!
off we go
God's greetings
servus, Maridl
servus
servus Maridl, what "Knödl" are you cooking (dumplings)
hurry, the Austrians are at the door
but I must still take my leave of you
Madame cavalry captain
God's greetings
God be with you, Madame cavalry captain
and...
well you know
I'm honoured, priest
God's greetings
we've only come to check for our quarters
as you please
there is warm soup for you outside
thank you, that's kind
God's greetings, priest
make way for the priest, you fools
I'm honoured, priest
God's greetings to all of you
I haven't seen such a crowd ??? for some time
a specialty, lung hachée
she calls it lung hachée?
you silly goose, but that's Beuschel
the Prussians call it lung hachée
those Prussians pigs (Sau-Preußen), of course they would!
and further on the worn-out soldiers dragged themselves
to unite with the King, who was marching from Roßbach with this victorious battallions.
the king... the king
vivat
Colonel!
- Colonel Rawitsch - here
here you are, colonel
so here we are, aren't we
this is much nicer that sleep in a haystack, isn't it
what's the matter?
His Excellency!
Well, West ???, here we are
thanks, my dear Moess
please announce me to the countess, I want to call on the ladies
I have the honour, gentlemen at ease
any news, Rawitsch?
yes, your excellency
the King of Prussia is of course approaching with his troops by forced marches
what a mess
do you know his position?
he's crossed the Silesian border yesterday
I've heard rumours that His Excellency has been unhappily in love with the the countess
we'll halt the advance
we'll stay in the defensive
- do you know the countess? - of course, from the court balls
she's a charming lady
our positions on the river Weistritz will be prepared for defence
I kiss your hand, countess
a good day, your excellency
and there's the comtesse
God's greetings
my, how beautiful she has turned to be!
and so grown-up
- isn't she? - very sweet
cornet, come here
he is our regimental pet
Cornet von Währing, also called the fried chicken because he's so young and fresh and tasty looking
Colonel von Rawitsch
he's the greatest Prussian-eater in the army
he's after them like the devil after a poor soul
one does what one can
excuse me, my ladies, the gentlemen's duty takes precedence
I'll leave you the cornet, make good use of him
at your service, your excellency
my ladies
reporting for duty
the field marshal
servus, Your Imperial Highness
God's greeting, gentlemen
deliver this order at once
His Highness Prince Karl of Lothringen
servus, my dear field marshal
Your Highness comes in person?
yes, there's a small matter...won't you sit down
I've come to ask you something
I've heard that you intend to hold your positions behind the Weistritz
yes your highness
why?
we hold an impregnable position there
if he attacks us there...
he'll find it a nut too hard to crack
attacks?
I'm sure he's only too relieved if we don't attack him
I beg your pardon, your highness
I don't agree
I don't agree either
I beg your pardon
it's just my opinion
but that's of no use to us here
so what?
the king of Prussia is no ordinary person
if he has set his mind to do something then he unleashes hell
if would be madness to give up our favourable positions
let us stay where we are, Your Highness
I beg your pardon, field marshal, but that would be undignified
let's attack, finish it once and for all
say, how many men has Fridericus anyway?
He'll bring 14.000 men from Roßbach
and the duke of Bevern's remaining forces are 16.000, and that's a generous guess
that makes...
30.000
thank you
let's add another 5, then he'll have 35.000
and how many men do we have, field marshal?
86.000, your highness
let's say a round figure, 90
and you want to stay put in here?
do you intend to camp here for the winter?
no way!
I want to be back in Vienna by Christmas
we'll just push him and his Potsdam guard battalion out of Silesia and...
and the job's done.
isn't it?
then I'll have to obey
hand me the order
I suppose your highness is personally taking the responsibility for this?
of course I am
I am glad to have convinced you
The Prussian headquarters in Parchwitz
yes your royal highness
you'll have to convince him that he must return home
and finish this business here
I've thought about it
I'm very worried
one might...
I thought...
he's not himself!
one could suggest in Berlin...
you understand...
if a sick man were sitting on the throne...
I see
if a sick man were sitting on the throne...
I'm telling you, the generals have lost the spirit to fight
I've heard them myself, they say he's gone mad
what if I said such a thing about my captain?
but that makes all the difference, you mutton-head
it's beyond my comprehension
no army leader in the whole word can go to battle with a band of vagabonds
impossible. but just you wait, the generals will have their say
you'll see the generals will chicken out once the king is here
do you imagine Fritze lets one of those generals order him about?
???
he must be forced to give up Silesia and make peace
very true
my esteemed brother
with what business brings him here?
what bad news might he be bringing?
your majesty, our situation is desperate
I know that.
did you undertake the long journey just to tell me that?
sire, you must make peace.
you want peace?
so do I.
we agree about that.
anything else?
your majesty, I stand here representing the heir to the throne
on behalf of the entire Royal family
so that's it, in Berlin they are sitting behind their cozy stoves and conspire against me
the heir to the throne suggests to start immediate deliberations for peace
the heir to the throne!
the fellow can't even command 10 men
he's should breed some children first
he's of no use for anything else
your majesty, the whole country is laid desolate
the Swedes stand before Prenzlau
your majesty, I am speaking in the name of the homeland
sir!
for whom do you imagine am I waging this war?
for the homeland!
your majesty
you must make peace
the army doesn't support you any longer
the army?
are you talking about my soldiers?
I forbid you to insult my soldiers!
sir!
your majesty
I ask you to accept my resignation
repeat what you said
- I ask you to... - halt!
repeat it before my generals
there's a council of war tonight at 2 o'clock
yes?
I want to see the king
cavalry captain von Wustrow
the Austrians have crossed the river Weistritz
- and are advancing on Leuthen - good
so the foxes are leaving their burrows
Fritz, listen to me
Adieu
out with you!
I'll be damned, we can't go on like this
we're standing here waiting for hours and don't know what's going to happen
adieu
give my regards to Berlin
good evening, gentlemen
good evening general
what's going on?
that's what I'm asking you, Seydlitz
his majesty thinks it's his personal war
he thinks he's waging this war all alone
and we were just to obey
well, we're the marionettes
do you have something to drink, gentlemen?
Cavalry Captain Reske!
- here - mount!
- Günther! - here
Ladewig!
come here
listen to me
we'll ride to the palace of Lissa
got it? yessir
forward march
# tell me why the sky is so blue
# tell me what happened today
# Today I have looked into the eyes of the most beautiful, the sweetest woman
# blue as the sky, deep as the sea
# that's why my heart feels happy and so heavy today
# now I know that no other woman will please me again
# on the whole world
bravo, "Backhendl" (fried chicken), bravo
charming
did you write that song?
yes countess. just today I wrote the song, all of a sudden
charming
thank you
but I'm afraid the comtesse didn't like my song
but I did, it was very nice
- yes? - yes
but ... I have a slight headache
If I may excuse myself
but comtesse, don't go into any trouble because of us, make yourself at home
good night, Marianne
good night, gentlemen
sweet dreams
I beg your pardon, comtesse
I wonder if I may sing my song to you at a more suitable time
certainly
- corporal, I'm now going up to the castle
here's the watch
if I'm not back in 15 minutes
you'll ride back alone
yes sir
and take my horse with you
yes sir
careful
but you must come to Vienna, to the court ball
since when do you dance, my dear Daun?
it's true, I haven't had much time for dancing in the last years
but in order to please you I'd be a young man again
don't use your age as an excuse
when I look at you, countess...
I realize what I missed at the time.
a pity
il ne faut jamais perdre l'espoir, mon cher conte
merci mille fois, madame
bonsoir
c'était un grand plaisir de vous revoir.
- you? - yes
my dear little wife
Hans, I have to leave immediately
out of the question. do you think I fought my way in here just for...
but there's something important I must tell you
quiet! now I do the talking!
later, after we're married, then you may talk
but we're already married
that's right
have you already forgotten?
I surely haven't noticed it much
Hans
the Austrian Supreme Command has occupied the castle
Daun and his staff are there
golly!
where can I get a barrel of dynamite to blow up the whole gang
then the war would be over and we could sleep in a bed again
excuse me
are you angry?
you're my little wife
one may say what one thinks
and feels
in one's heart
I long for you so much
lung hachée, that's what the Prussians call it
but it tasted good
what rubbish!
# tell me why is the heaven so blue...
# tell me what happened today
# today I've looked into the eyes of the most beautiful, the sweetest woman
who's that?
a silly cornet
what does he want?
he serenades me
he's a bit in love with me
what?
I'll kill the boy
but Hans
# you've lit the fire of my love only to you belongs my heart
# most beautiful of women, I'm kneeling before you
# trembling with bliss and pain
he sings beautifully
just the right song for two people in love
# your heart beats like my heart, therefore give it to me, under the small ...
- can you see him? - no
what if he comes here?
halt. who goes there?
halt
my boy
I could kill you right here
but you sang so beautifully
let go of me
guard!
spread out
off we go
what's going on here?
dismissed
what's your business here, comtesse?
what's going on here?
what's happened here?
speak up please!
follow me please
- password? - victoria
Corporal, you go to the King at once
report to him that Field Marshal Daun and the Austrian headquarters are stationed at Lissa castle
repeat
good, off with you
come here, Währing don't act foolish
have a seat, comtesse
cornet
will you answer
your excellency
I ask your permission to keep silent about the affair
Rawitsch
don't you see what's been going on there?
if you force the cornet to speak...
you'll cause the greatest embarrassment for the comtesse
I beg your pardon, your excellency
I must know what's happened there
- reporting from the guard - have you ...? - no Colonel
he got away with a Prussian Hussar patrol
gentlemen, leave us alone
colonel Lukatschek
Waritsch, you stay here
what's happened?
countess
perhaps you can make the comtesse talk
there has been a Prussian spy in the garden
no
the comtesse seems to be involved in the affair
I knew it would end badly
the countess knows something?
you know the man?
yes
Marianne!
I beg of you
it's no use to keep silent, you'll make everything worse
your excellency
the Prussian officer is Charlotte's husband
your excellency
cornet, you stay here
yes sir
I want to know what you have been talking about with that Prussian
comtesse
I'm terribly sorry, but I can't help you
you must talk now
I only told him he should flee because the Austrian high command was stationed in the castle
you shouldn't have told your husband that
he's a Prussian
I think that's sufficient, your excellency
to have the comtesse tried by a court martial
comtesse
I deeply regret
but I must place you under arrest
stay in your room
come with me, Charlotte
cornet, you may go
your sword
thank you, Colonel
the court martial will be held tomorrow evening at 7 o'clock
I'll preside
I'm fed up with it too
I've been a general for ...
for 15 years I'm a general
and I'm on intimate terms with him
And I'll go to him now...
I'll tell him: Fritze
do with us what you will!
but you must tell us what you are going to do with us!
that's right
dispatch rider
urgent message from cavalry captain Wustrow: field marshal Daun and his headquarters are in Lissa castle
we must report that at once
the royal mint
is instructed to have
the silver treasure of my palaces
coined into talers as quickly as possible.
Möllendorff, what's the matter?
report from cavalry captain von Wustrow: Daun and the Austrian headquarters are stationed in Lissa
I've already thought so.
your majesty, the generals are waiting.
doesn't he know that I've ordered them to come at 2 o'clock
but your majesty knows how they are
sitting there, waiting, drinking...
and complaining...
let them wait
let them complain
but after all we would like to know what's going to happen tomorrow
what's going to happen tomorrow?
can he keep a secret?
of course, your majesty
so can I.
the council of the city of Stettin
is instructed
to undertake the building of the harbour as speedily as possible
the academy of fine arts...
what did he say, Möllendorff?
go on, spit it out
well, no sneeze then
gentlemen
can you keep a secret?
sure
so can I
that's what he said
that's all
yes your majesty
report from the Ansbach-Bayreuth regiment
should the enemy advance...
the regiment will retreat to the village Borne
should the enemy advance
the regiment will retreat to the village Borne
deliver it at once
yes your majesty
the generals at 2 o'clock
- how late is it? - half past one, your majesty
one might lie down for a while
it's the Saxon officer
what's the matter?
a death sentence must be signed
the king's asleep, I cannot disturb him now
first you agreed about the sentence
now I don't want to wait
I'll see what I can do
what does he want?
your majesty, the death sentence for the Saxon officer must be signed
you're disturbing me because of that!
let him come in
the king wants to talk to him
he has brokes his promise
I gave him his freedom on his word of honour
he has been caught fighting again
a pardon is therefore out of the question
I haven't asked your majesty for a pardon
excellent
we're both candidates for death
for him the whole business will be over in 15 minutes
for me, by tomorrow probably
if I don't achieve what I have set out to do till tomorrow evening...
I shall no longer be among the living.
this is my firm intention.
please sit down, sir
please
I need a man...
who must be silent beyond the grave
please, do sit down
take this
write
my last will
write
my last will
ad. 1
In case I am killed...
business will go on as usual
without any change
they shall bury my body
without pomp and circumstance
at night
on the terrasse at Sans-souci
ad. 2
In case
I am captured by the enemy
I forbid
to make the least concessions for my person
in that case, my brother will take over command.
and I hold him
as well as all my generals and ministers
personally responsible with their heads
that neither a province
nor a ransom shall be offered for me,
and that this war shall be continued
as if I had never existed.
has he written it down?
yes your majesty
that's all
adieu
your majesty
I am going to die
it is an honour for any man to have been of service to the king of Prussia
but as a Saxon officer I wish that this last will has not been written in vain.
that's quite possible
guard
march off the prisoner
halt
throw the man into the fortress till the armistice
but he's to keep his mouth shut till tomorrow!
it's 2 o'clock, gentlemen
get up, the king is waiting
better a warm stench than cold air
all step forward for the bread and schnapps rations
that smells great in here
a whole jar of schnapps, a whole basket of bread
that's funny, what does it mean?
I can tell you what that means
that's the last ration
if you want to draw food tomorrow you'll have to get it from the Austrians
there's surely something happening here
let me tell you then
I shall, against all rules of war,
attack a threefold stronger enemy wherever I can find him
I must dare this action or all is lost
we must beat the enemy
or let ourselves be buried by his batteries
this is what I think
and this is how I'm going to act
if one of you gentlemen...
is afraid...
to share all the dangers with me...
he can hand in his resignation today...
without hearing any complaint from me.
I knew beforehand
that none of you would leave me
therefore I put my whole faith in your loyal service
in the victory which is certain now
now, gentlemen
farewell
in a short time we will either have beaten the enemy
or we'll never see each other again
mount!
gentlemen
to Leuthen!
mount!
what's he looking at?
I'm in paradise, your majesty
I guess he's pious?
yes your majesty
does he imagine that up there there is someone sitting and looking after him?
but I do
I believe so
where else could we find the courage for the battle?
I suppose I am not sufficient for him?
but I assure you, you are
for the battle yes
but for the...
I know quite well what he means
what's his profession?
student of theology
I should have thought so
but he's an educated and intelligent person
even though he's a theologian
and... will He up there help us win the battle?
but certainly, your majesty
if your majesty would ask Him to
I'll tell you something:
YOU ask Him to help us!
what are they singing?
does your majesty want them to stop?
no, let them sing
with those fellows I'll win the battle
Christian
you've put that nicely just now
that bit about the God the father
but...
the Fritze is someone we can count on
he'll look after us
but that's what I've been saying all the time
then for once you've got something right
good luck, grenadiers
- be good - Jawohl
you'll see, it'll pass very smoothly
they'll march back to Potsdam, as I said
all that dirt around here
about turn
the left wing stands fast
till the right wing has executed the detour
the Prussian is tricking us
he'll attack us
but where could he attack us?
we've reinforced here and here....
I ask you, where could he attack us?
but if the Prussian were really daring, then he would indeed...
silence!
- the Prussians are preparing to attack - yes I know
they'll attack the right wing, I expected that, that's why we've reinforced it
no your highness. Fridericus has attacked the left wing
so he is daring!
halt! where are you running to? Guys, do you want to live forever?
attack the enemy!
his majesty shouldn't expose himself to danger too much
fire a salve
into the cemetery's walls
cavalry captain
ride like the devil into victory
attack now!
General Zieten is to attack now!
the king's order
General Zieten is to attack the left wing at once
Schorsch, what's the matter with you
he's had it
don't curse now
run along
I'm done for
now now, I want to stay here a bit, you
Christian
what's the matter?
my stomach
is it bad?
Schorsch, say something
Christian
I think he wants to pray
Our Father who art in heaven
hallowed be thy name
thy kingdom come
thy will be done
it would be better if you talked now
we've no time, we must be off
what can I say?
I haven't kept silent about anything and I haven't lied
you'd lighten your sentence if you told us what that Prussian officer, your husband has told you
but I haven't...
but even if she knew something
she couldn't be made to talk
countess
you won't get anywhere with your threats
a comtesse Mudrach is no spy
countess, I ask you for the last time to be silent
I won't be silent
you have no right
that's not for you to decide
but count Daun has promised us...
let's finish this
write this down
the comtesse has nothing further to add to her statement
the hearing is closed
my ladies
I ask you to wait for the court-martial's decision in your rooms
come
place double guards in front of her doors
the king
cavalry captain von Wustrow with 20 Zieten hussars on the way to his quarters
join me with your hussars, cavalry captain
Is this the Breslau road leading through Lissa?
yes your excellency
who's he?
I'm the innkeeper of Saala, your excellency
come here and light my way
yes your excellency
take hold of my stirrup
Yes Your Excellency
- you must have suffered quite a bit - you can say that, your excellency
what gave the Prussian the idea to attack our left wing?
who else could have betrayed us?
those women here
in Lissa there has been some fishy business going on
they took the comtesse away to Breslau
she's to appear before a court-martial
because of espionage
a Prussian hussar officer is involved too
your majesty, allow me to ride to Lissa castle in advance
- so that your majesty won't be in danger. - are you mad?
get back
halt
put out the light
cavalry captain, chase that gang to the devil
where is the comtesse?
colonel, I hope you aren't serious about this execution
I am not in the habit to joke about such matters
she's still in the castle
go to hell
after today, mercy with such a Prussian spy would amount to high treason
that's my view regarding an officer's duty
colonel, it would be a shame for the whole army
shut up
you can do with me what you will, but I will not tolerate that a harmless woman...
I am in command here and I order the execution
no, colonel!
bonsoir messieurs
good evening gentlemen
could you let me have something to eat?
of course, your majesty
I beg your pardon, your majesty
you must be mistaken, these are the Austrian headquarters
not any longer
I beg your pardon
but gentlemen, do sit down
pressed sausage, your majesty
unfortunately no champagne, your majesty
please
- have another slice - non merci
it's no trouble at all, your majesty
delicious
your pressed sausage
we haven't had anything like it for a long time
at least your majesty finds it tasty
perhaps conditions will improve in our country from now on
I just want to know, is he mad? or are we?
I think he is
we must do something
one could earn the order of Maria Theresia
your majesty
I must ask you to hand me your sword
# the almighty God
# may grant us in our lives
# an eternally happy heart
# and noble peace
# and He shall keep us in His grace
gentlemen
I have played vabanque today
you must forgive me that you have lost at the game
bonsoir messieurs
Lotte!
Hans!
# and God the Holy Ghost
# on heaven's highest throne
# Him, the triune God
# as it had been in the beginning
# and as it will remain
# now and forever
# now let us all praise God
# the Father and the Son
# and God the Holy Ghost
# on heaven's highest throne
# Him, the triune God
# as it had been in the beginning
# and as it will remain
# now and forever
The End
subtitles serdar202