The digital restoration of Paisan was based
on the original image and soundtrack negatives
and a vintage fine-grain print preserved at CSC - Cineteca Nazionale.
The restoration work was carried out by Cineteca Di Bologna
and CSC - Cineteca Nazionale at L'lmmagine Ritrovata laboratory in 2013.
PAISAN
On the night of July 10th 1943
the Anglo-American fleet opened fire on the southern coasts of Sicily.
Twelve hours later, the first major Allied landing operation in Europe began.
Under cover of the first shadows of night,
Anglo-American patrols push into Italian territory.
Nicuzzo! Nicuzzo!
What's going on? What do you want? Who are you?
What do they want?
Are they looking for their comrades?
Your comrades left this morning. They're not here.
Welcome, comrades. Welcome.
They've just landed, right?
- They're Americans. - No, they're not.
They'd end up six feet under if they came here.
You're Americans?
They're Americans.
My son was in Licata until ten days ago.
He was a soldier. Have you hurt him?
My precious son! If any harm's come to him...
Don't be afraid, madam. Nobody's going to hurt you.
What's happened here?
You speak Italian. Are you Italian like us?
Yes, my father's Sicilian. He was born in Gela.
Gela? I'm from Gela too.
- Luca! The American's from Gela. - Really?
- We can't live here. - An aeroplane's been bombing us.
The Germans went this morning. There aren't any left.
- We can't leave the village. - Even the gravediggers have gone.
We can't get out of the village.
We can't even bury my daughter-in-law.
- How many Germans left? - The American's from Gela.
- What's your name? - Tony Mascali.
- You're not from Gela. - My father left Gela and went to America.
There weren't any Mascalis in Gela. He's not from Gela.
They come here and tell us a pack of lies.
Our freedom’s over.
- When did the Germans leave? - This morning. They laid mines.
So the American's from Gela.
- How many Germans were there? - A lot. 3,000 or more.
- 30,000. - 30 million.
Can you tell me which way they were heading?
They were definitely heading north.
- Where are the mines? - On the coast.
The only way north is across the lava. At night.
You need someone like Carmela who knows the way.
She's run off that way twice to go looking for her folks.
Come with me.
- This way. - Can I have a cigarette?
- Yeah, a cigarette. - The Americans want to talk to you.
You know the way across the lava?
I use it every day to take my father his lunch.
- Is it a path or a road? - It's lava.
Can't anyone in your family show us?
No, my father and my brother have been gone for four days.
I've tried twice to run away and join them.
They're afraid of me going alone.
I'll take you there. I know the way. I'll come with you.
You can't go with these strangers.
- Do you really want to come with us? - Yes.
- Where are you taking her? - Let's go, baby.
Carmela!
Why did you try to run away?
I'm not here to look at your handsome faces.
I haven't seen my father and brother for four days. I'm going to look for them.
You're a good girl, Carmela. You mustn't worry about your folks.
If we find them we'll bring them back with us.
You stay here. Joe will keep you company.
See how good-looking he is?
I want to go back to the church. Can I go back to the church?
We'll all go back to the church later.
Bye.
Put that light out.
What's he on about?
Oh, I'm Carmela.
- Oh, the sea. - The sea?
My father and my brother were at sea. Do you understand?
The boat's sturdy and the sea's calm. Maybe the fighting held them up.
I'm going to look for them. You stay here.
You're all the same. You, the Germans, the fascists. Men with guns.
Ah, a shooting star.
What?
What did you say?
- Ah, blond. - Blond?
What?
Is it the same in America?
Ah, ding-dong.
Milk.
Uncle Luca had cows. Once he put seven children on one of them.
Sister?
- What's up? Why did you shoot? - I saw a light.
You've got to steady your nerves.
People have been imagining things for some time now.
Come on, we're going.
But I did see a light.
Naumann, do you see?
- The light could have come from there. - It's possible. Let's have a look.
- A pirate's castle. - And a big one too!
- Make sure no one gets in here. - Stay here. No one's gonna get in here.
War is like the games that children play.
Except that the bullets are real.
- It could get very romantic in here... - You're bloody Americans?
You were right after all.
It's a real pirate's den.
You can turn on the lights now.
There's even enough hay!
Let's go. Let's set up our HQ here.
Shit! It's pitch black here.
It's just the place where you might break your neck.
- Stop, I... - Thank God everything went well again.
Just be careful and stop complaining.
- An American? - They're all gonna go belly-up.
It's like a glimpse of the afterlife in here.
No. Look! There's someone there!
Gosh! What are you doing here?
- Why did you run away from the village? - I was afraid.
What's going on?
- Look at this. - What's going on?
- Afraid? - Of the Americans.
Don't be afraid.
- You can even find people here. - What did you find?
We're not going to hurt you. We're comrades.
- Did you shine a light? - No.
She appears to have been struck dumb.
That's a bad sign for a woman.
It's better like that. But what is she doing here?
This could get dangerous.
- There must be other people here. - Nonsense!
Did you take the girls to the forest? Man, she's just like a ripe pear...
Enough for the three of us and then some.
- Damn all this climbing. - Show me what you rustled up.
What are you doing here?
You're not here because you're afraid. You're here to meet your boyfriend, right?
Get away from me.
Your boyfriend's very stupid not to come.
I'm right, aren't I? I guessed right.
Fritz, I think you've got bad intentions.
I'm totally unsuited for it.
Totally unsuited.
What with the bad food and all the running around...
I bet you'd have preferred to find a barrel of wine.
Both. A barrel of wine and the girl on top of it.
I'd settle for water.
- I'm thirsty. - You got a complex?
Would you like some milk?
We're thirsty. Can you find some water?
Good. Is it far away?
I'll go now.
We're in for some surprises tonight, boys.
Of course. Always the gentleman.
- What if she doesn't come back? - What, with our good looks...?
Fritz, do you think they're going to advance any further?
And that we have to retreat even further?
Maybe all the way to Palermo?
Retreat? We're not going to retreat.
There's going to be a counter-attack tomorrow,
and they're going to run like rabbits.
All the way to Egypt. All the way to the devil, even.
Bachelors first.
Attention!
The war moved rapidly through the regions of southern Italy.
On September 8th the Allied fleet's guns were trained on Naples.
After breaking through German defenses at Salerno,
the Anglo-Americans landed on the Amalfi coast
and a few weeks later Naples was liberated.
The city's port became the most important logistical center
of the war in Italy.
Egyptian fakir defies death. Man of steel.
Look! Watch him tumble!
Ladies and gentlemen, he could break his neck.
Watch him tumble.
Go on.
Amazing! He's incredible.
- Are you going? - It's no good here.
- You're leaving it all to me? - I'm going to the port. Coming?
- So you're leaving us? - Learn how to eat fire.
- Look at that. - Learn how to do it.
Now, look...
Give me a light.
- Come here. Want to earn 50 lire? - No, I want 200.
- What about 100? - No, I said 200.
- 150 lire? - All right.
Here. Keep lookout.
Tell me if the police come.
Look at those lovely teeth. 100 lire.
Look at his nice jacket.
- And his shoes. - What about his jacket?
Hold on.
- 3,000 lire. - Wait.
3,000 lire and two packets of cigarettes.
Get out of here!
- Here's 3,000 lire. - And two packets of cigarettes.
- 3,000 lire will do. - That's too little.
Police! Police! Run for it!
Police! Police!
- Orlando! - Go on, Joe. Go on.
I am a paladin of the Holy Roman Empire.
Go on, go up. First floor.
I fight the Saracen.
God is calling us.
- We do not seek riches. - Justice and civilization!
Down with the Moors!
Here they are.
I, white Orlando, against the blackamoor!
What's he doing?
Hey, you!
Hold on!
Give me your hand, Joe.
Come on, give it to me.
Come on.
Give me that jacket.
Come on.
Come here, Paisan.
You don't do it like that. Give it to me.
Look, like this.
This is the key to my house. The door got blown in so it's no use now.
You sing nicely but I didn't like the song.
What do you want?
What?
Go for it.
Go on!
You're going to crash.
What are you on about?
New York!
Joe? Joe?
If you fall asleep I'll steal your shoes.
I don't understand.
Take it!
No!
Damn you!
It wasn't me.
- Where's your home? - I haven't got one.
Here, take them.
They've got good soles.
I don't understand.
Where are Mama and Papa?
Mama and Papa aren't here any more. They're dead.
Bombs. Boom-boom.
Do you understand? Bombs? Boom-boom.
Long, tragic halt at Cassino.
22nd February 1944, Allied landing at Anzio.
Rome waits anxiously.
After a series of fierce, bloody battles,
the German collapse.
Kesselring's retreating troops pass through the streets of Rome.
Miraculously intact, the city welcomes the liberators.
4th June 1944.
SIX MONTHS LATER
American cigarettes! Loose or in packs.
American cigarettes!
Loose or in packs.
What do you want? What's she after?
That ugly bitch has been staring all evening.
You're making an idiot of yourself.
- Who have you got it in for? - That bumpkin.
I'm a bumpkin?
You're just a scullery maid. You'll be in trouble when this lot go home.
You'll be back in rags like you were before.
Hey, the police are here!
Let me go, you bastard. My papers are all in order.
- They're inside. Hold on. - Catch her!
- Your ticket, please, madam. - Just one second.
Where are you going?
Miss?
Have you seen a woman in a fur coat?
- No. - Thank you.
- Don't mention it.
Keep it.
No stairs.
It's on the first floor. Come on.
- Hello. - Good evening. Can I bring him in?
- Is he drunk? - He'll fall asleep straightaway.
I'll make you something to eat.
Damn it, they tore my dress.
Your military police are real louts.
Why did you bring them along with you?
Is it really that cold in America?
Did you come from the front?
Aren't you going to get undressed?
You've not got very good manners, but you're very sweet.
Warm me up a little bit.
What is it?
You should be ashamed, a big boy like you.
If you don't like me you should have thought of that.
You'll have been in bars all day. Isn't it better to be with a girl?
Sure, Rome's full of girls like me.
Water. Water, please.
For washing.
Come on in.
The pipes are broken, so...
Thank you.
It's not very cold.
We haven't had water for two weeks.
Not a glass. A lot of water. For washing.
Face.
I'm sorry, I didn't understand.
Come with me, this way.
Here's the soap. It's all we've got. It's not very good.
- Here's a towel. - Thank you.
Take your time.
I like Italian girls.
Their language, eyes, hair...
their physique.
"When the thief saw the policeman,
"he turned the corner and ran away."
I can't offer you anything.
Happy?
We've been waiting ages for you.
Why did you take so long to get here?
I don't understand.
Why take so long to get to Rome?
Very difficult.
We're here.
Right. You're here.
- Afraid? - Not afraid.
Happy. Very happy.
It doesn't seem real.
It's been so awful.
- So awful. - Not awful. Lovely.
It's lovely here. Rome's lovely. Everything's lovely.
You're lovely.
No...
- Chocolate. - Yes.
You're going away?
Come back.
Why didn't you look for her?
Don't you remember?
The fountain in the square.
Francesca's house was red.
It had a big doorway, bigger than all the others.
She's turned out like you too.
No, she hasn't.
There are a lot of good girls
who work, who worked,
who managed to save themselves from hunger and poverty.
She's one of those.
A tree in the courtyard.
It's still there,
but it's never blossomed like it did that day.
I know where Francesca's house is.
In Piazza dei Quiriti. Number 8.
Go to her house tomorrow. You'll find her. She's waiting for you.
Good boy, Fred.
Francesca and you.
- Signora Amelia? - I'm coming. Just one second.
- You're leaving already? - Yes.
Give him this address tomorrow when he wakes up.
- Of course. - Please don't forget.
- Remind him he's got to go there. - Don't you worry.
- Here you are. - Thank you.
- Antonio, what time is it? - Half past ten.
- Has anybody come looking for me? - No, miss. Nobody.
The German troops, pursued by the Allies,
retreat across Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany.
Battle is rejoined for a while on the hills around Florence.
But in early August the Eighth Army was liberating
the part of the city south of the Arno.
Across the river, the Italian partisans who had risen up
were fighting against the Germans and the Fascist snipers.
We're wounded.
Doctor...
Toni, look at those lovely girls.
If I'd known the American hospitals were like this, I'd have got wounded earlier.
My eye hurts.
Does that hurt?
Let's have a look.
Don't worry, it'll all be fine.
- You speak Italian? - I lived in Florence for a few years.
I got wounded like an idiot.
I was with one of my comrades in Piazzetta Del Boschetto.
We were feeling pretty good. We'd had a nice sleep after the Arno shooting.
- On the Arno? Where? - In Florence.
We were waiting for the British to advance. They were in Galluzzo.
- So the British are in the city? - Yes.
- Didn't you know? - No, I know.
But they stopped this side of the Arno.
Our hands were tied so we couldn't do anything.
We went to meet them.
- When did you leave Florence? - Two days ago.
They'll have occupied the whole city by now.
I don't think so. The Germans blew up all the bridges.
Only Ponte Vecchio's still standing, but they blew up the houses on it.
- Where do you live in Florence? - I'm from near Lucca.
I joined the Valdarno brigade because they needed more men.
Don't you have friends in the city? Don't you know anybody?
Why, do you know somebody?
Yes, I had a lot of good friends.
Have you ever met somebody called Guido?
- Guido Lombardi, a painter. - Everyone in Florence knows him.
Do you think it will be hard to find him?
Hard? Impossible, more like.
He's our leader but he's like a ghost.
Everybody talks about him but nobody knows where the famous Wolf is.
Wolf?
Hey, lads, we're here.
Be quiet.
They got you too.
All sorted here.
Just one shot. He fell like a sack of potatoes.
Well done.
Have you seen those American girls?
Why the long face? You'll see your little wifey again soon.
No news about Wolf?
Some say he's wounded, some say he isn't.
Some say he's in town, some say he isn't.
- He's done a great job in Florence. - Absolutely.
With my help, of course. I arranged it all beautifully in town.
Before the German occupation we made our moves in broad daylight.
Do you have any news of Wolf?
Nothing definite. He's fighting with the partisans on the Mugnone.
I heard that he was wounded, but who knows what's going on over there?
Thank you.
All that's left in our house is a mouse.
- The British trucks have arrived. - Really?
Madam, do you recognise me? I live at number 15, across the street from you.
It's the end of the world, my son.
The end of the world, because we have sinned.
Have you seen my wife and my son?
Leave her alone. Can't you see the state she's in?
- You're her son, right? - Yes.
You're from the other side, don't you know anything?
With everything that's happened we've had plenty to worry about.
Massimo!
What are you doing here dressed like that?
I wanted to come to Florence. I had to.
You don't think you'll find him here, do you?
If he's a partisan he'll be on the other side of the river.
Help me, please.
What can I do to help you? He's definitely not here.
I've no idea where to find him.
Read all about it! Wolf's been wounded!
Give me a paper.
He's wounded! Read all about it!
Look, Dad. It's true, Wolf's been wounded.
Bastards. He's the best lad in the world.
- Did you know him? - Of course. We're friends.
He did a big portrait of me when I was little.
He was a good painter too. Really talented.
Massimo? Massimo?
Get down. Keep down.
- Where are they shooting from? - Via dei Bardi.
Be careful. A grenade exploded over there.
Look. My house is down there, beyond that boulevard.
The National Liberation Committee may have news of him,
but they're across the river.
What news is there?
I'd like to go over there myself and run the bastards out of town.
Who are they shooting at? Are there many partisans?
In some areas, but the Fascists are shooting out of spite.
They even shoot women collecting water.
They killed two last night in Via Guelfa.
And these guys just sit here admiring the bell towers.
How do you get all this news?
By telephone. There's a cable connecting us to the city.
Can't I... You've got to help me. Don't you have family?
What can I do? I could take you but they won't let anyone through.
Where? Tell me where.
Don't make me tell you.
You can cross over but I know nothing about it. Try like the others did.
All right, but how? Where?
You just need to use your imagination. It's not hard.
- The Uffizi passageway? - I know nothing.
Don't worry, you didn't say anything. Thank you.
- Thank you. - Hold on.
- The Palazzo blocks the passageway. - Thank you.
What's a nice boy like you doing here?
Oh, Gigi. That was lucky.
Where are you going?
Listen, I need to get over to the other side.
Be my guest.
Stop messing around, Gigi.
I know you can get through the Uffizi passageway. I've got to do it.
Nobody's been through. Someone's having you on.
The passageway's been there for centuries. This isn't a wind-up.
I don't care if the others haven't got through. I'm going.
- You're not going anywhere. - Calm down.
I'm free to go wherever I want.
Yes, but you're not free to put all our lives in danger.
You're not the only one who knows that people go through.
But think what would happen if the Germans found out.
We're lucky they haven't noticed.
What will you do when you reach the end of the passageway?
The Germans are in Piazza Della Signoria.
Florence is in a state of emergency. No one's allowed in the streets.
As soon as you get there you'll be picked up.
Even doctors and nurses have difficulty getting around, and they're authorized.
You're at the Germans' mercy.
Harriet, it's a crazy thing to do.
- You don't know where to find him. - I'll find him.
Be careful. Try to get an armband from the Red Cross or something.
The partisans only control San Jacopino.
All right.
Stay down.
Look, that's the way we went.
Let's get out of here.
The bastards have blown up all the bridges.
Quick, come on.
Look.
The Germans.
Open up! Quick, open up!
- The window. - Please let us in.
- Who is it? - The Germans are here. Quick, let us in.
Quick, open up!
Let us in!
Uncle, some people are here who want to cross the roof.
All right.
Keep your heads down.
Can you hear that? It's a 20mm machine gun.
They've been firing at that neighbourhood for three days. I think it's pointless.
Which way should I go for San Jacopino?
Ah, San Jacopino. That's Borgo Ognissanti.
You go down that way.
- Are the Germans still on the streets? - No, not the Germans.
The partisans have been in control of the area around Le Cascine for two days now.
They're fighting.
Maybe we can find out about Wolf. How long have they been fighting?
Two days. It started the night before last.
Listen, that's an 88mm gun.
Major, your wife wants you to come down. She's worried.
Everything's fine.
I can't move now. Tell her to send my helmet up.
- All right. - I only wear it to keep the sun off.
I know exactly which way the bullets go.
I fought all the way through the other war. The real one, 1918.
- Renato, here's another map. - Very good. Let's see, let's see.
Look, they're in Galluzzo. Spread the word right away.
Do you live in this building? Which is the way down?
Over the rooftops. Be careful, a lot of the tiles are broken, so it's dangerous.
There's that 20mm machine gun again.
- Goodbye. Thank you, Major. - Good luck.
These two have come from Palazzo Pitti.
- The British have brought white flour. - Really? White flour?
How much? Will there be enough for everybody?
Yes, I saw a lot of sacks. And they'll bring more.
Why aren't they advancing across the river?
Why aren't they advancing?
Because the Germans blew up all the bridges the other night.
All the bridges?
My aunt lives near Santa Trinità. Have any houses fallen down?
Only those near Ponte Vecchio.
What are they waiting for?
The partisans control San Jacopino now.
That woman comes from there. The partisans have liberated the area.
I need to get there. Which way do I go?
Out through the garden. It's a stone's throw to Porta Al Prato.
But the Fascists are shooting from the rooftops.
I'm not afraid of them. Goodbye. Thank you.
Red Cross!
Careful! Don't let it knock against the pavement.
Don't worry.
Keep back. Keep back. Where have you come from?
The center of town. I need to get to my family at Ponte alle Mosse.
I'd like to go there too but they're not letting anybody through.
Of course not. There are fascists and Germans there.
- Have they blown up any houses? - Keep back.
- Have they damaged any buildings? - I've no idea.
There was a lot of smoke down there this morning.
Thank you.
Halt! Stop! You can't come this way.
Carlo, don't you recognise me?
- Yes, but I can't let you through. - My family's over there.
- There are fascists on the roofs. - I need to see my family.
- You want to risk your life? - They're over there.
All right, let's go and ask the chief. Come on.
Marco! These people want to go through.
All right, let them pass. Come this way.
All right.
Get ready, lads, they're moving.
Come on.
Marco, I know this man.
- Stop. Where are you going? - Just near here.
You can't cross the road now.
Look, my wife and child are in that house over there. Please let me through.
Massimo! Stop!
Marco...
- Marco... - What is it?
Marco...
No! No! I don't want to die! No!
Oh, God.
Marco, go to my house
and tell them what's happened
so they won't worry about me.
Mum, I feel so cold.
Marco... Marco...
Everything's gone wrong today since Wolf died.
Wolf...
Guido...
You won't yell at me any more, Wolf.
- We're in the same boat. - Can this be true?
Wolf...
The Gothic Line is an impregnable natural obstacle.
Each tiny village must be bitterly contested with the enemy,
who defends himself with desperate determination.
Brothers, let us thank the Lord, who has delivered us from all danger.
My wife should have listened to me.
If we'd brought the pigs here, the Germans wouldn't have taken them.
Go on, take your chickens.
These ones are mine.
"Very Reverend Provincial Father,
"with the help of divine providence we are safe and sound.
"Our monastery has not suffered much."
- What is it? - The Americans are here in little cars!
Come in.
Brother Pacifico's on his way.
- Praise be to Jesus Christ. - Evening. May he always be praised.
Father Superior is waiting for you.
- Off you go, boys. - Goodbye.
Peace be with you, brothers. May St Francis bless you.
The three of us are American chaplains.
Could we possibly spend the night here?
Our monastery's doors are open to everybody.
Brother Pacifico, prepare three beds for these gentlemen.
These are our other brothers.
The vicar, the deputy, the organist.
Come with me.
Come in, make yourselves comfortable.
Please sit down.
Another chair, please, Father Claudio.
Take their helmets.
I'd like to ask if they have news about my town, San Leo.
- I'll ask them now. - Thank you.
Excuse me, Reverend, I'd like to...
That's very kind of you.
- No. - No, thank you.
Reverend, do you have any news about San Leo?
- Is it badly damaged? - Not too badly.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
I'll say a special prayer to the Madonna for you
for your spiritual and temporal aid throughout the...
- All right, Brother Raffaele, that'll do. - Yes, Father.
We make this liqueur from the apples in our garden, Fathers.
- Would you like to taste it? Here. - Thank you.
Thank you, Father.
- Thank you. - No, thank you.
Good health.
The cells are ready, Father.
Please make yourselves comfortable.
Those chaplains are very nice men.
Father, they forgot one of their helmets.
Don't worry, they're down the corridor.
Will they stay here tonight? Will they be our guests at dinner?
Of course. We'll share what we have with them.
- Praise be to Jesus Christ. - May he always be praised.
- What do you have for us this evening? - Broccoli.
Is it enough for three very welcome guests?
No, there's not much.
- Can we mix it with some potatoes? - There aren't many potatoes either.
A few days ago I noticed some pears on the tree in the garden.
They won't be ripe for a month. And they're wild, they don't taste good.
Try to do your best. I know I can count on you.
Divine providence will assist us.
- Praise Jesus. - May he always be praised.
Go and open the door.
- What is it? - An offering for the monastery.
- For saving our animals. - May St Francis bless you.
Help me carry it, will you? Thank you.
Can you come, please?
Meat and vegetables. Very good.
Cocoa, butter, milk, more meat.
All very good to eat.
Go now. These later.
Look what they gave me, brothers. There's eggs, butter, chocolate.
What's that? Eggs in tins?
- That's impossible. - Let me see the chocolate.
Those Americans, they think of everything.
Give me that thing.
Be careful, Father Salvatore. You could hurt your fingers.
You're not cut out for this.
It's milk.
It's good.
Gosh!
Nothing used to grow here. Now it's the most fertile part of our garden.
It's Brother Raffaele's miracle.
Nice smell.
- Mint. - Right.
- Good evening. - Very beautiful garden.
- He's very bad. - No, he's good.
- Excuse me, I need to go now. - Yes, Father.
Good evening.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Why aren't they praying?
Those two are very bad.
He's a Protestant and he's a Jew.
Father Salvatore, one of the chaplains is a Jew.
Come here.
- One of the chaplains is a Jew. - Oh, merciful St Francis!
Father Claudio, one of the chaplains is a Jew.
One of the chaplains is a Jew.
Oh, Lord Jesus.
Protect us, help us.
- What's wrong? - One of the brothers is a Jew.
Don't worry. Up you get.
A Jew in our monastery.
The short one's a Protestant.
Luther... The heresy of Luther, the worst Protestant of all.
What's wrong, my blessed sons?
One of the three chaplains is a Jew and another one is a Protestant.
Two lost souls, Father.
No soul is lost while it's alive and wants to be saved.
There are countless opportunities for redemption.
We can do something for them, brothers.
Forgive me, Reverend, but may I ask you a question?
Of course, Father.
Have you been living with the other priests for a long time?
We've been together throughout the campaign in Italy.
20 months... 21 months.
Sicily, Salerno, Rome, Florence.
They're good friends. Dear friends.
I have a lot of admiration for them.
You've never tried to lead them onto the path of the true faith?
You've never tried?
But...
Father, the Protestant and the Jew
are equally convinced that they're on the true path.
- But we know that they are mistaken. - We know.
Yes, of course.
We must use every possible means
to try and save these two souls that may otherwise be lost.
I'm Catholic, Father, I'm a priest
and I humbly believe that I'm a good Catholic.
Forgive me, Reverend, I didn't mean to remind you of your duties.
But you are military chaplains.
In your mission you're exposed to the same risks and dangers as the soldiers.
Haven't you ever thought that one of these days your companions might die?
St Paul says,
"We shall all rise again, but we shall not all be changed."
But those who are in good faith,
"...when the last trumpet sounds, will rise in glory."
That's true, but have you examined their consciences?
Are you sure they are in good faith?
Have you talked about these issues?
No, I've never examined their consciences.
I've never discussed these issues or asked them anything
because I've never thought that I could judge them.
I know them too well. They're good friends of mine.
Perhaps you,
in this peace,
in this atmosphere of undisturbed meditation,
consider me guilty.
I don't feel guilty.
My conscience is clear.
My soul is sad until death.
We have a rule of silence during meals.
I'm sorry but I can't excuse you from it.
On this day, the following brothers passed on to a better life.
In 1722, Father Salvatore of San Leo.
In 1743, Father Giambattista of Rimini.
In 1844, Father Teodoro of San Marino.
Please begin. Enjoy your food.
We want to wait for you. All of you.
We're fasting.
Why?
Because divine providence has sent to our refuge
two souls on whom the evangelical light must descend.
Our human presumption makes us hope
that with this most humble sacrifice
we may obtain a great gift from heaven.
Forgive me
for not observing your rule.
But I want to talk to you.
I want to tell you
that what you have given me is such a great gift
that I am and will always be indebted to you.
Here I have found the peace of mind
that I had lost in the trials and tribulations of the war.
A beautiful, moving lesson
of humility, simplicity
and pure faith.
Beyond the battle lines,
Italian partisans and American OSS soldiers, fraternally united,
fight a battle that the bulletins do not record,
but that is perhaps harsher, more difficult, more desperate.
PARTISAN
Partisan. Bandit.
There's a dead partisan. I'll get him.
- Germans. - I don't care. I'm going.
- Be careful. - OK.
- Look! - Fire!
What a goddamn mess!
- What is it? - Another partisan in the Po.
Come on.
There's another partisan in the Po.
You go in that one.
San Marco!
Where's the radio set? Quick!
Hurry up!
Hey! This way!
Take the boats to the canals straightaway.
Make sure you keep down.
You and you, come with me.
That's Casal Madalena.
We'll find food, you'll see.
Cigolani's here.
- Hey, Cigolani. - Good evening, lads.
- What's your news? - The Germans came yesterday.
Let them search. They won't find anybody.
- You know I've got Americans hidden? - Yes.
I haven't been able to light a fire for three days.
There are lookouts everywhere.
They're hunting us down out there.
- Can you give me anything to eat? - There's a bit of polenta.
We can cook some eels.
There's an American outside. He's a good lad. Can I bring him in?
Sure, bring him in.
Hey!
You put it on her face.
Hide it away.
How many?
Eight... ten... nine... Something like that.
Come here.
They're coming.
I've received confirmation for the drop.
All right.
Cigolani, the signal. Light the flare, lads.
Look, the signal.
Get rid of the fire.
Put the fire out.
- Haven't you found anything? - Nothing.
Just as well.
They're shooting at Casal Madalena.
They must have realised we were there.
Cigolani, take your men to Pancirli and wait there.
Go to Pancirli, lads.
Go to the sheds. Remember, keep your eyes peeled.
Look, lads. The British planes are attacking Scardovari.
Quick, let's go.
Come on, quickly.
- Cigolani, is it just those two? - Yes, just those two.
- They're British, not American. - That's better than nothing.
- Are you taking them? - We need to hide them.
- Take my hand. - There's another one.
- Did the plane sink, Cigolani? - Yes.
- Did you get anything off it? - No.
- Nothing at all? - Nothing.
Pick up those covers.
- Is it set? - All set.
Quick, lads, or the Germans will get us.
- Who's there? - Popski.
Come forward.
Lads, the Germans are coming up the Po.
We need to spread out and move out to sea quickly.
Let's move.
Keep hidden.
Hands up!
- OK. - Let's go.
Glasses.
Get out!
Cheers!
What will they do to us?
Will they kill us?
Do you think they'd kill Cigolani and not us?
They'll kill us too.
Just shut up!
My family will never know what happened to me.
He pissed on me like a whore.
This happened in the winter of 1944.
By the beginning of spring, the war was over.