A film about an epoch of German history which
today lies beyond our contemporary grasp
but the conflict between fathers and sons is still of valid actuality.
The Old and the Young King The Youth of Frederic the Great
now you stop that noise.
Her majesty the queen has a headache
but the princess Wilhelmine hasn't got up yet.
I want to sleep. Me too.
Hasn't his royal highness, the crown prince, got up yet?
Morning children.
Good morning, your majesty
well, everybody in good health?
Yes your majesty, thank God
hey you, still got that pain in your throat?
No.
Is that so? Open your mouth
stick out your tongue
further out
say Ah
again
wonderful. Give me a kiss
good morning Wilhelm
good morning Friedchen
good morning your majesty
good morning Wilhelmine
sit down
where is Fritz?
Eversmann
my glasses
today we will read the parable of the sower.
A sower went out to sow his seed.
And some fell among thorns; And the thorns sprang up with it...
perdu. - Qu'est-ce qui vous manque? - Permettez.
C'est une bagatelle - la banque au prince Frédéric
some fell by the way side...
and the fowls of the air devoured it.
Votre altesse n'a vraiment pas de chance ce soir
3000 francs
your royal highness
don't you know the time?
You're on duty.
Herr von Rochow, where's the crown prince?
Didn't you search for him?
We've been looking for him for an hour
you ought to know where the crown prince again has disappeared to
I don't, Dessauer
I am afraid, mother, Fritz has been gambling again last night
I hope he was lucky. At the court of brother...
the chocolate is excellent
at the court of my brother, the English king,
gambling is considered a noble pastime
only the king of Prussia makes it a crime
- but mother, we aren't in England! - Unfortunately we aren't
we're in Prussia
- but your royal highness... - shut up. My uniform
where's the sash? Be quick
close the door
at last. About time too. His majesty is already passing in review
good. Splendid. Beautiful
those men look well turned out
wonderful
my praise. I'm glad
I love to praise
who's that?
Him I don't know
- a new one? - Yes your majesty
just enlisted
8 feet 7 inches
now that's a splendid guy
what's his name?
At your command, your majesty, Müller.
Müller?
Good name.
Müller, that's as good as old nobility
isn't it, Rochow?
So, how do you like it in Potsdam?
Are you comfortable with us?
At your command, your majesty, no
no?
No.
Has one ever...
he doesn't feel comfortable as the king's grenadier?
In the devil's name, why not?
Out with it, get it off your chest!
I didn't want to become a soldier, your majesty
is that so?
So he didn't want to...
look at that!
Did he take the bargain-money?
Yes or no?
That I took, your majesty
so?
But I was drunk at the time
serves him right, why did he get drunk
you'll get used to us here
just as you all got used to it, didn't you, children?
Yes your majesty
at your service, your majesty
lieutenant von Katte
your majesty
tell your friend, the crown prince of Prussia...
that a colonel of my regiment cannot turn up at duty looking like a whoremonger
if the Prussian army's youngest recruit would dare to appear before
me looking like that, like a pig, making me want to vomit...
I'd beat him out of the Prussian army with my own hands!
He's to report to me after duty
I won't allow it
you majesty may be certain that England would be overjoyed if a
marriage between princess Wilhelmine and the prince of Wales came about
but I don't like him
if my august brother, the king of England,
doesn't agree to it straight away right now...
then the king of Prussia will straight away refuse it
and all efforts had been in vain.
England would be unconsolable, your majesty
but such decisions of consequence demand time and considerations
and over all these considerations time is lost
his majesty the king
I'll come again at a more suitable hour, your majesty
you just stay here, Chevalier
what you were talking about with my wife regards me too
the Chevalier has brought us good news from England
really? I'd be glad
that would be the first time that England sent me something agreeable
if all goes well now, we'll achieve our aim
it's a polite letter
only it doesn't say the main thing
I don't know what your majesty is talking about
I am talking about the dukedoms of Jülich and Berg
now he's off again about Jülich and Berg
your majesty, regarding...
I want to see clear once and for all: If I get Jülich
and Berg, the prince of Wales will get my daughter
if not, all English relatives can get knotted
so?
Your majesty...
I see, it's no
good, now I know where I am
my compliments to my brother-in-law, the king of England
and I'll marry my daughter to a German prince
yes madam, to a German prince, the hereditary prince of Bayreuth.
Chevalier, I hope to see you soon in our Tabergie
your majesty, say that you weren't serious
that you only used this ridiculous hereditary
prince of Bayreuth as a decoy against England
not at all, madam. The hereditary prince is in Berlin already
and will get my consent today
- I'll die first. - Just try it, madam
I'll never give my consent to it. I have brought up my daughter...
for the English throne, I know
but don't you imagine that I don't know how you
scheme behind my back and support even revolts
yes madam, you have brought up the crown prince of Prussia badly
you've poisoned his heart against me
and now you try the same thing with my daughter...
and your brains do not go further than the tip of your nose
look at me, my child
do you believe me if I tell you that I only want your own good?
Why don't you love me?
My clothes are sticky, Katte. I smell like a pig.
Rochow chased me about with his punishment drill
you ought to be glad about it
you would have deserved the solitary confinement in darkness
are you Katte or are you the king?
I am Katte
and your friend
I am telling you, today I have been ashamed to my soul in front of the king
you defend him?
I understand him
I'm a soldier
I haven't asked you to get reprimanded
what did you expect?
Help me, Katte.
Katte, I can't stand it any longer
I have to talk with you
come to my room tonight Wilhemine will come too
the king will be in the Tabergie, no one will disturb us
I must talk with you
what about?
I want to get away
are you mad?
I can't stay here any longer, Katte
I'm suffocating, I'm perishing
so you want to flee
and you are asking of me, of me, the soldier Katte...
to help the crown prince of Prussia to desert?
Quiet
your royal highness will be late for the audience
put it on
this damned uniform is a coat of death
(speaking with French accent) your majesty, we are two
cavaliers with a heart for the young people. 2000, 4000...
quiet
only one should talk
but the truth!
- I'll tell the truth. - I can tell the truth better
you crooks!
I want to know the amount
here you are your majesty
4000 talers
in one night
there has been cheating at the game
his royal highness the crown prince himself has signed this
here's his name
shut up!
His royal highness the crown prince
let him wait.
Grumbkow
pay those gentlemen out of my private purse 4000 talers
I beg your pardon your majesty. What about the interest?
What? What was that?
Excusez, majest?, we want a little interest
interests? Yes. You'll get them
merci mille fois
everyone will get 25, but on the arse
then over the border, out with you!
I can't stand that scum any longer
the minister of finance
if I don't put my fork into every garbage myself, nothing will get done around here!
And now regarding your affair, minister...
how is it possible that the peasants again and again complain that...
that our inspectors demand lodgings and horses for free?
You majesty, that is...
those are bad inspectors, minister
abominable inspectors
inspectors for "charges and allowances"
once and for all:
I don't want my civil servants to drive around with my peasants' horses
I'll have them hanged, if they accept presents or bribes
I beg your pardon your majesty, but the work is so overwhelming
all those files that have to be seen to
and all those court proceedings, unfortunately there are too few scribes
too few? Far too many!
Those scribblers, those mouldy feather scrapers...
those shitters of ink
squeezing common sense to death between their files
they are a pest for our country
but Eversmann, you could at least give me a hint. What does the king want of me?
I already told you I have no idea
but Eversmann
one hand washes another
is your conscience that bad?
Who's with the king?
The parson of the garrison church
did he commit some crime too?
And now, my dear parson, I have a little present for you
a present, your majesty?
Yes. You're surprised, aren't you?
But it has to be
your sermons are too long
recently I was almost late for parade, because of you
therefore I brought you an hour glass
an hour glass?
Yes, you'll attach it to your pulpit
so that you can check when it's time to finish
sand finished - sermon finished
my humble thanks, your majesty
your majesty, the chief cook
our dear chief cook!
Come nearer, my dear
we have a question to ask of him
just a small matter regarding the house-keeping
it's about...
now where's the note?
Here it is
it's about mutton cutlets
now how was it with those mutton cutlets?
Please help my memory out a little, my dear chief cook
there had been a recipe, hadn't it?
The recipe, your majesty
originates from a bourgeois home
that's right.
Where your majesty had been a guest one evening
and had eaten mutton cutlets
right
and then?
Then your majesty let the housewife write down the recipe
and you ordered me to serve those mutton cutlets at the royal table
exactly
how is it possible, my dear chief cook...
that for those mutton cutlets you put 3 talers on the bill...
whereas they only cost 3 groschens?
Your majesty, they cost...
they cost 3 groschens.
Because I checked with the housewife
your majesty...
I'll teach you to steal from your king, you...
stealing from your king, you cad...
I'll pay you back your mutton cutlets!
Come in
we want to be alone
come here. Sit with me.
So?
Where were you last night?
Didn't you hear my question?
I did
don't you want to answer?
I have been gambling
did you win?
So you lost?
How much?
How much, Fritz?
300 talers
how much?
300 talers
is that the truth?
Yes
come here
look at me
you can tell me the truth, Fritz
did you really lose 300 talers?
Or wasn't it more than that?
No your majesty, it had been 300 talers
so?
Come here
does he know this?
Why does he lie to me?
Coward
doesn't he have that much honour in his body...
that he can at least admit his excesses?
There's a mirror
look at yourself! Look at yourself!
That's the crown prince of Prussia!
A liar, a gambler, a coward
that's the man who one day will be king of Prussia!
I'm asking you, say something
defend yourself!
Every man has at least something one can appeal to
with what can I appeal to you?
With your honour?
A coward has no honour
with your pride as a soldier?
You're the worst soldier in the entire army
with your filial love?
This makes me laugh
with your fear of God?
For you, the world is without God.
I can't force you to be a good son
but to become a man who does his duty...
I can force you to become that
you can bet on it
colonel Fritz
you are under arrest and confined to the barracks
you won't receive any visitors
I forbid you the reading of French books
and I especially forbid you the flute playing
until further notice, the Prussian army's signals
will have to satisfy your passion for music
did he understand me?
At your command, your majesty
report for the arrest
go.
What's the meaning of that noise, my ladies?
Your majesty, the hereditary prince of Bayreuth has arrived
the hereditary prince of Bayreuth
where is he?
With his majesty the king
hey, you there?
What's he doing over there?
What's he gaping at me for?
He probably hasn't seen a well dressed man before in Potsdam.
I am the hereditary prince of Bayreuth.
I see
what do you mean, "I see"?
Announce me to the king!
And be quick about it!
Is that the way you appear before your king?
Put on a coat!
Presently
impossible, the state of this court!
Eversmann, that's a fop
a provincial, your majesty
do you like him?
- Well you majesty... - I don't
I'll have a good look at him
your majesty
good morning, Bayreuth
good heavens!
Yes, my dear
sometimes a first impression can be wrong
do I have the misfortune to displease your majesty?
Good eyes
straight looking.
I like it
but...
what else there is...
there is hanging off him...
those ribbons, those bows...
I don't like at all
foppish
the fashion, your majesty
fashion, so what
fashion is for women
I thought he was a man
thank God I am, your majesty
I don't believe it
I am ready to prove it
a guy wearing makeup
like a woman, who has curls like a woman
and what in the devil's name is that stink?
But your majesty, three ounces of this delicious perfume...
cost me 10 louis d'or in Paris
is that so?
His subjects live in dire poverty
and he buys perfume in Paris for himself.
I like that
this is a son-in-law I have always dreamed about
thank you, your majesty
what was that?
Is he making fun of me?
No your majesty
I have always wished to become the son-in-law to the kind of Prussia
I can believe that
because of the dowry, wasn't it?
I heard his little principality is deep in debt.
Prussia had been deep in debt too when your majesty took over, and...
and today its finances are the best in all Europe
that's right, and he can count on it that I won't
endanger Prussia's finances by reckless sons-in-law
he who wants to marry my daughter will have to be able to support her
good. Then I'll recruit as a grenadier in your majesty's army
because I heard about his grenadiers,
that the king of Prussia looks after them like a father
well, regarding your snout (way of speaking)
he even might be a Berliner
but what is beside his snout...
that I don't like
might he be hiding a gallant disease underneath?
But your majesty!
I want to have healthy grandchildren, my hereditary prince!
So do I, your majesty
can he guarantee this?
Yes your majesty
- really? - Yes
well, if his heart is in the right spot
like his snout
then we might become good friends
I'll see you tonight
in the Tabergie
? propos being sober, be on your guard. the king wants
to have some fun, getting his future son-in-law drunk
I'll help you, your highness.
Seckendorff, did you arrive thirsty?
Ah, Hotham, nice of you to come
good evening Leopold, again that cold pipe in your mouth?
You are lucky that I don't spread any blue smoke around here (making fun of someone)
who is spreading blue smoke?
Who isn't except myself?
Sit down children
sit down where you please. Powder smoke equals everything.
Good evening your majesty
ah, the hereditary prince
so he has already learned something in Prussia
do sit down, hereditary prince
over there, on the chair of honour
the "fall-through" (diarrhoea) chair
but I told you to have that chair repaired
don't be angry, hereditary prince
gentlemen
for the whole day I had been looking for this first swig. Your heath, gentlemen
golly, that was a draught
you can wash away lots of things with this
hereditary prince, I hope the little "fall-through" accident didn't harm you
on the contrary. It seems to me some of your guest before
had an attack of "fall-through" on this chair before
he's right
in here you have to squeeze your asshole tight shut
that was only the beginning. Be on your guard
don't worry. I'll be careful
well Seckendorff. You still don't smoke?
No you majesty. I have this in common with the prince of Dessau
but that's the only thing we have in common.
Rochow. Check out the hereditary prince
say, my dear prince
I hear you order your tobacco from Holland, your beer from Bavaria...
your perfume from France.
What is there to recommend in your country?
In particular, we have pigs, Herr von Grunzky (grunz = oink)
Grunzky is a good one, eh?
That there are pigs in your country, is obvious.
But our pigs have short and strong snouts
not long crooked trunks sticking themselves into everything
look at his sting, that was a good one
pour another jug for the hereditary prince
say, my dear prince, what does the world say about Prussia?
The world says nothing, your majesty
the world spreads lies
for instance?
I certainly won't repeat that!
Out with it, I want to know
that I had been a fool
the privilege of the fool for the hereditary prince of Bayreuth
the lockjaw for Herrn von Seckendorff
what's that, a lockjaw?
That's a disease that can be healed by a slap in the face
he showed him
he won't stand no nonsense
I like that
one wants to get you drunk
there is only one way out: Pretend to be drunk
well, hereditary prince? What's the matter with you?
You're not drinking?
He's probably afraid
no shirking in here!
To the health of the hereditary prince of Bayreuth
he who leaves a drop in his jug is a coward
your health
your majesty.
I like him
don't be sad, Herr von Katte
what else does your royal highness expect of a small
lieutenant whom you showed some kindness for a short time?
Be reasonable, Katte!
Please, return my portrait
I'd rather die.
Ah Katte, dying is not that easy
very often it is easier than living, your royal highness
what kind of night thoughts are those, Katte?
Do you want to make me sad?
I am so full of the joy of life
so you'll marry him?
Don't I have to?
You like him?
He is so... gay
gay?
Gay we certainly aren't
no, thank God we aren't
we're as gay as a funeral
I'd marry the devil's grandmother to get away from here
and I'll get away!
Good heavens, be careful!
Who knows who's behind the door?
Don't worry. The page Keitel is on watch
so?
Did you think about it?
I can't do it, Fritz
you can't?
No.
You're perfectly right
there is no friendship
once again the allegretto, Wilhelmine
don't be cruel
so I am cruel?
That's superb!
But good heavens, Fritz, try to understand me!
The Kattes have been soldiers for 500 years.
A Katte cannot be a traitor
except to myself
you break all oaths of friendship
you abandon me to despair
but it is I who am cruel
Fritz!
Don't torture yourself like this
as you please.
I know now what to think of the Kattes' fidelity
it's your entry, Wilhelmine
what's the matter?
Why do you cry?
I don't know
I am so afraid
you don't have to be afraid
the king never leaves the Tabergie before 2 o'clock, and then he's so drunk that...
that his men have to drag him into his bed
Fritz!
Fritz Fritz.
I hate him!
Let's not spoil the evening
so please
start
say, hereditary prince, what was that about the lockjaw?
I want to know
please
that guy has a face like a monkey's ass.
I have to slap him
he's totally drunk
but he can't be that drunk
but I'm not drunk at all.
I know exactly what I'm saying
is that so? Then let him hold a speech
the hereditary prince
yes, a speech
a speech is good
you all can...
he doesn't seem to be a polite speaker.
I cannot speak.
I am so sad
then let him hold a funeral speech
on whose funeral?
Let's make it easy, on my own funeral
you majesty, one shouldn't joke about such things
joke? Who says I'm joking?
A funeral speech, prince. But I want to hear the truth
- good night, your majesty. - Don't spoil the fun, Rochow
here you stay
you're probably afraid of my speech, Herr von Rochow?
Take your king as example, you old shitter into pants
silence!
In a house of grief there reigns silence!
God damn it
my joyful mourners
why joyful?
I thought I had died?
But that's why we're joyful
Frederic the First.
King of Prussia
my dear father-in-law...
well, I don't see you dance on your wedding yet
possessed the rare gift...
with his endearing and charming ways
to conquer mens' hearts by storm.
And I asked him whether he suffered from a gallant disease
he never lent his ear to an intermediary
spies and slanderers would have starved to death at his court
fidelity poured out of his servants' eyes
fidelity out of his advisors' faces
his avarice was bad, his hot temper was worse
through the young officers he surrounded himself with...
he learned about the needs and struggles of youth
your health
all assembled, the nation's most august thinkers
they spent hours in talks about aesthetics
about arts and science
in the most charming, the most cultured surroundings
according to the principle: Before God all men are equal
he beats his subjects as well his own children
as is written in the bible: He who loves his children chastises them
that's enough. Stop him.
Let him go on.
Yes sir.
You see, the king wants to hear the truth
and where his stick doesn't reach, everybody does as he pleases anyway.
I know I know
one should only speak well of the dead
and that's why, my wet and joyful funeral party
there is someone plucking at my coat
you're all drunk.
Dessauer?
Tell the hereditary prince of Bayreuth
if he thinks he has to pretend to be drunk to tell me the truth...
then he still doesn't know his father-in-law, the king of Prussia.
Good night
long live the king of Prussia
that many candles, with the moon shining so brightly
those guys have gone off their heads
and even wax which is so expensive
I'll light them a candle myself
do you hear this?
Doesn't your majesty hear it too?
What is it?
I'd say it was a flute, your majesty
a flute?
Who could play a flute here at this hour?
Stop, page.
The king! If he sees me!
- Quick. Where to? - In there
doesn't she know that the crown prince is under arrest, Wilhelmine?
That I expressly forbid him to recieve visitors?
Yes your majesty
why is that infamous creature in here?
Your majesty, I did..
He is to be silent.
He is to be very silent
he is not to defend his sister
he'll have trouble enough defending himself.
Eversmann
take the princess to her room
she's under arrest
put guards on her door
how did he get in here?
He is under arrest in the barracks
how did he get in here?
I climbed out of the window
well done, I congratulate you, princely behavior
climbing out of windows
like a stable boy getting to the maid
why does he have me imprisoned?
How dare he speak like that with his king
has my mildness made him insolent?
Does he take my fatherly clemency for weakness?
Fatherly clemency?
Mildness? When he takes away everything I care about?
Is that what he calls mildness?
What does he care about then?
About God damned rubbish!
Did he work like I ordered?
No!
But music, music
he wrote music
away with that music
away with it
what did he study?
The crown prince of Prussia?
Father! Not my books, father!
What did he study?
Did he study taxes, political economy?
Whore's literature. Swinish stuff
into the fire with it
father, don't! Not the books!
Into the fire with the rubbish
you read the bible!
Read about German law
read about who settled here
and who turned Prussia's deserts into fruitful land
that is your duty
I "whistle" my duty (spit on it)
I cannot stand the word any longer
is that so?
You "whistle" on it?
You must be crazy, or what?
You whistle on it with a flute?
Then the flute must go to the devil
father!
A sissy, that's what you are
if my father had treated me like I treat you
I would have run away from him ten times
what kind of a rag is that you're wearing?
Where's your uniform?
Is it true that you called the uniform a coat of death?
Yes!
Yes yes yes yes
a coat that one should tear to pieces and stamp on
you... you...
you nothing!
There is no word for you
now I know you
you have to be watched like fire
I won't let you out of my sight
you'll accompany me to my next voyage to Southern Germany
I'll be your guard
a relentless guard
you can count on it
Fritz
Jesus.
I hit my head against the fireplace
does it hurt?
No.
You heard?
I was forced to
and you don't want to help me
I'll help you.
Mother I have to say farewell now
where's the father?
He is already giving orders down at the carriages
my good boy
take that
thank you, dear mother
when I get to England
be quiet, I mustn't know about it
go now
they mustn't see you in here
Fritz
what's the matter?
I have been refused leave
damned.
Rochow is going in my place
I'll write you where we can meet
farewell, Katte.
Keitow? - Your majesty? What's the name of that village?
Steinfurth, your majesty
- ride ahead and get us quarters? - At the inn? - Nonsense
let them empty a few barns for us
what a drag it was today
those roads
a real bone breaking
where does the crown prince sleep?
Next door, your majesty
who is here besides myself?
Colonel von Rochow
and myself, your royal highness
I'll stretch my legs for a few minutes
I feel worn out after all that driving.
Keitel? Will it work?
Everything is prepared
I've hidden the French clothes in the courtyard
in a few hours we'll be away from here
away from all that oppression, that confinement
when shall I wake your royal highness?
At dawn
run along, they mustn't see us together
good night, Keitel
what's your business here?
Doesn't your royal highness want to go to bed?
Am I even forbidden to get some fresh air?
The night air has its dangers, your royal highness
especially when it blows over from France
what does he want?
Say good night, your majesty
good night
sleep well
thank you, your majesty
good night
leave the light burning
turn off the light
halt. Who goes there?
What's the matter? Who's there?
Eversmann?
There's an officer wishing to speak with your majesty
at this time of night?
What does he want?
A message of the utmost importance
let him come in
what's his name?
Katte, your majesty.
Katte?
Captain Katte
cousin to the lieutenant Katte of Potsdam
so?
His royal highness the crown prince has written
a letter to lieutenant Hans Hermann Katte
which by mistake had been delivered to me.
As soon as we reach the Rhine, I'll flee across the border to France, where I
hope to meet you, my dear Katte. Til we meet again, yours ever, your friend Fritz
your royal highness
it is time.
Herr von Rochow
yes gentlemen. My eldest son wants to leave me
the crown prince of Prussia wants to desert
which bastard has been trying to spread those lies to his majesty?
Read this.
Good God
may I ask what business your royal highness has here?
I want to take a short morning ride
my dear Herr von Rochow
in that dress?
Let go of me, Rochow!
Then you'd have to cut off my hand, your royal highness
your royal highness, I implore you
turn back
upon my word of honour, I won't tell the king.
Send an urgent messenger to Berlin
lieutenant von Katte is to be arrested for high treason
apart from that, we'll wait
till we are on Prussian ground
the French border is close by, your majesty.
Rochow!
Your majesty
where is the crown prince?
Already in his carriage.
I thank you, Rochow
you shall guarantee with your head
to bring the crown prince back to Prussia
show him the letter
does your royal highness recognize the handwriting as your own?
Yes I do
why did your royal highness want to desert?
Because the king doesn't treat me like a son, but like a slave
I'm certain his majesty had only been thinking of your own good
he couldn't have
because he doesn't know me
he couldn't possibly know me, living in a world of his own
is that so?
He doesn't know you
because I don't like his musical books and his flute playing
and what about my world?
My world is Prussia!
And not France!
And not Rome!
Those Herodots, Tacitus, Livius...
they cannot help us
what do they know about East Prussia and Pomerania?
What use is their fine language to me in the army?
Or in agriculture?
In your eyes, you perfumed ape, my grenadiers are just scum, I know that
but a little Frenchman
a little comedian
those are his idols
but I am telling him: He who wants to rule this country one day...
He will have to work, to economize, not to idle
the grenadiers are important
not the dancing masters
go on with the questioning
didn't your royal highness consider..
What grave misfortune this disastrous step might have brought to the whole country?
Political entanglements
perhaps even war
I hadn't considered anything but that I couldn't
stand that stuffiness, that brutality...
YOU, always YOU
this isn't about yourself
this is about the country!
Not about a coward!
Without honour
I have as much honour as you have, your majesty
I only did what you would have done in my place long ago.
What? I? Adding insolence to your foul behavior?
I'll turn you over to the hangman
I'll take away your throne and electorate
you can't do that
you are being presumptuous, father
are you telling me how to act, you scoundrel?
Kill me, your majesty
but spare your son
to a war tribunal with him
in chains to Küstrin
the lieutenant Hans Hermann von Katte
is sentenced to life-long imprisonment in the fortress
"is sentenced to life-long imprisonment in the
fortress. Köpenick near Berlin, 25 October 1730."
"Lieutenant von Katte is sentenced to death Köpenick 1. November 1730"
your majesty
the Major General von Katte
let him come in
don't
what nonsense
get up
your majesty
my heart is filled with fears
he doesn't have to explain, my dear Katte
does he imagine it looks different in here?
Of course I know why he has come to me
we both have worthless sons
let God hear our laments
they have committed crimes which might have endangered the whole country
they must be punished
certainly. But with death?
Your majesty
he's my only son!
Stop. Now let me talk
I myself ordered his death, he knows it
does he imagine, I did it out of revenge?
Or out of thirst for blood?
No.
I did it because that criminal action demands such a severe punishment
it is better that a lieutenant Katte dies...
than to let what is right and legal leave this world.
Now he is going to say: "equal right for both of them!"
I wholly agree
Fritz has deserved death as much as your son.
If I have decided after all...
to let him live...
I certainly didn't do it because of those interfering Englishmen and Frenchmen
no.
Because I believe
that I couldn't answer for it before God.
Because a crown prince...
belongs to the whole country
he doesn't belong to me alone
his royal father
who has only one thing to worry about
that the boy will turn out an honest man.
So that he will be able to shoulder the cumbersome, heavy duty one day.
In order to achieve this
I have decided
to punish him even harder and more severely
than your son.
What could be more severe than death?
I'll tell him
I'll order
that the lieutenant von Katte is to be executed before Fritz's eyes
so that he himself will have to watch
where such acts of high treason will lead to.
If this last means fails
then by heaven my son too will die by execution
but if it doesn't fail...
then the lieutenant Hans Hermann von Katte's death
will have provided a king for Prussia.
And now he may decide himself
I'll graciously listen to him
I shall try to imagine...
we're at war...
and my son had fallen on the field of honour.
Count Feldenleder
one more request
I have a portrait which is very dear to me
would you send it together with my letter to the crown prince?
You can rely on it, Herr von Katte
on the orders of his majesty the king
I'll have to attend your execution, Katte.
God alone knows what a heavy task this is for me
my obedient thanks, colonel
I am not complaining about my fate
I shall die for a master whom I love.
I am glad to hear
that you are so firm, Herr von Katte
because a heavy ordeal still awaits you
you'll see the crown prince
that is the most beautiful consolation he could have granted me
colonel
I thank his majesty the king for that favour
colonel Fritz
what's the matter?
What do you want so early in the morning?
I am ordered to make the colonel Fritz...
step to the window.
What are you doing?
You wouldn't want to kill him?
Say it isn't true!
Say that this is only a cruel show to subjugate me, to force me
I capitulate, do you hear
I'll be obedient, but tell me it isn't true
the lieutenant Hans Hermann von Katte has been sentenced to death
but Katte is innocent!
You are murdering an innocent man
commander, I beg of you, I implore you...
have the execution adjourned.
I want to see the king
let me through
all these proceedings are happening on the orders of the king
but I alone am guilty
I'll do everything he asks of me
I'll renounce the throne, my own life
but mercy for Katte
too late.
Katte.
Katte
I am guilty of your death
I am your murderer
forgive me, Katte
forgive me
I have nothing to forgive, my prince
if I had a thousand lives...
I'd sacrifice them to you with pleasure.
Katte.
Lord Jesus
I command my soul into Your hands.
Katte
your majesty, the death sentence for lieutenant von Katte has been executed
did he stand firm?
Till the last moment
did he let himself be bound?
No your majesty
let them fire an honorary salute over his grave
you said that you forgave me, Katte
why do you always stand there, staring at me?
Every night you are standing there
every night the cold awakes me
the cold coming from your hands
when I am dreaming...
I see your death
when I am awake...
guards. Guards.
What's that shooting before my window?
Whom did you murder today?
Speak up
no one has been shot, sir.
An honorary salute for the lieutenant von Katte
an honorary salute?
On the king's orders
an honorary salute?
First he murders him, and then...
the king does not murder
his will is the law
and who doesn't bend to his will
he'll have to destroy
a country breaks apart
which isn't ruled by one will
you too will be king one day
and will demand obedience
do you realize how hard you are, commander?
As hard as the duty
you shall have to embody one day.
Your royal highness
I'll write my subjugation to the king.
My most gracious father and king.
I beg your pardon, your majesty
shouldn't I take the prince back now?
He'll disturb your majesty
let him stay here
he doesn't disturb me
I'll fetch him more often from now on
why are you so shy?
Come here
what does he want?
Your majesty, a letter from Küstrin
by special messenger.
I know no other master than my most gracious
father whom I must serve humbly and
obediently. And if you find one fault with
me, do with me what you want. Your son Fritz
father
may I go on playing?
Yes my boy, you may
so, now run along back to the nursery.
Hudelmeyer.
Hudelmayer
quick, write a letter, to Reichmann in Küstrin
the commander
my dear Herr von Reichmann
as my son has now subjugated to my will
I wish to grant him more freedom in the future
at first, he is to work on the Rominten estate
so that he may learn how much toil there is for the peasant
to earn all the groschens that make up a taler
in order to economize properly with it.
Once he has mastered that
I'll send him to the oppressed Oder province
so the he may learn about his people's suffering on the spot.
- Say, is this his headquarter? - Yes your majesty
where is he?
Over there, at work
in such a weather?
He doesn't care about the weather
have him called here
so this is where he lives
yes your majesty.
- Did he make those drawings himself? - Yes your majesty
in the last years, just by building dams and canals, the crown prince
has reclaimed more than 150 square kilometers of good wheat soil
how does he look, Hobogen?
He looks well, doesn't he?
Much changed, your majesty
so much the better
is that his step?
Have a look
your majesty
so there he is.
It's been a long time since I saw him last
a very long time.
I have heard a lot of good about him
I wanted to have a look in person.
I recognize my gracious father's goodness
let's sit down
I have trouble standing on my feet
I'm suffering from the gout.
I tell you, this pain is mean
I regret that your majesty is suffering
it's of no importance.
I have had to be very strict with you, Fritz
hard even
your majesty had been perfectly right
are you really serious?
Perfectly serious, your majesty
you haven't always thought like that
your heart had been full of hate against me
from now on, your majesty will find me his most obedient son.
I have selected a wife for you
the princess of Brunswick-Bevern
I am sure your majesty had made the best choice
I hope you'll have a good life with her
do you object to this marriage?
I don't object, your majesty
of course you must have a household of your own now
I present you with the estate of Rheinsberg
there you can set up your establishment as you see fit
and live as you see fit
my obedient thanks, your majesty
and you'll carry your sword again
and you'll get a regiment of your own
my obedient thanks, your majesty
are you glad?
At your command, your majesty
command?
Obedient thanks?
Don't you have anything...
else to say to me, Fritz?
Your majesty, when you had my friend the lieutenant von Katte executed
you imagined that you had taken Katte away from me
you were wrong
his blood-stained shadow hasn't left me a single day since then
I always have him before my eyes
even now, he stands between your majesty and myself
then let us both get back to our work
it'll be the best for you and for me
the crown princess seems to be delighted by her husband's latest composition
I wonder if she had a part in it?
Just between ourselves, she is tone-deaf
but she is a clever woman who knows how to treat a husband
who has far less interest in the delights of
matrimony than in the sour-faced goddess of politics
a scene worthy to be painted by you, master Pesne
all Europe's envoys pay homage to the rising sun.
I thank you.
Beautiful, really beautiful
the envoys flatter the crown prince
that means sunset for the king
your royal highness
I hear the king has fallen ill
wrong alarm, my dear Pesne
I won't be deceived by that any more
the king has the health of a bear, he'll survive all of us
don't you want to visit him in Berlin all the same, your royal highness?
Only under the most sovereign orders
you permit me, sir?
A menuett.
No! I don't want you to fetch him!
If he doesn't come on his own, he can stay away.
I can perfectly well do without him
since I've had to live without him...
I might as well die without him.
Your majesty shouldn't think about dying all the time
of course I'm thinking about it
and you all are thinking about it
you're sitting around me...
like vultures, counting my hours, but...
perhaps your calculation will turn out to be wrong
him too, the one in Rheinsberg...
he who already sees himself rise as Prussia's new sun
receiving envoys
whom the scum are flattering as if I had already died
I haven't died yet
I'm still here
I'm still living
I am not dead!
I am still master and king
your majesty, I beg of you...
yes I know...
it's of no use
over
it's over.
I want
to die in Potsdam
your majesty, the strenuous journey
near my "tall guys"
near my blue children.
Knobelsdorff, do you know the latest, just between ourselves
I've just heard from the crown princess
he secretly starts to reinforce the regiments
who? The crown prince? - Yes he has already enlisted
1.500 men in Hannover for his Ruppin regiment
so he's his father's son after all
only that he lets the whole world dance to the tune of his flute, not of his stick
so much more pleasant
what are the gentlemen talking about?
About the differences between the flute and the stick, your royal highness
are you referring to the stick Prussia's intellectual
problems are being solved with in Berlin
the stick which will enter into Prussia's history
as the present king's only claim to fame
fortunately Prussia's history isn't recorded by fools, but by their deeds
it seems necessary to point out that the deeds
of my royal father whom I honour deeply
place him among the greatest rulers of all Europe.
I admit that they are too great to be understood by mean spirits
music
what was that?
A bonmot, sir
the king is arriving from Berlin
silence
are you mad?
The king is gravely ill
thank you, my boy
thank you
what a reunion
my blue children.
Guys, I am so glad...
to be with you again.
We will never let you go now, your majesty
yes, I shall stay in Potsdam forever now.
His royal highness the crown prince will be furious if you disturb him
nonsense. Out of my way
stop the music
the dance is over.
I think a royal messenger from Potsdam
what happened to the king?
- The king is said to be ill. - The king is said to be dead.
The end is near
his heart fails him
it mustn't be before the crown prince arrives
by all means, you have to...
I'm afraid he won't be able to see him
his conscience is drifting away
the crown prince
thank God
his royal highness the crown prince has just arrived
father
can't you hear me any more?
There you are
at last
you have come
my son
my dear father.
I want to be alone with my son.
I guess I have been strict with you
don't say that
you had been right
it had only been
love.
I am giving you my whole heart for this.
I knew it, you are my son
now I lay my country into your hands
young king
don't speak any more, father
the generals.
Generals.
This is your King.
Make Prussia great.
Farewell
and I thank you
subtitles written and translated by serdar202