BUDAPEST SPRING
Written by.
Composed by.
Cinematographer.
Starring.
Directed by.
Where did you get this?
Found it in a storage. I was scared it might rot there.
- This is as far as we take you. - We'll take it from here, thanks.
Come on, we'll ride along on foot from now.
- The Lord be praised! - Forever!
- The Lord be praised... - Forever...
- The rifles! - Use them as you wish!
All these girls... one of them is God's own, the other is for
all the other men.
You're the only one without a girl, eh?
- Halt! Where're you going? - To Budapest.
Your papers!
Open commands.
They fell for it.
This is as plain as day.
- They're carrying the quarry. - Why is he staring at us?
Don't you mind him. They're all rascals.
Hey, three Arrow Crossers came down in the mine once, along with
a count, himself an Arrow Crosser. They were chatting, and uncle.
Feri yelled: "tell me sir, what happened at Stalingrad?"
This spawned a little disturbance. Our boys are a wild bunch.
That was when you were taken in as a soldier by the miner Kerekes.
- How do you know that? - This is the 12th time you're
telling me the story.
Wait till I make it home one day. Do you know what I'll do to this.
Kerekes fellow?
I know, you'll mangle him and eat him up.
- To Pest? - Right there.
Hurry up, we'll make it!
Alright, life is full of joy!
- Are they here already? - They must be at Budaors now.
GRAND CAFE BUDAPEST
So long...
Ye olde sparklers! Sparklers for you, please have them!
Christmas postcards on sale!
Stop there, Crumb! Come here, Crumb!
- Is he yours? - Part of our rooming.
Leave it, I can tell you're not at home!
My friend, this place comes with all modern conveniences!
Who's there?
- Zoltan! - Uncle Toto!
Hello, my son... Turnovszky, engineer.
Gazso.
It's been two weeks since we came over from Naphegy.
You know, no one knows my wife in here.
- And how did you enter the place? - With a key!
With a skeleton key, actually.
- And you? - When Uncle Bandi's family fled
to the West, they left the keys to us.
Mom sent me my stuff over here.
So these are your suitcases? Oh well.
Someone came!
Men...
Stay!
- Oh my God... - Don't be afraid, dear.
I'll take a look at it.
My little Zoltan! Well I'll be! Are you a soldier too then?
Greetings, madam. He's my friend.
Gazso.
My kitten, hear what a great idea Zoltan has!
- They wish to hide in here. - Is that right?
Well, that's a divine idea! And your parents?
Our flat was bombed in the fall, my family stayed down in Balatonbereny.
Yes, but how do you fare with your papers?
You know, we can all count on that anytime...
And we aren't really kosher either, understand?
A genuine counterfeit open command. Homemade.
Marvellous! So then we'll just tighten ourselves nicely, and...
But then the food... I mean we barely have enough for us.
You don't have to mind us. I'll take care of this.
I'm sure we'll spend our time together somehow. We have a
gramophone, a few good records, and I'll play the piano.
Do you like Debussy?
Does he play an instrument?
I'm playing the trumpet in the miner orchestra.
- A mining engineer? - Assistant collier.
Oh, then you must be really strong. I'll have you cut
some firewood for us, okay?
Wait, wait, wait!
Carry on!
- Hurry on! - Come!
- If they see me in the basement... - Then I'm staying here.
Let's go.
Move it!
Quick!
Zoltan, run back! That little red suitcase, please bring it!
Jesus! Pisti stayed inside!
Come, son!
Come on, we can go now.
Move it, move it, move it!
All of you!
Save us, Lord, from death. Save us from damnation.
Save us from the war, from starvation, from death.
Oh Lord! Are you wounded?
No, it's nothing.
Make us space!
- Istvan, look at the horses! - Yes, your Excellency.
Terrible...
My good colonel, this can go on for 3 or 4 months.
3 or 4 months, and wait till you see what comes after...
We won't lead normal lives for 20 years after this. Trust me
on this, I'm an engineer. We need to immigrate to England.
Switzerland would be better, it's a more secure place.
Save us, Lord... from a sudden and unexpected death.
Save us, Lord... from wrath and hatred.
Save us, Lord... from all evil intentions.
- Save us, Lord... - Stop whining there!
- What are you doing here? - I live here.
And won't you descend?
Who are you?
A refugee from Transsylvania.
Calm down, you! You'd like to leave, huh? To go home?
Me too! All three of us are stranded here.
One day we'll make it home.
Stop there. Wait.
Who are you, old chap?
I'm the wagoner of Countess Varhidi.
Kindly step over there. Go, go, go, go.
- And you? - Shelter Commander Sinkovits.
Show me the basement, it's an identity check.
Go ahead, off you go.
What a cute little child. His father's son truly.
His poor father died on the front.
No one will leave their place. Is everyone in here?
Everyone.
Identity check!
- What about you? - I'm on sick leave.
Correct.
Please, sir, I have a liver condition.
- Who are you? - An actor.
That's fine. Come on now!
Please, he's sick! Don't take him!
They'll cure him.
Here he is...
- Come on. - On January 1 st...
Stop mouthing! Come along.
- How old are you, huh? - I'm fifteen.
Stand there with the others. Come on!
Face about, move it!
Move it, as if you're alive!
Hey you, join the row!
March! All at once, for God's sake!
We're Hungarians, not spoiled nuns! One-two, one-two!
- I fell in the trap again. - Where do you hail from?
- Diosgyor. - I worked in the metal works
there for half a year. I made it into the mines as well.
- What are you doing here? - I live here.
- Do you serve in Pest? - We serve nowhere.
We're done.
- What's your real name? - Is it important?
No.
- How old are you? - Twenty.
I'm twenty-three. I'm supposed to doctorate next year.
Budapest's history from the 19th century to our times.
I wanted to become a physician. They didn't accept me.
And when it's over, will you try it again?
When it's over?
Gosh! You wouldn't imagine all the trouble I went through!
The patrol took away poor Gazso.
- What? - Yes, he was taken.
- We have to get him back! - Zoltanka, don't be so naive.
Uncle Toto has so many acquain- tances!
- Oh please! - He had a valid open command!
These folks care about no papers, genuine or counterfeit!
It gets ever harder...
- Oh! The flat is in ruins. - Just what we needed...
But you'll take care of it, my little Toto.
I can see we're late: I don't need to introduce you to my
little niece anymore.
'Weiter' is your wurstel-eating granddaddy...
Mr Lecturer, here you are...
Line up, come on!
Platoon, march!
- A temporary national government? - That's right!
A government was formed in Debrecen.
They distribute the lands!
You'll become a count too, uncle Szegedi!
Uncle Szegedi will invite me to his homestead!
Sing along: Lieutenant, hey-ho!
Budapest's community which has so valiantly fought and
defended itself in these days, will be reassured soon that
in London and in Moscow.
Paganini... I love him!
- Good evening! - You! Your stupid jokes!
Gazsoka! Finally you're back!
- Where did they take you? - Cutting rocks.
But we were all so worried!
He's my friend. Gazso.
- Your beloved daughter? - Hell no, she's my friend...
Alright, sit down for supper, all take your seats.
Totoka will get stewed fruit, do not get hurt...
Gazsoka! Please sit at the table's head, because tonight
we are celebrating you.
Brother Sinkovits! Douse that lamp, lest you lure the Russians
to our place from Kalvaria Square!
If I see you in a drunk state again, I'll report you at once
to the Zone commander brother!
He drinks too!
What else are you curious about?
Well, I'm sure you people are not photographers!
You are slackers, I'm also sure about that!
Go on, go on.
Well, we had a collier with us. Uncle Feri Balko.
He spoke just like you folks. One day he just disappeared.
Miner Kerekes had him seized. They labeled him a Communist.
We were held together on Margit Avenue...
- What's your friend like? - He's good, I'm mentoring him.
I see, but what kind is he?
He forged the open commands.
Bring him up once so that we get to know him.
Hold fast, long live Szalasi!
Did you dig the hole for Hitler, little fella?
- Vereb. - Gazso.
No need to fret, this is a masquerade.
It fits you well.
Look at this, do you know it?
It's the old Pilvax. This used to be Vorosmarty's table.
Petofi and his friends sat at that one.
- And this one? - The Fraternity Church.
And this is the Well of the Nereids.
The water carrier of old times. He wandered the streets, stopping
in front of the houses, maybe on this very square, and cried:
Danube water, Danube water!
Look, they're dancing on this one.
The Old Hall. A carnival.
- I love to dance so much. - And I cannot.
But you'll teach me how to.
Put it away.
- Did I hurt you? - You don't understand that
anyone who can feel joy now, even for a minute, is not
an honest human being.
Who do you harm if you feel joy?
You can see that everything is in the rut.
We live here like rats in a trap.
When they were first bombing, my little sister yelled out:
"It broke, something broke".
- Is she much like you? - I don't even know if she lives.
- Don't you go to sleep, dear? - It's still early.
I'm so sleepy... Isn't it weird? When there's a lot of excitement,
I always get sleepy.
Good night. Good night, Zoltan.
Good night, Zoltan.
Good night.
Watch out!
He's asking where the attic is!
They're moving in to the house.
This way, please!
God damn them all... A cannon onto the rooftop?
The Russians will shoot us even more frequently now.
The only important thing is that the liberating army is close!
Oh, sure! They are already here on Kalvaria Square.
If the Fuhrer says: Die...
You should die instead, no one will mourn you.
Come on, wife, don't you meddle in this...
Who wants to die? I'll live and play King Lear in the.
National Theatre.
Thou should be torn to limbs, vile two-faced creature...
who victimises other lives under a false banner of meekness.
Declare yourself, crime in hiding!
Watch what you speak!
Flat tyre.
Here's the letter of leave. Not that you can do too much
with it, but it's more than nothing.
It even has a little arrow cross on it, can't harm.
And what am I supposed to do in return of this?
Nothing really.
Because I won't arm myself ever again.
Then do not, but I'm sure you'd like to survive.
What can we do? We're a small nation.
Germans are no friends of us, but Russians are no
relatives either.
Well now, I can see you can philosophize on about this
poor country, also to lament and cry...
But if for once you're sup- posed to do something for it...
Alright, take it away. See you.
Thank you.
I'm staying.
Hey Marko, what if he tells others about who gave him
the identity paper? You heard him talk stupidities.
He's like that, but he's a good boy still.
Don't rumble. You know the command: We need to carry on.
To involve each and every fugitive soldiers.
All honest men.
They've occupied the house.
The ball is rolling.
I've tried everything. I went to the starred house
twice to reclaim your sister, but they didn't let me in.
Uncle Toto, do something, help us!
My darling, be glad that at least you're in a safe place.
I wish I was there instead, and my mother, father and Zsuzsi
would be here...
Aunt Irma, if something happens to them...
Calm down, my dear. I did everything so far, but it
would be terrible if Bela and the others...
Where do they live?
In Tatra street, number 8.
- Would you attempt it? - Yes.
Aren't you afraid? It's very dangerous.
- They can catch you. - I'm not afraid.
I'm looking for Bela Erdos.
Do you have a permit?
I'll just give them a letter and I'm off.
If you wish to have yourself seized...
Be good, Zsuzsika, promise aunt Kalocsai...
She loves you so much.
- Are you a good soldier? - Don't you like soldiers?
Soldiers are always yelling.
Quick, quick...
- Aren't you bringing your doll? - I used to have a red doll,
but no more, because we're on the move all the time.
- You should join us too. - We would be crowding up,
For God's sake, join them, you're allowed to.
- Is Jutka all right? - She's fine, healthy.
She has all she needs.
Tell Jutka that I'm staying by my husband's side, whatever
might happen... and that we all need to have faith, have faith.
If there is a God, He will bless you abundantly.
Be good... be good.
- I want to tell you something. - Do tell me.
But first you're supposed to look me in the eye.
You happen to have quite pretty eyes there.
Don't start, silly.
We're out of bread, see y'all later.
I'm not interested!
Wait! Stay here!
For the love of God...
I have a valid bread ticket!
Darling, get over there! Perhaps they'll listen to you!
What should I feed my four children with?
- Higher command! - Shut up!
- Take it! - Have heart, all these people
are lining up out there, waiting for bread.
Shut up, old mother! Take it!
- Brothers! Who permitted this? - The zone commander brother!
You're lying! Are you even Hungarians?
Brother Gazso! Would you folks rob the bread off the heroic
inhabitants of Budapest?
Distribute it!
- Zoltan! - They are all right!
Are you sure about that?
Zoltan, talk to me!
I took Zsuzsika to Kalocsai.
- And my mother and father? - They are well, they send you
their kisses.
Don't lie to me, Zoltan, tell me the truth.
They want you to have faith, Jutka. Have faith.
- Good evening. - Hold fast! Pleased to meet
you, Mr Sinkovits. How may I help?
I thought I'd have a look inside if you have any complaints.
Shells or something like that. Where's the lady?
- My wife is that way. - Aah, all the nice clothes.
Are these your own?
What a surprise... Sinkovits! How nice of you.
We're cooking, huh? I see you have good firewood there.
- Candles, candles. - There you go, Mr Sinkovits.
- The valiant gentlemen? - My little nephew.
Where do we serve our country, if I may ask you?
- At Vaszika Headquarters. - Then you know my godson.
- Guszti Hintaller. - Of course we know him!
- He looks quite like me. - Looks just like you.
Clever.
Who may I respect in the good sister?
- She's my bride. - Congratulations.
Well then I won't hold you up any longer. If there's any
new complaint, I'll come again. My greetings.
And I send my kisses to my godson. Make sure he gets them.
Hold fast, hold fast! Regards, Mr Sinkovits!
My darling, do you think you're in a good place here?
I don't think you'd like to endanger your aunt Irma who
supported you for so long.
Zoltan...
What do you want from this girl?
You're not in command in this apartment.
Listen to me, good father! Maybe you lack a little discipline...
There's no need to fool around. Sometimes people get nervous,
it's no wonder here.
Oh my God, this is all so ter- rible. When will it end?
- Who's that? - I'm looking for the water tap.
Wait!
Take my hand.
There's no water.
Zoltan...
What kind of a man are you? A few days ago I didn't even
know that you exist.
I didn't expect anything at all, then you enter, and turn
everything upside down.
As if it all made some sense after all.
Jutka...
It's so quiet, as in peaceful times.
When I'll be accepted to the university, you'll walk me to.
Kalvin Square every noon, alright?
You know, I still have to succeed my Latin exam.
- But you'll teach me. - Me?
You.
In our family, only my father knows his Latin.
How will he receive me once you introduce me to them?
And your mother?
She'll be jealous of you.
- You and i. - You and I together...
Always together.
- Why are you crying? - When it all ends...
Will you still be loving me?
Jutka!
Mr Lecturer, they say that they're already coming through.
Ulloi Avenue...
Just a few more days, and...
Have you heard it too?
The new Hungarian government has formed.
Yes, in Debrecen.
- Where did you chase Jutka to? - I swear to the living God that
she didn't say a word about it to us either.
- She claimed her head hurt. - Where could she go?
I'm sure you don't wish to chase after her... a bomb might be
dropped on your head.
Maybe she went to Fo street 83, to Erzsi Kiraly.
Halt!
- I'm scared. - Don't be scared, uncle.
- What do you want from me? - Shut your mouth!
Let me go! Let me go! You have no right!
Let me out! Let me out!
Zoltan!
Jutka... It's you.
I didn't want you to come after me.
See, I found you anyway. You can't hide from me.
You'll see, we'll escape from this place.
It's over, Zoltan. It's no more. The darkness... no matter.
I wanted to hide from them. But that's not what I should
have done, but rather to jump them and bite their throats!
I am the guilty one, I should have taken care of you.
Help me, my loved one, my only one!
Don't leave me here, don't let me go.
Jutka, don't cry, I'll get you out of here, won't let you,
but first I need to be freed. Don't cry!
Guards! Guards! Guards!
Any individuals who spread false rumours or demoralizing ideas,
will be killed on sight once confronted.
Any citizens who...
You are keeping me here wrongfully. I demand that you let me go.
What are jumping about here for? Who are you?
Brother, take him out of here!
Let me go!
- Where did we stop? - Any citizens who...
Who are found to possess weapons, munition or explosives...
Take off your coats and shoes! Go ahead!
Take off your coats and shoes! Go ahead.
So you don't need the camera... At least buy this typewriter!
- Hey, it's brand new! - I don't want anything.
It has a good typeset, you just need to try it.
How long should I wait?
Brother Csajtai, compare this to the student identity card!
It's genuine.
Go, my son. Be a good Hungarian, love and cherish your breed.
- Please, my bride... - Get the hell out of here!
Be glad that I set you free! Scram!
- You're a lucky one. - Why?
You're set free. The rest are already on route.
Where?
Don't touch that! All of that is mine!
How should I've known it's yours? Found it walled in the washroom.
I thought Santa Claus left it here for the dark days.
I'll report you, I'll tell the police! Mr Sinkovits, please!
Do something, you're in command here!
We're starving here, and you're just mouthing!
Give it back to me, it's mine!
You're hoarding up chow like there's no tomorrow!
Shut your mouth!
She acts high and mighty!
We would take some, if you kindly permit.
You came too late, this is all the house's own.
I beg you, we wouldn't like to starve to death either.
Allright auntie, don't be envious, there you go.
How many are you? Two... Three.
Bon apetit, I'm done!
Zoltanka!
There are 8 or 10 of them, all fugitive soldiers, they're
being taken to the Danube bank.
- Is Vereb among them? - He was seized at the zone
commander, someone snitched.
Let's go then, be off.
The girl?
Give me a weapon.
Come with us!
I asked you what's your name?
Who gave you command?
Who are you connected to, how many are you?
Who's your leader?
Marko?
We'll see if you talk!
You laugh, you piece of dirt?!
Don't be afraid, there are some lampposts left in Budapest.
- You're a Communist! - It's possible.
- Here you are. - I'm not smoking!
Alright then. I knew your father though. He was a
director in my high school.
Don't exert yourself, you won't find out anything from me.
Who are these? How come you mingle amongst them?
Should I mingle amongst you instead? I was crazy enough
to keep my mouth shut until now!
- Shut your mouth! - Not anymore!
I won't be a coward anymore!
Oh God, is he wounded?
- Gazso! - The Russians are coming!
- They're almost here! - Come here.
Jozsi! They're hunting down the basement commanders!
Give me a glass of water.
What is coming is coming, if I may say so.
My conscience is clean, I was always a sociable man.
Move away from here, children.
And when it's finally over, what will you do then?
Well, the same as the others.
I'll be going home. And I'll find this Kerekes.
It is my task to make a pan- cake out of him.
But after that, if I'd fancy to visit you, where do I find you?
Well, if you look for me, you'll find me.
The Germans are back!
Lord Jesus!
Officers, you want to fight in here? There are children in
here, and elderly people!
My kitten, fetch me quick my Swiss letters!
How long I've been telling folks to learn the Internationale...
- Let's play the Hymn. - That could get us in trouble.
It begins with God.
Play the Hunyadi March!
- Going homeward, uncle Szegedi? - Homeward!
- All the best! - Good luck!
Well, historian, your time is coming: You can write the
history of Budapest from 1.945 onwards.
See that? Gazso and the others have already begun.
Hi there.
Freedom is here! The notice of the Temporary Government!
Freedom! It's here!
The proclamation of the Hungarian Communist Party!
Pista!
I'm sorry, I was mistaken. Freedom is out!
Freedom is here! The notice of the Temporary Government!
THE END