The Rainer Affair
Not now, the Archduke's in there.
- Your Imperial Highness, may I point out ... - None of your flimsy excuses!
- I have some misgivings ... - Misgivings, misgivings ... because of a few bottles of Benedictine?
- It isn't just a question of getting hold of them. - So what?
The difficulties of transportation.
There's no vehicle, Your Imperial Highness.
My dear Strehhube, I know you'll think of something, you always do.
And there's still an empty space left here, isn't there?
- Too kind, Your Imperial Highness. - But first you get us the Benedictine!
I ...
I still have certain contacts in Vienna, Your Imperial Highness.
You see, Theobald, it'll work out.
- Where's Her Grace the Princess? - Her Grace is in her office. - Thank you.
So?
We'll just have to requisition a lorry.
I've got the beds, they're at the Eastern Railway Terminal in Vienna, it's merely a question of transportation.
Of course, merely ... I see, thank you.
Countess, all those people I've had to talk to on the phone already ...
The High Command seems to thinks the "musical front" has priority.
But Your Grace, I can't put those poor guys' mattresses on the ground!
I've no alternative but to inform the Empress.
I hate to do this.
She's still cross because I quit her service. Yes?
His Imperial Highness the Archduke.
Am I interrupting? Of course I am.
Just like the Hofburg. Whenever one visits the Princess one meets the Countess Eckersberg.
- Princess. - Your Imperial Highness.
- How are your wards doing? - Poorly.
They don't have any beds.
What was that?
Indeed, Your Imperial Highness.
It's about time you resumed your inspection tour of the hospitals.
- Countess, show the Archduke the list. - Thank you.
You can form your own opinion, but please, let's sit down.
But this is a whole register!
This is terrible! Each morning and afternoon, all of next week.
After all, Your Imperial Highness, you're the Chief of Staff of the Rear.
Indeed I am, and besides, when it's you who's giving the order I must obey.
You're, so to speak, my superior officer.
Well, if you say so.
I got myself in a fine mess when I ordered Her Grace detailed to my unit.
And the Empress too has scolded me, because I snatched away her lady-in-waiting.
I deserve it I guess.
I suspect military issues weren't the decisive factor for my transfer.
Again you've guessed right.
I've also been speculating on your accomplishments as a pianist.
And I intend an attack on you, next Thursday, the usual gathering, just the gentlemen on my staff, if you ...
- With pleasure. - Too kind.
So I'll announce: special surprise of the evening, at the piano Her Grace Princess Henriette von Battenstein.
If you'll excuse me...
I detect with pleasure that His Imperial Highness hasn't given up hope yet.
Why do you think my aunt's arrived here, she just can't keep away.
She's determined to marry me off.
Your Imperial Highness, Military Hospital no. 42 ready for your inspection.
Thank you, dear General, I'm familiar with the premises.
- Shall we make the rounds straight away? - Please follow me, Your Imperial Highness.
But it's still visiting hour, Your Imperial Highness.
Doesn't matter, I can't wait to admire your excellent organization, visitors don't bother me at all.
Your Imperial Highness, I thank you kindly, the beds have arrived.
You see, all you need is a bit of patience.
- Have you any idea how the beds got here? I didn't do anything. - But I did.
Attention!
- Your Imperial Highness, Major ... - Do remain seated, dear Major.
Keep on playing, Lieutenant.
At ease, please.
Very nice.
Your Imperial Highness, Major von Klimbacher reporting, room 20, seven officers.
My dear Major, but you've recovered splendidly as far as I can see.
- Thank you, Your Imperial ... - You see.
But you're a virtuoso, Lieutenant.
Violinist as a civilian?
Only part-time, Your Imperial Highness, I'm a conductor, but since two years a soldier.
Your Imperial Highness, Lieutenant of Reserve Rainer, Infantry Regiment 81, at present.
Rainer? Isn't that the former Court Opera conductor?
I think so too. Interesting.
So that's your son?
No, Your Imperial Highness, he's the son of my company commander.
Your Imperial Highness, Peter Lechner reporting, son of Captain Leopold Lechner, Infantry Regiment no. 81.
Very charming.
Well my dear, how are you?
I'll be released tomorrow.
Released? I ought to know about that!
From the hospital, Surgeon General.
I see, from the hospital. You'll spend another fortnight in a convalescent home.
Where were you wounded?
It's of no importance.
Lieutenant Rainer, leading a patrol, jumped into the enemy's trenches,
and made 11 prisoners all by himself,
- and when he got back ... - Nobody asked you, Peter.
There's still an empty space here. [for an order]
Your Imperial Highness, such actions are frequent at our front section and do not deserve any special mention.
Couldn't we billet the Lieutenant in the Theresia Home?
An excellent idea, Your Grace.
That's right next to our HQ at Kronenburg palace.
- Then you could perhaps play some music for us. - Of course, with pleasure.
All right.
Have one, Lieutenant.
Thank you.
And you must have a parcel too.
- Thank you, I'll send it to my father at the front. - That's sweet.
Captain, infantryman Schober reporting before leaving on his furlough.
Well ... it seems you're in a hurry.
It'll be dark soon, Captain.
Very well.
You're fortunate that Lieutenant Rainer's leave has been extended.
Yes, Captain.
And if he's back earlier than me, Natterer will serve the Lieutenant.
Fine. Now get going, Schober.
And be back here on time.
- You know, all of the "ancients" will be badly needed soon. - Yes, Captain.
Why didn't the coachman take the turn? Kronenburg is to the right!
We're dropping by the Theresia Home, aunt.
I must bring Lieutenant Rainer the music sheets for the concert.
You could have sent them by orderly.
It won't take long.
This doesn't suit me at all. The Archduke's expecting us.
Princess!
How do you do, Lieutenant.
It's a good thing I'm running into you, I'm bringing you the sheets.
Thank you, too kind.
But you didn't have to bring them yourself.
Of course I had to.
Since you must tell me what we'll play.
All you have to do is command, Your Grace.
Don't be so formal.
I'm nothing but a dilettante, whereas you ...
I'm convinced you're an excellent pianist.
Still, you'd better have a look at the sheets.
Well, what do you think?
Very good.
Of course, it's a bit of a challenge what you've picked out for yourself.
So you agree?
- I do. - That's great.
Shouldn't we rehearse a bit before?
Of course, with pleasure.
I'm at your disposition.
When? Tomorrow?
- Certainly. - Very well.
How pretty this place is.
Almost too pretty.
One might even dream of peace within these walls.
Of course, it's supposed to be like this.
Sometimes it's better ... not to dream.
So it's agreed, Lieutenant, tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. you'll come to Kronenburg.
Here and here.
Careful.
Franz.
Let me see the invitations, my dear Nollenburg.
- Here you are. - Thank you.
Very pretty, very pretty, Franz.
Now you lay out the place cards, and if there's an additional guest you'll consult me before re-arranging.
As Your Imperial Highness wishes.
But what's this?
Lieutenant Colonel Frühberger will give a short lecture on the military situation.
What for?
How do you mean, Your Imperial Highness?
But at the moment, we're not only fighting on the military front, but also on the political front.
You know how active our young Emperor is on that field.
You two, take it away.
What's this?
What are you doing here?
- The piano tuner. - The piano tuner?
I see, the concert, please don't feel disturbed.
Do go on. But we'll close this door.
My dear child, you know me, I cannot be wrong about it.
When a man like the Archduke, in times like these, makes allusions of that sort to me ...
- What are you laughing about again? - But I'm not laughing.
But I can see you clearly in the mirror.
My dear aunt, do you think the times are suitable for such plans?
What have the times to do with your marriage plans?
Besides, you can't fool me, Henriette.
Whom have you been dolling yourself up for?
Myself.
Lieutenant.
- Please follow me. - Thank you.
Benedictine
What is it?
Lieutenant Rainer waiting in the music room.
Since you can play the piano too, why don't you accompany yourself?
Unfortunately technically impossible, Your Grace.
Unfortunately?
- Did I say "unfortunately"? - Yes, that's what you said: "unfortunately".
You don't seem to appreciate my partnership.
- But I didn't mean it like this, Your Grace, I ... - Forgiven.
How do you do.
I've become such an old warrior that I can't cope with some situations anymore.
You must excuse my awkward conversation.
Just a matter of practice.
I'm listening daily to excellent conversation made by utterly stupid people.
- All this is unimportant. - I'm relieved, Your Grace.
Of course.
Let's begin.
Yes?
Did I do something wrong?
Do you want to play it that slow?
No, how shall I play it?
Exactly as written: allegro.
How strict you are, conductor.
So ... allegro
Keep this a bit lower.
That's it.
Why don't you play on?
- But it's your turn. - Ah yes, pardon me.
So let's play on.
6 bars after 5, one ...
What a pity. At the end I bungled it.
We'll have to rehearse again.
You see, this is like conversation.
- It's all a question of practice. - Yes.
No!
One must be born for it.
Excuse me, Your Grace, the chandelier.
Shall I close the shutters, Your Grace?
No. Why?
See to it that we won't be disturbed, will you.
Pardon me.
We've hurt the gentleman's feelings.
I'd better lock the door, Your Grace.
Well, I didn't mean it like that ...
But now we won't be disturbed for sure.
I only hope the gentleman will unlock the door some time soon.
If you're afraid, this room has several doors.
Voilà, Your Imperial Highness.
Hallo? Gaston speaking.
Yes please.
Your Imperial Highness, you're wanted in person.
- Who is it? - The aide-de-camp's office.
I'm listening, Baron.
Yes, I am. What is it?
I see. One moment.
You can speak now.
And they all want to come here tonight?
Oh my!
Yes of course.
So His Majesty,
and how many others?
Eight.
What! Prince Sixtus?
I see.
Of course.
Please let's not talk about this on the phone.
Everything's fine with me.
Get me the Adjutant.
Shall we go again through the second movement?
With pleasure.
- The Sergeant on duty! - Yes, lieutenant! - At once!
- Lieutenant? - Cavalry Captain?
Listen, Benda, the musical gathering's cancelled. Call off everybody. - Yes, Cavalry Captain.
What reason shall I give?
Tell them what you like, you'll think of something.
I hope so.
Forward double quick!
Open the door!
I must pay you a compliment.
You're an excellent pianist.
And a charming woman.
Look out, you moron! Haven't you learned yet how to connect cables?
The line's connected, Sergeant.
But it ain't! I'll be damned!
Please connect again. Attempt to connect, two.
What's going on in there?
You're leaving already?
I don't want to impose on your time any longer, the concert only begins in an hour and ...
It doesn't matter. As you can see, I'm already dressed.
Don't you want to keep me company? Of course you do.
- You're sure I'm not bothering you? - Not at all.
- Please sit down. - Thank you.
- Do you smoke? - Yes please.
I see, you don't have any cigarettes.
- I don't have any either. - Doesn't matter, I don't smoke anyway.
Then tell me something, I want to know a lot about you.
- What shall I tell you? - Something nice.
Something nice? What's nice at the front?
I'm a soldier like everybody else.
But I'm fortunate, being able to sit here with you ...
while my comrades are standing under a barrage of fire, or are launching an assault attack.
- You think of the front a lot. - I do.
- It's only natural. - Naturally.
I think it's like this: while you're at the front all you do is think of home,
how nice it would be to chat with a woman, right? - Indeed.
And when you finally get home, all you do is think of the front,
of the cozy life among the comrades.
Not always.
- Are you from Vienna? - No.
My parents used to live in Graz.
I think I have here a...
a picture of my parents.
Nice.
Very nice. Are your parents still living? - No.
Mine aren't either.
Two little orphans.
All men on duty are to remain in the guardroom.
I'll be back in 5 minutes. - Yes, Lieutenant.
Now I know a lot about you.
And you know nothing about me.
But I do! I know a lot about you too.
Really?
What, for instance?
For instance ...
you have very pretty little hands,
very beautiful eyes,
but you've been told all this many times before.
Dear Nollenburg, you stay outside this door till I relieve you myself.
Yes, Your Imperial Highness.
I won't have to remind you of your oath of office, everything that'll happen here within the next hours, must remain top secret.
Certainly, Your Imperial Highness. - Very well.
Now let's lock all the other doors as a precaution.
What a pity that you have to leave so soon.
- When are you leaving? - Tomorrow or the day after that.
Already?
What a pity.
A great pity.
Believe me, Princess, I too would like to see you again.
Now he's locked the other door too. - Who did?
The hurt gentleman who brought in the lights a few moments ago. I think I'd better check.
Strange.
How worried you are about my reputation!
Really touching.
But you mustn't fear, there's still this door left to us.
But what's going on here tonight?
That car is flagged with the Minister of War's guidon.
But this is His Majesty's Lord Chamberlain.
- But this means ... - The Emperor's here!
All this is very strange.
I think we'd better leave.
Come with me.
Gentlemen, may I ask you to wait in the antechamber for a moment.
Good gracious!
But in there is ...
Prince Sixtus of Parma!
The Empress' brother?
But he's a Belgian officer!
Come with me.
... announce you to His Majesty ...
Your Royal Highness, before consulting with His Majesty, a private question:
What powers of attorney can you present?
Powers of attorney? But Your Excellency, this is a secret matter! [French accent]
I have a letter from the French President.
One moment.
- Vous êtes content? - Thank you, that's sufficient.
Forgive me, I don't quite understand.
Do you suggest the Emperor and the Prince are aiming at a separate peace?
We haven't gotten as far as that yet. Your Excellency, we must try to achieve a cease-fire.
A cease-fire?
Without notifying our German allies? But you can't be serious, Your Imperial Highness!
But Your Excellency, bear in mind that Austria's fate is at stake.
If I had known I would never have come here!
Habsburg's at stake, Your Excellency.
Your Imperial Highness, the General is wondering if not only Habsburg but the fate of Austria ....
Évidemment, Habsbourg est l'Autriche mais pas entièrement ...
I ask His Majesty's gracious permission to be relieved of my duty to attend this secret negotiation.
- But General! - Gentlemen, what's going on here is treason, I won't let my name be used ...
- But you can't leave like this! - You're very much mistaken, I can!
- Your Imperial Highness! - What insolence!
Let's get out of here as fast as possible, and back, back ...
You mustn't go back to the front.
If only for my sake. But you mustn't go back to the front now!
Princess, I know where my place is.
It's very kind of you ...
How long have you been here?
Since this afternoon.
What business do you have in here?
We've been rehearsing, for the concert.
Then we were locked in, and they seem to have forgotten about us.
Then you must have heard quite a bit.
We couldn't avoid it, Your Imperial Highness.
We couldn't avoid it, of course.
Well ...
then I'm obliged to demand that you give me your word of honour to keep silent about everything you've heard, also with your superior officers.
Lieutenant?
I give you my word of honour, Your Imperial Highness.
Thank you.
And you, Princess, I must ask you kindly not to expose me before His Majesty.
You too have heard nothing and seen nothing!
Unfortunately I'll have to call off the concert now.
Since you'll be going back to the front...
there cannot be another performance...
which I regret all the more ...
as I'm sure that by now, you and the Princess have managed to be perfectly in tune.
So our artistic loss is all the greater.
Please be patient for another minute, I'll have the doors unlocked at once.
Will you forget me?
How could I?
Serve in the blue salon and then everybody is to get out.
I see, now the merrier part of the evening begins.
What on earth is going on again!
What! You!
I wasn't expecting you back so soon.
Herr Ammer, I'm reporting back for duty, released from hospital.
You're looking a bit pale.
But we'll get your complexion back to "front colour" pretty soon.
I was just going to bunk down.
Open up the hand grenades box, will you.
In the left corner.
Got it?
Shift the grenades aside.
See it?
I do.
This must be a so-called original Slivovitz.
Come on, Franzl, let's sit down.
Now we'll celebrate your return.
This Slivovitz, your know, used to have a very special quality:
It used to evaporate incredibly fast ....
until there remained less and less in the bottle.
Then as an experiment, I put it in the hand-grenades box.
And now we're fine.
Servus Franzl, you old front-pig.
How silent you are!
Come on, tell me something.
I'm just glad to be back.
Captain, your tea.
Go away with your tea.
We've something better now.
And we'd have more of it ...
if you hadn't finished off half of the Slivovitz yourself!
But Captain, Schober must have done it.
Since the bottle's always in the back, among the hand-grenades.
How do you know?
Poldi?
This is from your boy.
Peter! How is he?
He came to visit me.
A nice guy.
One day he'll be like his father.
Chocolates.
Where on earth did he find those?
While he was visiting me in the hospital, we all got such a parcel.
You know how it is.
A committee distributing love tokens ... ladies doing welfare work ...
That's what he's writing. A Princess gave it to him.
We know all about the old haddigans.
You're right about this.
We know all about them.
What are you laughing about, silly?
Well ...
actually, it's no laughing matter.
Dear child, you must think of your future.
The situation looks quite gloomy.
One thing's clear: in the next decades Austrian princesses won't be much in demand.
Are you listening?
Of course I am.
You're quite right, dear aunt.
If you look at the question materialistically.
Such questions cannot be looked at materialistically enough.
You know that all I can bequeath you, will be the princely crown on your monogram.
But princely crowns ... stitched on sack cloth ...
- lose their brilliance. - I know.
Why don't YOU marry the Archduke ...
since you're so enthousiastic about him.
Whenever I want a clear answer you evade me.
I really don't know what to think of such an attitude.
Yes?
Your Grace, I'm sorry but I couldn't accomplish your mission, Lieutenant Rainer is no longer in the convalescent home.
- Where is he? - The Lieutenant has been ordered back to the front.
I see.
Thank you.
What are they up to now?
The usual blessings, Major.
Well Lechner, another go:
But take a reliable man to lead the patrol.
Division HQ are eager to learn what's going on over there.
Whom do you suggest?
- Perhaps ... - With your permission, take me.
You? But you've just come back!
Is that a reason?
- If the Major agrees ... - Well, if you want to ....
It's just a 5 minute job.
The main task: to bring in prisoners.
At 09:04 barrage. At 09:05 cease-fire.
and you'll jump out of the trenches.
Already 2 1/2 minutes late.
Who's speaking?
Excuse me, of course, Your Grace.
On behalf of His Imperial Highness, take a telegram.
What?
Yes, a telegram.
Take a note.
Thank you, Lieutenant, your mission has given us excellent information.
- Your Excellency, I ask for permission to leave. - One moment, Lieutenant.
Captain, give me the surprise for the Lieutenant.
A wire from HQ:
His Majesty the Emperor has awarded the Lieutenant of Reserve Franz Rainer, Infantry Regiment 381,
with the military order of merit, 3rd class.
- Your Excellency. - You see ... magic
In fact I wanted to recommend you, because of your brave conduct.
But now the superior office has anticipated.
My sincere congratulations.
My obedient thanks, Your Excellency.
He didn't seem very pleased about it.
Your Excellency, a wire from HQ.
The Lieutenant of Reserve Franz Rainer, Infantry Regiment 381, is to proceed forthwith and ... - What's this?
Again the Lieutenant Rainer?
But Your Imperial Highness, surely one can find out where the girl went.
Of course, that's what I've been saying too, dear Benda.
We could find out by circular telegram, we have the car's license plate, but ...
- that would cause a commotion. - Why should it cause a commotion?
They'll all report to me, and we'll treat the matter discretely.
She's been gone for 12 hours now. If only nothing happened to her.
Well my dear, until your order of merit arrives, I'll give you mine.
You must be able to show off a bit, in the rear.
Leopold, drop it.
- I'll never wear that order anyway. - What do you mean?
Because I didn't get it for my bravery in action.
What was that! Have you gone mad!
I got this order for keeping my mouth shut.
- Keeping your mouth shut about what? - I can't tell you.
Because I have to keep my mouth shut.
And just now when things are kicking off here, they call me away.
I'd like to know what they want me for, in the rear.
An order is an order.
Who knows what fate has in store for you.
And what fate has in store for me ...
I can guess.
And that's why, Rainer,
could you do me a favour?
Whatever you want, Poldy.
Perhaps you'll get to Vienna.
Look up my Peter.
And give him this letter.
- I'll see to it. - No, no!
I didn't mean it like this.
Not at once.
Only ...
in case ...
I see.
Stop worrying like this!
Of course you can rely on me.
Well, now get going.
You mustn't keep the staff car waiting.
And bring me another Slivovitz.
What's this rattling noise?
That's the front, it always makes the window panes rattle.
One gets used to it.
It's still 15 km away.
We're that near to the front?
Madame can take her walk, they don't shoot that far.
When this gentleman arrives, tell him to wait for me, will you.
Very well, Madame.
Anything else?
Just a question, Madame, if you permit ...
Madame, you did register under your real name, didn't you?
Of course I did. Why?
Because ... yesterday someone came here, from the railway station command.
- He wrote down your car's license no. - He did?
Is this customary?
It'll be just another harassment.
I'm telling you, the things one has to put up with ...
Check-points, domicile searches, forced billetings, you know.
Therefore may I ask, when will Madame be back? Just in case.
I'm not leaving anyway.
I'd better stay in.
It won't take very long.
You can count on me.
On my discretion.
But I'm telling you, this is the last train leaving for ...
Because no other train will be leaving anymore!
You've got a lunch voucher?
Try to find a provisions station.
- What if I don't find a provisions station. - Then eat your voucher.
Isn't there a car driving to the front?
- A car will be difficult, but I'll check. - I need a car.
I'm an infantryman, I refuse to walk.
My dear Lieutenant, the order's perfectly clear, only I don't know what it means.
But is says quite plainly: "Report to the Habsburger Hof".
And there is a Habsburger Hof hotel in this town.
Across the square, to the right, you can't miss it.
Habsburger Hof
Got a light?
Here you are, platoon leader.
Look who's here: the Schober!
Reporting back from furlough, Lieutenant.
At ease. This is great!
You know, Schober, just wait a bit, then we'll drive back to the front together.
- I have some business to attend to. - Yes, Lieutenant.
You don't want to cause the misfortune of an honest old man.
I swear, no lady is staying in this hotel.
Is that so? We can easily find out.
We'll just have to clear out this shed filled with bugs.
Officer, one is after all a cavalier.
Maybe you are the gentleman in question.
If you are the gentleman in question ...
and you might be, the lady's upstairs.
Lieutenant Rainer?
Look at this!
Now I've given it to the gentleman who asked after the lady.
Aren't you a lieutenant?
Maybe you are Herr Rainer?
Ah, the Lieutenant Rainer!
What are you doing here?
I thought you were at the front?
- Your Imperial Highness, I have an ... - What?
I demand an explanation of your presence in the rear.
Your Imperial Highness, I've been ordered here.
Please follow me, Lieutenant.
A new method to leave the front.
- Allow me to explain ... - It's your turn to explain how this telegram came about!
I received the telegram at the front, it was handed to me at Division HQ
I'm not interested! I asked you how the telegram came about!
Is this an insinuation, Your Imperial Highness?
I don't have to insinuate, I'm speaking plainly enough.
- I put it to you that you wrote the telegram yourself. - I declare that .... - I can guess the circumstances.
You caused the telegram to be sent, for reasons I don't want to discuss any further, in order to get away from the front.
- Do you know what that is? Desertion! - Your Imperial Highness, I won't let you ...
You knew exactly what was going to happen at the front. You wanted to save your precious life. You're a deserter!
Your Imperial Highness, I'm an Austrian officer like yourself.
You know I can't let such accusations pass.
How dare you, Lieutenant! I'm the Archduke!
For me you're nothing but a cowardly blackguard!
Unfortunately you've stopped my mouth, otherwise I'd shout it to the whole world that a clique is betraying Austria!
Lieutenant!
What's going on here?
- A good thing you're here, gentlemen. - I'm ordering you ...
I'm ordering you ...
to return to the front at once.
Yes, Your Imperial Highness.
As to the rest, you'll hear from me.
I shall look forward to it.
Gentlemen, an embarrassing encounter: I've just discovered that Lieutenant Rainer has attempted to desert.
Excuse me.
This incident has kept the Princess waiting, perhaps you'll bring her some refreshments.
Yes please?
You, Your Imperial Highness?
Come with me, Sergeant, the front's been reinforced.
We'll just fight our way to the front.
Allow me to doubt your version of the incident. You claim you've sent the telegram yourself?
I have.
So you're in love with this ...
this violinist?
What if I am?
It must be so, since you're protecting this gentlemen so much.
It doesn't matter.
Supposing you sent that telegram ...
then you sent it because Rainer made you to.
No!
I'm declaring once more that Lieutenant Rainer had no idea of the incident.
I've sent the telegram without his knowing.
I'm afraid the authorities who'll have to deal with this case won't find your version very credible.
Infantry advance to left and right.
Schober, wait for me.
- You stay behind. - Yes Lieutenant.
Anything else?
Thank you, Miss, that's all.
How's business with your café nowadays? Are you content?
Very much so.
We all had to start anew after the war, you know how it is.
But now I'm very pleased.
Send the bill over, will you.
- Good bye. - Good bye.
¶ ???
???
When the guards march up, we join them like soldiers
??? one two step
??? out with the chest, the arms ???
???
??? the times
???
Don't run! Boys, you're getting faster all the time!
Once more, sing!
- Herr Sonnberger, I must go now. - That's right, your appointment, I totally forgot.
- I'm expected at the Dirrmoser café. - That's just a few steps across the street.
Now listen, children, once more:
one - two
faster ??? are the soldiers
??? and the trumpets
when the guards march up, we join them like soldiers
??? one - two - marching in step
I don't know what's keeping the girl.
Maybe it's not a good idea if the princess meets me here in your company, being unprepared.
Don't get nervous.
Well, we haven't seen each other since that strange talk at the time.
And that's why this affair has to be cleared up at last.
- Is Frau von Battenstein already here? - They are sitting in the back corner.
- Don't forget, Pepy, the extra-room must be prepared today. - Done already, Herr Dirrmoser.
Here you are, Your Grace.
Princess.
I can see you didn't expect me, but your aunt had the kindness to ask me here.
- Hello, aunt. - Servus, child.
Have a seat.
In the old days you wouldn't have kept me waiting.
In the old days I didn't have a job as an excuse.
This dress is charming, so simple, but it suits you perfectly.
It's nothing special.
But I'm proud of it.
I bought it with my first wages.
What a curious ambition.
Well, my child, I've asked His Imperial Highness to this meeting ...
since you don't visit me anymore,
to clear up certain misunderstandings.
My dear aunt, I don't have much time, so please be brief.
I don't quite see how one can have a clarifying talk in the manner of a telegram.
Why not?
What we two have to say to each other, can be said in two minutes.
Thank you, that was explicit.
Henriette!
But this is the way people talk nowadays.
Too bad that I don't care for it.
I think you'd better have your heart-to-heart talk with your niece first.
I think so too.
A pity.
I had some hopes for this afternoon, but ...
At least I'm glad to see you again.
How can you put me into such a situation!
- I haven't brought about the situation. - Come on!
And I know who's behind it.
Herr Rainer has turned up again.
What on earth makes you think that?
I haven't seen Herr Rainer since then, and I've no idea where he is.
And even if he would turn up ...
I'd do anything so that I wouldn't have to see him.
Still no better prospects, dear Winter?
One must be glad to have a job like this. I consider it just as a transition.
By the way, I'd like to ask you, dear Winter ...
did you ever encounter again that ... Lieutenant Rainer?
I regret, Your Imperial Highness.
Well, one had better keep such people at a distance.
That's my belief too, I still have the feelings of an officer.
Excellent principles, dear Winter.
- Here you are. - Good bye, Herr ...
Again a load of those men among the arrivals.
We're at peace for six months, and only now they're coming back from their captivity.
- To the Red Cross take that exit. - Thank you.
Hello Erna, nice that you're here already.
Come in, take off your coat, tea's ready too.
How can you stand that noise next door!
Really? The merry tune?
I don't even hear it anymore. After all, I've been living for some time now in the pension.
Rum or lemon?
I've seen Herr Rainer.
Where?
He's a patient in my hospital.
He was a prisoner of war till now.
Is he wounded?
He was shot in the arm, the wound had been neglected in the prison camp.
But they've already operated him, I'm sure the arm'll be all right again.
Don't you want to see him?
I can't.
- Why not? - He makes me feel ashamed.
Once he learns that it was I who sent the telegram ...
I'm too much of a coward.
I've had enough time to think about it, and I know now that I should never have done it.
What would happen if every woman had called her lover back from the front that way?
But this was so long ago, surely he'll understand you now.
No, this isn't over yet.
I know very well that I have to put something right again.
And I'll put it right again.
But I'm so very much afraid.
Can you understand this?
- Aren't you happy that he's here? - I am.
I'm very happy that he's alive.
But I just don't have the force to see him again.
I really don't know what you still want from us, Herr Rainer.
- Then I can leave. - Now now!
You'll have to stay with us another couple of days.
Did it hurt?
You've been really lucky.
Treating prisoners like that is a disgrace.
You might have lost your arm.
- Well, Peter? - I must wait, the doctor's still inside.
Doesn't matter. We've waited long enough ourselves till we got hold of you.
But now I'll go in and throw the doctor out.
- Any problems, Doctor? - No, Head Nurse, everything's all right.
You see, Herr Rainer...
everything's all right.
The Doctor just made me realize that I won't need my left arm anymore.
I can conduct with the right arm, and as to playing the violin - with what?
I've lost my violin anyway during the course of events.
What if I knew where your violin is?
You?
The violin is at my friend's place, Princess Henriette von Battenstein.
- You know the Princess? - Of course.
Yes, I remember ...
Couldn't you arrange it for me to see the Princess, just once?
Why don't you write her, I'll give her your note and then I'll have the violin sent to you.
Thank you, nurse.
But I think we'd better wait with the violin.
I haven't found a room of my own yet.
If you're not too demanding ...
In the floor above my flat lives an army auditor, there's been a room vacancy just now.
May I come in now?
Here you are at last.
Peter Lechner, ward of the military orphanage no. 3, reporting.
Hallo, Peter.
Sit down.
You're looking splendid.
How do you like it there?
Wonderful. Run on army lines.
I want to be an officer, like father.
Ah yes...
like father ...
well ...
You're a young man now, Peter.
I have something to deliver to you.
Your father gave me this letter for you.
I've carried it with me all this time.
And now I'll leave you alone.
You know, Peter ...
I'll always be there for you now, just like your father used to be.
To my beloved son Peter
K.M. Birr - mil. auditor
I must look around a bit, Herr Auditor.
I can't afford much longer to take walks.
Just look around.
What's all that damned camphor doing in your closet!
To keep the moths away.
That was the last mouse-trap.
Why the last?
I've already put up two, and I don't have any more.
The way the vermin has been taking over lately ...
it's the same with people.
One must be careful,
otherwise they'll devour you.
Why is my uniform still hanging there?
- Good day. - What is it?
I'm to deliver this violin case to Herr Rainer.
Herr Rainer, this has just been delivered to you.
Delivered?
From whom?
I don't know, a servant brought it, he didn't leave a message.
My violin.
You play the violin, I play the cello.
We might play some music sometimes.
Those were my notes. Where have you put them again?
In the desk drawer, Herr Auditor.
Desk drawer ...
Here they are.
I must ask you to leave my desk untouched in the future, everything on it has its place.
You couldn't possibly know what it's all about.
- I'll hang your coat in the closet. - No!
The coat stays here! Give it to me.
- My dear Sonnberger, I must find an occupation somewhere. - What a child you are!
Does it have to be the State Opera straight away? Try to be a bit realistic.
- You'll have to start anew. - What do you mean, anew?
Don't get upset. I'll see what I can do.
You could, for instance, audition as a conductor at our theatre.
- Here you are. - Thank you.
- Don't I know you? - That's possible.
- I've seen you in the field. - I was an orderly officer.
Ah yes.
Now I remember.
Of course. My name's Rainer.
- Lieutenant Rainer? - That's right.
- Can I get you anything else, Herr Sonnberger? - No thank you.
Strange behaviour.
- Benda! - Leave it.
Maybe he's embarrassed: A former officer now working as a waiter...
A lot of things have changed here ...
Well, things being as they are ...
I too might start anew.
Now you're talking like a human being again.
Let me think how to arrange it.
Benda, what was that between you and Rainer?
- I know him slightly. - I know him too.
He used to be a dashing officer.
Is that so?
What's the matter with him?
Across the stage, along the corridor, down the stairs...
and then you'll get to the orchestra pit.
I know, after all I've worked here for 3 years.
Ah, Herr von Rainer.
Forgive me, but you know your way around.
What's the matter, Frl. von Battenstein, why did you stop?
Come on, we must get on.
Yes of course, excuse me.
three ... four
That's all, ladies, it was pretty good, but must get better still.
You have one hour, a conductor will audition here now, go up to the ballet room, I'll call you later.
Herr Rainer.
Good day.
Your Grace...
that I'm meeting you here!
Yes ...
I haven't expected it either.
What are you doing here?
I'm employed here.
You see, my piano playing had some practical use after all.
Excuse me.
And what are you doing here?
I am to conduct a rehearsal.
They'll engage you?
I hope so.
But that's very nice for you.
I must thank you, by the way, you've sent me back my violin.
That's right, Nurse Erna took care of that.
Well ...
I'm afraid I must work now.
So good luck for your audition.
It's been a pleasure.
My God, Princess, what's the matter?
What's the matter with you?
Nothing, nothing at all.
I've been working too much lately.
And I'm tired out.
But Henriette...
But it's not true!
I felt so happy when I saw you again.
Because I can no longer live without you.
Henriette.
How could you put me in such a situation, Herr Sonnberger. Engaging that gentleman is out of the question. Why audition him at all?
But Court Councilor, how could I know, he used to be ...
But you're ignorant of the background to all this.
Why didn't you try to see me before? I didn't know where you were.
- Have you searched for me. - Of course. Everywhere.
And I never wanted to see you again.
Why not?
Because, at the time ...
so many things were happening at the time...
You've no idea what I went through.
Let's forget everything.
- Is this possible? - Of course it is.
- Could you forget everything? - Of course. We have to.
And then we'll both start anew.
- It's very easy. - Yes, it's very easy.
Perhaps.
Good gracious, your arm!
- How is your arm? - It's all right again.
Look at this.
You must go now.
- Not now! - Of course, you must.
I'll accompany downstairs, you'll get a kiss under the tree.
Quick! Your hat.
- I'll be back after the audition? - Yes.
Yes.
Conductor, I've been looking for you.
The Court Councilor wants to talk to you.
But not now, there'll be time for it later.
The Court Councilor insists on seeing you before the audition.
If you please ...
Come in.
Court Councilor.
You wanted to see me?
- Good day, Sonnberger. - Good day, good day.
Please.
Herr Rainer ...
I've asked you here because I don't think your conducting the rehearsal is - please sit down -
I don't think it's expedient.
How am I to understand this, Court Councilor?
You're identical with the Lieutenant of Reserve Rainer?
Indeed I am.
- Do you smoke? - Thank you.
Has this anything to do with the rehearsal?
More than you think.
I'm a member of the officers' association which has formed in secret, as you may have heard, to uphold the traditions of the officers' corps.
Because of the chaotic times we of the officers' corps set great value on observing a strict code of honour.
How am I to understand this, Court Councilor?
I was hoping you'd understand, after all we're a public sector.
Would you please explain exactly what I am accused of.
It's embarrassing to mention, but ...
since you insist...
There's a rumour that you're suspected of deserting from the front,
and until this affair has been cleared ...
Thank you, Court Councilor, you can count on it, this affair shall be cleared!
Let me assure you that I had no idea of this attack upon my honour, because that's what it is ...
So much the better, I suggest you get in touch with the president of our Honorary Tribunal.
You'll find the Colonel daily in the Café Dirrmoser
which is also the place or our reunions.
Till then I must ask you to refrain from conducting the rehearsal.
No, Court Councilor, you're mistaken, I won't refrain from conducting the rehearsal.
Otherwise it'll look as if I were guilty, I'll conduct, that's a fact!
Anything else?
It's your decision.
If you please, Herr Rainer.
[Carmen ouverture]
A bit nervous.
Once more, gentlemen.
You knew exactly what was going to happen at the front.
You wanted to save your precious life.
You're a deserter.
- What's the meaning of this? - I don't know either. - Strange behaviour
Rainer, don't run away.
- What's happened? - Excuse me.
What's happened? Tell me.
- Desertion, I'm a deserter! - Who says so?
I was a POW, I couldn't defend myself, but now I'm here and they'll get to know me!
Oh my God!
But let them talk. That cannot hurt you.
I believe in you.
- You can't understand this. - What happened is over now.
And you yourself know that's it's all lies and slander.
Now I see everything clearly, why didn't I think of it before!
I was becoming a nuisance. I knew too much. And what did they do about it? They sent me a telegram and now they claim I sent this telegram myself.
- No! - And now people are spreading it around.
- Who do you think ... - Who?
- I think I know. Excuse me. - Stay here!
... and I sent the telegram ...
- Who? - Princesse Henriette.
This is a surprise, show her in.
- Not in my dreams I thought you'd come, Princess. - I haven't come on my behalf.
It would be presumptuous of me to think you did, so please ....
Won't you take off your coat?
I've come to ask you to fulfill a duty as a matter of course.
With pleasure, but won't you sit down?
- You won't be giving away anything by that. - Thank you.
It's about Lieutenant Rainer.
How interesting, Princess, we've had to deal with that gentleman before. So?
All that's needed is a declaration on your part, and the man's honour will be restored.
I don't doubt it.
But what if I wasn't interested in doing this, Princess?
But this is about a man's existence! Don't you feel any shame?
I don't understand how you can commit yourself thus for such a man?
- What about your future? - Don't worry about my future.
His existence? Who is this Herr Rainer anyway?
Do you, a Princess von Battenstein, want to lower yourself to this "existence"? - Very well.
If you don't withdraw your accusations against Herr Rainer, then I'll make a statement before the officers' Honorary Tribunal.
And I'll tell them the whole truth, sparing nobody,
that I alone sent the telegram!
- You won't do this, Princess! - I shall! - You won't expose yourself.
You won't stab us in the back.
I'm expecting your answer, that's all.
All right, it'll be as you wish, but on one condition:
I've never hidden the feelings I have for you.
- Whom shall I announce? - I'm expected, it's urgent. - But there's a visitor inside!
Come with me, be my wife, let's leave tonight!
Believe me, you won't regret it, you whole life's before you, we belong together!
- Please leave the room! - Henriette, join me ...
- You let go of me! - I won't think of it, I want to ...
I only want what's best for you, come with me!
I don't want to! Try to understand, I don't want to!
Do you remember, Lieutenant, I wouldn't have thought I'd get out of it alive.
Unfortunately I did. It wasn't worth it. Here, I'll pay.
And when I ran back, right next to me a grenade exploded.
I can still hear it.
That was great, old man.
- If you allow me, Auditor. - Have your drink.
Herr Rainer will be here soon.
And now I've provided the grenade splinters too, forgive me.
Today I don't care if everything gets smashed up.
You know, Schober ...
that gang of crooks sent me a letter today:
"right of pension refused".
I won't get another penny.
Infantryman Schober reporting for duty.
A reunion among comrades. Come in, Lieutenant, we've been celebrating.
The Auditor has a superb Slivovitz.
The only thing left to us ...
Your health, Schober, and to all our old comrades.
To the old comrades.
We were both lucky, Lieutenant. You were ordered away at the time, and I'd just come back from furlough.
I wonder if you can call it luck, Schober.
But we're alive, Lieutenant.
As to the others ...
not many of them were left, at the time ...
- All the officers died. - All of them?
Ah yes ...
All of them.
No harm meant, Lieutenant.
I didn't want to trouble you, I'll be back later.
Let's wash it down.
By the way, my dear, you've come at the right time.
Listen to this.
My latest petiton.
They demand of me a declaration under oath that I acknowledge that republic of theirs.
Here's my response:
"I refuse to make such a declaration, since it has nothing to do with my rights to a pension."
They all want to be provided for with a pension.
I've shown them!
And they've shown me.
And yet, one had after all, for four years ...
Four years? You don't say!
For 25 years I've faithfully served the KuK Austro-Hungarian Monarchy.
And now they want to rob me of my rights!
Listen to this ...
"and if you do this, you remove from the building of ethical world order ..."
"ethical world order"
Get realistic, man!
Just look around.
Nowhere any feelings of faith and belief left.
They all have betrayed us.
And worst of all are the women.
That's right. "and if you do this, you remove from the building of ethical world order ..."
"a stone, and it collapses."
That's right!
Life's not worth living.
Living on what?
Here ...
I got this rag today.
"... and we regret to inform you that your rights of pension have been refused."
Which means:
take a gun and shoot yourself.
Help yourself.
Won't you help yourself to it first?
You think I'm too cowardly to do it?
You're still so young.
But I ...
What's left to me?
Talking walks in the Prater,
along the Ringstraße, looking at the pretty girls,
letting the sun shine on me, when it's shining.
And then sitting, sitting, within these ...
these four walls...
playing some music ...
Playing music?
Ah yes ...
if one's arm hadn't been shot to pieces...
[Schubert, Unfinished Symphony]
Herr Rainer, come quickly, Peter ...
- There's a man from the military orphanage outside... - What is it? Speak up.
Peter has jumped out of the window.
Good God!
- What's the matter with Peter? - It's not that bad, I just wanted to inform you ...
I think there's some trouble with his leg.
But you shouldn't have come here because of this.
- Is it true? He's jumped out of the window? - Go in there, you talk to him.
Peter, a visitor.
Please forgive me, uncle Franz.
Peter!
Why did you do it?
They wanted to lock me up.
And I wanted to run to you.
Locked up? Why?
I gave Laschinske a beating.
He said, his uncle learned from Herr von Benda that during the war you were a ...
a ...
A what?
But that cannot be true!
He said you were a ...
a shirker.
Did you believe that, Peter?
Even if they all said so ...
I shall never believe it!
You see, and nobody shall think that of me.
I'll see to it.
Sergeant Dirrmoser,
I thank you for your statement which was gratifying.
But this only proves that Lieutenant Rainer wanted to get back to the front.
But our inquest is about the question why the Lieutenant left the front in the first place.
Because of an order I received personally at Division HQ.
Indeed, there's no doubt about that either.
But the doubt remains as to the provenience of the telegram.
Why do you refuse to clarify that point? Well, we'll see.
If I'm not mistaken His Imperial Highness himself has promised to appear.
He has, Colonel. I don't understand it myself.
Herr Dirrmoser, please call His Imperial Highness' residence.
Well, gentlemen ...
So you really want to go there?
Don't you want me to accompany you?
No thank you.
It'll all be over very fast.
All I have to do is tell them what I did.
- And then his honour will finally be restored. - But then everything can end happily after all.
I know exactly what his reaction will be.
He'll click his heels ...
make a bow ...
he'll say "Your Grace" ...
and then he'll leave.
I don't understand it. But he loves you.
He does.
But he could never get over it as a soldier.
It's quite clear to me.
And since I've realized it, I feel glad in fact.
Today I just must give back the happiness I wanted to seize at the time.
Well, that's life.
And will you do after that?
Something will turn up.
For the time I'm engaged at the opera.
How about joining us?
You'd have a fulfilling task.
Taking care of patients, healing.
Yes ...
maybe ...
Yes please?
Sergeant Dirrmoser.
Honorary Tribunal.
Hallo?
I regret, His Imperial Highness is not at home.
I see, His Imperial Highness is already on his way.
But the Colonel is expecting His Imperial Highness at the Honorary Tribunal!
I cannot give you any further information.
I don't understand it.
Gentlemen ...
I'm afraid I'll have to postpone the trial...
since I cannot decide the case without the statement of His Imperial Highness.
The informations about your conduct, Lieutenant Rainer, were given to us by the Archduke himself.
Did you reach His Imperial Highness?
He's not at home, I don't understand it, he's perhaps on his way, but ...
There's a lady wishing to make a statement. - Let her come in.
Your Grace!
Why are you coming to us?
I have to make a statement.
You know about this affair?
I do.
Please sit down, Your Grace.
Herr Dirrmoser, please make another call. - Yes, Colonel.
Well ...
I know that Lieutenant Rainer is accused of having sent a telegram
that ordered him away from the front. - Indeed.
We have reason to believe that Lieutenant Rainer knows exactly who sent the telegram.
Probably because the Archduke said so.
Well, unfortunately the Lieutenant's statement on this point is rather vague.
Probably because he gave his word of honour.
I know about this word of honour.
Because I was present at the time.
And that's why the Archduke has every reason to slander the Lieutenant's honour.
And why?
During the war, the Lieutenant accidentally witnessed secret negotiations aiming at a cease-fire.
And when the Archduke discovered this, he made the Lieutenant give his word of honour to keep absolutely silent about everything he heard.
I didn't give my word of honour, so I may speak.
I beg your pardon, Princess ...
but this is incredible!
But what you're claiming, that's ... that's ...
but this is incomprehensible, if I understand you correctly ...
you seem to suggest His Imperial Highness ....
might have sent the telegram in question himself.
No.
No, he didn't.
But who else sent it?
I did.
- No! - Yes!
- I sent the telegram. - You!
Princess, what is the meaning of this?
Good God, I knew that his regiment was lost.
And the war couldn't go on much longer. I just wanted to save him.
That's why I did it.
Is that so?
I also told the Archduke about it ...
it's not my fault that he keeps on spreading the rumour.
This is no longer a case about Lieutenant Rainer,
it's now a the case of this ... oh well
Well, Dirrmoser?
Colonel, I spoke to the valet.
His Imperial Highness has left, for Switzerland.
- Left? Didn't he leave a message? - No, Colonel. I made a point of asking.
Gentlemen ...
our hearing is closed.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Lieutenant, the positive outcome of this hearing is that all accusations against you have been proven false.
- I feel very happy about it and wish you all the best for your future. - Thank you, Colonel.
My congratulations, Lieutenant.
- Your Grace. - My congratulations too, Lieutenant.
Your Grace.
We must get him for our opera house. You'll arrange it.
The end
Engl. subtitles: serdar202@KG