0 00:00:11,000 --> 00:00:20,000 1 00:00:45,001 --> 00:00:46,834 From all German stations, 2 00:00:47,001 --> 00:00:50,667 including those of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, 3 00:00:50,834 --> 00:00:52,501 the General Government, 4 00:00:52,667 --> 00:00:54,917 the Brussels Two and Luxemburg stations, 5 00:00:55,084 --> 00:00:56,751 and the Paris station. 6 00:00:57,417 --> 00:01:01,417 In the Night Concerts series, the Deutsche Rundfunk presents 7 00:01:01,584 --> 00:01:04,876 the Seventh Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven, 8 00:01:05,042 --> 00:01:08,251 conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler. 9 00:01:11,292 --> 00:01:15,251 Warsaw, early August 1944 10 00:01:40,459 --> 00:01:44,709 DIPLOMACY 11 00:01:45,376 --> 00:01:47,959 Europe was consumed by war. 12 00:01:48,292 --> 00:01:50,542 We were all going to die. 13 00:01:51,542 --> 00:01:54,542 After the Landings, the Allies marched on Paris. 14 00:01:55,417 --> 00:01:58,751 The Germans planned to destroy, to raze everything. 15 00:01:59,501 --> 00:02:01,417 Especially Paris. 16 00:02:02,667 --> 00:02:05,042 Nothing was to be left standing. 17 00:02:06,292 --> 00:02:08,042 The Fuhrers orders. 18 00:03:08,792 --> 00:03:12,584 Paris, the night of August 24-25, 1944 19 00:03:32,167 --> 00:03:33,792 Here's your coffee. 20 00:03:34,042 --> 00:03:36,209 You haven't slept all night again. 21 00:03:36,376 --> 00:03:37,251 Morning, Maryse. 22 00:03:37,417 --> 00:03:40,292 Tell Mayer to bring me my uniform and boots, please. 23 00:03:40,792 --> 00:03:42,459 But it's 4 a.m. 24 00:03:42,626 --> 00:03:44,501 Do as I ask. 25 00:03:49,626 --> 00:03:51,001 Morning, sir. 26 00:03:51,167 --> 00:03:52,709 Morning, Mayer. 27 00:03:56,376 --> 00:03:58,709 General, you're standing against the light. 28 00:03:59,126 --> 00:04:01,542 Not even a child would miss you. 29 00:04:01,709 --> 00:04:04,584 Children are asleep at this time. 30 00:04:05,042 --> 00:04:06,042 Come inside. 31 00:04:06,209 --> 00:04:07,209 Please. 32 00:04:09,042 --> 00:04:10,751 What's that, Mayer? 33 00:04:12,459 --> 00:04:15,251 Looks like a man taking his dog for a walk. 34 00:04:15,667 --> 00:04:17,042 Such arrogance! 35 00:04:17,209 --> 00:04:19,501 The Parisians think we're finished. 36 00:04:49,042 --> 00:04:50,001 Mayer, pills! 37 00:04:50,167 --> 00:04:51,126 Quickly! 38 00:04:58,334 --> 00:05:00,292 - Should I call Dr. Fischer? - No. 39 00:05:01,042 --> 00:05:03,751 Take long, deep breaths, sir. 40 00:05:13,751 --> 00:05:15,417 Are you ready? 41 00:05:15,584 --> 00:05:16,959 Yes, sir. 42 00:05:17,376 --> 00:05:19,376 Alfred has the car ready. 43 00:05:19,834 --> 00:05:21,001 But, General... 44 00:05:21,167 --> 00:05:23,251 It's not a favor I'm asking you, 45 00:05:23,417 --> 00:05:24,917 it's an order. 46 00:05:26,042 --> 00:05:27,959 Take that letter to my wife. 47 00:05:29,667 --> 00:05:32,584 Tell her I was only doing my duty. 48 00:05:39,584 --> 00:05:41,709 Chocolates. For the children. 49 00:05:42,751 --> 00:05:44,542 General, your telegrams. 50 00:05:44,751 --> 00:05:45,584 Okay, fine. 51 00:05:54,542 --> 00:05:57,376 The enemy broke through our defenses last night. 52 00:05:57,542 --> 00:05:58,376 Reinforcements? 53 00:06:01,667 --> 00:06:04,209 That's fine, thank you very much. 54 00:06:10,167 --> 00:06:10,876 Mr. Lanvin? 55 00:06:12,167 --> 00:06:13,334 This way, please. 56 00:06:13,792 --> 00:06:14,834 Why that way? 57 00:06:15,001 --> 00:06:16,292 The General's orders. 58 00:06:18,251 --> 00:06:22,626 They're near Soissons, 3 hours away. The roads are minefields. 59 00:06:22,792 --> 00:06:25,542 They'll be here at noon, if there's no more sabotage. 60 00:06:25,709 --> 00:06:27,584 The enemy's only 2 hours away. 61 00:06:27,751 --> 00:06:28,792 Gentlemen... 62 00:06:28,959 --> 00:06:31,751 If Paris falls, all of France falls. 63 00:06:32,042 --> 00:06:34,584 And the Americans march on Germany. 64 00:06:35,334 --> 00:06:37,709 There's no other choice left to me. 65 00:06:38,709 --> 00:06:41,501 The explosion will be heard in Berlin. 66 00:06:42,084 --> 00:06:44,709 And 50 years from now, too, I bet. 67 00:06:47,876 --> 00:06:48,959 Well, sir? 68 00:06:49,584 --> 00:06:51,292 What are you going to do? 69 00:06:51,459 --> 00:06:52,334 My duty. 70 00:06:55,376 --> 00:06:56,917 You can rely on me. 71 00:06:57,209 --> 00:06:58,459 I know. 72 00:06:58,917 --> 00:07:00,251 I have faith in you. 73 00:07:01,209 --> 00:07:02,126 Thank you, Mayer. 74 00:07:02,292 --> 00:07:04,084 But as the French say, 75 00:07:04,251 --> 00:07:07,584 you only die once, but you stay dead a long time. 76 00:07:07,751 --> 00:07:09,709 Don't delay, get out of the city. 77 00:07:09,876 --> 00:07:10,834 Rest assured. 78 00:07:11,001 --> 00:07:12,917 I'll be in Baden-Baden tonight. 79 00:07:13,501 --> 00:07:15,792 Drop by Café Karl. Eat a pretzel for me. 80 00:07:22,001 --> 00:07:23,084 Alfred! 81 00:07:25,042 --> 00:07:26,209 For the General's wife. 82 00:07:26,376 --> 00:07:27,626 Have a good trip. 83 00:07:30,917 --> 00:07:32,084 What is it? 84 00:07:33,334 --> 00:07:36,084 - You must leave. - I know. Just a moment. 85 00:07:36,251 --> 00:07:38,334 It's pointless. The fun is over. 86 00:07:38,501 --> 00:07:40,292 I can't go out without my eyes. 87 00:08:01,042 --> 00:08:02,417 Mr. Lanvin. 88 00:08:03,584 --> 00:08:04,626 Good morning. 89 00:08:07,876 --> 00:08:10,709 Major Ebernach and the French engineer are here. 90 00:08:10,876 --> 00:08:12,876 Have them wait a moment. 91 00:08:15,751 --> 00:08:18,376 The General's orders are to dig in in Paris. 92 00:08:18,542 --> 00:08:20,417 We'll give the enemy hell. 93 00:08:20,584 --> 00:08:23,959 We'll fight street by street to the last bullet. 94 00:08:24,126 --> 00:08:26,501 That way, we'll hold them up a while. 95 00:08:26,667 --> 00:08:29,167 They won't be in Germany anytime soon. 96 00:08:32,792 --> 00:08:34,917 - I'll take that. - Fine. 97 00:08:37,001 --> 00:08:40,584 What took 40 minutes in Kowel will take longer in Paris, 98 00:08:40,751 --> 00:08:44,126 but afterwards there won't be a stone left standing. 99 00:08:44,292 --> 00:08:46,876 Sorry for making you use the backstairs. 100 00:08:47,042 --> 00:08:50,084 I'd rather not alarm the staff or our troops. 101 00:08:50,251 --> 00:08:52,292 Suits me. I won't boast about this. 102 00:08:52,459 --> 00:08:54,959 Your expertise will be very useful to us. 103 00:08:55,126 --> 00:08:56,376 You know, I regret... 104 00:08:56,542 --> 00:08:59,126 Spare me your qualms. I have my own. 105 00:08:59,292 --> 00:09:01,751 Of course, he didn't help us voluntarily. 106 00:09:01,917 --> 00:09:05,917 But, as he's the expert, I suggest he explains personally. 107 00:09:06,251 --> 00:09:08,584 Lanvin, you have the General's attention. 108 00:09:11,751 --> 00:09:12,834 All right, then. 109 00:09:13,001 --> 00:09:13,834 The bridges... 110 00:09:14,584 --> 00:09:16,042 33 of them, in all. 111 00:09:16,209 --> 00:09:18,709 And a dozen more on the outskirts. 112 00:09:20,751 --> 00:09:23,042 All rigged with explosives. 113 00:09:24,417 --> 00:09:27,084 Except the Pont Neuf, right here. 114 00:09:27,542 --> 00:09:28,959 It's the oldest. 115 00:09:29,709 --> 00:09:32,542 It will allow you to cross between both banks 116 00:09:32,709 --> 00:09:35,084 and to use the island as a stronghold. 117 00:09:36,834 --> 00:09:40,709 Blowing up the bridges will cause the Seine to burst its banks, 118 00:09:40,876 --> 00:09:42,792 like in the flood of 1910. 119 00:09:43,959 --> 00:09:46,542 Rubble will dam the river. 120 00:09:47,501 --> 00:09:50,626 All of south-eastern Paris will soon be under water. 121 00:09:51,292 --> 00:09:52,709 Le Marais, first. 122 00:09:53,084 --> 00:09:56,626 Then, the flooding will spread to Nation and Bastille. 123 00:09:57,751 --> 00:10:00,126 Probably 3-4 meters deep in places. 124 00:10:00,917 --> 00:10:04,292 That means no electricity, no sewerage, nothing. 125 00:10:04,501 --> 00:10:06,709 Buildings and streets will collapse. 126 00:10:06,876 --> 00:10:09,501 We don't need explosives in this area. 127 00:10:09,667 --> 00:10:11,917 The Seine will do the job for us. 128 00:10:12,501 --> 00:10:13,959 Go on, Mr. Lanvin. 129 00:10:16,584 --> 00:10:18,376 Five minutes after the bridges, 130 00:10:19,834 --> 00:10:20,959 None-Dame cathedral... 131 00:10:23,376 --> 00:10:24,584 the Louvre... 132 00:10:26,209 --> 00:10:27,376 and the Opera 133 00:10:27,542 --> 00:10:29,167 will in turn explode. 134 00:10:30,584 --> 00:10:33,751 Taking the city center with them. Nothing will be left. 135 00:10:35,667 --> 00:10:37,126 And the stations? 136 00:10:38,042 --> 00:10:39,667 Of course, the stations... 137 00:10:40,459 --> 00:10:44,959 Debris from Orsay Station will help block the Seine. 138 00:10:46,709 --> 00:10:48,667 Likewise, the destruction 139 00:10:49,084 --> 00:10:52,167 of the other stations, Austerlitz, Lyon, 140 00:10:53,292 --> 00:10:56,667 Gare du Nord, Gare de I'Est and St. Lazare, 141 00:10:56,959 --> 00:10:58,959 will paralyze the right bank. 142 00:11:00,876 --> 00:11:03,459 If I'd been told as an Architecture student 143 00:11:03,626 --> 00:11:06,126 that one day I'd blow up Paris... 144 00:11:07,292 --> 00:11:09,792 Humanity is resilient, Ebernach. 145 00:11:11,292 --> 00:11:13,792 Outside Sebastopol, to prepare your attack, 146 00:11:13,959 --> 00:11:17,084 I had no hesitation in blowing up the old fort. 147 00:11:19,542 --> 00:11:21,917 Ebernach, in Sebastopol, 148 00:11:22,084 --> 00:11:24,876 I had to carry out the hardest order of my career, 149 00:11:25,042 --> 00:11:27,417 the liquidation of the Jewish population. 150 00:11:27,959 --> 00:11:31,626 I obeyed that order and accepted all the consequences. 151 00:11:31,834 --> 00:11:33,584 I know. We dug the mass graves. 152 00:11:33,751 --> 00:11:35,292 And we filled them in. 153 00:11:35,876 --> 00:11:37,917 Today, it's Paris! 154 00:11:44,876 --> 00:11:48,209 Three tons of cheddite around Place de la Concorde. 155 00:11:50,001 --> 00:11:52,209 Four tons in parliament 156 00:11:52,376 --> 00:11:54,917 and the basement of Les lnvalides. 157 00:12:07,917 --> 00:12:11,376 And 4 submarine torpedoes on each leg of the Eiffel Tower. 158 00:12:16,334 --> 00:12:19,792 The Arc de Triomphe will blow with Place de La Concorde 159 00:12:19,959 --> 00:12:22,959 to clear a line of fire along the Champs-Elysées. 160 00:12:24,584 --> 00:12:26,667 That will take 20 minutes. 161 00:12:26,834 --> 00:12:28,334 And then, believe me, 162 00:12:28,501 --> 00:12:31,042 Paris will be unrecognizable. 163 00:12:31,501 --> 00:12:32,751 Good work. 164 00:12:32,917 --> 00:12:34,626 The Parisians will remember you. 165 00:12:35,709 --> 00:12:37,542 If there are any left. 166 00:12:37,959 --> 00:12:40,334 What's your estimation of casualties? 167 00:12:40,584 --> 00:12:42,501 It's hard to escape from hell. 168 00:12:42,667 --> 00:12:45,167 The current population's around 1.5 million. 169 00:12:45,376 --> 00:12:48,709 That's not too bad. Tell your men to be ready. 170 00:12:48,917 --> 00:12:50,167 They are. 171 00:12:52,084 --> 00:12:55,084 One of my platoons is checking the time-switches. 172 00:12:55,251 --> 00:12:58,959 It'll take 15-20 minutes. Then the platoon leader will call you. 173 00:12:59,417 --> 00:13:00,667 His name? 174 00:13:01,501 --> 00:13:02,792 1st Lieutenant Hegger. 175 00:13:04,084 --> 00:13:05,084 Where is he? 176 00:13:06,001 --> 00:13:08,834 I'd rather tell you that in private. 177 00:13:09,042 --> 00:13:10,126 Bressensdorf... 178 00:13:10,376 --> 00:13:13,792 Keep an eye on Mr. Lanvin. Don't let him go anywhere. 179 00:13:13,959 --> 00:13:15,376 Yes, sir. 180 00:13:23,959 --> 00:13:24,917 Where is he? 181 00:13:25,084 --> 00:13:27,917 At the parliament building, the Assemblée nationale. 182 00:13:29,251 --> 00:13:32,126 General, my task is complete. 183 00:13:33,584 --> 00:13:36,917 I request permission to leave Paris with my unit. 184 00:13:37,334 --> 00:13:38,376 What? 185 00:13:40,251 --> 00:13:41,751 You want to go? 186 00:13:42,334 --> 00:13:43,876 With your permission. 187 00:13:49,417 --> 00:13:52,709 1st Lieutenant Hegger will lead the operation. 188 00:13:53,459 --> 00:13:55,542 I've known him since Ukraine. 189 00:13:55,917 --> 00:13:57,792 I fully vouch for him. 190 00:14:03,876 --> 00:14:05,751 We are needed elsewhere. 191 00:14:28,959 --> 00:14:32,626 Immediately after France fell, the Fuhrer visited Paris, 192 00:14:32,792 --> 00:14:36,084 to show his architect, Speer, the city he admired most, 193 00:14:36,251 --> 00:14:38,876 especially the Opera, his favorite monument. 194 00:14:39,042 --> 00:14:41,126 They went around it twice. 195 00:14:43,042 --> 00:14:44,626 So why destroy it? 196 00:14:46,126 --> 00:14:48,834 Hitler wanted Berlin to be as beautiful as Paris, 197 00:14:49,001 --> 00:14:50,001 and bigger. 198 00:14:50,167 --> 00:14:53,626 Now, four years later, Berlin is in ruins, 199 00:14:53,792 --> 00:14:56,626 while Paris is as glorious as ever. See? 200 00:14:56,792 --> 00:14:58,626 It's unbearable for him. 201 00:14:59,917 --> 00:15:03,709 Even if it serves no strategic purpose, 202 00:15:04,542 --> 00:15:07,626 Paris must be flattened, especially the Opera. 203 00:15:21,834 --> 00:15:22,876 Choltitz. 204 00:15:23,042 --> 00:15:24,167 Berlin? 205 00:15:24,376 --> 00:15:25,584 I'll hold. 206 00:15:43,751 --> 00:15:48,042 I was cut off. Put me through to Berlin, will you? 207 00:15:50,376 --> 00:15:51,917 Morning, General. 208 00:15:55,667 --> 00:15:57,209 Consul? 209 00:15:58,084 --> 00:16:00,126 I'm not interrupting, I hope. 210 00:16:01,584 --> 00:16:03,501 I didn't hear you come in. 211 00:16:04,001 --> 00:16:05,959 To be honest, I didn't knock. 212 00:16:07,542 --> 00:16:08,709 May I? 213 00:16:10,584 --> 00:16:13,209 The stairs are pretty steep. 214 00:16:16,542 --> 00:16:19,417 I thought you'd left Paris. How did you get in here? 215 00:16:19,584 --> 00:16:20,626 Your hotel 216 00:16:20,792 --> 00:16:24,292 is admirably located in the heart of the capital but... 217 00:16:25,167 --> 00:16:28,834 You have no idea of its history. Of this suite, in particular. 218 00:16:29,126 --> 00:16:30,917 What are you trying to say? 219 00:16:31,917 --> 00:16:33,834 I didn't come through the lobby. 220 00:16:34,876 --> 00:16:36,376 Nor through that door. 221 00:16:37,709 --> 00:16:40,167 I know, very rude, and not a habit of mine. 222 00:16:40,334 --> 00:16:42,334 I needed to see you unseen. 223 00:16:42,501 --> 00:16:44,667 Explain, Mr. Nordling! I hate riddles. 224 00:16:44,834 --> 00:16:47,001 In Paris, every hotel has its secrets. 225 00:16:47,209 --> 00:16:49,251 The Crillon, Ritz, and the Meurice. 226 00:16:49,417 --> 00:16:53,001 When you moved in, you had 200 rooms to choose from. 227 00:16:53,167 --> 00:16:55,959 You took the only one with a false bottom. 228 00:16:57,626 --> 00:16:59,001 A false bottom? 229 00:17:00,376 --> 00:17:03,292 Have you ever heard of Elisabeth Aryet? 230 00:17:03,459 --> 00:17:06,001 - Who? - Elisabeth Aryet. 231 00:17:06,376 --> 00:17:08,001 And Miss Howard? 232 00:17:08,167 --> 00:17:11,459 Never mind. They are one and the same person. 233 00:17:11,667 --> 00:17:16,459 Miss Howard was her stage name. It's an old story but still very juicy. 234 00:17:16,834 --> 00:17:20,001 Around 1860, she took numerous minor parts in plays, 235 00:17:20,209 --> 00:17:23,209 and some evenings, lovers to her bed. 236 00:17:23,709 --> 00:17:26,876 One of her lovers lived not very far from here, 237 00:17:27,042 --> 00:17:29,709 over the road in the Tuileries Palace. 238 00:17:29,876 --> 00:17:31,709 He was Napoleon Ill. 239 00:17:33,334 --> 00:17:36,667 In France, power and affairs of the heart don't mix, 240 00:17:36,876 --> 00:17:38,501 especially involving an actress. 241 00:17:38,667 --> 00:17:42,001 But he was fond of her, so he moved her in here. 242 00:17:42,167 --> 00:17:44,376 And to ensure greater discretion, 243 00:17:45,876 --> 00:17:47,167 he issued orders 244 00:17:47,709 --> 00:17:49,334 to build this staircase. 245 00:17:54,001 --> 00:17:55,792 A bit steep, I grant you. 246 00:17:56,001 --> 00:18:00,376 It leads not to the entrance guarded by your men on Rue de Rivoli, 247 00:18:00,542 --> 00:18:02,042 but Rue du Mont-Thabor. 248 00:18:02,917 --> 00:18:05,834 The Emperor merely had to cross the Tuileries, 249 00:18:06,709 --> 00:18:08,667 walk up the stairs 250 00:18:10,042 --> 00:18:11,792 and into the arms of... 251 00:18:12,667 --> 00:18:14,751 Miss Howard. 252 00:18:17,126 --> 00:18:19,751 France was none the worse for it. 253 00:18:35,126 --> 00:18:36,292 Hans! 254 00:18:37,084 --> 00:18:40,001 You two, go down to Rue du Mont-Thabor. 255 00:18:40,167 --> 00:18:42,417 - What number? - There is no number. 256 00:18:42,584 --> 00:18:43,209 Where is it? 257 00:18:43,376 --> 00:18:46,751 Is this necessary? I doubt Napoleon Ill will drop in. 258 00:18:46,917 --> 00:18:48,459 Where is it? 259 00:18:50,751 --> 00:18:54,167 The steel door on the corner of Rue de Castiglione. 260 00:18:54,334 --> 00:18:55,834 The corner of Rue de Castiglione. 261 00:18:56,001 --> 00:18:57,417 You, follow me. 262 00:19:00,917 --> 00:19:03,459 Check this staircase is secure. 263 00:19:10,042 --> 00:19:12,626 There are 2-3,000 terrorists out there, 264 00:19:13,126 --> 00:19:15,376 who'd happily spit on my corpse. 265 00:19:17,876 --> 00:19:20,126 Did I not release all political prisoners? 266 00:19:20,834 --> 00:19:22,542 The last were freed yesterday. 267 00:19:22,709 --> 00:19:23,334 So, what now? 268 00:19:28,834 --> 00:19:31,542 I came to suggest you put an end to all this. 269 00:19:31,709 --> 00:19:34,001 Your so-called terrorists are patriots. 270 00:19:34,167 --> 00:19:35,959 I respect enemy combatants, 271 00:19:36,126 --> 00:19:38,334 but they are Bolshevik criminals, 272 00:19:38,501 --> 00:19:41,251 and I will crush every last one of them! 273 00:19:41,417 --> 00:19:44,167 Kill one and you create two more. 274 00:19:44,334 --> 00:19:46,917 That depends on the resources we deploy. 275 00:19:47,417 --> 00:19:50,834 I was sent to Paris to restore order. I shall do much more. 276 00:19:51,001 --> 00:19:52,792 What will you do exactly? 277 00:19:56,792 --> 00:20:00,084 Nothing special. The stairs lead down to the street. 278 00:20:00,667 --> 00:20:03,834 I was cut off. It's urgent, take care of it. 279 00:20:10,042 --> 00:20:12,792 - What's going on? - No time. 280 00:20:14,709 --> 00:20:17,626 Choltitz isn't finished yet. If you saw him at Kharkov... 281 00:20:17,792 --> 00:20:19,042 I was there. 282 00:20:19,209 --> 00:20:20,001 You too? 283 00:20:20,251 --> 00:20:22,626 To think that barely two weeks ago, 284 00:20:22,792 --> 00:20:27,667 Paris was the dream posting for a German soldier. 285 00:20:29,917 --> 00:20:34,876 The most docile, disciplined territory in the whole of Nazi Europe. 286 00:20:36,917 --> 00:20:40,834 An officer posted here knew he had left the war behind 287 00:20:41,001 --> 00:20:42,667 and would want for nothing. 288 00:20:43,501 --> 00:20:46,792 The only battles to be fought here 289 00:20:47,334 --> 00:20:50,709 were to obtain the best table in a restaurant. 290 00:20:55,334 --> 00:20:58,084 The Parisians are cowards, Mr. Nordling. 291 00:20:59,751 --> 00:21:02,542 They skulked in their homes for four years. 292 00:21:05,126 --> 00:21:07,959 The enemy's Normandy landings brought some out, 293 00:21:08,126 --> 00:21:11,084 and now they start to attack us, to defy us, 294 00:21:11,417 --> 00:21:13,584 killing dozens of my men. 295 00:21:14,626 --> 00:21:16,126 I shall make them pay. 296 00:21:17,542 --> 00:21:21,167 With no distinction between terrorists and the others. 297 00:21:24,084 --> 00:21:28,709 I advise you to leave the city forthwith. It's not your war. 298 00:21:30,001 --> 00:21:32,751 Leave Paris no less? And go where? 299 00:21:33,584 --> 00:21:36,292 I have no idea. Back home, I suppose. 300 00:21:36,917 --> 00:21:38,376 Back home? 301 00:21:38,876 --> 00:21:40,501 This is my home. 302 00:21:42,126 --> 00:21:43,876 You can't say the same. 303 00:21:44,042 --> 00:21:45,209 Pardon me? 304 00:21:45,834 --> 00:21:48,167 We're foreigners. I'm Swedish, you're German, 305 00:21:48,334 --> 00:21:51,042 but I was born and lived all my life in Paris. 306 00:21:51,792 --> 00:21:54,084 You've been here barely two weeks. 307 00:21:54,376 --> 00:21:55,501 So what? 308 00:21:57,417 --> 00:22:00,751 I know these men and women. They won't leave you in peace. 309 00:22:01,376 --> 00:22:04,376 They've sacrificed their jobs, comfort and families. 310 00:22:04,542 --> 00:22:06,334 They'll die for their cause. 311 00:22:06,542 --> 00:22:10,376 Same here, Mr. Nordling. This is war, not a pleasure cruise. 312 00:22:10,542 --> 00:22:12,459 Indeed. But you have 2,000 men. 313 00:22:12,626 --> 00:22:14,834 And on the other side? 3 million. 314 00:22:15,001 --> 00:22:18,167 One day very soon, they'll make short work of you. 315 00:22:18,334 --> 00:22:20,042 Who? The French? 316 00:22:20,334 --> 00:22:21,751 Short work of us? 317 00:22:23,042 --> 00:22:24,501 You claim to know them? 318 00:22:24,917 --> 00:22:27,209 You're a diplomat, I'm a soldier. 319 00:22:27,376 --> 00:22:29,084 Spare me your advice. 320 00:22:30,792 --> 00:22:33,876 3 million civilians, what's that? Nothing! 321 00:22:34,667 --> 00:22:36,084 It's bluster! 322 00:22:36,376 --> 00:22:38,709 I'll swat them aside like flies. 323 00:22:43,626 --> 00:22:48,501 Governor, two armored divisions strike for Paris, as we speak. 324 00:22:49,334 --> 00:22:53,084 Two Allied divisions. We both know it. You must face facts. 325 00:22:53,251 --> 00:22:56,959 Two divisions, that's 30-40,000 soldiers you cannot hope to beat, 326 00:22:57,126 --> 00:23:01,209 who will enter the city shortly to fight alongside its population. 327 00:23:01,376 --> 00:23:02,792 What will you do then? 328 00:23:03,251 --> 00:23:07,126 You think the enemy is alone on the road to Paris? 329 00:23:08,292 --> 00:23:10,542 Fear not, reinforcements are coming. 330 00:23:10,709 --> 00:23:13,126 Four SS Panzer divisions 331 00:23:13,292 --> 00:23:15,584 left Denmark six days ago. 332 00:23:15,751 --> 00:23:20,209 You mean the 4 divisions stuck since yesterday near Soissons? 333 00:23:23,376 --> 00:23:25,584 Surely not. You're expecting others. 334 00:23:25,792 --> 00:23:28,417 My time is precious. Come to the point. 335 00:23:30,292 --> 00:23:31,667 As you wish. 336 00:23:33,292 --> 00:23:36,334 My embassy was contacted last night by the French general 337 00:23:36,501 --> 00:23:39,626 whose divisions are headed your way. 338 00:23:41,042 --> 00:23:43,584 He told me, or rather asked me, 339 00:23:44,751 --> 00:23:47,001 to give you this letter. 340 00:23:50,126 --> 00:23:52,876 A letter? From a French general? 341 00:23:53,667 --> 00:23:55,042 Interesting. 342 00:23:55,834 --> 00:23:57,709 You know this general, then. 343 00:23:58,584 --> 00:24:00,542 I've heard of him. Everybody has. 344 00:24:00,709 --> 00:24:03,292 - You've never met him? - Not yet. 345 00:24:03,709 --> 00:24:05,542 So, why your embassy? 346 00:24:05,709 --> 00:24:07,084 I suppose he was told 347 00:24:07,251 --> 00:24:09,876 that we'd met frequently in the last few days, 348 00:24:10,042 --> 00:24:13,542 that I'd been the go-between for the political prisoners, 349 00:24:13,959 --> 00:24:16,751 and that we are on good terms, you and I. 350 00:24:17,542 --> 00:24:19,042 On good terms? 351 00:24:22,334 --> 00:24:23,876 We are, aren't we? 352 00:24:24,501 --> 00:24:26,167 Perhaps he simply thought 353 00:24:26,334 --> 00:24:29,917 that representing a neutral nation would make my task easier. 354 00:24:30,667 --> 00:24:33,542 That's why you're here? To deliver that letter? 355 00:24:37,959 --> 00:24:40,209 Who are you working for, Mr. Nordling? 356 00:24:42,542 --> 00:24:44,042 I beg your pardon? 357 00:24:45,959 --> 00:24:48,126 Who are you working for? 358 00:24:50,542 --> 00:24:53,834 A general you hardly know wakes you one night, 359 00:24:54,001 --> 00:24:55,292 and you come running? 360 00:24:55,459 --> 00:24:58,334 If I can help create a climate... 361 00:24:58,626 --> 00:25:00,042 Naturally. 362 00:25:01,292 --> 00:25:02,876 Well, give me the letter. 363 00:25:08,459 --> 00:25:10,417 I am not in the habit 364 00:25:10,584 --> 00:25:14,209 of corresponding with an enemy general 365 00:25:15,042 --> 00:25:17,251 before hostilities have ended. 366 00:25:18,126 --> 00:25:19,751 You can take that back. 367 00:25:21,584 --> 00:25:23,584 That's exactly what I told him. 368 00:25:24,292 --> 00:25:28,126 If I were you, I'd have read it first, if only out of curiosity. 369 00:25:28,292 --> 00:25:29,126 Pointless. 370 00:25:29,292 --> 00:25:33,209 Tell this jester I do not accept ultimatums. 371 00:25:33,501 --> 00:25:36,251 It is exactly that. You're very sharp. 372 00:25:36,959 --> 00:25:40,042 No, it's simply usual practice in the circumstances. 373 00:25:40,209 --> 00:25:42,459 It's usual practice? I'd no idea. 374 00:25:43,251 --> 00:25:46,417 And your duty is to reject it? That's usual practice? 375 00:25:46,584 --> 00:25:49,126 No, I have my orders, and I never question an order. 376 00:25:49,292 --> 00:25:50,334 Of course. 377 00:25:50,501 --> 00:25:52,709 Otherwise, you wouldn't be a general. 378 00:25:55,584 --> 00:25:57,959 What if an order is absurd? 379 00:25:58,126 --> 00:26:00,542 I have never received such an order. 380 00:26:03,459 --> 00:26:04,542 Never? 381 00:26:06,626 --> 00:26:07,709 Never. 382 00:26:10,459 --> 00:26:12,917 You can't defend Paris with 2,000 men. 383 00:26:13,084 --> 00:26:14,917 It's impossible, as you know. 384 00:26:15,084 --> 00:26:19,417 General Leclerc guarantees honorable surrender for you and Germany, 385 00:26:19,584 --> 00:26:21,042 with only two conditions. 386 00:26:21,209 --> 00:26:23,126 One, you surrender without a fight. 387 00:26:23,292 --> 00:26:25,292 Two, you return Paris as you found it. 388 00:26:25,459 --> 00:26:27,792 In other words, intact. That's all. 389 00:26:29,626 --> 00:26:31,084 Think about it, General. 390 00:26:33,167 --> 00:26:35,042 Have you finished, Consul? 391 00:26:36,084 --> 00:26:37,376 I beg your pardon? 392 00:26:39,667 --> 00:26:40,709 Hans! 393 00:26:42,709 --> 00:26:43,959 Get me Bressensdorf. 394 00:26:45,501 --> 00:26:47,167 I'd ask you to leave now. 395 00:26:48,126 --> 00:26:50,292 Don't argue. Leave! 396 00:27:03,292 --> 00:27:05,001 What do I tell General Leclerc? 397 00:27:05,167 --> 00:27:07,751 Tell him he'll remember today. 398 00:27:08,709 --> 00:27:12,251 Ensure Mr. Nordling reaches his embassy safely. 399 00:27:12,667 --> 00:27:14,084 Yes, sir. 400 00:27:16,001 --> 00:27:16,834 Choltitz. 401 00:27:18,126 --> 00:27:19,584 What is it, Lieutenant? 402 00:27:21,417 --> 00:27:22,376 What? 403 00:27:26,001 --> 00:27:27,209 Hold on. 404 00:27:27,626 --> 00:27:29,709 I asked you to leave, Mr. Nordling. 405 00:27:29,959 --> 00:27:30,917 Follow me. 406 00:27:31,084 --> 00:27:34,084 That's Lt. Hegger, I suppose. 407 00:27:34,876 --> 00:27:35,834 Pardon me? 408 00:27:36,126 --> 00:27:38,959 I fear he doesn't have good news for you. 409 00:27:40,001 --> 00:27:42,751 Here, I'll leave you this, just in case. 410 00:27:43,834 --> 00:27:47,584 It's a copy of the letter you ripped up. 411 00:27:53,167 --> 00:27:54,876 Wait, Bressensdorf. 412 00:27:57,876 --> 00:27:59,292 Yes, Lieutenant, go ahead. 413 00:27:59,542 --> 00:28:02,209 The detonator mechanisms have been sabotaged. 414 00:28:02,834 --> 00:28:03,459 Sorry? 415 00:28:03,626 --> 00:28:04,584 How much damage? 416 00:28:04,751 --> 00:28:06,167 I can't say yet. 417 00:28:07,126 --> 00:28:08,834 Out, Bressensdorf! 418 00:28:09,417 --> 00:28:11,501 Consul Nordling stays with me. 419 00:28:12,709 --> 00:28:14,042 Very good, sir. 420 00:28:16,626 --> 00:28:18,167 How much time do you need? 421 00:28:20,709 --> 00:28:24,251 Do what it takes. You have ten minutes. 422 00:28:24,417 --> 00:28:25,834 Not a second longer. 423 00:28:26,126 --> 00:28:28,001 What about the Resistance men? 424 00:28:29,626 --> 00:28:31,001 Yes, sir. 425 00:28:33,126 --> 00:28:34,876 I'll keep you informed. 426 00:28:39,376 --> 00:28:40,084 Load. 427 00:28:41,376 --> 00:28:42,751 Take aim. 428 00:28:43,042 --> 00:28:43,584 Fire! 429 00:28:54,542 --> 00:28:59,001 It appears I was letting you go too soon, Consul. 430 00:29:03,251 --> 00:29:05,584 There was more. How did you know? 431 00:29:06,292 --> 00:29:07,084 Pardon me? 432 00:29:07,251 --> 00:29:09,126 That Lt. Hegger would call. 433 00:29:12,251 --> 00:29:15,501 I'm a diplomat. I love listening at doors. 434 00:29:16,084 --> 00:29:18,542 By the way, Café Karl ran out of... 435 00:29:19,709 --> 00:29:22,501 pretzels long ago, you know. 436 00:29:23,292 --> 00:29:24,292 Rationing. 437 00:29:25,292 --> 00:29:27,209 Corporal Mayer won't be happy. 438 00:29:27,376 --> 00:29:29,084 How long were you at that door? 439 00:29:29,251 --> 00:29:32,959 Impressive, these chess pieces. They add a dimension to your map. 440 00:29:33,126 --> 00:29:35,834 Look at me when I talk to you. 441 00:29:36,834 --> 00:29:39,667 What do you know? Who tipped off the terrorists? 442 00:29:41,042 --> 00:29:42,209 What terrorists? 443 00:29:42,626 --> 00:29:46,334 Don't play dumb now. Lt. Hegger's work was sabotaged. 444 00:29:46,792 --> 00:29:49,626 How unfortunate. I haven't a clue. 445 00:29:49,959 --> 00:29:52,209 How did you know he'd be delayed? 446 00:29:52,959 --> 00:29:57,334 His unit's location was known only to myself and Ebernach. 447 00:29:59,001 --> 00:30:00,126 I had no idea. 448 00:30:00,292 --> 00:30:02,667 I'd advise you to stop this. 449 00:30:03,001 --> 00:30:05,501 In your own best interest, answer me. 450 00:30:05,709 --> 00:30:07,501 I thought I was answering you. 451 00:30:08,376 --> 00:30:10,876 How long have you spied on me for France? 452 00:30:12,334 --> 00:30:14,167 I don't work for France. 453 00:30:14,751 --> 00:30:16,709 Who then? Britain? America? 454 00:30:16,876 --> 00:30:19,167 You accord me too much importance. 455 00:30:19,334 --> 00:30:21,667 My initiative is strictly personal. 456 00:30:21,834 --> 00:30:23,084 You think I'm stupid? 457 00:30:25,584 --> 00:30:28,084 If I may, I'd rather not answer that. 458 00:30:28,251 --> 00:30:31,126 Turn around. I haven't finished. 459 00:30:31,292 --> 00:30:34,209 Just a moment, while I bring this up to date. 460 00:30:35,834 --> 00:30:37,834 Stand clear of that map! 461 00:30:40,126 --> 00:30:42,292 I'll tell you what happened. 462 00:30:43,376 --> 00:30:46,834 You did come up those stairs, but not alone. 463 00:30:47,001 --> 00:30:49,126 You had an accomplice, 464 00:30:50,167 --> 00:30:51,709 one of the terrorists. 465 00:30:53,084 --> 00:30:55,709 You both hid behind the door, 466 00:30:55,876 --> 00:30:59,167 until you had the information you came for. 467 00:31:01,167 --> 00:31:03,209 Then, the other man 468 00:31:03,501 --> 00:31:05,501 went to inform your friends. 469 00:31:12,667 --> 00:31:17,126 And you entered in order to buy some time. 470 00:31:18,292 --> 00:31:20,626 You knew I wouldn't be easily dissuaded, 471 00:31:20,792 --> 00:31:24,042 that a minor French general's letter 472 00:31:24,209 --> 00:31:25,959 wouldn't change my mind. 473 00:31:27,084 --> 00:31:29,334 Unless my operation was sabotaged, 474 00:31:29,501 --> 00:31:32,626 leaving me no alternative but to negotiate. 475 00:31:34,834 --> 00:31:36,751 Well? Is that it? 476 00:31:37,667 --> 00:31:38,917 Admit it. 477 00:31:42,209 --> 00:31:45,709 Do you know what we do to men like you? 478 00:31:48,042 --> 00:31:49,376 Give them a medal? 479 00:31:50,876 --> 00:31:53,084 Yes, on occasion. 480 00:31:54,292 --> 00:31:56,084 Posthumously. 481 00:31:59,584 --> 00:32:02,709 You forget one thing, Governor. 482 00:32:02,917 --> 00:32:04,626 One small detail. 483 00:32:04,792 --> 00:32:07,459 Supposing I were in collusion with the Resistance, 484 00:32:07,626 --> 00:32:10,792 and with my knowledge of the staircase's existence, 485 00:32:11,001 --> 00:32:14,042 do you think you would still be alive? 486 00:32:16,876 --> 00:32:20,501 In two weeks, if I'd wanted to bring in armed men, 487 00:32:20,667 --> 00:32:23,084 I'd have had no lack of opportunity. 488 00:32:23,417 --> 00:32:25,126 Especially, tonight. 489 00:32:34,792 --> 00:32:37,959 Sweden is a neutral country, Governor. 490 00:32:39,459 --> 00:32:41,917 It has maintained its neutrality 491 00:32:42,084 --> 00:32:43,959 throughout two world wars. 492 00:32:45,292 --> 00:32:48,584 I have no wish to change that state of affairs. 493 00:33:00,459 --> 00:33:02,751 In that case, what are you doing here? 494 00:33:06,626 --> 00:33:08,626 I came here for that. 495 00:33:09,584 --> 00:33:11,959 So your children see that, too, one day. 496 00:33:12,167 --> 00:33:13,834 Dawn over Paris. 497 00:33:14,542 --> 00:33:16,626 - Stand back from the balcony. - Sorry? 498 00:33:16,792 --> 00:33:18,334 You could signal to your men. 499 00:33:18,751 --> 00:33:20,417 - Please! - Stand back. 500 00:33:20,959 --> 00:33:22,292 How can I prove to you... 501 00:33:22,459 --> 00:33:24,126 Don't argue. Stand back! 502 00:33:36,834 --> 00:33:38,584 How old are your children? 503 00:33:38,751 --> 00:33:40,876 Leave my children out of this. 504 00:33:41,584 --> 00:33:44,834 You can answer without fear of betraying a secret. 505 00:33:45,876 --> 00:33:49,584 My girls are 14 and 8, and my boy's 4 months old. 506 00:33:49,751 --> 00:33:51,292 Four months? 507 00:33:51,626 --> 00:33:53,084 Congratulations! 508 00:33:53,501 --> 00:33:55,876 When I was 8, like your younger daughter, 509 00:33:56,042 --> 00:33:59,042 I often wondered how a name as simple as Paris 510 00:33:59,209 --> 00:34:03,251 could represent all the things visible from your balcony. 511 00:34:04,626 --> 00:34:07,584 All these streets, houses, plazas... 512 00:34:07,751 --> 00:34:09,792 All the squares, too. 513 00:34:10,501 --> 00:34:15,876 I couldn't see how so many things and so many people 514 00:34:16,042 --> 00:34:20,376 could fit in a city whose name was so short. 515 00:34:25,876 --> 00:34:28,834 Why do you insist on destroying the city? 516 00:34:29,751 --> 00:34:32,459 It's none of your business. 517 00:34:32,626 --> 00:34:35,417 Wrong. If I hadn't been asked to contact you, 518 00:34:35,584 --> 00:34:39,834 I'd be asleep, oblivious, like all these people you'll soon kill. 519 00:34:40,001 --> 00:34:42,792 Can you stop your histrionics? 520 00:34:42,959 --> 00:34:45,709 They are civilians, caught up in an absurd war, 521 00:34:45,876 --> 00:34:48,542 innocent of any action against you. 522 00:34:51,834 --> 00:34:55,001 What does a life mean to you? What is a life? 523 00:34:55,834 --> 00:34:59,459 Of those about to perish, how many children like yours? 524 00:34:59,626 --> 00:35:00,667 Be quiet! 525 00:35:07,751 --> 00:35:11,917 You sneak in like a thief and lecture me in morality? 526 00:35:14,584 --> 00:35:18,084 Allow me to remind you of something. 527 00:35:18,251 --> 00:35:22,542 One year ago, from July-August '43, to be precise, 528 00:35:23,042 --> 00:35:28,209 your friends dropped over 10,000 tons of bombs on Hamburg. 529 00:35:28,376 --> 00:35:29,542 10,000 tons! 530 00:35:31,126 --> 00:35:34,626 Most were phosphorus bombs. You know what that means? 531 00:35:34,792 --> 00:35:36,917 Anybody who wasn't shredded or incinerated 532 00:35:37,084 --> 00:35:40,501 died of suffocation with their throat and lungs on fire. 533 00:35:40,667 --> 00:35:44,084 They were civilians. Women, children, old folks. 534 00:35:44,292 --> 00:35:47,292 None of them had fought in battle. 535 00:35:48,667 --> 00:35:50,917 How curious that you never protest 536 00:35:51,084 --> 00:35:54,042 when the civilians being killed are ours? 537 00:35:55,542 --> 00:35:57,334 You are misinformed, General. 538 00:35:57,501 --> 00:36:01,376 My embassy and I have always denounced such actions from all sides. 539 00:36:03,834 --> 00:36:07,626 Not with the ardor you display today. Definitely not! 540 00:36:09,667 --> 00:36:12,042 By that logic, the Allies destroying a city 541 00:36:12,209 --> 00:36:15,334 gives you the right to destroy one, too. Correct? 542 00:36:16,917 --> 00:36:20,751 Unless, of course, you are merely looking for excuses. 543 00:36:21,709 --> 00:36:23,376 Excuses? 544 00:36:24,417 --> 00:36:26,959 I won't believe you have no misgivings? 545 00:36:27,126 --> 00:36:29,542 Believe what you want, Mr. Nordling. 546 00:36:30,251 --> 00:36:32,167 My conscience is clear. 547 00:36:33,459 --> 00:36:37,501 Paris will suffer the same fate as Mannheim, Hamburg and Berlin. 548 00:36:37,917 --> 00:36:40,084 We'll all have our martyrs. 549 00:36:40,251 --> 00:36:41,334 Now you know. 550 00:36:41,959 --> 00:36:43,334 It makes you a criminal. 551 00:36:43,501 --> 00:36:45,501 - A criminal? - Absolutely. 552 00:36:45,667 --> 00:36:47,626 The pilots who bombed Hamburg, 553 00:36:47,792 --> 00:36:49,709 we'll never know their names. 554 00:36:49,876 --> 00:36:51,626 But you give the orders. 555 00:36:51,792 --> 00:36:54,459 You'll be remembered as the man who destroyed Paris. 556 00:36:54,626 --> 00:36:57,417 How does that make me a criminal? 557 00:36:57,584 --> 00:37:02,167 The annihilation of a city outside a combat zone is a criminal act. 558 00:37:02,334 --> 00:37:04,334 Yes, we agree there. 559 00:37:05,126 --> 00:37:08,292 Paris, as far as I know, is not in any combat zone. 560 00:37:08,459 --> 00:37:09,709 That's correct. 561 00:37:09,876 --> 00:37:11,917 Or it was, until last night. 562 00:37:12,376 --> 00:37:14,417 At 03:10 exactly, 563 00:37:14,584 --> 00:37:18,459 your general breached our outer line of defense. 564 00:37:18,751 --> 00:37:22,126 By attacking our bases, he broke his city's neutrality. 565 00:37:22,292 --> 00:37:24,376 He is a direct threat to it. 566 00:37:24,542 --> 00:37:28,167 As Governor of Paris, I am sole in charge of our response. 567 00:37:29,376 --> 00:37:33,251 You see a crime, Consul? I see only an act of war. 568 00:37:34,542 --> 00:37:37,334 The Allied advance allows you to raze the city? 569 00:37:37,501 --> 00:37:41,292 It's clearly the best riposte I can give them. 570 00:37:41,959 --> 00:37:45,501 With no concern for relations between France and Germany? 571 00:37:45,667 --> 00:37:47,209 What relations? 572 00:37:47,834 --> 00:37:50,334 The bond between neighboring peoples. 573 00:37:50,501 --> 00:37:53,001 Don't delude yourself. By destroying Paris, 574 00:37:53,167 --> 00:37:56,251 you demolish any future bilateral relationship. 575 00:37:56,417 --> 00:37:58,459 We're not at that stage yet. 576 00:37:58,626 --> 00:37:59,959 Of course we are. 577 00:38:00,334 --> 00:38:02,792 It's your duty to consider the future. 578 00:38:02,959 --> 00:38:03,834 My duty? 579 00:38:04,001 --> 00:38:05,584 As a German and human being. 580 00:38:05,751 --> 00:38:07,334 You're quite wrong! 581 00:38:07,834 --> 00:38:11,417 My duty is to lead my men to victory, by all means possible. 582 00:38:11,584 --> 00:38:14,376 Everything else is absolutely irrelevant. 583 00:38:15,001 --> 00:38:18,751 Frankly, I don't understand you. You can't let this happen. 584 00:38:18,917 --> 00:38:20,709 Paris doesn't belong to you. 585 00:38:20,876 --> 00:38:24,084 When will you stop seeing Paris as a French city? 586 00:38:26,542 --> 00:38:28,626 If the Parisians had defended it, 587 00:38:28,834 --> 00:38:30,626 or even burned it! 588 00:38:31,626 --> 00:38:35,292 As the Russians burned Moscow to stop Napoleon. But no! 589 00:38:36,292 --> 00:38:40,042 They gave it to us, legs wide open, like a whore. 590 00:38:42,209 --> 00:38:46,126 The city is ours. We do with it as we please. 591 00:38:46,501 --> 00:38:48,292 Paris belongs to no one. 592 00:38:48,709 --> 00:38:52,251 Are you here as Swedish consul or mayor of the city? 593 00:38:52,417 --> 00:38:55,584 Neither. Tonight, I am simply Raoul Nordling. 594 00:38:55,876 --> 00:38:57,084 Fine. 595 00:38:58,001 --> 00:39:01,751 Now listen to me very carefully, Mr. Raoul Nordling. 596 00:39:02,501 --> 00:39:04,584 I'll be very clear with you. 597 00:39:05,959 --> 00:39:08,042 You won't make me change my mind. 598 00:39:09,959 --> 00:39:13,001 I have received orders, I will obey them. 599 00:39:13,167 --> 00:39:15,834 - At the cost of thousands of lives? - Absolutely. 600 00:39:16,001 --> 00:39:18,292 - And an irreplaceable city? - Yes. 601 00:39:20,459 --> 00:39:22,376 Meanwhile, I'll keep you here. 602 00:39:22,542 --> 00:39:26,542 Then, I advise you to leave this city as fast as possible. 603 00:39:26,709 --> 00:39:29,209 There. I have nothing more to say. 604 00:39:55,167 --> 00:39:56,792 I was wrong. 605 00:39:58,751 --> 00:40:01,584 I was wrong about you, General. And about myself. 606 00:40:02,209 --> 00:40:07,251 I was sure I could dissuade you from doing something so crazy but... 607 00:40:09,292 --> 00:40:13,001 I clearly overestimated my capabilities. 608 00:40:20,167 --> 00:40:22,959 So, we'll never see that dome again. 609 00:40:26,042 --> 00:40:29,417 No more Louvre, no more Place de la Concorde. 610 00:40:32,209 --> 00:40:35,084 No more children playing in the parks. 611 00:40:35,959 --> 00:40:38,209 No more towers of Notre-Dame. 612 00:40:39,917 --> 00:40:42,709 Everything must go. Forever. 613 00:40:46,292 --> 00:40:49,209 And you have no remorse? 614 00:40:49,376 --> 00:40:50,376 No. 615 00:40:52,917 --> 00:40:54,792 What kind of man are you? 616 00:40:55,751 --> 00:40:59,042 All for what? You know destroying Paris is pointless. 617 00:40:59,209 --> 00:41:01,876 It's gratuitous. Purely gratuitous. 618 00:41:02,792 --> 00:41:05,542 Germany has lost the war. You've lost too. 619 00:41:05,709 --> 00:41:07,959 What are you talking about now? 620 00:41:08,126 --> 00:41:11,917 Don't pretend otherwise. You fought in Russia, Italy, Normandy... 621 00:41:12,084 --> 00:41:15,334 You're looking down the barrel. On all fronts. 622 00:41:16,626 --> 00:41:20,417 Sooner or later, the Allies will reach Germany and then what? 623 00:41:20,584 --> 00:41:24,084 The Red Army is in Poland, headed for Romania and Hungary. 624 00:41:24,251 --> 00:41:25,501 You'll be surrounded 625 00:41:25,751 --> 00:41:27,792 and it will be all over. 626 00:41:28,251 --> 00:41:30,501 Look out there, look at the city, 627 00:41:31,501 --> 00:41:33,751 and tell me if it's worth it. 628 00:41:34,084 --> 00:41:35,834 It's out of the question. 629 00:41:36,626 --> 00:41:38,876 You'd rather not look reality in the eye? 630 00:41:39,084 --> 00:41:41,876 Whose reality? Yours or mine? 631 00:41:42,042 --> 00:41:45,001 The reality that destroying Paris is absurd. 632 00:41:45,167 --> 00:41:45,834 Yours then. 633 00:41:46,001 --> 00:41:48,542 Not mine alone. The world is watching you. 634 00:41:48,751 --> 00:41:51,584 In the end, you, General Dietrich von Choltitz, 635 00:41:51,751 --> 00:41:53,584 will be held responsible. 636 00:41:53,751 --> 00:41:54,667 All for what? 637 00:41:54,834 --> 00:41:58,459 To delay the Allied attack on Germany for a few weeks? 638 00:41:58,626 --> 00:42:00,167 It makes no sense. 639 00:42:03,626 --> 00:42:07,917 I understand that you have your orders and must obey them. 640 00:42:08,376 --> 00:42:12,251 But surely, at some point, obedience ceases to be a duty. 641 00:42:15,542 --> 00:42:17,334 In your whole career, 642 00:42:17,501 --> 00:42:20,251 have you never had a doubt or even... 643 00:42:22,251 --> 00:42:23,334 a hesitation 644 00:42:23,667 --> 00:42:25,626 over the legality of an order? 645 00:42:25,792 --> 00:42:27,584 Even if that were the case, 646 00:42:27,751 --> 00:42:30,542 I have no right to incite uncertainty among my men 647 00:42:30,709 --> 00:42:32,792 through my own insubordination. 648 00:42:33,876 --> 00:42:37,584 A general at the front must be a model for his troops. 649 00:42:43,001 --> 00:42:43,792 Hans... 650 00:42:45,251 --> 00:42:47,084 Wire this to HQ. 651 00:42:49,001 --> 00:42:51,167 What about my call to Berlin? 652 00:42:55,167 --> 00:42:58,084 The blast should blow the bridge away, 653 00:42:58,251 --> 00:42:59,459 like a cyclone. 654 00:43:00,167 --> 00:43:03,751 As it's steel, we need to add 30 kg of explosives. 655 00:43:03,917 --> 00:43:07,459 Right there and there, where they intersect, okay? 656 00:43:09,042 --> 00:43:11,542 - Is the damage fixed? - Changed and checked. 657 00:43:11,709 --> 00:43:13,001 Line, please! 658 00:43:14,209 --> 00:43:15,834 Communications still down. 659 00:43:16,584 --> 00:43:17,376 Shit! 660 00:43:18,084 --> 00:43:19,834 I'll try from the roof. 661 00:43:33,167 --> 00:43:36,001 You remind me of Abraham. 662 00:43:36,209 --> 00:43:37,334 Who? 663 00:43:38,084 --> 00:43:39,834 Abraham, in the bible. 664 00:43:40,001 --> 00:43:43,126 When God orders him to kill his son, Abraham obeys. 665 00:43:43,292 --> 00:43:45,626 He sharpens his knife, builds an altar, 666 00:43:45,792 --> 00:43:47,751 raises his arm to stab Isaac, 667 00:43:47,917 --> 00:43:50,959 never expecting God to intervene at the last. 668 00:43:52,209 --> 00:43:54,209 How can one justify doing that? 669 00:43:54,376 --> 00:43:57,709 By claiming he was doing God's will or feared His wrath? 670 00:43:57,876 --> 00:44:00,459 But that misses the point, which is, 671 00:44:00,626 --> 00:44:03,709 what child would want a father like that? 672 00:44:04,917 --> 00:44:08,626 If not for its beauty or people, save Paris for you, your soldiers 673 00:44:08,792 --> 00:44:09,709 and Germany! 674 00:44:10,126 --> 00:44:10,834 For Germany? 675 00:44:11,001 --> 00:44:12,501 Believe me, 676 00:44:12,876 --> 00:44:16,167 if you destroy Paris, it will be a disaster for Germany. 677 00:44:17,667 --> 00:44:21,167 The repercussions of such a crime go beyond the war. 678 00:44:21,334 --> 00:44:23,917 Germany will be made an outcast. 679 00:44:24,334 --> 00:44:26,292 Your children 680 00:44:27,542 --> 00:44:31,334 and those of the survivors will wear the swastika in their flesh. 681 00:44:31,501 --> 00:44:34,667 Just as others currently wear yellow stars. 682 00:44:38,126 --> 00:44:40,876 You certainly are a fine talker. 683 00:44:42,209 --> 00:44:43,709 Abraham... 684 00:44:44,959 --> 00:44:46,084 A Jew. 685 00:44:47,917 --> 00:44:49,917 It's an interesting analogy. 686 00:44:53,334 --> 00:44:57,376 I no longer believe in God, but I remember the bible well. 687 00:44:59,001 --> 00:45:01,084 In fact, you're asking me 688 00:45:01,251 --> 00:45:05,292 to betray the oath I took to serve my country. 689 00:45:05,626 --> 00:45:09,042 You're asking me to betray my whole upbringing. 690 00:45:09,876 --> 00:45:13,376 My father was a soldier. My grandfather was also a soldier. 691 00:45:13,542 --> 00:45:16,751 My ancestors fought Napoleon in his Russian campaign. 692 00:45:16,917 --> 00:45:19,001 And I have been in two wars. 693 00:45:19,584 --> 00:45:21,251 Let me finish. 694 00:45:22,167 --> 00:45:24,459 I saw everything in those wars. 695 00:45:25,667 --> 00:45:30,084 The intoxication of victory and the humiliation of defeat. 696 00:45:30,542 --> 00:45:34,251 I, too, want this one to end, the sooner the better. 697 00:45:34,417 --> 00:45:36,709 But I will never capitulate. 698 00:45:37,876 --> 00:45:40,751 If Hitler told you to kill your little boy, 699 00:45:40,917 --> 00:45:42,334 you wouldn't hesitate? 700 00:45:42,501 --> 00:45:44,334 Like Abraham, 4,000 years ago? 701 00:45:44,501 --> 00:45:46,251 You're becoming insolent. 702 00:45:47,126 --> 00:45:49,626 You hardly leave me any choice. 703 00:46:08,167 --> 00:46:10,751 - We're here to see the General. - Follow me. 704 00:46:15,209 --> 00:46:17,667 We bring a message from Heinrich Himmler. 705 00:46:17,834 --> 00:46:20,751 Very well. I'll inform the General. 706 00:46:23,667 --> 00:46:24,542 Where's the... 707 00:46:25,167 --> 00:46:26,459 Kitchen? Eat? 708 00:46:26,667 --> 00:46:28,292 Nothing left, can't help you. 709 00:46:28,459 --> 00:46:29,709 Show us anyway. 710 00:46:29,959 --> 00:46:31,376 Your boys, all gone. 711 00:46:31,542 --> 00:46:32,376 Show me! 712 00:46:33,251 --> 00:46:34,709 What's the plonk? 713 00:46:35,417 --> 00:46:37,667 It's the last bottle we have. Cider. 714 00:46:37,834 --> 00:46:38,792 Open it up! 715 00:46:39,334 --> 00:46:40,792 It's from Normandy. 716 00:46:41,334 --> 00:46:43,251 Get it open, I said! 717 00:46:44,334 --> 00:46:45,459 Give it here. 718 00:46:51,292 --> 00:46:52,001 Gentlemen. 719 00:46:52,167 --> 00:46:53,292 We've come from Berlin. 720 00:46:54,251 --> 00:46:55,959 Crossed through the lines. 721 00:46:56,667 --> 00:46:58,209 An absolute miracle! 722 00:46:58,376 --> 00:47:00,584 On an important mission from Himmler. 723 00:47:02,126 --> 00:47:03,626 Concerning? 724 00:47:03,792 --> 00:47:05,542 The destruction of Paris. 725 00:47:06,667 --> 00:47:09,709 You must assign to us a reconnaissance unit. 726 00:47:18,251 --> 00:47:21,959 That's the Louvre, is it? Across the street? 727 00:47:22,792 --> 00:47:25,376 Himmler wants a few artworks for safekeeping. 728 00:47:26,334 --> 00:47:28,376 You came all this way from Berlin? 729 00:47:28,667 --> 00:47:30,084 Where'd you get the fuel? 730 00:47:30,376 --> 00:47:32,084 What do you care? 731 00:47:32,584 --> 00:47:34,126 We commandeered it. 732 00:47:35,709 --> 00:47:36,917 From fighting units? 733 00:47:37,084 --> 00:47:39,042 From chickens fleeing the enemy. 734 00:47:39,834 --> 00:47:41,876 Men you allowed to leave the city, 735 00:47:42,042 --> 00:47:44,584 cowards incapable of defending it. 736 00:47:45,584 --> 00:47:47,042 The Bayeux Tapestry, 737 00:47:47,251 --> 00:47:49,792 some paintings by Rubens, two Caravaggios, 738 00:47:49,959 --> 00:47:53,084 rolled up, without frames, so they fit in the trunk. 739 00:47:53,251 --> 00:47:54,667 And the Mona Lisa? 740 00:47:54,959 --> 00:47:56,334 Himmler only wants those. 741 00:47:57,376 --> 00:48:00,001 Gentlemen, I think you have arrived too late. 742 00:48:00,626 --> 00:48:02,459 You refuse to obey Himmler. 743 00:48:04,001 --> 00:48:05,751 Stupnagel, your predecessor, 744 00:48:05,917 --> 00:48:07,751 will be hanged today in Berlin, 745 00:48:07,917 --> 00:48:09,334 from a meat hook. 746 00:48:09,751 --> 00:48:13,167 His wife and children will pay for his crimes also. 747 00:48:14,167 --> 00:48:16,751 I bet Paris is full of conspirators like him. 748 00:48:16,917 --> 00:48:18,584 The blue blood club. 749 00:48:21,959 --> 00:48:24,792 - Any news from Hegger? - No, sir. 750 00:48:24,959 --> 00:48:28,584 It must be working now. And get those guys off my back. 751 00:48:29,292 --> 00:48:30,542 Lieutenant... 752 00:48:32,209 --> 00:48:33,459 Thank you. 753 00:48:40,126 --> 00:48:41,167 Gentlemen, 754 00:48:41,417 --> 00:48:43,209 Paris is one huge time-bomb. 755 00:48:43,376 --> 00:48:45,667 In a few minutes, it will explode. 756 00:48:45,834 --> 00:48:48,584 All the bridges, Notre-Dame, 757 00:48:48,834 --> 00:48:51,459 lnvalides, the Eiffel Tower... 758 00:48:51,751 --> 00:48:53,834 My wife wanted a postcard of it. 759 00:48:54,001 --> 00:48:56,084 That's all that will be left. 760 00:49:05,417 --> 00:49:06,542 May I? 761 00:49:06,709 --> 00:49:08,001 Of course. 762 00:49:13,542 --> 00:49:15,834 Do you like it in Paris? 763 00:49:17,209 --> 00:49:18,876 It's better than Russia. 764 00:49:20,792 --> 00:49:22,209 Where were you? 765 00:49:22,542 --> 00:49:26,001 In the Kharkov cauldron with General von Choltitz. 766 00:49:59,334 --> 00:50:01,584 Do you know what Sippenhaft is? 767 00:50:01,751 --> 00:50:02,459 What? 768 00:50:02,626 --> 00:50:05,251 Sippenhaft. Do you know what it is? 769 00:50:05,417 --> 00:50:06,292 No. 770 00:50:06,626 --> 00:50:10,626 It's a law, decreed just before I arrived in Paris. 771 00:50:11,584 --> 00:50:12,959 I'm overjoyed. 772 00:50:13,376 --> 00:50:15,917 Shall I tell you what the law says? 773 00:50:17,251 --> 00:50:18,792 Since two weeks ago, 774 00:50:19,001 --> 00:50:22,334 all German officers' families are considered hostages. 775 00:50:22,501 --> 00:50:24,126 They answer for our actions. 776 00:50:24,292 --> 00:50:26,167 If Paris doesn't blow up, 777 00:50:26,334 --> 00:50:30,376 my wife and children will be arrested, incarcerated and executed. 778 00:50:33,292 --> 00:50:35,001 You find it hard to believe? 779 00:50:35,876 --> 00:50:36,876 Here... 780 00:50:37,626 --> 00:50:40,834 The decree signed in person by Adolf Hitler. 781 00:50:54,334 --> 00:50:57,209 Germany is scared, Consul. 782 00:50:58,167 --> 00:51:01,792 To fight back, it resorts to the worst medieval practices. 783 00:51:01,959 --> 00:51:05,334 Blind, unconditional obedience. 784 00:51:07,167 --> 00:51:08,292 Enter! 785 00:51:15,417 --> 00:51:16,376 Gentlemen... 786 00:51:21,542 --> 00:51:24,209 The owner's private stock, from the cellar. 787 00:51:32,834 --> 00:51:34,126 Very good. 788 00:51:36,667 --> 00:51:41,001 Would you care for a bite to eat? Or a cigarette? 789 00:51:50,376 --> 00:51:52,501 We also have a Camembert. 790 00:51:53,292 --> 00:51:54,459 Thank you. 791 00:51:55,667 --> 00:51:56,667 Miss... 792 00:52:01,209 --> 00:52:02,126 Gentlemen. 793 00:52:06,251 --> 00:52:09,084 I have destroyed a dozen towns in this war, 794 00:52:09,251 --> 00:52:11,376 mostly out of strategic objectives. 795 00:52:11,584 --> 00:52:15,126 I did so with absolutely no qualms, 796 00:52:15,292 --> 00:52:16,959 because it was necessary. 797 00:52:17,292 --> 00:52:21,542 I am aware that the destruction of Paris won't win us the war, 798 00:52:21,709 --> 00:52:23,542 but I love my children. 799 00:52:26,792 --> 00:52:28,876 My surrender sentences them to death 800 00:52:29,042 --> 00:52:31,959 and I doubt God will intervene to save them. 801 00:52:32,126 --> 00:52:34,459 By obeying orders, I save their lives. 802 00:52:40,792 --> 00:52:43,084 Were I to disobey, 803 00:52:43,251 --> 00:52:46,126 what child would want a father like me? 804 00:52:50,376 --> 00:52:52,959 Allow me to return the question. 805 00:52:53,792 --> 00:52:56,251 What would you do in my shoes? 806 00:52:59,042 --> 00:52:59,751 Pardon me? 807 00:52:59,917 --> 00:53:02,459 What would you do in my shoes? 808 00:53:03,501 --> 00:53:04,709 In your shoes? 809 00:53:07,459 --> 00:53:09,376 - Well... - Go ahead. 810 00:53:12,876 --> 00:53:15,459 Hundreds of thousands of lives are at stake, 811 00:53:15,667 --> 00:53:17,459 including women and children. 812 00:53:18,459 --> 00:53:19,792 It's a simple question. 813 00:53:19,959 --> 00:53:22,001 What would you do in my shoes? 814 00:53:25,292 --> 00:53:28,501 You'd sacrifice your wife and loved ones 815 00:53:29,001 --> 00:53:31,251 for a city you hardly know? 816 00:53:33,084 --> 00:53:34,167 Well? 817 00:53:35,042 --> 00:53:35,667 Hold on... 818 00:53:36,626 --> 00:53:38,959 I need an answer. I need one now. 819 00:53:39,126 --> 00:53:41,251 What would you do in my shoes? 820 00:53:41,417 --> 00:53:43,251 Answer me, will you? 821 00:53:45,417 --> 00:53:46,792 Answer me! 822 00:53:48,209 --> 00:53:49,584 I don't know. 823 00:53:51,001 --> 00:53:52,334 Just as I thought. 824 00:53:52,792 --> 00:53:53,876 Enter! 825 00:53:54,334 --> 00:53:56,459 I've been sent by Colonel Jay. 826 00:53:57,251 --> 00:53:58,417 General, listen... 827 00:53:58,667 --> 00:54:00,917 Get out. Stand ready. 828 00:54:01,959 --> 00:54:02,876 We'll find a way... 829 00:54:03,084 --> 00:54:04,709 I told you, I won't surrender. 830 00:54:04,876 --> 00:54:06,292 Think of the consequences. 831 00:54:06,459 --> 00:54:09,292 The Americans are on the outskirts of Paris. 832 00:54:09,459 --> 00:54:11,501 Your wife can surely be... 833 00:54:12,209 --> 00:54:13,917 Put me through to Hegger. 834 00:54:14,084 --> 00:54:16,917 Yes, Hegger. At the parliament building. 835 00:54:17,084 --> 00:54:19,417 We'll find a way to get your family out. 836 00:54:19,584 --> 00:54:23,667 Baden-Baden is on the border. They could reach Switzerland via France. 837 00:54:23,834 --> 00:54:27,001 I know a group that will be able to help them. 838 00:54:27,167 --> 00:54:30,084 Corporal Mayer can drive them to Strasbourg 839 00:54:30,251 --> 00:54:34,667 and to the group I know. Tomorrow, they'll be safe. 840 00:54:34,917 --> 00:54:38,376 I can't get through to Hegger. The field telephone's dead. 841 00:54:41,959 --> 00:54:44,626 With the French engineer to guide you. 842 00:54:44,792 --> 00:54:48,084 It's just across the Seine. The parliament building. 843 00:54:48,417 --> 00:54:50,626 The parliament building, yes. 844 00:54:52,834 --> 00:54:55,959 I must speak with him personally. 845 00:54:56,167 --> 00:54:58,042 Take a radio with you. 846 00:54:59,251 --> 00:55:01,167 Yes, sir. I'm on my way. 847 00:55:06,376 --> 00:55:07,959 Watch out! Sniper! 848 00:55:11,876 --> 00:55:14,626 I can get them across the border, at no risk. 849 00:55:14,792 --> 00:55:18,334 One word from you and tomorrow they'll be in Switzerland. 850 00:55:18,501 --> 00:55:22,376 Why do you think Sippenhaft was decreed 851 00:55:22,542 --> 00:55:24,959 the day before I was posted here? 852 00:55:25,834 --> 00:55:27,584 A pure coincidence? No. 853 00:55:27,751 --> 00:55:30,001 It's a law aimed at me personally. 854 00:55:30,167 --> 00:55:34,042 My family can't leave Baden-Baden without the Gestapo after them. 855 00:55:34,209 --> 00:55:36,626 They'll be arrested, incarcerated and executed. 856 00:55:39,209 --> 00:55:41,417 It could be worse, couldn't it? 857 00:55:41,792 --> 00:55:44,084 They could be sent to the camps. 858 00:55:44,876 --> 00:55:48,417 Ravensbruck. Are you familiar with that name? 859 00:55:49,292 --> 00:55:52,417 Believe me, in some cases, death is preferable. 860 00:55:53,209 --> 00:55:55,917 You did your duty by coming this far. 861 00:55:56,084 --> 00:55:58,334 Now, let me do mine. 862 00:55:58,917 --> 00:56:00,167 If you'd be so kind... 863 00:56:20,667 --> 00:56:21,751 The pill bottle... 864 00:56:21,917 --> 00:56:22,792 Sorry? 865 00:56:23,417 --> 00:56:25,876 The bottle in my desk. In the drawer. 866 00:56:26,042 --> 00:56:28,251 - Which one? - Near the phone. 867 00:56:28,417 --> 00:56:29,334 Hurry! 868 00:56:37,667 --> 00:56:39,876 - How many? - Two. Two pills. 869 00:56:46,584 --> 00:56:47,417 Here. 870 00:56:54,126 --> 00:56:55,084 Breathe deeply. 871 00:56:55,251 --> 00:56:56,834 Long, deep breaths. 872 00:56:58,334 --> 00:56:59,459 Come with me. 873 00:57:18,626 --> 00:57:20,167 Drink this. 874 00:57:20,709 --> 00:57:21,751 Thank you. 875 00:57:27,626 --> 00:57:29,667 This is grotesque. I'm sorry. 876 00:57:29,834 --> 00:57:31,376 No, not at all. 877 00:57:31,834 --> 00:57:34,334 It's this damn asthma that... 878 00:57:34,501 --> 00:57:37,376 I've had it for years and with the heat, it... 879 00:57:39,209 --> 00:57:41,417 You should keep your pills on you. 880 00:57:41,584 --> 00:57:42,876 Thanks. 881 00:57:45,792 --> 00:57:47,376 How do you feel? 882 00:57:48,292 --> 00:57:49,376 Exhausted. 883 00:57:58,626 --> 00:57:59,667 Move! 884 00:58:04,292 --> 00:58:05,917 - Which way now? - This way. 885 00:58:06,542 --> 00:58:07,959 Can we trust him? 886 00:58:08,126 --> 00:58:09,626 You have a better idea? 887 00:58:16,126 --> 00:58:18,042 Forget the war a moment. 888 00:58:21,917 --> 00:58:25,084 Picture yourself in five years on this balcony. 889 00:58:26,167 --> 00:58:29,292 It's one day in the week, just another day... 890 00:58:31,334 --> 00:58:35,001 You hear the horns of tugboats coming up the Seine, 891 00:58:36,959 --> 00:58:40,459 glaziers and clothes merchants hawking their wares, 892 00:58:40,751 --> 00:58:44,084 a newspaper vendor shouting out headlines... 893 00:58:46,542 --> 00:58:49,709 You hear the swish of the broom bristles, 894 00:58:49,876 --> 00:58:53,751 scraping the sidewalk with a noise like an ocean tide. 895 00:58:55,751 --> 00:58:59,709 It's in the bold light of March, or misty November. 896 00:59:00,251 --> 00:59:02,376 It is Paris as you've never seen it, 897 00:59:02,542 --> 00:59:06,584 nothing like occupied Paris 5 years earlier. 898 00:59:12,626 --> 00:59:15,584 You come from Baden-Baden with wife and children 899 00:59:15,751 --> 00:59:18,751 and you think, I, General Dietrich von Choltitz, 900 00:59:18,959 --> 00:59:22,584 one day in August '44, might have put an end to this. 901 00:59:22,751 --> 00:59:24,126 But I didn't. 902 00:59:28,292 --> 00:59:31,959 What will you feel, do you think, at that precise moment? 903 00:59:34,834 --> 00:59:37,667 Generals often have the power to destroy, 904 00:59:38,126 --> 00:59:40,542 rarely the power to edify. 905 00:59:43,251 --> 00:59:46,334 Paris would owe its existence to you alone. 906 00:59:51,376 --> 00:59:52,876 Is that not worth 907 00:59:53,584 --> 00:59:55,917 all the glory due a conqueror? 908 01:00:30,501 --> 01:00:32,584 You are a fine advocate, 909 01:00:32,751 --> 01:00:36,042 but if I ever return and your capital is still standing, 910 01:00:36,209 --> 01:00:38,167 I'll be traveling alone. 911 01:00:38,834 --> 01:00:42,626 My wife and children won't be with me to admire your city. 912 01:00:45,584 --> 01:00:47,542 Why get me back on my feet? 913 01:00:47,751 --> 01:00:48,959 Pardon me? 914 01:00:49,459 --> 01:00:52,334 You came to my aid. I'd like to understand why. 915 01:00:52,917 --> 01:00:54,542 What's to understand? 916 01:00:54,751 --> 01:00:57,167 You could've let me choke to death. 917 01:00:58,626 --> 01:01:01,376 I am a diplomat, not a soldier, as you said. 918 01:01:01,542 --> 01:01:03,626 Death is not my business. 919 01:01:05,667 --> 01:01:10,084 Paris has only one ace in its hand to save it from destruction. 920 01:01:11,501 --> 01:01:12,376 You. 921 01:01:12,542 --> 01:01:15,209 The Nazis here would blow it up in a flash, 922 01:01:15,376 --> 01:01:17,459 but you're not like them. 923 01:01:18,292 --> 01:01:20,001 How would you know? 924 01:01:21,709 --> 01:01:25,167 You asked me what I'd do in your shoes. I'll tell you. 925 01:01:26,209 --> 01:01:29,667 For nothing in the world would I want to be in your shoes. 926 01:01:29,876 --> 01:01:33,834 It's not the destruction of a city but of millions of people. 927 01:01:35,376 --> 01:01:37,376 Until now, you have managed 928 01:01:37,542 --> 01:01:40,001 to keep intact your self-respect. 929 01:01:40,792 --> 01:01:43,751 If you carry out the orders of that tyrant, 930 01:01:44,626 --> 01:01:46,292 believe me, 931 01:01:47,167 --> 01:01:49,209 you'll lose it forever. 932 01:01:54,876 --> 01:01:57,042 General, should we get in position? 933 01:01:57,417 --> 01:01:58,084 What? 934 01:01:58,251 --> 01:01:59,959 The enemy's at the city gates. 935 01:02:00,126 --> 01:02:01,292 And Bressensdorf? 936 01:02:01,459 --> 01:02:03,542 He hasn't reported back yet. 937 01:02:03,751 --> 01:02:05,626 Thank you. Leave us now. 938 01:02:07,834 --> 01:02:10,126 Sir, there's only 20 of us here. 939 01:02:11,334 --> 01:02:12,542 And so? 940 01:02:13,792 --> 01:02:18,459 Should we set up defenses downstairs, on the roof or on this floor? 941 01:02:19,584 --> 01:02:21,042 How old are you? 942 01:02:21,209 --> 01:02:22,251 Eighteen. 943 01:02:24,084 --> 01:02:27,626 All men under 20 must leave the city. 944 01:02:29,001 --> 01:02:32,209 We're all under 20, except 3 or 4 of us. 945 01:02:32,917 --> 01:02:35,917 They stay with me and you others go. 946 01:02:36,667 --> 01:02:37,834 Yes, sir. 947 01:02:38,126 --> 01:02:38,751 Thank you. 948 01:02:45,751 --> 01:02:46,917 My men are scared. 949 01:02:48,209 --> 01:02:50,792 They're kids. It's not their war. 950 01:02:52,376 --> 01:02:54,459 It's no longer yours, either. 951 01:02:55,917 --> 01:02:58,376 It's that of a man alone, aging, fading, 952 01:02:58,542 --> 01:03:00,709 fooling himself and fooling others. 953 01:03:01,917 --> 01:03:03,584 A man reduced to blackmail, 954 01:03:03,751 --> 01:03:07,917 demanding inhuman obedience of his generals to commit crimes. 955 01:03:09,209 --> 01:03:10,292 Hitler. 956 01:03:11,959 --> 01:03:14,459 The man had a gift, you know. 957 01:03:15,376 --> 01:03:19,251 He had a gift for captivating you, giving you confidence 958 01:03:19,417 --> 01:03:22,709 and making you believe in Germany's historic destiny. 959 01:03:23,709 --> 01:03:24,667 And today? 960 01:03:25,501 --> 01:03:26,209 Today... 961 01:03:26,376 --> 01:03:29,209 Your superiors tried to assassinate him. Why? 962 01:03:29,376 --> 01:03:32,251 I can't imagine they attempted it for no reason. 963 01:03:32,792 --> 01:03:35,376 I played no part in their plot. 964 01:03:36,876 --> 01:03:39,501 You must have an idea. You knew them all. 965 01:03:39,667 --> 01:03:42,001 They weren't revolutionaries or fanatics. 966 01:03:42,167 --> 01:03:44,126 So why try to kill him? 967 01:03:45,084 --> 01:03:46,876 They were a step ahead. 968 01:03:47,876 --> 01:03:48,876 Sorry? 969 01:03:49,751 --> 01:03:52,917 They were in contact with Hitler. I wasn't. 970 01:03:57,167 --> 01:03:59,751 Two weeks after the assassination attempt, 971 01:04:00,251 --> 01:04:02,126 I was summoned to Rastenburg, 972 01:04:02,292 --> 01:04:04,042 Hitler's headquarters. 973 01:04:05,292 --> 01:04:07,626 I was ready to renew my trust, 974 01:04:07,792 --> 01:04:10,626 to continue to believe we had a chance. 975 01:04:12,084 --> 01:04:13,792 But the man I saw 976 01:04:13,959 --> 01:04:17,751 was absolutely not the man I once knew. 977 01:04:18,584 --> 01:04:21,417 He was slobbering at the mouth. 978 01:04:21,876 --> 01:04:25,084 His face was wracked with spasms and... 979 01:04:26,209 --> 01:04:27,709 The eyes... 980 01:04:30,542 --> 01:04:31,876 Those eyes. 981 01:04:36,042 --> 01:04:39,209 When I left Rastenburg, I had made up my mind 982 01:04:39,501 --> 01:04:43,751 not to obey his orders to the letter, to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. 983 01:04:43,917 --> 01:04:47,959 But since then, there is this ax over my children's heads. 984 01:04:48,126 --> 01:04:51,334 Today, I have no other way of saving them. 985 01:04:55,209 --> 01:04:56,292 Just one question. 986 01:04:56,459 --> 01:04:59,001 If you surrender Paris without resistance, 987 01:04:59,167 --> 01:05:00,959 what exactly will happen? 988 01:05:02,167 --> 01:05:04,084 Sorry, I wasn't listening. 989 01:05:04,251 --> 01:05:05,751 If you don't destroy Paris, 990 01:05:05,917 --> 01:05:08,584 what will be the consequences? A debacle? 991 01:05:10,376 --> 01:05:12,334 Something like that, yes. 992 01:05:12,959 --> 01:05:15,876 The frontline north of the Seine will be shattered, 993 01:05:16,251 --> 01:05:18,709 with the Allies free to strike at the Reich. 994 01:05:20,126 --> 01:05:22,959 And the immediate repercussions? What happens next? 995 01:05:23,126 --> 01:05:24,334 If Paris falls, 996 01:05:24,501 --> 01:05:28,251 how will Germany and the army react when they find out? 997 01:05:29,626 --> 01:05:33,417 With astonishment, at first. But soon it will be total panic. 998 01:05:33,834 --> 01:05:34,917 Panic? 999 01:05:35,084 --> 01:05:37,667 So, risk sending your family to Switzerland. 1000 01:05:37,834 --> 01:05:39,792 The impact of your capitulation 1001 01:05:39,959 --> 01:05:43,292 means your wife and children won't be Hitler's priority. 1002 01:05:43,459 --> 01:05:46,626 That will give us a few days to act. 1003 01:05:46,917 --> 01:05:49,709 If I capitulate, I'll be arrested immediately. 1004 01:05:49,876 --> 01:05:51,417 How can I do anything then? 1005 01:05:51,917 --> 01:05:53,626 Leave it all to me. 1006 01:05:55,792 --> 01:05:56,876 To you? 1007 01:05:59,501 --> 01:06:01,251 What guarantees do I have? 1008 01:06:02,251 --> 01:06:04,292 You have two. First, Caporal Mayer. 1009 01:06:04,459 --> 01:06:07,584 He drives your family from Baden-Baden to Strasbourg, 1010 01:06:07,751 --> 01:06:12,001 on to Muhouse, around the Aura, to Annemasse, 'm Haute-Savdm. 1011 01:06:12,292 --> 01:06:15,584 Driving all night, they'll be there tomorrow morning. 1012 01:06:15,751 --> 01:06:17,709 Why not go straight to Basie? 1013 01:06:20,334 --> 01:06:23,626 It's closer, true, but the border's tightly guarded. 1014 01:06:24,626 --> 01:06:26,917 From Annemasse, it's quicker and safer. 1015 01:06:27,084 --> 01:06:29,542 No mountains to climb, the border's a formality... 1016 01:06:29,709 --> 01:06:32,376 Your family will be in Geneva in no time. 1017 01:06:32,542 --> 01:06:35,292 And that's where Chantecler is based. 1018 01:06:35,459 --> 01:06:36,417 That group 1019 01:06:37,001 --> 01:06:38,876 is your second guarantee. 1020 01:06:39,292 --> 01:06:41,709 How far is Annemasse from the border? 1021 01:06:43,917 --> 01:06:44,917 Under a kilometer. 1022 01:06:45,084 --> 01:06:46,126 Altitude? 1023 01:06:46,459 --> 01:06:47,667 400 meters, at most. 1024 01:06:47,834 --> 01:06:49,834 - No mountains to climb? - None. 1025 01:06:50,001 --> 01:06:52,292 Your family won't be the first. 1026 01:06:52,459 --> 01:06:54,459 It's not a difficult route. 1027 01:06:55,792 --> 01:06:56,917 You'll go with them? 1028 01:06:57,084 --> 01:07:01,251 Up to the border. I'll wait for confirmation they're in Switzerland. 1029 01:07:03,667 --> 01:07:06,917 Chantecler? Never heard of that group. 1030 01:07:07,084 --> 01:07:10,542 Thank God! Or your family wouldn't stand a chance. 1031 01:07:10,709 --> 01:07:13,751 There's no risk, I promise you. 1032 01:07:17,084 --> 01:07:19,501 I need to be sure. 1033 01:07:19,667 --> 01:07:21,042 I require solid proof. 1034 01:07:22,751 --> 01:07:26,084 I've already used their services twice before. 1035 01:07:26,376 --> 01:07:27,251 You? 1036 01:07:28,626 --> 01:07:30,209 To what ends? 1037 01:07:33,251 --> 01:07:35,709 To help a French family, some time ago. 1038 01:07:35,876 --> 01:07:37,501 And more recently... 1039 01:07:38,126 --> 01:07:39,209 My wife. 1040 01:07:39,667 --> 01:07:41,501 Your wife? I don't understand. 1041 01:07:43,292 --> 01:07:45,626 My wife is Jewish, Mr. Choltitz. 1042 01:07:46,084 --> 01:07:48,709 She lives in Lausanne now. In safety. 1043 01:07:53,542 --> 01:07:56,334 I'd like to help you further but... 1044 01:07:58,209 --> 01:08:01,376 I cannot put myself in your shoes. 1045 01:08:26,917 --> 01:08:28,626 Lieutenant Bressensdorf! 1046 01:08:29,626 --> 01:08:31,042 First Lieutenant Hegger? 1047 01:08:31,209 --> 01:08:32,251 That's me. 1048 01:08:32,792 --> 01:08:33,751 Are you ready? 1049 01:08:33,917 --> 01:08:35,709 Sure. We just need the order. 1050 01:08:35,876 --> 01:08:37,292 That's why I'm here. 1051 01:08:37,667 --> 01:08:40,292 Guys, Paris gets its firework display! 1052 01:08:40,626 --> 01:08:42,542 I need to confirm I'm here. 1053 01:08:43,376 --> 01:08:44,542 Confirm? 1054 01:08:45,626 --> 01:08:48,209 It only works up on the roof. 1055 01:08:48,459 --> 01:08:49,542 To the roof, then. 1056 01:08:49,709 --> 01:08:50,792 The General too. 1057 01:08:50,959 --> 01:08:52,751 Fine. The General too. 1058 01:08:53,709 --> 01:08:54,626 Who's he? 1059 01:08:54,792 --> 01:08:56,126 MY guide. 1060 01:09:31,209 --> 01:09:32,292 Clear out! 1061 01:09:35,459 --> 01:09:36,709 Listen carefully. 1062 01:09:42,417 --> 01:09:43,667 Just a moment. 1063 01:10:01,001 --> 01:10:02,751 That's my final order. 1064 01:10:26,501 --> 01:10:28,459 Operation canceled. 1065 01:10:28,626 --> 01:10:30,459 Paris won't explode. 1066 01:10:41,167 --> 01:10:42,834 Shit! Dammit! 1067 01:10:43,001 --> 01:10:44,667 We worked our asses off! 1068 01:10:44,834 --> 01:10:48,084 3 days and nights, without eating, shitting or sleeping! 1069 01:10:48,251 --> 01:10:50,876 All for nothing? Not a chance. 1070 01:10:51,084 --> 01:10:52,542 3, 6 and 9, in position. 1071 01:10:53,001 --> 01:10:54,084 Hegger! 1072 01:10:55,292 --> 01:10:57,001 Yes, 2nd Lieutenant? 1073 01:11:00,001 --> 01:11:00,792 Can it! 1074 01:11:27,792 --> 01:11:30,084 In Annemasse, give her this. 1075 01:11:31,001 --> 01:11:32,876 Engraved with our wedding date. 1076 01:11:35,167 --> 01:11:36,251 She'll believe you. 1077 01:11:40,376 --> 01:11:43,542 My loved ones are in your hands. 1078 01:11:45,667 --> 01:11:48,584 Nothing will happen to them. I give you my word. 1079 01:11:51,751 --> 01:11:52,792 Well... 1080 01:11:53,501 --> 01:11:55,501 My career ends here. 1081 01:11:56,792 --> 01:11:58,667 Everything will be fine. 1082 01:11:59,417 --> 01:12:03,876 Being the man who didn't destroy Paris is a real credit to you. 1083 01:12:07,709 --> 01:12:09,876 Let's have a drink, shall we? 1084 01:12:10,459 --> 01:12:15,084 You have an excellent whisky tucked away in this cabinet. 1085 01:12:16,417 --> 01:12:18,376 How do you know? 1086 01:12:18,667 --> 01:12:21,209 Rest assured, I won't tell the Brits. 1087 01:12:22,167 --> 01:12:24,959 You like it straight, don't you? 1088 01:12:26,084 --> 01:12:28,626 You're a funny fellow, Mr. Nordling. 1089 01:12:30,626 --> 01:12:33,251 Is there anything you don't know? 1090 01:12:35,126 --> 01:12:36,834 About what, General? 1091 01:12:37,001 --> 01:12:38,459 About me. 1092 01:12:39,542 --> 01:12:40,292 You? 1093 01:12:41,417 --> 01:12:43,084 I must make a confession. 1094 01:12:43,251 --> 01:12:47,209 The mirror over the fireplace is a two-way mirror. 1095 01:12:50,167 --> 01:12:51,667 Miss Howard was a flirt 1096 01:12:51,834 --> 01:12:54,709 and Napoleon Ill was either as jealous as a tiger 1097 01:12:54,876 --> 01:12:57,709 or a terrible voyeur, right? 1098 01:12:59,292 --> 01:13:01,751 I'd say he was a terrible voyeur. 1099 01:13:02,209 --> 01:13:04,292 And I'd agree with you. 1100 01:13:06,459 --> 01:13:09,542 To the courtesan who led me to you. 1101 01:13:15,334 --> 01:13:16,751 You're leaving? 1102 01:13:17,834 --> 01:13:19,417 I think it's time. 1103 01:13:25,501 --> 01:13:26,584 Wait! 1104 01:13:27,917 --> 01:13:31,626 You need a safe-conduct or you'll never reach Annemasse. 1105 01:13:31,792 --> 01:13:34,709 The German army still holds half of France. 1106 01:13:36,959 --> 01:13:38,167 Excuse me. 1107 01:13:44,292 --> 01:13:46,292 Hotel Meurice, yes. 1108 01:13:51,834 --> 01:13:53,459 The French! 1109 01:13:54,459 --> 01:13:55,417 A problem? 1110 01:13:55,584 --> 01:13:58,167 No, it's Parisian humor, I suppose. 1111 01:13:58,334 --> 01:14:01,334 A man asking to book a room tonight. 1112 01:14:03,334 --> 01:14:06,417 You think they'll all take turns to call? 1113 01:14:16,376 --> 01:14:18,001 Another reservation? 1114 01:14:18,167 --> 01:14:21,334 No, that one wanted to see me dead. 1115 01:14:22,709 --> 01:14:25,334 I fear he's in the majority. 1116 01:14:36,959 --> 01:14:39,459 Hurry, you've no time to waste. 1117 01:14:41,001 --> 01:14:42,626 Thank you, General. 1118 01:14:46,667 --> 01:14:47,959 Church bells? 1119 01:14:49,542 --> 01:14:52,126 Who are they burying at this time? 1120 01:14:54,042 --> 01:14:56,459 I guess Paris is burying the Occupation. 1121 01:14:56,667 --> 01:15:00,001 The bells announce the Allies' entry into Paris. 1122 01:15:00,167 --> 01:15:02,042 So, they're tolling for me. 1123 01:15:06,334 --> 01:15:07,751 Farewell, General. 1124 01:15:49,334 --> 01:15:50,001 General... 1125 01:15:50,959 --> 01:15:52,042 Mayer? 1126 01:15:52,542 --> 01:15:55,167 We were stopped 20 km from here. 1127 01:15:55,334 --> 01:15:56,334 I'm sorry. 1128 01:15:57,126 --> 01:15:59,667 An enemy roadblock, impossible to get past. 1129 01:16:00,542 --> 01:16:02,417 They opened fire on us. 1130 01:16:03,084 --> 01:16:05,667 You have to get to Baden-Baden! 1131 01:16:11,251 --> 01:16:12,959 You don't understand. 1132 01:16:13,584 --> 01:16:15,501 They weren't there by chance. 1133 01:16:15,667 --> 01:16:17,126 They were French 1134 01:16:17,584 --> 01:16:19,542 and they were all over us. 1135 01:16:19,709 --> 01:16:22,459 Without Alfred at the wheel, we'd be dead. 1136 01:16:22,626 --> 01:16:24,042 The Resistance? 1137 01:16:54,584 --> 01:16:55,917 Men... 1138 01:17:00,126 --> 01:17:02,876 One last time, we must fight together. 1139 01:17:04,001 --> 01:17:07,917 As a soldier among soldiers, I shall be at your side. 1140 01:18:51,792 --> 01:18:53,126 My compliments. 1141 01:18:54,209 --> 01:18:56,084 De Gaulle will speak at city hall. 1142 01:18:56,251 --> 01:18:58,084 He wants you at his side. 1143 01:19:01,376 --> 01:19:02,667 What's that? 1144 01:19:14,376 --> 01:19:15,834 Shall we take the car? 1145 01:19:16,376 --> 01:19:18,751 On a day like this? You're kidding? 1146 01:19:19,376 --> 01:19:20,584 Let's walk! 1147 01:19:36,667 --> 01:19:41,292 General Choltitz was taken prisoner by the Allies and released in 1947. 1148 01:19:41,459 --> 01:19:46,209 Thanks to the German debacle, his family was not arrested. 1149 01:19:47,042 --> 01:19:50,584 Nordling and Choltitz met one more time. In Paris, in 1955. 1150 01:19:50,751 --> 01:19:55,626 The diplomat gave the general the medal awarded to him after the war. 1151 01:19:55,792 --> 01:19:58,292 Specially minted, this unique medal shows... 1152 01:20:00,042 --> 01:20:04,292 Paris breaking its chains. 1153 01:20:24,501 --> 01:20:28,167 Adapted from the play Diplomacy by Cyril Gely 1154 01:21:01,876 --> 01:21:04,667 To the memory of my friend, Richard Holbrooke, 1155 01:21:04,834 --> 01:21:07,417 whose diplomacy ended another war.