"GENERAL DELLA ROVERE" "Our women love us no more." "Because we wear black shirts..." "DESERTERS AND THOSE WHO AVOID CONSCRIPTION WILL BE EXECUTED" "ARTILLERY GROUP "B. COLLEONI"" "ANYONE FOUND CARRYING FIREARMS..." "WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION WILL BE EXECUTED." " Is the curfew over ?" " Yes, it's ten past six." "We're lucky it's cloudy today." "When it's cloudy, it's unlikely they'lI bomb us." "It's our turn now." "WE WILL WIN" "Come here !" "Didn't you hear us ?" "There's no point shouting." "He obviously doesn't speak German." "Excuse me, is there a phone nearby ?" "AII the bars are closed now." "You've got a puncture ?" "It's the fourth one, we've no more spares." "Just round the corner, there's a tyre repairer." "Thank you." "He says there's a tyre repairer just round the corner." "Another nail planted by the partisans ?" "Get the spare wheel." " Cigarette ?" " Thanks." "Thanks." "Come here." "Look, the first turning on your right." "Thanks." "Thanks." " Are you Genovese ?" " I'm NeapoIitan." "This time last year I was in naples, at the hotel Vesuvio." "I'd open my windows and look out at the sea." "On one side, MergeIIina, PosiIIipo, on the other Capri, Sorrento..." " And Auntie Teresa down below." " Right." "We were sorry to leave naples, we liked it." "But your fellow citizens... we're pleased to see us leave." "They were so joyous they started shooting at us." "actually, I'm from Sora." "It's a town between naples and Rome." "So in actual fact, I feel more Roman than NeapoIitan." "The Romans don't like us either." " Are you based in Rome ?" " Not anymore, I'm in milan now." " Do you Iike it ?" " Not at all." "The weather's horrid and the people are hostile and rebellious." "You ItaIians don't like this war." "We don't like wars in general." "This is a war that needs to be fought, don't you agree ?" "Yes, but not everyone's like me." "Right and this creates some awkward situations." " Can I help you ?" " No, thanks." " I have to go to work now." " Thanks you, Mr..." " GrimaIdi, I'm an engineer." " colonel MuIIer." "I hope to meet you again." "I hope so too." " What's the time ?" " It's only six, go back to sleep." "Have you been gambling again ?" "Don't worry, we'lI talk later." "Did anyone call ?" " Did you lose again ?" " I asked you a question." "I don't know, ask Maria." " Maria..." " Who is it ?" "It's me." "Did anyone call ?" "Yes, your lawyer, Borghesio, called twice." " Anyone else ?" " No." " Oh, yes..." "Mrs. CameIIi." " CanteIIi." "What did she say ?" "She said, "tell the colonel that my brother was released" ." " She sends her regards and thanks." " released ?" "Are you sure ?" "Yes, she said he went home." "released !" "I don't understand these Germans !" " shall I make you some coffee ?" " No, sleep now." "colonel, a parcel arrived." "I put it in the dining room." "THIS IS A PARCEL FOR MY FATHER, I HOPE YOU CAN GIVE IT TO HIM" "More salami !" "The electricity's been cut off." "VaIeria, I'm in trouble." " You have to help me." " What do you want ?" "Give me something I can pawn just for a few days." "You had a wad of notes yesterday !" "Eh..." "I'm unlucky." "Borghesio gave me 100,000 Iiras for his son and I gambled it." "I wanted to round up the 50,000 I was owed and I thought I'd get lucky." "I'd lost the night before so last night I should've won, but..." "Some lucky bastard won the lot !" "It was a terrible night." "You can't imagine how bad I felt !" "But I take these risks for you too." "You think I don't feel responsible having a woman like you ?" "That I don't feel bad that you can't have the life you deserve ?" "You've been saying that for three months, EmanueIe." "You can't charm me anymore." "hello ?" "My dear Mr. Borghesio." "No, don't worry." "I'm an early bird." "Any news ?" "Things are looking up." "What was that ?" "Has the order arrived ?" "No, not yet." "Everything will get sorted out today." "I know." "I know you're worried." "Don't worry, tell your wife too." "Everything will be all right." "You have to trust me." "I've taken this matter to heart, I'm losing sleep over it." "I talked to him." "I'lI see to it today." "Don't worry." "Don't worry." "It's a matter of Iife or death." "I must give that stingy German the 50,000 I owe him before noon or he'lI send Mr. Borghesio's son to Germany." "It's not my problem !" "If I couId pawn something just for two days..." "No, you've already taken my earrings." "I'lI get them back, I swear." "Don't you believe me ?" " No." " Don't be so cruel." " I swear I won't gamble again." " Do what you Iike." " I'm going anyway." " Where ?" "To Turin." "I've got a job at the radio station." " Doing what ?" " Singing, you fool !" "Dancing and acting." "Some life, at last !" "You don't realize these are difficult times, full of danger." "But I'm ready for anything." "Something's happening." "I'm organizing some shows for the armed forces." "When the war ends," "I'lI set up your magazine business and your friends will envy you." "You've made lots of promises..." "It's not my fault all my assets are in the South !" "EmanueIe, here you go again !" "I'm not sure the South exists !" "So ?" "So... what ?" "Give me your necklace and bracelet..." "And my ring, my brooch..." "I said no !" "Stop insisting." "Why don't you pawn this ring you gave me ?" "The one with the oriental sapphire." "Take it." "Take that to the pawn shop." "You didn't think I knew it was fake ?" "You fool !" "No one gets away with fooling me !" "I never said a word about it because I'm a lady." " Doria, go in." " That's me." " Is Sergeant Major Hageman here ?" " Yes." "He's busy but go ahead." " May I ?" " Come in." "please excuse me for a moment." "He was arrested three weeks ago outside San Giorgio." "The prison in Marassi sent me here." " What's his name ?" " Canevari AIberto." " Run a check, please." " Right away." "Canevari, alberto." "He's the communist that was executed last week." "No, he's not a communist." "My husband's not interested in politics." "I swear on my little girl's life." "You said he was arrested with some communists." "If he's honest and not into politics, he'lI be freed." " But when ?" " That doesn't depend us on." "Can I visit him and take him some clean clothes ?" "You'lI need to ask the prison." "Thanks." " Excuse me, please..." " Wait, I'm busy." " Ladies first." " Yes ?" "We're looking for Lieutenant michele Fassio." "He was arrested in Savona last Thursday." " Are you his family ?" " I'm his wife." "I'm his mother." "My son's never been involved in politics." "He fought in Africa and AIbania and he received a silver medal." "You said michele Fassio ?" "Get it, Miss SiegIinde." "Here you are." "Lieutenant michele Fassio, son of AngeIo and MatiIde Masero, born on the 8th of June, 1916, in Varigotti ?" "Yes." "Lieutenant Fassio was arrested accused of being a member of the armed brigades that operate against our troops and against the legitimate government of the italian social republic." "But after the 8th of September, my husband was at his father's villa." "He was supposed to turn up for military service." "An italian officer doesn't need to be told his duty." "calm down, carla." "The gentleman was saying that perhaps michele should've have shown up." "You know, they're so young." "So much has happened !" "He was upset by it all." "These are difficult times for everyone." "Both sides need to show understanding." "The propaganda of hatred exasperates souls." "But don't lose hope, our German friends are nearly always very understanding." "Let's go, mother." "I told you there wasn't a hope of them helping us." "She's quite a madam !" " Some coffee, colonel ?" " If it's real coffee, yes." " But if it's the one I had before..." " It is." "AII right." "Thanks." "You're very kind, miss." " I saw Mr. Borghesio, the lawyer." " well ?" "He couldn't raise the money, but he gave me something of value." "It's an oriental sapphire mounted in platinum." "That's no use to me." "I said 50,000 and that's what I want." " But this is worth much more." " I want the money." " Precious stones are an investment." " Yes, but they're not money." " A sapphire is a sapphire." " I want the money." "Don't be so stubborn, where will I get it ?" "It's simple." "If that ring is worth more than 50,000 Iiras, sell it and keep the change." "well, it's a shame." "I wanted you to keep it." "You'lI marry one day, won't you ?" "So much could happen before that day." "Here's your coffee." "So we're agreed then." "always at your service." "Thanks for everything, Sergeant Major." "Goodbye." "shall we help Mrs. Fassio ?" "No, it's a lost cause and I don't like that woman." "I do." "I'lI see you in the morning." "I'lI be here." "Ladies, I'lI be in the bar." "I've got good news." "Come this way." "Have a seat." "May I ?" "I'm colonel GrimaIdi." "The gospel says, "Do not judge if you don't wish to be judged" ." "Don't be fooled by appearances, madam." "I told you my name but don't ask why I'm friends with the Germans." "These blue stripes show I served my country with loyalty and honour." "Our country, scorned and downtrodden." "Three coffees, real ones !" " NeapoIitan coffee ?" " Yes." "Forgive my abrupt approach in asking you to come, but these are dangerous times." "I'lI get to the point." "I will have to be discreet about certain matters and you too in consequence about others." " I've made myself clear." " No." "I mean that given our circumstances we need to be somewhat discreet." "Listen, Iet's get one thing straight." "If you can help my husband just tell me how." " carla !" " Let's get to the point." "She asked me if I can help her husband." "I'm saying, "With the limits of my possibilities" ." "But the accusations, be they true or false, are very serious." "I have to meet someone." "It's a very similar case to yours." "I hope I've been of some help." "We ItaIians have to help each other, despite the hatred." "Excuse me, I'lI be right back." "He seems like a nice man." "Don't worry, you have my word, your son won't be leaving." "Thanks for helping my son and for what you'lI do." "But do you think he'lI be released ?" "We can't expect too much." "Just be glad he's not leaving, then we'lI see." " I need to talk business." " Go ahead." "Two ladies are in financial trouble and need to sell a family heirloom." " It's an oriental sapphire." " It's nice." "A marvellous stone, it's only 50,000 Iiras." "50,000 ?" "Where will I get that ?" "To raise the 100,000 Iiras I gave you" "I had to mortgage my house under strict conditions !" "I bet." "But I can show it to someone else." "No, it's not worth it." "Goodbye, sir." " Thanks a Iot." " Don't worry." "Sorry." "You haven't drunk your coffee ?" "It's real." "We always drink real coffee at home." "We have tons of it." "Don't take any notice of her, she's besides herself." " Don't abandon us." " Don't worry." "Listen, if there's anything you need..." "You think michele will be freed because his father's rich, but what about all the others they've arrested ?" " You'lI pay for them all ?" " Leave it to me." " Where can I find you ?" " You can call us ?" " Fassio." "86386" "Fassio..." "Fassio, 86386." "AII right." "I hope to give you news about your son soon." "Thank you." "Goodbye." "No news from the front at Anzio." "An enemy bomber was destroyed by our fighters." "Two Italian planes are missing." "That was the news bulletin..." "Good morning, Mrs. Pina." "I have a bargain for you, an oriental sapphire." "It was my mother's ." "It's unique and only 100,000 Iiras." "It's nice but I can't ." "I'lI make a deal." "Give me a part now and the rest later." "I'd love to but I can't ." "These are hard times." "Let's say 50,000 now and you cancel my tab." "Don't insist, I really can't ." "I managed to find some meat." "Good morning." "What is it ?" "I'm doing business with Miss Pina." "Bye, michele." "Goodbye." "It's a bargain, an oriental sapphire." "The seven wonders !" "Just look at it, I thought of you." " It's beautiful." " 80,000 Iiras." "It's nice but I can't have it." "Sorry, but I can't ." " You're sure ?" " I'm sorry." "It's very nice, though." "It's a bargain, an oriental sapphire." "The seven wonders !" "It was a Jewish lady's ." "She has to sell it, she wants 70,000 Iiras." "No thanks, I don't want it." " We're closed until two." " I'm a friend of Miss OIga's ." " Open up, please." " She's eating." " tell her it's an old friend." " Who is it ?" "It's me." "EmanueIe !" "olga !" "olga..." " How did you find me ?" " I met a friend of yours yesterday." " Who ?" " EveIina." "But she left three weeks ago !" "I wanted to come, but I was so busy..." "I can imagine." "So why did you come ?" "I wanted to see you." "I thought you'd be happy." "really ?" " I was mistaken." " That's right." " Goodbye, then." " OIga, it'lI get cold." " Madam Vera !" " EmanueIe !" "What a surprise !" "How are you ?" "What brings you to Genoa ?" "My house in Leghorn was bombed so I was sent here." "Why didn't you tell me EmanueIe was here ?" " Have you eaten ?" " Not yet." " Join us for lunch." " Don't go to any trouble." "Nonsense, come on." "We have to catch up, I've not seen you for years !" " Do you mind ?" " Me ?" "She's the boss." " AII right." " Good man." " Here." " Come with me." "Let him sit down." "olga !" " hello, ladies." " Serve the food, please." "What have you been up to ?" "Where have you been ?" " Here and there." " Sometimes up, sometimes down." "Right, sometimes up, sometimes down." "But you're looking good, Madam Vera." " I'm not bad." " How's business ?" "How do you think ?" "The curfew's at nine." " people are worried." " I know." "What about you ?" "Apart from gambling." "I've almost given that up." "I'm an honest man now." "You don't say !" " I buy and sell jewels." " Like you used to." "No, not Iike that." "I sell these now." "How beautiful !" "Let me see." "Nice." "Show me !" "It's magnificent." "It's an oriental sapphire." "It's a good time to buy." "people need to sell things." "The lira's losing value but not precious stones." "It's beautiful, but what does it cost ?" "Not much." "It belongs to the wife of a big shot." "Her husband's in sicily." " well, 50,000 Iiras..." " I'lI buy it." " You ?" " Won't you sell it to me ?" "But Madam Vera and this lady here liked it." " If OIga likes it..." " I'lI give you a cheque." " But..." " Don't you trust me ?" " No, it's not that." " What then ?" "Has it been long since you saw her ?" " Yes." " Since Leghorn ?" "Yes, then we went to Ia Spezia..." "She's changed a Iot." "She's always moody and argumentative." "But I Iove her like a sister." "You want Madam Vera to sign it ?" "Excuse me." "EmanueIe !" "Come in." "If Madame Vera or one of the girls had bought it, would you have accepted the money ?" "So why not from me ?" "Why did you give me a cheque when you know it's fake ?" "It's 30,000 Iiras." "It's all I have." "will it do ?" "Why are you doing this ?" "I don't know..." "Or perhaps I do." "You really hurt me, but I also had nice moments with you." "The only ones in my Iife." "I Iive in memory of those moments." "Go away !" "Go away and don't come back." "Ladies, come to the lounge." "10,000 in the bank." "place your bets." "Once again..." " Bank." " Nothing goes to the table." "Card." "Card, the bank has nine." "Good for the bank, it's baccarat." "19.500." "place your bets." " Bank." " Nothing to the table." "No." "The bank has eight." "There's still a bank." "Here's your money." "Take it." "Don't worry, it's nothing." "Stop !" "Shoot !" "AREA OVERRUN BY BANDITS" "I thought I couId trust you, but I was wrong !" "You know how important it was to get della Rovere alive !" "What good is a dead body to us ?" "I gave you precise orders." " I passed them on." " That's not good enough !" "You should have checked they were carried out correctly." "We didn't know where he'd show up, they must be somewhere." "You make good excuses, but you haven't learnt to obey me !" "You killed a worthy soldier as if he was a smaII-time criminal." "If I'd died like that, his death wouldn't have been much different." "What do you mean ?" "We could have exchanged him for one of the generals the partisans have." "We could have kept him hostage." "Your behaviour is unforgivable !" "Make sure no more mistakes happen." "della Rovere and his accomplice's bodies will be buried far from Genoa." "They must not be identified." "The person responsible will be sent to the Eastern front !" "Yes, sir !" "Spread the word that we've arrested della Rovere." "Yes, sir." "Something has to happen..." "Something will happen..." "You can go." "May I ?" "hello ?" "hello ?" "I'd Iike to speak to Mrs. Fassio." "Speaking." "Ah, this is colonel GrimaIdi." "Don't cry, I have good news." "I've taken your case to heart." "really ?" "Don't worry, madam." "It's not an orthodox procedure." "What do you mean ?" "I know a chap..." "unfortunately for him, but luckily for us, he's very venaI so..." "really ?" "AII right, see you at the bar." "See you soon." "Sorry I'm late." " You were surprised I called ?" " Not at all." "Maybe you didn't expect me to call so soon." "But as soon as I Ieft you and your mother-in-Iaw yesterday," "I immediately started thinking how I couId help you." "I got to work and called my contacts." "I'm not boasting, but I know a Iot of people..." "And ?" "And so ?" "well, it's not simple." "It'lI take time." "And lots of money." "You have no idea how venal the Germans are !" "I can imagine." "Here's 100,000 Iiras." "will that do for now ?" "Of course !" "I'lI deliver it right away." "You wait here." "I hope to bring you good news." "Don't despair, madam." "Have faith." "Have faith in our friendship." " Where's the phone ?" " On the right." "ROOM N.25" "One moment, colonel." " Good morning." " colonel, what a surprise !" "What brings you here ?" "problems ?" "Yes, unfortunately." "Yesterday you said this war was necessary and needed to be fought and I said I agreed but that not everyone's like me." "Yes." "well, a young relative, from my mother's side of the family..." "He's a wretched young man who doesn't share my ideas." "His father's a famous jurist, his mother was born a noblewoman." "He's descended from GaribaIdi's men, but didn't hear the call of duty." "He didn't respond to his country's appeal and he was nabbed..." "I mean, he was arrested and will be deported to Germany." "Quite rightly, of course." "Why didn't he choose to side with us ?" "He'd have been freed immediately." " Why ?" " Yes, why ?" " You want to know ?" " I'm curious." "Out of pride." "He's an extremely proud young man." "He took after his great-grandfather." "And he said," ""If I fight alongside our German colleagues, it may look like I'm doing it to avoid the concentration camps and I don't want our dear German colleagues to think..." "I'm a coward."" " I'lI see what I can do." " Can you talk to Captain Schranz ?" "I don't need to talk to anyone." "Come with me." "This way." " What's the man's name ?" " Vittorio Borghesio." "Get me Vittorio Borghesio's file." "This says that in addition to being a deserter he was involved in illegal trading." "If we believed everything the police said..." "My dear man, I am the police." "well, if all policemen were like you..." "I don't like flattery." "Borghesio has to remain in Genoa." "He's to be transferred." " Take him off the transfer list." " Yes, sir." "The problem's sorted, he's staying." "pleased ?" "You're lucky you're able to do some good !" "It doesn't happen often, unfortunately." "I'lI give his poor parents the news." "And let me thank you and bless you on their behalf." "I don't like being thanked or blessed." " Do come by again." " I will." "Thanks, colonel." "I've got good news !" "I just need to make a call, I'lI be right back." "hello ?" "Mr. Borghesio." "It's me." "hello ?" "Victory !" "No, not Vittorio." "I mean, victory for Vittorio." "He won't be leaving and he may get released." "I'lI tell you when I see you." "Give your wife the good news too." "No, I don't like being thanked or blessed." "See you soon, my friend." "Madam, your husband's fine." "I've found a way." "It's long and complicated, but... it leads to "freedom" ." "My husband was released, my dear colonel." "He was executed yesterday behind the StagIieno cemetery." "Executed ?" " well, you..." " well, what ?" " Come with us." " There must be a mistake !" "How long have you known this man ?" "I met him three or four months ago." "I was a soubrette for a magazine in Mondovi." "actually, I'm an actress but times are hard and I need to work." " And if you're talented..." " Get to the point." "How did you meet this man ?" "I told you, in Mondovi." "I was going home with some friends after a show, we'd been out to dinner and that damn curfew had started." "A patrol car wanted to arrest us and the colonel intervened..." " What colonel ?" " Him." "Why, are you a colonel too ?" "Later..." " I'lI explain later." " Right." "Go on." " He took us to our hotel." " Then ?" "well, one thing led to another..." "He made me leave my job." " Go on." " He took me to Genoa." "He promised me the world." "He said, " As soon as the South is freed..."" "What's his line of business ?" "tell me the truth, for your own good." "I just know he got lots of phone calls and he had a Iot of visitors who brought parcels..." "parcels containing what ?" "clothes, food..." "a Iot of salami." "I ate so much salami I broke out in spots, look !" "The lady can go." "That way." "Let them in." "Do you know this man ?" "Why don't you tell him ?" "Why don't you tell him you know me ?" "I've nothing to hide." "Let me explain." "I was wrong, but for a good reason, believe me." "It started with Mrs. De Dominicis." "Come here." "She lives upstairs from me." "I met her one day." "She was distraught, her son had been arrested." "Faced with a mother's anguish, what else could I do ?" "I said, "I'lI try and help you" ." " Isn't that right, madam ?" " Yes." "Then the others came to me." "I was overwhelmed with requests." "Their problems and suffering..." "What else could I do ?" "I tried to help them, but it was never enough !" "First, they wanted to find their loved ones, then to send letters, then parcels." "Then they wanted me to stop them being sent to Germany." "They even wanted me to have them released." "What could I do ?" "Put yourself in my shoes." "I tried to help." "Then they found out the terrible truth." "That they slept ten to a cell, standing up like horses, that they were beaten and tortured, that they were packed into carriages headed to Mathausen..." "And I kept quiet." "I didn't have the heart to tell them." "You'd rather I told you ?" "No !" "I didn't want to them to lose hope." "only I knew the truth." " Let them go." " Yes, sir." "You may go, you're free." "Come with me." "Now tell me what you prefer." "You can go on trial before the German military court, charged with sabotaging German war regulations and for corruption of German officers." "Or you can be EmanueIe Bardone, son of the late Luigi and Teresa Camarano, born in Sorrento on the 3rd of May, 1894, and be charged with fraud, aggravated by encroachment of your title." "well, in the first case I'd be executed." "In the second one, I'lI get three years at most." "title encroachment is a joke." "article 498 provides a fine of 1,000 to 10,000 Iiras." "But article 310 is a bit troublesome, for the crimes committed during times of war." "But this war has to end one day and there'lI be an amnesty like last time." "You were an officer in the cavalry." "You were expelled from the army for debts and embezzlement." "Then you were convicted four times for fraud, deception, possession and dealing of drugs, and even for bigamy." "If you'd stayed in the army, you'd be wearing a real colonel's uniform today." "Maybe even a general's uniform." "Hageman, Bardone's accomplice, has confessed." "What ?" "The deputy chief waiter Hageman has confessed." "Punish him accordingly." "Here you are." "Listen, I want to help you." "Despite everything," "I Iike you." " May I tell you something ?" " Go ahead." "I Iike you too, despite everything." "Bardone, I have a proposal for you." "general della Rovere had a marvellous career !" "He married a general's daughter." "His aunt, Marquise Barrino, died in '28." "He was her only heir." "He's suspected of masonry and his uncle is a priest." "They make me laugh !" "I worked for what I've got." "In the notes it says he speaks good english, French and German." "I only know a few words of French." "It's a gamble." "You know what the cause of all my troubles is ?" "gambling." "I always lose and pay." "And I've never cheated." "I hope I won't be the one to prove you wrong." "This is no gamble, colonel." "Come on." "call the marshall !" "I hope no one recognizes me here in San Vittore." "I doubt it, politicians aren't criminals." "I didn't mean them." "I was talking about the guards and chaplains." "They get sent from one prison to another." "chaplains aren't allowed in the political sector." "I don't trust priests, they're all spies." "What about the others ?" "Right." "Whatever happens, call me right away." "May God help us." "Take care of this prisoner, but don't register him." "Don't take his fingerprints nor any photographs." "Keep him under surveillance and in isolation." "Make sure you treat him with respect." " Yes, sir." " You can go." "Come in." "follow me." "I may not see you again, so I'lI thank you now for the kindness you have shown in this embarrassing situation." "Any German officer would have done the same." "Give my regards to marshal KesserIing, when you see him." "tell him that just because we're on different sides does not mean I admire or respect him less." "I will." "follow me, please." "Who's coming, the Shah of Persia ?" " Where ?" " Basso Piave." " When ?" " july, 1918." ""The battle of solstice" ." " What unit ?" " 131st AveIIino Brigade." "Great soldiers." "well done." " will you make my bed ?" " I'lI call the attendant." " Look after him." " AII right." "Water, sir !" "BancheIIi, come out." " Make the bed." " help me." "Don't worry, sir." "I'lI get someone else." "It's cold, isn't it ?" "If you're staying here a while, ask to change cell." "The ground floor is really damp." "Thanks for the information." "May I ?" "My name's Aristide BancheIIi." " The cotton merchant ?" " No." "I wish !" "I'm just a poor printer." " Have you been here long ?" " Eight months." "Are you involved in politics ?" "We're all involved in politics here." " general della Rovere." " I'lI be damned !" "Sorry." "You've come from the outside, how are things going ?" " help him make the bed." " AII right." " Where are my things ?" " In the store, sir." " But I need them." " tell me what you need." "My slippers, my pyjama, some shirts and my woollen scarf." " And my toiletries." " Right away, sir." "general della Rovere's here !" "He's from BadogIio, in the South !" "general della Rovere's here !" "D-E..." "L-L-A..." "R-O..." "V-E..." "R-E." " DeIIa Rovere !" " Wait." "P-U..." "He's from BadogIio !" "IT'S OVER FOR YOUR SON MARIO." "LIFE IS TRIVIAL." "THE ENEMY WILL EXECUTE ME." "I'L L HOLD MY HEAD UP HIGH." "YOUR SON WAS NOT SCARED." "MY NAME IS RUTILIO CASTELLINI." "TO WHOEVER READS THIS:" "PLEASE INFORM MY FAMILY" "THAT I HAVE BEEN EXECUTED." "GIVE MY LOVE TO EVERYONE." "GOODBYE, MY DARLING !" "I NEVER THOUGHT" "IT WAS SO EASY TO DIE." "I brought what you asked for, please check." "Then sign, please." "Who were these prisoners ?" "Young partisans." " Were they all executed ?" " AII four of them." " Were the families informed ?" " Yes, by the chaplain." " Who is the chaplain ?" " Don Luigi Gavino." "But the Germans won't allow him into this wing." "Open up, sir !" "Mantovani's losing blood." "Someone's losing blood, come down right away !" " Brigadier !" " Hurry !" "I can't feel his pulse !" "please hurry !" "You come with me." "They bust the lieutenant's lungs !" " Which Iieutenant ?" " The one from the alpine troops !" "Why ?" "That spy he had arrested was found hanged." " What's happening ?" " One of them's losing blood." " What number ?" "17" "You come too." "They're coming right away." "Here we are !" "Open up !" "Murderers !" "ScoundreIs !" "Murderers !" " What's going on ?" " A prisoner's been taken sick." " Who ?" " Montanaro, from the alpine troops." "Murderers !" "Cowards !" "Murderers !" "Spies !" " Open the gate !" " I can't , excellency." "I order you to leave the door open !" "The general wants the door left open." " Leave it open." "What's this ?" " blood." "Get it cleaned up." "clean it up immediately." "Sir !" "close the door !" "Murderers !" " Savona, I didn't say a word." " Neither did I." "This is CaIandrino, cell seven." "Is anyone there ?" "CaIandrino, Vendetta's brother." "See you outside." "general della Rovere !" "general della Rovere !" "Can you hear me ?" "Good evening, general." "My brother was a radioteIegraphist with you in Africa." "MicheIuzzi Fausto." "You remember him ?" "general !" "general della Rovere, do you remember him ?" "Yes, I remember him." "talk through the door, or I can't hear you." "Yes, I remember him." "general, when are they coming ?" "The Americans are taking their time !" "Antonio !" "I'm Riccio orlando." "I fell down the stairs." " Are you hurt ?" " Yes." "Sir, I'm Lieutenant carlo Maria Mida." "And I'm deputy chief carlo Frassinetti." "We were arrested in La Spezia by the Germans and convicted." "At your service, sir." "I'm general della Rovere." "Chin up, lads !" " Good evening." " Where's Fabrizio ?" "He'lI be here on the 17:10 train." "Come with me." " Any news ?" " He was taken to San Vittore today." "He was accompanied by colonel MuIIer." "He didn't go through registration." "He's on the ground floor, in the fifth section, cell 39." " We're sure it's him ?" " Of course, so are the Germans." " How did they recognize him ?" " They were expecting him." " They have spies everywhere." " That doesn't surprise me." " They were our allies 10 months ago." " We were theirs." "That doesn't change anything." "We should have freed him on the journey from Genoa to milan." " He might have got killed." " We have to contact him." "It won't be easy, the guards we know have been moved." "But we have to make contact with him." "Where's Fabrizio ?" "The station is only ten minutes away." " Maybe he had no transport." " Annamaria's meeting him on her bike." " Maybe he didn't leave." " He'd have told us." " It's late." " Here's Annamaria." "Here's Annamaria !" " Where's Fabrizio ?" " He was arrested." " Where ?" " Near Piazza CasteIIo." "We were caught in a raid." "He tried to escape." "But his bike went on the tracks and he fell." "The fascists locked him up in a truck with other prisoners." "Were there many prisoners ?" "About eighty, three trucks full." " You know where they took them ?" " No." "I followed the trucks." "I saw a bag fall from the one Fabrizio was in." "No one noticed." "I took it and came here." " Good work." " They'lI be at the Cantore barracks." " They usually take them there." " We'lI find out." "They've arrested two of them, the general then Fabrizio !" "But they wanted the general, they got Fabrizio by chance." "They don't know him, no one knows him." "At worst, he'lI be sent to a work camp." "We'lI free him." "They may free him tonight." "His papers are in order." "Let's hope so, but we should expect the worst." "First of all, we have to find him." "Then we must watch the barracks and any movement." " Who's in charge of that sector ?" " VirgiIio." "tell him to be careful." "Let's go." "You go on ahead." " What is it ?" " Six new prisoners !" "Send them in." "Why have you been brought here at this hour ?" "My name's Pietro VaIeri, I was caught in a raid." "They picked out nine of us and brought us here." "I don't know why." "Why at this hour ?" " Wait, I'lI help you." " Thanks." "Don't worry, they'lI bring everything." "What is it ?" "Nine new prisoners, they were caught in a raid." "Who are they ?" "Watch out !" "Here you are." "Dear Bardone," "I'm giving you the chance to earn what I promised you, freedom is the reward." "Last night, nine men were brought into San Vittore." "I know, so I heard." "One of them is called Fabrizio." "That's the code name for the leader of the resistance." "We're sure Fabrizio is one of them." " You have to identify him." " Me ?" "general della Rovere's first task when he arrived was to meet Fabrizio to coordinate the Partisan's war plans." "Fate wanted you to meet up here." "Right, but..." "How will I recognize him ?" "He'lI make himself known." "And when I know who he is, you want me to report him ?" "You just need to tell me who he is." "In Genoa you told me" "I had to be a decoy." "Now you want me to be the firing line." "But for this task you will get a million liras and a pass to switzerland." "Your task will be made easier." "Two of the nine men will be freed immediately." "They really are who they say." "They work for the ministry." "You'lI have seven men to choose from." "Take him back to his cell." "Soup !" "I'm the barber." "If you need me, my name's BancheIIi." "Thanks, I hope it won't be necessary." "I shouldn't be here." "Soup !" "Young man..." " Painter !" " Do you mean me ?" "You can't recognize CasteI dell'Ovo." ""Zi' Teresa" and "La bersagIiera" are missing too." "Great discovery !" "Ignore him..." "we painters work from imagination." "And Giotto's bell tower is even missing in florence." "Open up !" "Open up !" "Open up !" "Open up !" "Come on, drop those bombs !" "I'm not scared !" "Open up !" "Open up !" "Get them to be quiet !" "Open up, they must calm down !" "Open up !" "Friends... this is general della Rovere." "Show some dignity and self control." "You're men !" "Show these swines you're not scared of dying." "They should be scared !" "Every bomb that is dropped brings them closer to the end and us closer to freedom." " What do you need ?" " Two packets of cigarettes." " What about you ?" " Some soap." "Good morning, sir." "Good morning, my friend." "Your coffee." " real coffee ?" " Yes, the chief sent it." "He wanted to come in person but he's not allowed in the political sector." "The Germans don't trust him." " Do they trust you ?" " No." "But they need us." "There's not many of them, so whatever you need..." "I need a barber, is there one ?" "Of course." " I'lI call BancheIIi." " Ah, BancheIIi." " Good morning, general." " Good morning." " You're a barber too ?" " If you trust me." "I do." "I hope you won't be sorry, I don't do this often." "May I ?" "Give that to me." "Did you sleep well, sir ?" "Yes." " Is your bed soft ?" " It's not bad." "Our beds are rock hard." "But I don't care, I sleep less... but I Iive more." "The German military court has sentenced me to death." "They say I blew up a train full of ammunition." "But it seems they've forgotten about me." "I've been waiting to be executed for three months." "Sorry." "Maybe they can't find another barber." "Sorry." ""The wind blows from the west."" "When did you get this ?" "This morning." "Who from ?" "Who from ?" " The barber, Mr. BancheIIi." " Damn, I know him !" "He'd rather get killed than talk !" "What should I do ?" "calm down." "reply with a note." "tell him you don't trust him." "Force Fabrizio to reveal himself." "tell him, "We'lI wait for the wind to die down" ." "Give the note to BancheIIi and wait." "My wife visited me." "Poor woman, she brought our son too." "He's so grown-up !" "I know he's my son, but he really is handsome." "What'lI happen to them ?" "I won't see them again." "Don't throw it too high !" "Next Iot !" " There are six of them." " Good." "Stop !" "Come on !" "How come a man who's spent so many years in prison can't even send a note without getting caught ?" "Now our plan's ruined." "I'lI have to make BancheIIi talk." "I hate doing these things." "Put him in a single cell." "Yes, sir." "Come in." "Have a seat." " Cigarette ?" " No, thanks." "My dear BancheIIi, you're sentenced to death." "Your days are numbered." "I'm giving you the chance to be spared." "general della Rovere told me he gave you a note." "This one." "tell me who it was for and you'lI have my word" "I'lI get your sentence reduced to 30 years in prison." "You know the war won't last that long." "But I know nothing." "Someone gave me the note when I came in from the yard." "Yes, and you hid it in your shoe." "I was going to give it back to the general." "BancheIIi, you're no idiot and neither am I !" "I know the note wasn't for you." "The general was using you to get it to someone else." "Who ?" "I don't know." "He didn't tell me." " Why don't you ask him ?" " Why are you all so stubborn ?" "You know we have ways of making you talk !" " You know that !" " I know." "But a man can't tell you what he doesn't know." "I have a wife and son." "I saw them today." "I'm all they've got." "Don't you think I'd tell you if I knew ?" "I'm asking you for the Iast time." "Don't force me to use methods that go against my principles." "I wish I couId, believe me." "Let's go, BancheIIi." " Where is she ?" " Outside." "Show her in." " colonel MuIIer ?" " That's me." "Have a seat, countess." "You must be surprised to see me." "In a certain sense." "His Eminence advised me to come to you." "He said you would understand and help me." "Within the limits of my duty, of course." "Let me ask you a question." "The information we have assured us you and your children were in switzerland." "I must deduce you have returned to italy." "Don't worry," "I won't charge you with illegal entry." "I was just asking to pay tribute to your courage and devotion." "I'm just doing what I have to." "I won't ask you to intervene in favour of my husband." "It would be useless and my husband wouldn't agree." "But I came to express my desire to see him, even just for a few moments." "believe me," "I'm very sorry I cannot fulfil your request." "But prisoners aren't allowed visitors during the inquiry." "I didn't ask for a visit, but just to see him for a few moments." "Countess, I understand how you feel and I'lI prove it." "You want to see your husband ?" "AII right, you can talk to him too." "But think about it first." "general della Rovere has been charged with serious accusations." "He's calm and unperturbed, acting like the soldier he is," "I can assure you." "You know what gives him strength and courage ?" "Not just the thought that he's done his duty as a soldier, but also the fact that his loved ones are far away and safe." "So I ask you, you think seeing you for a few moments behind a screen and seeing you worried and in risk of danger will be of help to him ?" "Don't you think it will have a negative effect on his spirits ?" "I'm talking to you as a friend." "I really admire the general." "I Iike him and I'm sorry the war sees us on different sides." "follow my advice and don't visit him." "It would upset him greatly, I'm sure." "Let him think you're safe with his children." "Write him a letter, if you want." "I'lI tell him His Eminence, the cardinal, gave it to me." "His Eminence will forgive this small lie." "I give you my word your letter won't be opened." "Maybe you're right." "If you want, you could send him some clothes and some food." "The food here is... pretty bad." "Thanks." "BancheIIi !" "Damn them !" "general, I didn't say a word but next time I might have to." "It was terrible !" "Why didn't you talk ?" "Why should you pay for someone else ?" "general..." "What am I saying ?" "I don't know what I'm saying anymore !" "general..." "Do you know who Fabrizio is ?" "No." "Drink some." "BancheIIi, have some soup." "You'lI feel better." "BancheIIi..." "BancheIIi..." "BancheIIi !" "BancheIIi's killed himself !" "BancheIIi's dead !" "Open up !" "I want to speak to colonel MuIIer !" "BancheIIi's dead !" "BancheIIi's dead." "It's your fault !" "If you hadn't been so stupid, they wouldn't have found the note and we'd know who Fabrizio is now." "But now we've lost another man !" "Now go !" "I'm not going back in there." "Everyone will know now, that BancheIIi was tortured, that he killed himself..." "They won't believe I'm general della Rovere." "They'lI kill me !" "Maybe the guards will kill me." "They're on their side !" "None of this will happen." "You'lI go back and be welcomed like a victim and like a hero." "Take him away." "What..." "They tortured general della Rovere !" "They tortured general della Rovere !" "Murderers !" "Murderers !" "Damn them !" "They didn't even spare you !" "They don't respect anyone." "They're worse than the devil." "A drop of water, excellency." "Drink slowly, or you'lI make yourself ill." "There's a letter and a parcel for you, sir." "A letter for me ?" "Open it." "It's a photograph." "It must be your wife and children." "What does it say ?" "I can't , you read it." "It's from Geneva." ""Dear Gianni, I hope these few words get to you." "Our consul told me of your arrest." "I've told the boys." "They were very good, they didn't cry." "I didn't cry either." "We read the letter you wrote after the 8th of September and we remember your words:" "When you know not which path to take, choose the most difficult one.'" "The boys are fine." "They're doing well at school." "I'm happy for them." "At all times, in every situation, whatever may happen, we're worthy of you, my darling." "We pray for you and you are in our thoughts and hearts." "God cannot permit that we never see each other again." "The boys and I send you all our love." "Bianca Maria."" "Show me the photograph." "They're handsome boys, sir." "They killed the party secretary in milan." "Oh, God !" "What'lI happen to us ?" "They killed the party secretary in milan." "They killed the party secretary in milan." "They killed the party secretary in milan." "They killed the party secretary in milan." " Camerata Gaetano D'A ccosta." " Yes, sir !" "We have to carry out a house to house search." "milan is a busy city, searches and deportations would disturb the productive rhythm." "But we cannot allow our men to be ambushed in the centre of milan." "The Partisans are at war." "ReprisaIs make the situation worse." "So you want us to do nothing and wait to be killed ?" "If it were German soldiers, you'd think differently." "Maybe I'm not thinking." "I've informed the supreme command on the South-west front, the Wehrmacht supreme command and the Fuhrer." "I'm awaiting orders." "colonel MuIIer's office." "It's Haftisch." "AII right." "colonel, the Wehrmacht supreme command." "colonel MuIIer speaking." "Thank you." "Good morning, marshal." "Yes, I understand." "He doesn't agree." "He says reprisals have the opposite effect." "So it will be." "Make a list of twenty men." "The execution will be tomorrow at dawn in the prison courtyard." "Goodbye, colonel." "Goodbye." "The list is ready, you want to see it ?" " Why are there only five Jews ?" " The others were deported yesterday." "There are only women and children left." "Add general della Rovere to the list and the nine men we arrested yesterday." "But they're in custody." "Just do as I say." "Here's the list." "But there are ten names here." "Remove OIiviero Scotti, he was released yesterday." "colonel MuIIer's office." "It's the archbishop's office, sir." "I'm afraid he's not here." "If they're really taking us to Germany, why couldn't we bring our things ?" "You're not being investigated." "This is just a routine check." " They're verifying our identity." " That's what I said." "Damn it, we've been here another night !" "Admit it, you were starting to get worried but no one wanted to say it." "They'lI send us to work." "They'lI send us to Germany." "In that case, we'd have been given our things." "Seeing we haven't , we'lI be back here soon." " It's the general." " So we're not going to Germany." "Why ?" "Can't he work too ?" "The Germans don't give a hoot about italian generals !" "Right ?" "Maybe we'lI work on some railway or road near here." "They must need Iabourers after all the bombings." "And you're not under investigation." "general, you have to help us." "What can I do ?" "I told you, we're being sent to work." "There were ten of us before and we looked after each other." "Now there's twenty of us." "The general couldn't care less about us !" "Don't you get it ?" "He's a hero... it's his fault we're here." "And those like you who want to act the hero." "You could have been spared, but not you !" "You thought you'd win the war by dropping a few bombs and killing eight Germans ?" "I'm not to blame, I didn't do anything !" "It's a general's duty to be a hero, that's what you're paid for." "In fact, I paid you." "I happen to be a taxpayer." "It's not such a big deal." "We'lI work a few days, then..." "No, I didn't do anything !" "Open up, I want to get out !" " Shame on you !" " Why ?" "Because I don't want to die ?" " I didn't do anything !" " Neither did we." " But you're Jews." " Right." "calm down." "You're all worked up, you say you did nothing..." "That's true, I did nothing." "That's the problem." "You did nothing." "This war's lasted five years." "millions of men have died." "Hundreds of cities have been destroyed." "And you did nothing." "You should have done something." "You should have taken sides." "You wanted to be the midst of everything and do nothing, only worry about your business !" "You told me you profited while others killed each other." "That's too easy !" "Now I see why you don't want to be executed without having done anything." " What did you do ?" " Not much." "But I carried out my duty, because that's what matters, carrying out your duty no matter what happens." "If everyone had done that, maybe we wouldn't be here." "Jewish brothers, there's no hope for us now." "Let us pray to God." "almighty Father..." "I never thought I'd see you here." "I waited a Iong time for the tuner to arrive." "I wouldn't say I'm a bank clerk, but I'm not much better." "I'm not a soldier but I found myself in charge of thousands of men." "I was able to cope with such an enormous responsibility because I believed I was fighting for a better world." "will that be true for the others ?" "I think so." "Excuse me, general." "I want to send my wife a message." "But there's no pen or paper." "I want to ask her to forgive me for having abandoned her." "For leaving her and my children alone." "I want to ask forgiveness for causing her suffering and to be strong." "I want to tell her I've always loved her and the children, even though I didn't show it." "And I want to tell her to get my money back from the mechanic and that I gave the bike to GiuIia's brother." "She must ask for it back, so she can sell it." "And I want to tell her, that when this is over, to take the children to see my parents so they can meet their grandparents." "Piperno SamueIe." "Fontani Mario." "AIbertini Luciano." "SinigaIIia Leone." "PasquaIi Antonio." "Foi Davide." "Marconi PaoIo." "Leti AbeIe." "Funaro Davide." "Di Castro Giuseppe." "Giovanni Braccioforte della Rovere." "Go." "well ?" "Did he talk ?" "Do you know who he is ?" " Who ?" " You know, Fabrizio." "Is he one of them ?" "He must've talked to you !" "During a night like tonight, one confides in others." "What do you know ?" "Have you ever spent a night like this ?" "Did he talk ?" "Do you know who he is ?" "Give me a pencil, please." "please deliver these few words to Countess della Rovere." "Open it." "Open it !" "MY LAST THOUGHTS ARE FOR YOU LONG LIVE ITALY" "Open it." "What are you doing ?" "Open it." "Look !" "What are you doing ?" "They're going to die !" "gentlemen, at this special time, we remember our families, our country, and His Majesty the King." "Long live italy !" "We got it wrong, sir." "Ten men were supposed to be executed." "I was wrong, lieutenant." "I was wrong."