"Man to Men" "Based on the life of Henri Dunant, founder of the Red Cross" "Made with the help of the UN Council on Cinema and the French Red Cross" "Mr. Henri Dunant ?" "Yes ?" "The whole world owes you a debt." "Yet millions don't know who you are." "Why ?" "Perhaps some people don't really care about the subject." "Anyway, humanity owes me nothing." "Between it and me there's been an old love story... which hasn't always gone well." "I've loved it, and my love hasn't always been returned." "Maybe it was my fault." "It all happened quite by chance." "I was in Algeria in 1858." "It was hot." "The settlers couldn't remember when it had been so hot." "To operate the concession..." "I had only a single European with me." "Edmond Coquillet." "What's the matter ?" "Good news." "Godforsaken hole !" "Don't tire yourself, I understand - it's thirst." "The boss is the same, he doesn't have any." "For everyone - share it." "Nice job !" "Too bad there's no water." "They promised the concession would have water." "Who ?" "The government ?" "The department ?" "If you were French you'd understand." "The purpose of bureaucrats is bureaucracy." "The more bureaucracy, the less things work." "No water, naturally." "Want today's total ?" "Eight sheep in 10 days." " Dead ?" " And buried." "They'll all go, then us." "Send all the animals north." "Don't lose hope in Providence." "I know :" "Allah is great." "But he seems a little hard of hearing." "Minister, this can't go on." "I've sent you 15 reports on my situation." " I've forwarded them." " I need water." "I don't have any." "If we don't get the water we were promised, we're ruined." "Have you at least read them ?" "I can't do everything." "I've forwarded them." "To people who don't care." "I'm protecting somebody else's investment." "It's not my money to lose." "Then what do you care ?" "I'm responsible." "My countrymen have sunk a fortune into this." "Foreigners can't expect favors here." "I just want what I was promised." "Do you blame me for not being French ?" "I'm not blaming you for anything." "I don't know what you're blaming me for." "Swiss or Patagonian, it's all the same to me." "I'm here to forward, and I've forwarded." "Think it's too hot ?" "Complain to the Emperor." "I'll forward it." "Water." " Anything wrong ?" " Yes, I'm tired." "Tired of of the sun, the sand, the women." "So tired I'm sick of it." "And I'm sick and tired of being tired." "Where's that water ?" "Godforsaken hole !" "The women smell like camels, the camels smell like piss." "And I'm roasting day and night." " What's that ?" " A gunshot !" "The boss could come back." "His crazy idea of never carrying a gun will get him one day." "An idealist." "Going unarmed in a country where they're so happy to see us." "Boss say poison bad for head." "What does he know ?" "He's a saint : an innocent." "Poison good for dreaming." "Take a whiff of that." "It smells like Paris." "The boulevards..." "I see the trees." "Real ones... sycamores." "And the women..." "Real ones." "Blondes." " Boss coming back." " I don't care." "I'm at the Moulin Rouge." "The smell of patchouli, tobacco" "The yelling, dancing... singing." "It's great, the French working up a sweat together." "You're a poor wicked man." "And handsome !" "Like a Greek god." "Fat lot of good it does ;" "no one here but you." "Boss." " Did you bring back water ?" " No, but we'll have it soon." "In a month of Sundays." "And that's fine by you." "Three more sheep and a cow died after you left." "Take some quinine ; it'll do you good." "I've decided to go see the Emperor." "He's waging war in Italy." "Take another pill ;" "the sun's fried your brain." "I'll get the Emperor to make good on the promises we were given." "You think Napoleon will see you ?" "Even if he does, by the time you get back... there'll be no one left here." "The sky is full of clouds." "Like every night, but it never rains." "I'll ask the Lord to help us." "Even better !" "First Napoleon, now God." "I'm drinking, but you're the one raving." "If it takes God and Napoleon to fix things, we're done for." "How about some common sense ?" "I hate common sense." "It's mediocrity." "You want something to eat ?" "Eat ?" "The boss is in conference with upper management." "To get it to rain." "Thunder, lightning, downpour, the whole nine yards." "Do you think it's going to rain ?" "No, it'll blow over." "And he still believes in miracles." "No point wearing yourself out." "It's not going to rain." "Not a chance !" " You smell of absinthe." " Yes, I've been drinking." "Because I don't believe anymore." "You read the Bible." "But you can't run a concession with it." "Or with letters from ministers, or rules of the Christian Union !" "Some suckers might still take you seriously but I'm through !" "I've got a good mind to" "I'm sorry." "I can't take it anymore." "It's alright." "You work too much, talk too much." "Sometimes I get carried away by my ideas." "Don't be afraid." "I go where I'm called." "I'll see the Emperor ;" "we'll leave tomorrow." "Three weeks later, in an old coach... accompanied by the administrator of the society... we travelled through Lombardy... in search of an elusive emperor." "There were signs of him everywhere, but he was nowhere to be found." "Is that a cannon ?" "Si signor !" "Magnificent !" "You think so ?" "Horrible noise !" " Cannons." " This time the Emperor must be nearby." "I wonder if this is a good time to see him." "But that's what we came for." "To defend your interests." "If you're afraid, you don't have to come." "I'm not afraid ;" "I'm careful." "I think it would be safer to stop." "When we're nearly there ?" "It's the storm." "Sorry, I think I was snoring." "Mr. Routorbe is worried ;" "he can hear the Emperor coughing." "He looks ill." "This won't end well." "Fire !" "Those soldiers are shooting the others !" "Impossible !" "Coachman - stop !" " Why are you shooting these men ?" " They're Austrians." " Disarmed prisoners !" " Prisoners slow us down." "This is appalling !" "Who are you ?" "What are you doing here ?" " Officer" " Lieutenant !" "We're looking for the Emperor." "The Emperor's pissing his pants !" "As for you, get out of here or I'll open fire on you." "Yes, sir !" "Long live the French Army !" "Long live Garibaldi !" "They'll think we're spies !" "They'll shoot us !" " It's a risk we have to take." " Cheerfully." "You're turning a nice green, Mr. Routorbe." "Half spinach, half rhubarb." "We can't go on !" "You agreed to the risk when we hired you." "It's not me ; the horses won't go on !" "They won't turn down 200 lire to go on." "No one's looking after these poor men, or even cares." "The wounded are dead weight to an army - useless." "The faster they die, the better." "Fortunes of war." "What if it were you ?" "We must be getting close to the Emperor." "We're in the middle of the battle !" "Between two armies !" " Oh stop, you're annoying me !" " Annoying us !" "You can get out if you want." "Absolutely crazy." "And how could I manage on my own ?" "You're crazy !" "Turn around !" "I told you this would end badly !" " You can get out." " The bridge is closed." "The officer says these damned civilians should piss off." " Lieutenant" " Captain !" "Excuse me, but I want an audience with the Emperor." "I have important business to discuss with his Majesty." "His Majesty is filling his boots !" "Get out of here !" " Do you understand ?" " I understand we're on a battlefield... and Napoleon is on the other bank." "You think the Emperor will bother about your little water holes ?" "Not just ours - yours too." "You're as crazy as he is." "I thought you had common sense." "Common sense is mediocrity." "Don't listen to him." "See if there's a way across the river." "Now you want to drown us ?" "It should be possible to cross here." "Anything's possible for brave men, but it's a big risk for the horses." "Two hundred lire for the horses." "The Austrians are 100 meters away !" "What do we do ?" "Where can we go ?" "Up to the house, quickly !" " Are you wounded ?" " No, just deaf." "Then help me block the windows." "Do you know where the Emperor is ?" "On horseback if he's not on foot." "Bring the mattresses." "Sure." "Lend a hand !" "They're shooting through the window you know." " Better to keep away then." " Always playing it safe." "The Austrians are coming !" "Don't move !" "Stop !" "Hospital !" "At noon the French, with Garibaldi's Italians, counter attacked." "That night, 40,000 wounded were strewn over the battlefield." "For the Italians, it was their liberation." "This is Castiglione." "I have friends who'll give you a room." "Fine, you take care of it." "This one's an Austrian !" "Bastard !" "There's no more room in the church." "Where should I put him ?" "Wherever you like, there's more to bring in." "I don't want to die." "Don't let me die." "Prayers aren't enough for such suffering Father." "Before such suffering, God is our only help." "In Africa, I knew a man who prayed every night for rain." "It never rained." "What can we do ?" "They're thirsty ;" "where could I find water for them ?" " There's a well in the garden." " Show me." "Help me get him in the church." "With the French wounded ?" "They'll attack him." "The French have their own suffering." "Take his feet." "The Emperor is at Brescia, 3 km away !" "Coquillet, tell those Italians this isn't the time for dancing." " They're celebrating." " They can do it tomorrow." "To help these men we need linen, straw, food." " Routorbe, give him money." " I don't have authorization for that !" "Coquillet, take all the money in my pocket and buy what you can." "And bring back men to help me." "I don't know Italian, but I'll make them understand. 'Tutti fratelli' - they'll know." "We didn't come here for that !" "All this suffering ;" "we have to do what we can." "A lot of bother." "How many can you save ?" "Even one would be great." "The Emperor is 3 km away." "The Emperor can wait." "Sire, the man's dedication is admirable." "The wounded call him 'The Man in White'." "Your turn, Marshal." "Three points down, General." "With the help of Italian sympathizers he's set up a hospital." "There are only 2 doctors :" "one of ours, and an Englishman." "Marshal, you'll be beaten like an Austrian." "And what does he want, your Man in White ?" "He begs an audience with Your Majesty." "We're in a good mood, and grant his wish." "Should we try a direct hit or off the side ?" "Mr. Henri Dunant." "Forgive me for appearing before Your Majesty stained with blood and dirt." "I know of your fine conduct, and thank you for your efforts." "I beg Your Majesty's help to carry them out." "We're short of everything, but especially doctors." "Our few medical officers are overwhelmed." "There are several surgeons among the Austrian prisoners." "Just a few could save 500 wounded." "You'd entrust our wounded to the enemy ?" "I'm convinced these men will help us loyally... and they'll deserve your confidence." "Gentlemen, what do you think of this daring plan ?" " It seems reckless to me." " It's never been done." "All the more reason to try." "How can I tell Your Majesty the hell I've witnessed these last 3 days ?" "The horror I've seen and heard is beyond imagining." "I've seen maggots in wounds ;" "men screaming, weeping, begging for death." "Sire, I beg for help !" "Good intentions aren't enough." "I must have doctors !" "Your brave soldiers deserve it." "Monsieur, I'll give you your surgeons when you give me back my button." "Forgive me, Your Majesty ;" "I'm tired and feverish" "Take Mr. Dunant to the prisoners' camp." "Mr. Dunant, I hope you will not be disappointed." " You saw the Emperor ?" " Just now." "What about our water rights ?" "I totally forgot to mention it." "What ?" "You forgot ?" "Gentlemen, there are surgeons among you." "Please stand up and identify yourselves." "The Emperor of France wishes the Austrian doctors to cooperate... in tending to the wounded of Solferino." "Will you agree ?" "It's not for us to look after the French... while our countrymen die like dogs." "In the church where I've set up a hospital..." "I make no distinction between the wounded." "All I see are suffering men." "I'm not concerned with nationality." "And I'll continue to do it, whatever you decide." "Will you work with me ?" "Sir, my colleagues and I are at your disposal." "The gold coins Aunt Amelie left me... are in a cigar box... at the foot of the third apple tree on the left." "It's such torment to die without seeing you again." "It is good to have a victory ;" "but dying is not fun." "I kiss you again, and the little one... from far away." "Some might say, from Heaven." "Signed, François." "To Mrs. François Fromant, Pressigny, I'Isère." "It was beautiful there, beautiful." "Don't go !" "You're my friend." "I don't even know your name." " How stupid." " Edmond." "Cigar ?" "One for you and one for your friend." "He's dead." "Why are you waiting ?" "Have him taken out." " I was thinking about him." " We'll think later." "Every moment wasted is a moment stolen from the others." "Cigar ?" " Cigar ?" " I don't like it." "Everyone has to smoke." "To get rid of the stink and the flies." "Can you save him, doctor ?" " I have to talk to you." " No time." "I've been waiting 2 hours !" "Too bad." "There's straw to fetch and potatoes to peel." " How are you doing ?" " Bored." "Good." "Boredom's part of healing." "What this soldier's playing is an offense to God." "You're exaggerating !" "It's just a song." "Mr. Dunant, I need chloroform." "It's almost all gone." "I have to cut both a man's legs off." "Come to the presbytery." "It's an Austrian." "That's never made any difference." "Cigar ?" " You have sheets ?" " Yes, the Countess gave them to us." "Make them into good bandages." "We need them." "This is my last reserve." "I hope you can save your comrade." "Take all the bandages you need." " Now do you have time to listen to me ?" " No." "Do you expect me to hang around here forever ?" "You're not working ;" "no one will miss you." " We came here to" " I know." "Don't bother me with that." "Your time belongs to you, but not mine." "And especially not the Society's money." "Do you know how much your philanthropy has cost us ?" "Wasted money." "Wasted time." "Bean-counting !" "Don't you understand what we're doing here ?" "Go back to Geneva." "One less fly to bother us." "You'll regret those words." "You'll regret them bitterly." "Some ladies to see you." "Send them in." "Milan is ringing with praise for your charity." "I've come to help." "I say thank you sir, for suffering humanity." "What can I do for you, Madame ?" "I'm the Countess Angelina Tamberlani de la Torre." " The niece of Cardinal" " Please, Madame." "I've left everything :" "my palace, my beloved husband... my children, my dogs, my flowers, to come and help the Man in White." "Oh, my !" "What a mess !" "Do you mind if I straighten up your things a bit ?" "And add a little smile to" "You're mistaken, Madame ;" "it's the wounded who need you." "Oh, the poor things !" "I'll look after them, I'll sing them songs... make them bouquets of flowers." "Oh, is this your hat ?" "How funny !" "Our work is hard and often unpleasant." "Well, I can't stand the sight of blood." "And dead people make me sick." "But I'll do whatever you command." "Good." "Bandage-making." "You'll make bandages next door." "And be quick !" "You're my commander." "It'll be wonderful !" "And like your friend, Madame, I suppose :" "no stumps, no pus, no blood and especially no vermin." "It'll be hard work, but I think I'm brave enough." " You're French ?" " Yes, from Strasbourg." "This work can be tiring, and dangerous." "Infection, disease is possible." "I've lost my husband, my little boy is in England." "I've been travelling for pleasure ;" "I'd like to be useful." " What's your name ?" " Elsa Kastner." "Peace returned." "Madame Kastner went back to Paris." "Castiglione returned to normal." "Forgetting all the excitement it had gone through." "I was alone with my memories." "Coquillet went back to Africa, where water still eluded us... and the sheep still died." "I went to a cottage in the mountains of Switzerland." "But neither the scenery nor the solitude... could cure my nervous exhaustion." "Solferino - the way painters see it in their studios." "Or that, or that." "Flags fluttering over rearing horses." "Humble homage to massacre." "Some wounded men - not too many." "You mustn't be depressing." "All done in bright colors." "And for the naïve, in museums..." "Solferino is this masquerade." "People who paint war like this are criminals." "Describing war like this is a cheat." "Mama, I described Solferino in my book, in all its horror." "You're right, dear, your book was very good." "It was horrible !" "Horrible because it was true." "You're right." "But the others aren't always wrong." " What others ?" " Some people criticize you." "There's some truth in what they say." "They entrusted a lot of money to you." "Money !" "Always money !" "Don't be angry, Henri." "Money isn't everything... but it's still important." "They think you should be in Algeria." "Coquillet's there ;" "he knows the job better than me." "They entrusted it to you." "You're just not reasonable." "Reasonable !" "Self-centered, thick-skinned, money-hungry ;" "that's what they mean by reasonable." "They're not so high-strung ;" "they're down-to-earth." "Down to earth is where the wounded die." "I came here to try to forget, but I can't." "I'm still in that church, hearing the screams, groans... the horrible stench, choking me" "Calm down, Henri." "When I say there are lives to save, they say "The sheep need to be fatter"." "One livestock or another ;" "I've made my choice." "I had to write that book ;" "now people have to know !" "Look :" "letters from France, Russia, England, Prussia." "They all say the same thing :" "Such horror must never happen again." "Can you stop it all by yourself ?" "You know the lawyer, Gustave Moynier." "The great Swiss General Dufour." "Appia, Maunoir, 2 great doctors." "We're meeting in Geneva." "The 5 of us will do great things." "You frighten me, Henri !" "You gave your word." "To all those who died in my arms, do you think I didn't make them promises ?" "Our goal : to create an aid society... to be absolutely neutral following the Swiss model." "Our first step is clearly to define a law... which we can integrate with international law." "I have the same goal, but a different method." "Don't always interrupt !" "Moynier, your legal memos will go from Consulate to Chancellery." "They'll be passed along." "I want to raise consciousness." "Let's not get carried away by our feelings." "It's an attractive idea" " Well, it was my idea !" " Of course." "But to implement it, we have to do things methodically." "And leave it dry and lifeless." "You remove the revolutionary side of my idea." "You're right, but so is Moynier." "An international agreement, discussed and ratified by governments... is needed to give us proper authority." "Quite right." "I know, but I want to go straight to the Kings and Emperors." "Tell them what I've seen, man to men." "And call an international conference in whose name ?" "Ours ?" "Five men nobody knows in Geneva ?" "People know you, General." "I know military men ;" "they'll laugh in your face." "When I've tended their wounded ?" "Gentlemen, let's try to go forward." "I propose we call our association..." "The Geneva Committee for Relief to the Wounded." "Do you agree ?" "No, I think it's weak." "I'd prefer "Universal Association--"" ""Universal" ?" "There are 5 of us !" "There will be millions !" "We'll hold a conference in Geneva... and invite all of Switzerland ;" "the whole of Europe." "What do men do to prevent war ?" "To avoid this monstrosity ?" "Nothing !" "On the contrary, they're motivated by glory." "And the higher the number of dead, the greater the glory." "If we're mad enough to engage in war... we can at least limit the horror." "No matter how well-organized the massacre... it's not just dead on the field of battle, there are also wounded." "Join with us in waging a peaceful war." "A war on suffering." "Follow us !" "Support us !" "It's everyone's duty." "It is part of man's destiny, and his dignity." "I counted your audience : 12." "Thirteen, Moynier." "One left before the end." "Good intentions don't pay the rent." "Nothing will discourage me." "I'm going to Paris ;" "I have friends who'll listen." "If you find speech-making entertaining." "Your 2 methods compliment each other :" "Moynier in Geneva is the organizer ;" "Dunant will be our prophet." "How nice of you to come !" "Mr. Henri Dunant is quite busy, but I'll introduce you to him shortly." "The blood !" "The pus !" "The flies !" "My book describes it." " Have you read it ?" " Not yet." "Read it ; you have to." "To know the other side of a great victory." "Blood, pus, flies." " I have to see some friends" " Tell them they must stop such horrors." "Count on me." "Mr. Dunant is very nice, but all he talks about is pus, blood and flies." "You're making me ill !" " What is he promoting ?" " An aid society." " Universal !" " And permanent !" "May I introduce Mr. Henri Dunant to you ?" "We've already had the honor." " We were just praising him." " He's an extraordinary man." "Is there anything you need ?" "Excuse me." " Well, Jerome !" " Elsa." "You were talking to the Man in White ; what do you think ?" "Interesting, and unusual." "He's obsessed with his idea." "An admirable idea." "Your admiration adds to your beauty." "You're radiant !" "Don't make fun of me." "If you're my friend, you'll be his too." "I already am." "But look." "Fresh victims of his passionate eloquence." "He's got them now !" "He's got them buttonholed." "Only a miracle will save them." "Mademoiselle Hortense Schneider." "What would you have done in my place ?" "Hortense Schneider is here !" " Can I explain" " Later !" "Or we'll miss the concert !" "Time for the concert, while I'm telling you what I've seen." "You know, we didn't even have straw !" "Nothing to soak up the blood !" "And an Austrian surgeon threw up while amputating a leg." "They listen politely then run off to listen to this canary." "It's really discouraging." "You're by yourself ?" "You should have said you were having a concert." "I'd have come another time." "How can I show your friends what their duty is... if I have to move over for this canary !" " Don't be angry." " I don't need this competition !" "I used Miss Schneider to attract people you need to meet." "I'd be too boring on my own." "That meeting you wanted with the Minister of War ?" "It was the canary who got it for you." "That's just... pathetic !" "My friend, there's a leader in you :" "I feel dwarfed before you." "But there's also an angry, prickly child I want to help." "I annoy you, but I've got you here and I won't let you go." "I'm being unfair to you." "A little." "You ask a lot of your friends." "It was necessary at Castiglione." "But we're at peace now." "For how long ?" "I've written to all the top Ministers of Europe." "No one has responded." "All they think about is new wars." "Maybe they're just chasing other Hortense Schneiders." "I can see you want to get back to your pen and papers." "Now you're the one being unfair." "I understand you, Elsa, even your silences." " And you know" " What ?" "Goodnight, Elsa." "Any letters for me ?" "Yes, and a gentleman arrived just after you left." " Did he give his name ?" " I forgot." "We're inching along, but at least I'm getting replies." " Europe is stirring." " What's Europe doing ?" "Reacting slowly, but still reacting." "Isn't it better when things are quiet ?" "Not this time." " You don't owe anyone money ?" " No." "You don't know how lucky you are." "And the gentleman waiting for you ?" "He's been there since 5:00 ?" "It could be someone you owe money to." " Mr. Henri Dunant ?" " Yes." "Dr. Basting, chief medical officer of the Dutch Army." "I read your book with deep emotion." "At the International Convention you've called..." "I can guarantee that Holland will ratify." " They'll be the first." " Others will follow." "I came early from Amsterdam to express to you my country's admiration." "I'm deeply touched, sir." "But other countries were slow to follow Holland." "I worked late into the night, corresponding far and wide." "After working all day, making no progress..." "I often fell asleep at my desk, pursued by nightmares." "I was exhausted." "But I kept going." "First International Assembly of Geneva" "I just have to finish recopying this note." "But I'm listening." "Listening, but you haven't heard a word." "It looks like I picked a bad day to come." "A very great day." "I suppose things aren't going too well in Algeria." "How's the work ?" "We've dug some very nice holes... but the water never comes." "I've written 10 times, but you never answered." " I've been swamped." " And I've been hot." "And more and more thirsty." "And I never could get used to black skin... if it's even black." "But it's green." "So I've given my resignation." "Your resignation." "There : finished !" "Where's my tie ?" "Have you seen my tie ?" "I refuse your resignation." "I know I've neglected Algeria, but I'll set things right." "There's my tie." "We'll head back there at the end of the week... and the two of us will work miracles." "You'll have to work them without me." "I'm getting married." "To the daughter of a Parisian barber." "A nice shop, all marble and glass... and a pretty blonde." "Love and loyalty guaranteed." "But what about me, your old companion ?" "You're deserting me ?" "I was too hot." "Too thirsty." "And such a nice shop !" "I'll never get such a chance again." "Check that the ink wells are full." "And I want pencils too." "Sharpened, of course." " Have the plants arrived ?" " With 6 hydrangeas." "No flowers, just plants." "Potted plants - that's all." "Replace that blotter, it's stained." " Moynier, can I have a word ?" " Go ahead." " And the chairman's bell ?" " I've ordered 2 to choose from." "I spent the night writing some notes on the neutrality of first aid services." " It's not on the agenda." " But it's vital !" "We don't want the wounded and medical staff considered belligerants." "That'll clash with the military ;" "it could sidetrack the conference." "It'll mean it succeeds against them !" "You're so pigheaded !" "Fine." "I'll give your note to the General." "As Chairman, he'll decide what to do with it." "Dufour is the Chairman ?" "For the first meeting :" "Maunoir and Appia insisted." "You like to write ;" "you can be the Secretary." "A telegram for you, Mr. Dunant." "Mr. Moynier, the bells are here." "Would you care to choose one ?" ""Your happy and proud friend, on the great day of your triumph." "Elsa Kastner"" "In a troubled world, filled with calls for violence... to those voices raised timidly to defend the spirit of charity... other voices have answered." "You bring us a great hope, and there are no words to express our thanks." "I salute you, the official delegates of the 14 European nations... who have answered our call." "The work we are embarking upon will recognize no side, no race." "It recognizes neither country nor religion." "It recognizes only suffering, wherever it arises... and its victims, whoever they may be." "Gentlemen, we must choose a flag." "The Dutch delegate, Dr. Basting proposes that it be white with a red cross." "The reverse of the flag of Switzerland, in honor of the country... where this great idea first arose." "All in favor ?" "Unanimous." "Gentlemen, I thank you in the name of my countrymen." "And I declare the first general meeting open." "Mr. Chairman, I request the floor." "Dr. Basting, representative of Holland." "True, this idea was born in Switzerland." "But it did not give birth to itself." "It sprang from a wounded spirit." "To whom do we owe it ?" "Who, by his revolutionary genius brought it to life ?" "Who, finally, is the promoter and true founder of our association ?" "It's him, hidden behind the podium !" "I've seen his work." "Dunant was undeterred by any obstacle." "By any fatigue." "This great man, this noble man." "I invite you to proclaim that he is an honor to humanity !" "Allow me to add my congratulations." "Thank you, Routorbe, I'm very touched." "We're different men, serving very different causes." "Philanthropy and business." "But we bring the same passion" " I'm sure of it." " Thank you." "I'd be sorry if you saw any personal hostility... in the measures I've had to take." "What measures ?" "I'm suing you for your mismanagement of the money we entrusted to you." "Experts have examined your books." "They've been unable to account for some of the money you spent." "Accounting is not my strength." "I was preoccupied with other matters." "Unfortunate." "But that's not all." "You drew your complete salary while absent from Algeria for 2 years." "A friend replaced me." "And I was detained by travelling in Europe." "What was the cause for this absence ?" "The founding of the Red Cross." "That's exactly what we're complaining about !" "Your philanthropy came at our expense... by selling land that didn't belong to you." "I don't understand why Geneva blames me for poor business decisions." "When I've created something all Switzerland can be proud of." "To found the Red Cross, I'd have gotten the money no matter how..." "Even stolen it." "But you did, Mr. Dunant !" "You place the court in a difficult position." "History may decide that you were right." "Before the Law, you are wrong." "The verdict was harsh." "Needless to say, I respect you." "But how will our foreign friends react ?" "No one knows more than I how much you've done for the Red Cross." "But I must ask a further sacrifice from you." "My resignation." "I don't demand it." "Here it is." "I saw this coming." "I've written so many letters for the Red Cross." "What's one more ?" "Do you know what you'll do now ?" "Leave Geneva." "I'll go to Paris." "Where I have real friends." "Right, left - perfect !" "Not a hair out of place !" " You like the tapering ?" " Perfect !" "I see you're a connaisseur." "A pleasure to cut your hair." " The baby's crying." " He's teething." "He only has one - tiny." "Parents are crazy." "We celebrate the tiniest things." "A shampoo, haircut and a moustache trim." "300 centimes." "A sou !" "That's a nice customer !" "Amelie, go quiet Sebastian !" " Babies cry !" " Others maybe, not mine." "Oh, you softy !" "I saw you through the window." "So, you've become a barber ?" "What can I do for you ?" " A shave." " Have a seat." "So, you're in Paris." "Looking for the Emperor ?" "As if !" "What an ordeal !" "Those who've gone through that together should be friends for life." "Careful !" "But then they lose track of each other." "You disappeared." " Dunant too." " People go their separate ways." " I've heard he's in Paris." " Really ?" "Just between us..." "At Castiglione..." "Did you get the impression that there was something... between him and Madame Kastner ?" "You had time to watch them, you didn't do anything." "She's very rich, and if he married her" "That would suit you fine." "Careful !" "You could get back what he owes you." "With interest, of course." "But you can forget that." "He's disappeared." "There'd be a nice reward for whoever could help me find him." "You think I'm a rat ?" "Watch out;" "I haven't been a barber that long." "A bit of ear can come off just like that." "Don't move." "You're joking !" "I'll be right back." "Don't move." "It's Routorbe in the chair !" "He wanted to know where you live ;" "I played dumb." "Here's the 10 francs you lent me." " There's no hurry." " I found work." "I do copying." "I'm always here for you." "Have you heard the news ?" "The baby has a tooth." "Five months !" "Wonderful !" "When are you coming to supper ?" "I'm very busy right now." "I'll drop in some evening." "My husband left you alone ?" "Just for a moment ; it doesn't matter." "We discovered we have a mutual friend." "Henri Dunant." "You know him too ?" "He has dinner here twice a week." "I have some good news for him." "Would you know his address ?" "Yes, I go sometimes to tidy up." "21 rue de la Rampe." "I've finally found the great man's address :" "21 rue de la Rampe." "Why didn't he let me know ?" "I mean, me and his friends." "From what I've heard, he's not doing very well." "Why didn't he write me ?" "I mean, me and all of us." "He was being tactful." "Jerome, do you know if he's very unhappy ?" "Men like him live through their imagination." "His mind is full of great plans." "Do you know if..." "It's hard to ask." " What ?" " Guess..." "I want to know if" "Your best friend has guessed." "He lives alone." "Even, terribly alone." "If I'd known you were so concerned about him, I'd have" "What ?" "All I can do is wait." "Patiently." "Come in." "If you're here to seize my comb and toothbrush, they're ready." "Save the lecture." "You're within your rights." "You're serving a great cause." "But hurry, I have work to do." " What sort ?" " I'm copying out parts for a play :" "The Cuckold of Montélimar." "The world breathlessly awaits this message." "You know all the sovereigns of Europe, and you want me to believe... that you've gotten nothing out of it ?" "That your Red Cross hasn't made a mint for you ?" " It's cost me dearly." " Less than us." "Wherever you go, I'll find you." "Neither distance nor years will deter me." "One day or another you'll pay, down to the last penny." "So I live in this hovel and copy out farces just for fun ?" "Well, what's keeping you from marrying Madame Kastner ?" "Rich, beautiful, widowed." "If you'd wanted to" "Silence !" "I forbid you to speak of her !" " To utter her name !" " It's in your interest" "Enough !" "You worm !" "Get out !" "Why did you bring me to such a place ?" " To get you to drink." " Another one." "When you feel tipsy, let me know." "I have for a while now !" "Everyone here is having fun." "I hope it's contagious." "You're so funny !" "What are you trying to do ?" "To make you forget worldly conventions." "The prejudices of a proper lady." " You're crazy." " You're laughing - great !" "Someone's joining us." "Someone entertaining, I hope." "Man or woman ?" "A saint." "A genuine saint, I hope to turn into a regular man." "And if you'll help me, a happy man." "That's not fair, Jerome." "You had no right" "I'm going." "I waited until the last moment." "If you leave, you'll meet him in the hall or outside." " Take me to my carriage now." " No." " My hands are cold, my throat's dry." " A little more champagne." " I'll never forgive you." " Yes you will." "Tomorrow." "Does he know I'm here ?" "He's like you, full of scruples." "If he'd known, he wouldn't have come." " There he is !" " I want to hide." "I'm going to die !" "An excellent sign !" " Is my hair alright ?" " It's lovely." " He doesn't see us." " Good." "If you don't want to see him, we could just let him leave." " He's going !" " So ?" " Wave to him !" " What a bother !" "I was confused by this noise and crowd." "Remember Madame Kastner ?" "She said since you'd forgotten her address... she'd come to meet you." "It's not true, you don't deserve such reproach." "Sit down." "Waiter, a glass." "And another bottle." "She was counting all the people kissing here." "What was the total ?" "So many I got mixed up." " I never take champagne." " It's water !" "No danger of getting tipsy." "None at all." "Just in time for the main attraction." "I see some friends over there." " Don't leave !" " Just a few minutes." "Promise." "What are you thinking about ?" "I was thinking it's a long time since we've met." "Yes." "At the ball." "You understand that if I've avoided you... it's not because I don't care." " But for another reason." " What ?" "I've been working hard." "I sent a report to Geneva... on the situation of prisoners." "The Red Cross is going to take them under its protection." "It's a great victory." "Wonderful !" "Will you pour me another glass ?" "Sorry." "I'm awkward." "And a little moved, too." "Really ?" "It's so rare to be out together, just the two of us." " The Red Cross" " You said you deliberately avoided me." "What did I do to deserve that ?" "Won't you tell me ?" " I can't." " Why ?" "I'm your friend." "More than a friend." "Everything could be so simple." "Elsa, I was tried and found guilty." "It's not just about repaying the money." "The cruelty is that it bars me forever from being happy." "No right to a home..." "To rest when I'm weary." "To a friend who loves and understands me." "No right to anything, Elsa." "Soon I could no longer afford to rent this poor room." "I was turned out." "I became homeless." "Citizens :" "The crisis is at hand, the cannon roars..." "You have endured siege, but Paris will never yield to the Prussians." "The Government will not surrender !" "Not an inch of our land, not a stone of our fortresses." "Vive la France !" ""Will substitute for 2500 Francs"" " Cigarette ?" " No thanks." " How's the arm ?" " Not bad." " Be patient." "And how are you doing ?" "Better." "A bed, sheets ;" "a change from Sebastopol !" " Could I give you this letter to send ?" " Of course." "Mr. Dunant, my brother brought me something special." "It'll make a good stew." "Nice, eh ?" "You've been so good to us, I'll give it to you." "Thanks." "Put it back in the box, we'll take it to the kitchen." "Did you read this ?" ""Not one stone from our fortresses !" "Not one inch of our land !"" "I'd prefer not one leg of our soldiers, not one arm of our children !" "No sleeping on the job, Miss !" "She was sleeping, I woke her up and she fell down." "She's injured !" "Take her to the bandaging room." "Yesterday she was jabbed by an unsterilized scalpel." "She didn't complain of anything today, but she was feverish." "I hope it's not serious." "You set a bad example." "You work too hard and people copy you." " Is it really serious ?" " I'm afraid so." "She's exhausted." "And the same thing will happen to you if you don't rest." "How can I rest when others are suffering ?" "Proclamation :" "By order of the Government... the National Guard will muster before the local Town Hall..." "The government is so weak ;" "bombing all day long..." "Falling back by inches !" "What would you do ?" "If I were the government ?" "Charge !" "A mass charge !" "It would be heroic, desperate." "The drums !" "Magnificent !" "It makes me want to leap into the saddle !" " You're not in the National Guard ?" " No." "Why ?" "Well, I am." "That one almost got us." "The shop !" "What's happened ?" "Do you think the drummer's dead ?" "My lovely shop !" "Proclamation :" "By order of the Government..." "The National Guard will muster tomorrow at 5:00 before the local Town Hall... in uniform and with 2 days' provisions." "Long live the defenders of the homeland." "Signed, General Trochu." "This is it." "A mass charge." "Finally, Paris defends itself." "You'll be part of it, Coquillet." "What luck !" "Long live the National Guard !" "Long live the government !" "Long live General Trochu !" "Do you think it's serious ?" "A campaign with two days' provisions." "A stray lock of hair ;" "maybe it'll bring me luck." "Halt !" " The Prussians ?" " Already ?" "Lieutenant, what's that encampment over there ?" " Henri Dunant's field hospital." " The Red Cross man ?" "March past !" "Shoulder arms !" "Forward march !" "Doctor, come quick !" "It's my friend... my only friend." "Where was he hit ?" "To the operating table at once." " Mr. Dunant !" " Not now, please." "Madame Kastner is asking for you." "She's worse ?" "Are you thirsty ?" "Is there anything you want ?" "Jean..." "You're there..." "Thank you for coming." "Don't speak." "I've had to be silent all my life... waiting for a word you wouldn't utter." "I couldn't." "But you knew" "Yes." "I knew." "But the sweetness of hearing you say it... just one time." "Elsa, from the day I first saw you in Castiglione... in that room in the rectory... from the first moment..." "I've loved you." "And all my life I've loved only you." "Henri, from the day I first saw you... in Castiglione... in that room in the rectory... from the first moment..." "I've loved you." "And all my life I've loved only you." "Hold my hand tight." "To hear it... and say it too... then... happy." "Forever." "And so Madame Kastner died." "I had no right to let myself be bowed down by sorrow." "There was too much suffering." "Famine." "Cold." "There were too many wounded." "Stop !" "Keep together !" "Don't be scared." "Hurry up, those at the back !" "You can't pass !" "No access to the waterfront !" "I have written orders to evacuate these people." "Crazy !" "You're going to cross the Seine... while the Germans are shelling the bridges ?" " We'll go by boat." " Through the shelling ?" "Protected by the Red Cross." "The Prussians don't give a damn about the Red Cross !" " I'm sure they won't fire." " You'll be slaughtered !" "Wait for me !" "He'll be killed !" "Sebastian !" "Stop that noise !" "They're terrible !" "No complaints, though." "Three little demons." "Fourth one's on the way, business going well." "Life is good." "Are you used to your leg ?" "It even has its advantages." "I had rheumatism in my knees ;" "now half of it's gone." " You're a happy man." " I should be." "Sometimes I miss Algeria." "I drink an absinthe and I'm back there." "The sun, the godforsaken hole, the thirst." "And Aïcha..." "She had little black breasts, like ebony." "She smelled good." "Ah, youth !" "When I think of Algeria, I see those holes where the water never came." "The story of my life." "Justice is as rare as water in the desert." "I've been to London, where I was trying to start" "What's the use ?" "I'm tired of struggling, and tired of people." "I'm retiring." "My family's given me a little pension ;" "I'm going back to Switzerland." "Watch out for Philibert Routorbe." "I have nothing." "I'll be living with old friends who have a charming house." "In fact, it was a nursing home for the aged." "I had nothing more to do." "Nothing more to expect." "At least, that's what I thought." "I've just received this telegram : read it." " It's not possible, Doctor !" " Who could have expected it ?" "And how to tell him ?" "An old man of 72 ?" "It could kill him !" "How are you this evening ?" "A little older than yesterday." "A Norwegian paper has devoted an entire article to you, full of praise... describing how you founded the Red Cross." "Wasn't it the honorable Mr. Moynier who founded it ?" "The Norwegian parliament is awarding the first Nobel Peace Prize." "You're one of the nominees." "It seems you have a very good chance, even an excellent chance." "You're the front-runner." "Brace yourself, Mr. Dunant." "You have won the Nobel Prize !" "Papers all over the world are talking about you ; it's a great honor." "And the Prize comes with an award of money." "You're famous and rich !" "All Switzerland will celebrate you !" "I understand ; you're tired." "I'll leave you." "Goodnight, Mr. Dunant." "Are you pleased ?" "Very." "Very pleased." "The Peace Prize." "And the thought that I might have even deserved it a bit." "I'm glad you came." "If I weren't for the limp, I'd have gotten here faster." "Quiet everyone !" "I'm an old friend of Henri Dunant." "I know him well, and I can tell you that he's self-centered." "Very self-centered." "Right now, he should be in Berne... at a boring dinner with Ministers and Ambassadors." "But instead, he chose to do what he wanted :" "Dine with you, his old friends." "Henri, in the name of all those who, like me... were maimed on the battlefield..." "I wish to thank you." "Don't worry, I won't make a speech." "Over there are more than 2,000 letters... from all over the world... saying 'Thank you' in all languages." "They're answers to all the letters you've written over 30 years." "You see, Justice is lame, like Friendship... but it gets there in the end." "I raise my glass to my old friend, Henri Dunant." "To Henri Dunant !" "Now I live here, doing nothing... and expecting nothing... except death, which is slow to come." "The lunch bell." "I don't want to be late." "A hospital is a bit like school :" "discipline is necessary."