"BENGHAZI" "This was the drama of the Italian population in Benghazi and the Cyrenaic Jebel and it is dedicated to the WOMEN who on account of the war, bear the deepest sacrifices with the quietest faith" "The historical facts of this film are rigorously documented, the characters inspired by episodes from life truly experienced." "How many heavy tanks do those bastards have?" "We knock 'em down and more come!" "We'd need the 88 anti-tank guns." "Let's cut off the fire from the right." "Get me the third artillery." "Hello?" "Third artillery!" "Speak." " They're coming on the right." "They're about to enter a minefield on the left." "All artillery!" "Speak." " First, second, third artillery." "What?" "What?" "The upper 20!" "Yes, got it!" "Upper 20!" "Artillery, fire!" "No good." "Nothing can be done." "One goes down, 10 rise up!" "More and more, they come from everywhere." "We can't hold them off for long." " Yeah." "Make sure the anti-tank guns are put into operation." "Call their captain up." "Hello?" "Lieutenant Mellini?" "Hello?" "Lieutenant Mellini?" "Yes, from the right many are seen below." "Are the anti-tank guns firing?" "OK, fine." "Are they firing?" " Yeah, they're firing." "Radio News, bulletin number 238." "The HQ of the Armed Forces relates:" "On the Greek front, artillery activity has been broken and troops and convoys have been bombarded." "In Cyrenaica, the High Command, in order to avoid the circumvention of our land positions, has ordered the evacuation of the city." "So there we are." "Now it's Benghazi's turn." "Sandro, how many times must I tell you not to lie on the ground like a pig?" "Play on the couch or over there on the dining table." "Mama, you know how to do battles on the dining table?" "Just look!" "Look how tan you are!" "And can't you play another game?" "Always soldiers, always cannons." "Ooh!" "That's Papa!" "Papa!" "Papa!" "Mrs. Berti?" " Yes?" "What is it?" "I've a letter from your husband." " What did Papa write?" "Yes, yes." "Be good." "Leave the city now with Sandro." "The lieutenant who brings this will explain." "Don't lose time." "Enrico." "What happened?" " There's a very hard battle raging, Ma'am." "They have so many tanks, we can hardly stop them." "They have got very far?" "We're resisting for now hopefully we can contain them." "I'm leaving by plane for Italy to get some materials." "The Captain asked me to take you." " Thanks." "But I'm not moving from Benghazi." "I'll wait." " No, I'll join you soon at HQ." "There's time, it leaves in an hour." " But I've something to do first." "Go!" "Who's there?" " It's me." "Oh, Captain, you?" "My lady is gone?" " No, Sir." "How is that?" "Didn't she get my letter." " Yes, Sir, she did." "Where is she now?" " She just left, she'll be back soon." "With Sandro?" " No, the baby sleeps about this time." "Ah, right, true." "He's sleeping now." "Ooh!" "Papa!" "Papa!" "You're so bad, Papa!" " You call your papa bad?" "Those are things good children never say." "Right, Zimila?" "He's done nothing but call, "Papa!" "Papa!"" "And now you say "bad"?" "You're naughty." " No, you're naughty!" "Did you know, Papa, that Zimila is very naughty?" " Really?" "She drives me crazy, doesn't let me play when I want." "You call two guards, a policeman and have her arrested." "Fine, I'll have her arrested!" "Then I'll sing you a new song, shall I?" "Yes." "Let's hear it." "Go on!" "# Come with me, oh, beautiful brunette, # in search of a fortune under the golden stars." "My darling." "Zimila, dress him." " No, first the somersaults, Papa!" "Oh yeah, the somersaults." "Let's do them." "Are you ready, eh?" "One, two..." "and three!" "Ma'am is here." "I'll get it." " Take me with you, Papa?" "Yes, I'll take you." "Be good, OK?" "Dress the child." "Papa will call the guards and the police and have you arrested." "Carla." "Enrico!" "I've waited for you so long." "Have you been here long?" "No, I just got here." "Have you seen Sandro?" "Yes, I saw him." "Why didn't you leave?" "Let's go inside, OK?" "Why didn't you leave?" "If you start like that, I won't answer." " Why didn't you leave?" "For Sandro!" "In such a dangerous journey, I won't put the child at risk." "But the danger is in Benghazi, don't you see?" "I can't leave you in the midst of enemies while I'm away for who knows how long." "Nothing will happen here!" "I'm not here to argue." "I had rather a rough day and I thought at least I could be at ease in this:" "My family, my son." "Regarding Sandro, you." "Oh, me?" "Like you care about me." "You must leave Benghazi immediately." "The British can arrive at any moment." "I'm here because I had to grab some papers I didn't want taken." "I've all of a few minutes." "I'll find a car, a truck or some devil and get you out of here!" "To go where?" "To Tripoli." "From there you can go on to Italy." "Damn it!" "They just had to come now." "You go down in the shelter with Sandro while I find the means to get you out." "Wait!" "They're bombing now." " I've seen many already!" "Doctor!" " Oh, Enrico!" "When you did you arrive?" "I arrived this morning, but I'm leaving soon." "Ugh, always in the basement!" "The 84th bombing." "Enough is enough!" "They could've waited until we left." "A half hour more." "Well, I don't understand why we should leave Benghazi." "It's a collective madness." " Why, you'd like being under the British?" "No, for heaven's sake, don't put words in my mouth." "It's only I don't understand this fear." "The British are a civilized people." "Who bomb homes and hospitals." " By mistake." "They always make those mistakes." " I can't talk with you people." "You have a misconception about the war." "There must be objectives." "Objectives!" "Can we avoid the English coming?" "No!" "We should be resigned to receive them." "You know that Papa is back?" " I know, Sandrino, I saw him." "Be happy, he's here." "You were so worried for him." "Yes, I'm happy, I'm happy." "You say that in a such a way..." "What's the matter?" "Nothing." "He reproached me because I didn't leave with the baby." "I think he's right about leaving." "You shouldn't have stayed." "It's a grave responsibility." "And you should obey your husband." "Yes." "I understand, Enrico has a difficult character." "Say rather an impossible character." "If not for the child," "I'd left long ago for my mother's in Hungary." "Don't say that." "Some days I wonder if he even still loves me." "Carla!" "You found them?" " Immediately." "A saint must be helping me." " Pope!" "A car?" " No, a truck going to Tripoli with a load of bombs." "It'll come for you after the bombing." "Let me tell you right off, it's going to be uncomfortable." "You'll have to sit next to the driver." "You know it's not the discomfort that scares me." "You're not going to start again?" "No, no, I'm leaving." "Here are 5,000 lire." "Give 2 to the driver." "I promised him." "And for you?" " Keep it all, you'll need it." "Don't forget to take water, food and blankets." "You must travel by nights and the nights are cold." "Goodbye, dear." "You'll come?" "Yes." "Be good with Mama, OK?" "I beg you, Carla, leave." " Yes, I'll leave." "I will." "I entrust them to you, take care of them." "Make them go." "Don't worry and see you soon." "Hopefully." "Goodbye, Papa!" "Come back soon!" "Goodbye, Sandro." "Goodbye." "Here's the Litoranea!" "We'll arrive in 15 minutes!" "Did Benghazi answer?" " Benghazi did not!" "Who knows what happened?" "Captain, the British fighter!" "Where?" "How many?" " 2 on our tail!" "Go to the lady!" "Down, down!" "We're landing!" "Out of the carriage!" "Down!" "Look, look up there, Engineer!" "Doesn't surprise me anymore!" "It's landing, Sir!" "She landed." "God, that was close, eh?" "Yeah, they were good." "Yeah?" "Wanna bet they come for us now?" "Let them come!" " But if they do, they'll shoot!" "Pretend it's nothing." " OK, no problem!" "But we're gambling with our skins!" "Our skins!" "Rest easy, they're not so stupid to waste a bullet on you!" "If this continues, we'll make it." "How far to Ajdabiya?" " At this rate, one hour." "After Ajdabiya, we can rest easy." "She wanted to leave by any means." "Hopefully, in Benghazi she'll find a plane to go on." "No way, the oil tank is punctured." "Stop, stop!" "Stop!" "Going to Benghazi?" " Yes, want to get in?" " Thank you." "Hurry, there's no time to lose!" "Go!" "Were you attacked on the plane?" "We were saved by a miracle." "You had a fine fright, eh?" " I'm used to the war." "I come from East Africa, Asmara." "From Asmara?" "What were you doing there?" " PhD in chemistry, from the institute on subsoil research." "By Jove!" "For how many years?" "I just graduated." "And now to Benghazi, eh?" " No, no, Rome." "What are you going to do in Benghazi?" " To catch a plane." "Then get down now and take the first means of going the opposite way." "Why?" " Because, from what I know, no one's leaving Benghazi anymore." "But the pilot said it was." "Fine." "If he says so." "Anyway, you were warned." "The planes!" "The planes!" "Against the superior machines of the enemy, we could do nothing." "We withdrew." "Benghazi was left to prevent it from being destroyed." "Let us remember that, from the beginning of the war, we bore in Africa the whole weight of the English Empire." "And still today, it looms completely over us." "Sad days are ahead." "We'll overcome them." "Whatever happens, Italy will come back." "Because these lands carry the mark of its work and its civilization." "No more to say." "We will never forget, Podestà, the good that Italy has done for us." "Translate, please." ""I have the honor to ask you to come immediately to me"" ""to Benina to confer on the delivery of the city of Benghazi." "General Robertson"" "I guarantee absolute respect to the occupying troops by the citizens." "I'm confident that your soldiers will respect international laws." "Can you guarantee public order in Benghazi until tomorrow?" "Yes." "You must extinguish any reported fires." "Tomorrow the British troops will arrive in Benghazi." "Is there an emergency room?" " This way." "Can we sit?" "A bit of water." "Where did you come from?" " The desert." "They've closed the road to Zidar there." "Since yesterday, none can pass." "You came to Benghazi?" "Don't you know the English will be here tomorrow?" "But it's a city." "It's easier not to get caught." "You know my son?" " And who's your son?" "Giovanni." "Giovanni Galassi." "Look here on the postcard." "It says everything." "He wasn't with us." "This division withdrew 3 days ago." " Where can he be now?" "Who knows?" "The postcard said he was coming to Benghazi." "That's why I came from Barce." "I'm from Gebel." " You're from Gebel?" "We have a house in Barce." "My husband is still there." "My son has been fighting for a year and we were hoping to have him during a small leave." "My God, where can he be?" "You risked losing your leg." "Yes, but they never took me." "How many of you were able to reach Benghazi?" "Many." " Ah." "In our unit, there was more than 300." "Can we stay here tonight?" "How many are you?" " 4." "Let them in, it's late now." "Come in." "BOARDING HOUSE" "Sit down." " But we're dirty." "That's all right." "Sit down." "Sit." "What you got there?" "Nothing." " But you're bleeding." "Yes, you're bleeding." " It's nothing." "Come, I'll doctor you." "What was it?" " A shard." "At first, I didn't even notice." "Where?" " At Wadi El Kuf." "Does it burn?" " A bit." "You're good to me." "Any woman would." "Forced to remain in Benghazi, do not worry." "Giulia." "Will be you long in sending that telegram?" " Oh, you again!" "It's for my mother." " I'm sorry but communications are down." "Are you sure?" " I'll tell you again:" "you mustn't stay here." "Why?" " Because the hotel will be occupied by the British." "And I can't leave you here alone." " Why should you care?" "I found you in the middle of the desert and I feel responsible." "It's my duty to take care of you." "I believe I can think for myself." "Then you really don't trust me?" "Fine then." "I trust you." "Then listen, the situation is not a happy one." "But you'll see we'll be fine." "We're men, aren't we?" " Well, me..." "I saw you laugh!" "But where can I go?" "I don't know a soul." " That's why I wanted to speak to you." "Take this." "Go on, take it." "These are the keys to an abandoned flat." "Via Rome 18, number 9." "There's an infinity in Benghazi, you just need choose." "I had kept this one, but this is perfect for your situation." "It's yours." "But on one condition." " What?" "That you stay inside all you can." "I wouldn't want the English..." "Usually, they don't have such good taste, but if someone made an exception, you might be annoyed." "If that's the reason, I don't annoy very easily." "Where will you go?" " Don't worry, I'll get by." "Thank you." "We are two lost ones which the war has reunited." "We must help one another, no?" "Gimme the telegram." "I'll think of a way to send it." "Here." " Today won't be possible." "Maybe tomorrow I can." "What's your name?" " Giuliana." "I'm Filippo." "Good evening." " Evening." "You live here too?" " Yes, starting today." "Who is crying?" " A lady who lost her son this morning." "How old was he?" " 4 years old." "YOU WILL BE FEW AND YOU WILL BE EVIL" "Podestà." " What is it?" "A translation of the proclamation they're making now." "You'll read it afterward." "I refuse to read it." " As you wish." "We have interpreters." "Make them read it." "I, Henry Martin Wilson," "Commander in Chief of the forces in Libya of His British Majesty," "Inform you that starting today, territories under the Italian sovereignty will pass under the sovereignty of His British Majesty whom I represent." "Any act detrimental to the interests or forces of His Majesty or His allies will be strictly punished." "Sandro and Carla weren't able to get out." "That's right." "No civilian was able to pass the lines." "They're probably now in Benghazi." "Who would've ever told me..." "return like this..." "Prisoner!" "Me a prisoner!" "Eat, Ma'am, you can't go on like this." "There's a gentleman asking for you, Miss Giulia." " For me?" "Who would look for me here?" "I'll go, you never know." "He said he was Mr. Filippo." "Yes, of course!" "Excuse me, it's a friend." "Ah, how happy I am to see you finally!" "I couldn't come earlier and even today I didn't hope to find you." "I was looking upstairs of your home." "That is my house." "I knocked on every door." "Yes, I'm always here now." "Want to come in?" "It's not my house..." "No, thank you." "I prefer to talk to you alone." "I came to find you for two reasons." "The first is..." "You smoke?" " Yes, a vice I picked up in the colony." "Why?" "See, I can guess all about you." "Here are the cigarettes." "Pretty!" " They're stored here." "It reminds me of Naples, my home." "A sunny morning when you wake up happy" "And you don't know why." "I'd like to be in charge of your happiness from now on." "You?" "Yes, because I haven't told you the second reason why I came." "I decided to get married and... marry you." "Marry me?" "You're surprised, eh?" "Oh, no, from a guy like you, one must expect anything." "If you only knew how amazed I was when I made that decision." "Nothing I can do." "You're the woman for me." " One moment, I'm here too!" "Why, maybe you'll say no?" "But that would be absurd." "You need a man like me!" "Who brought you here?" "Who got you this house?" "Who allows you to smoke?" "Basically, if you think about it, I'm kinda your husband already." "I don't know if to take your work as a joke." "Or as a serious matter." "I spoke jokingly of a very serious thing, I assure you, Giuliana." "Does Mrs. Berti live here?" " Yes, she does." "Why?" "News of her husband?" " I must speak personally to Mrs. Berti." "Go, Giuliana." "Think about what I said." "I'll be back another day." " Thank you, Filippo." "Come this way." "Mrs. Carla, this Red Cross gentleman wants to talk to you." "My husband..." "Yes, Ma'am, he's in the hospital wounded." "Gravely?" " Don't know, Ma'am, he wants to see you." "Above all, he begged you to bring the child." "Alright." "Tell him I'll go right away." "After all, you've done well, no?" "You could've have lost the skin if the gangrene set in." "Yes." "But I no longer have my arm." "I know." "Do you feel sorry for your wife?" " Above all, I feel sorry for my son." "He always wanted to do somersaults." "I took his hands with my hands..." "Now..." "not anymore." "How old is he?" "Four years old" " He'll grow up." "The time for somersaults passes quickly." "He'll love you even more." "You see... now..." "I don't know." "I'm almost afraid to be seen by him." "I'm scared as if..." "As if they had to cut my arm off again." "Sister, please, Captain Berti?" "Halfway in, bed number 27." "Carla!" " Enrico!" "What's wrong?" "Where are you hurt?" "I'll tell you..." "I'll tell you later." "No, tell me now." "I want to know." "They have..." "They have cut off my arm." "Your arm!" "This too!" "They couldn't do anything less." "It was a bad wound." "I suffered a little but..." "now I'm better." "And Sandro..." "Why didn't you bring him?" "Oh, Enrico!" "Enrico!" "Come, don't!" "Don't grieve for me so." "Luckily, it was the left." "Besides..." "I have a tough hide." "It'll take more than this to bring me down." "Come now!" "Now tell me, how did your trip go?" "I've done nothing but think of you." "And Sandro?" "How is he?" "Tell me, please, tell me." "Why don't you speak?" "Did something happened?" "No, Enrico, have no fears." "Nothing happened." "Thank goodness." "What's important, you see, is that you and he are well." "Yes, Enrico, we're fine." "Everything is as you wish!" "But, tomorrow you'll bring him, eh?" "Yes, yes." "But prepare him first." "I wouldn't want to shock him." "He's so small." "Yes, Enrico." "He recommended me to be prudent concerning Sandro." "So he doesn't know anything yet." " Haven't you told him?" "I couldn't." " You did wrong." "It was your duty." "I couldn't." "He spoke of his son and looked at me." "To tell him he was no more and to leave him alone in his hospital bed, mutilated, among enemies!" "He was making plans for when he returns to Italy with me." "And with the child." "What will you do tomorrow?" "He expects him." "I don't know." "The Italians'll be back here again, I'm sure." "They'll liberate us." "And I can finally bring to Italy my wife and my son." "It can all still go well, don't you think?" "Try to sleep." "You need it." "I can't." "I can't." "I can't wait 'til tomorrow." "I don't understand why my wife didn't bring him." "Maybe something wrong?" " Of course not." "Maybe she didn't want to upset him." " Yeah, you're right." "But I'm not at ease." "I'll never allow it." "Who gave the order?" "The Colonel of the British Health." " Is he in his office?" " I think so." "Sisters!" "Has anything happened?" " They're evicting the wounded Italian officers." "A little after dawn." "Starting with the most ill." "Why the most ill?" " That's what they ordered." "Where are they taking us?" " Concentration camps." "Here in Benghazi?" " No, I think in Tobruk." "So it's over for us." "They'll ship us to Tobruk, to rot away through the war and who knows where." "Sisters!" "Try to find a way for us to escape." "You know we can't do anything." "Let me see if they've the courage to take a bleeding man!" "I'll tear my bandages!" " No use, Captain!" "It'll have no effect on them." "They'll take you just the same." "Tell me..." "See if you can find out where they're taking us." "We're going to Barce." "A cigarette, please." " Here, you go" " Thank you." "Fruit.... spoon..." "glass." "I have to learn Italian to give... to give orders to the Italians!" "It doesn't look like you were pleased by the Colonel's words." "As for me, you can say anything you want." "You... our..." " Friend!" "Our friend, our true friend!" "There he is." "He's always with them." "Who?" " That bastard." "Where?" " Right before us, don't you see?" "I gotta get him alone." "As God as my witness, I'll skin him alive." "Please, where does all this bread go?" "In the people's cooking." "Go on, go on." "Have you heard anything from your son?" " No, Podestà, not a thing." "But I believe with patience, I'll find him." " Of course, you shall." "I prayed so much to Our Lady that she'll protect my son." "You see, my husband and I have nobody but him." "Come visit me." "Maybe I can help you." "Come today." " Thank you." "We can begin the distribution for those eating at home." " Yes." "Oh, Fanny!" "You're here too?" "Yes, and if possible, for two." "Have you made a friend?" "No." "It's for a wounded soldier." "And then?" "Then they sent me to my regiment." "But you're not eating?" " Yes, I'm eating." "But tell me, what then?" "Then one day they distributed the helmets and goggles." "And then we understood." "Were you sorry to leave?" "A little." "For my family." "But you know, the ship..." "the sea journey..." "Everyone looked at us, we were singing." "I don't know why, but we were happy." "Fanny, excuse me a moment." "It seems they want to raid houses to nab hidden soldiers." "How do you know?" " I got it from George." "Oh, my God!" "Please, don't tell Antonio." "He'll fly just not to get us into trouble." "I won't tell him, of course, which is why I called you out." "I come!" "I will try to know more." "Any news?" " No, nothing." "What's wrong?" "You're worried." " No, no, why?" "Perhaps something you don't want to tell me?" "Bad news?" " No, don't worry." "Go on with your story." "Yes and you eat or it'll get cold." "And then?" "Then..." "Then when they finally sent me to to the front..." "You see, a soldier in the barracks is one thing, a soldier on the line is another." "But you're a woman, you wouldn't understand that." "Of course, I'd be very afraid." " I was afraid too." "Were you afraid?" "Yes, so much." "I couldn't keep my hands still." "I don't believe it." " Everyone gets afraid." "It's our instinct." "Then we reason and become calm." "Now see, if I had to start again..." "And I hope to start again soon." "What is it?" " This lady has a letter for the Major." "Sir, the Podestà gave it to me because he said only the Major can let me get to Barce." "It's for my son, you understand?" "I've searched long for him." "But the Podestà told me that now the prisoners arrived in Barce and maybe my son is there too." "Give me the letter." " No, it's for the Major." "Don't be afraid." "I'll hand it to him myself." "I'll put in a good word too, OK?" "May God bless you!" " Doctor!" "Don't worry, he'll take care of it and tonight you'll be in Barce." "In the meantime, sit on this bench and wait, OK?" "I'm so happy for my old man too." "You understand?" "I miss him so much and I'm a bit worried." "Poor man, I left him all alone." "He stayed there to watch our interests." "Our stuff, you see." "Those Englishmen take everything!" "We have two cows, one should've had a calf by now." "Well, just wait and all will sort it self out." "Giovanni!" "Giovanni!" "Giovanni!" "Mama!" "Mama!" "My son!" "My blessed son," "If you knew how long I've been looking for you!" "How long..." "Why are you here?" "Have you been injured?" "Yes, I'm blind, Mama." "Blind, my son!" " Yes, Mama." "It doesn't seem so..." " Blind!" " ...but it's true." "I can't see anymore." " Blind!" " Mama!" "Mama!" " I'm here." "I'm here." "I won't leave you again, you are my son." "I'll bring you home." "I'll bring you home." "I'll bring you home!" "Here begins our zone." "I smell it." "How did the wheat do?" "We've sown a bit late and your father is alone." "But it'll come up clean, fine wheat." "And the beasts?" "Thank God, we've raised the calf." "Papa didn't want to sell it." "Beautiful?" "Strong?" " Like its mother, even more beautiful." "Mama?" " Yes?" "The doctor said I may heal." "See again." "Of course, my son." "Of course." "But even if it's not true, it doesn't matter." "I'll be at home, work in the field and be happy all the same." "The grace of God!" "Papa will have borne a lot these months." "Now you'll see, I'll help." "Poor old man, with all that has happened." "Now he must find out what happened to you." "He still has his goldfinches?" " Still like before." "And woe to who touches them." "And the almond trees?" " They're always his passion." "Now that he's grafted them with peaches, how much care he takes!" "Now they are all in bloom." "No, not that!" "Not the plants!" "You took away my money and I didn't say a word." "You've ruined my house and I didn't say a word." "But not my land!" "Don't you touch it!" "Here it's like one can still see it." "I recognize everything." "Here." "Let's enter our home." "Yes, my son, we're home." "Now I'll give you a glass of milk fresh from the cow." "And let's hope that Papa made some bread." "I don't hear Fido barking." " Probably out with your father." "In the evening, he always does his rounds to see the wheat." "What Is it, Mama?" " Nothing, my bundle slipped." "I'll carry it." "You're an old woman and I must do the hard work now." "I'm as capable as before you know." " Yes, yes, my son." "Listen, Giovanni, sit yourself down here." "It'd be better for me to go ahead and tell your father." "Here, on this stone, under this tree." "Yes, yes, Mama, go ahead." "I'll wait here." "I'm so glad to be back home." "There is peace here." " Yes, son." "This time, I won't go away again." " Yes, my son." "Piero!" "Piero!" "Oh, God!" "Piero!" "Piero!" "Piero!" "Piero!" "Piero!" "Piero!" "Piero!" "This is my home, my family still lives here." "My mother, my poor grandmother, my little brothers, and here I am." "We did this the day my sister was married." "And is this you?" " Yes." "At my first communion." "You face resembles Saint Lucia, patroness of my village." "This is me again." "With a friend?" " Yes." "With a friend." "You had already changed your hair." "Yes." "I was already... grown up." "Do they know at your home that you're here?" "No." "Hide him!" "The police!" "My Lady, they'll find you!" "They'll find you!" "Good day." "What do they want?" " They want to do a search." "That girl is always sick!" "Not possible through the window!" "They're searching on the streets!" "My God!" "My God!" "What are you doing?" "If I reach the stairs, I can go up the terrace and be saved." "They'll catch you first!" " If they catch me." "Too late." "Here's our companion, the one who's sick." "Good day." "There?" "Door?" "No, it's a compartment with no exit, closed by a curtain." "Behind there is a washbasin." "A washbasin!" "Understand?" "Tell him that behind there is a washbasin!" "Antonio!" " They're gone?" "Yes, but are you hurt?" " No, they didn't get me." "Fanny..." "Fanny!" "Fanny!" "Fanny!" "Fanny!" "Fanny." "What kind of joke is this?" "First you laugh and then you're sick." "You were brave." "If they found me, they would've arrested you." "They'd shoot you, you know?" "God has helped us." "Of course it was a miracle, Fanny." "Don't call me Fanny." "My name is Maria." "Maria?" "Maria..." "Yes." "Maria is more beautiful." "I can't go on anymore!" "I can't go on!" "I know, but remember, they're our men!" "I have an obsession that never leaves me." "I keep thinking about him." "Your husband will return." "Yes." "He will return...." "and I'll have to tell him everything." "The truth." "He's a man." "He'll know how to bear it." "You don't know him." "You don't know what that child meant to him." "When he finds out, it'll seem like he killed him, with his obstinacy in making us leave." "You'll be there." "You'll be very close to him." "I can't do anything for him." "Berti!" " Marchi!" "You here?" "Weren't you a prisoner?" " Yes at Barce, but I escaped." "Escaped?" "Watch out!" "They're gone." "Yes, but you gotta look alive 'cause they're always around." "Thanks." "How did you get here?" "By foot to Tokra, then by truck." "It wasn't easy." "Especially with my arm." "Oh yeah, we heard." "How's the wound?" "It still gives me a little trouble but I'm free, you see." "I seem to return to life." " I can imagine." "And you?" "And the rest of the battalion?" "A rat's life in the cellar, like me." " Yes, but not for long." "At Tokra, I heard things are going well." " The same's going around here too." "It seems that these gentlemen will decide then to leave." "And just think, in a little while, I can see my son." "My son!" " Your house?" "You crazy?" "Want them to catch you?" "I'll go at night." "Don't worry, I won't be seen." "Enrico!" "Enrico!" "Oh, my Enrico!" "You didn't expect to see me." "No." "Look what they've done to you!" "Oh, no, I'm really fine." "Oh, Enrico!" "You'll get used to it too." "As I have." "But cheer up, the worst is over." "And Sandro?" "How is Sandro?" "He didn't hear me or else he would've come." "Sandro!" "No, Enrico!" " Sandro!" " No!" "Ah, yes." "At this time he sleeps." "Where is Sandro?" "He's not here anymore." "How... is he not here?" "It was the day we left by truck." "They shot at us..." "Then..." "When you came to the hospital..." "I didn't have the courage to tell you." "Did he suffer?" " No." "He wasn't aware of anything." "If I had been there, I would have saved him." "How can you say such a thing?" "Nothing happened to you." "Not even a scratch." "Enrico!" "You're raving." "What could I do?" "I held him against me, I covered him with my body." "The truck was overturned, he was killed and I wasn't!" "And God knows, I would've given my life for him." "I know, I'm wrong, I know." "But he's gone." "He's gone." "No, Enrico!" "Don't leave me!" "I can't stay in this house where he no longer is." "I cannot." "I don't know how you could make yourself live here." "Because of that." "Because... he was here." "I've lived here for two months." "Everything reminds me of him." "Yes, but..." "I've lost all just now." "I can't..." "Enrico!" "Five minutes and we'll be home." "You're worried about Antonio?" "Don't worry." "Nothing will happen to him." "He's lucky." "Remember the other day?" "When I'm away from him, I'm always afraid." "You love him, eh?" "Yes." "You're a fool." "What do you hope for?" "Nothing." "One day or the next, he'll go." "Don't you know?" "I know." "It doesn't matter." "And now it'll be at least an hour." "What are you doing?" "You're not going to smoke?" "It's forbidden." "I know, I know, be reassured." "It's empty." "Didn't he send you more cigarettes?" "He sent me a few some days ago via an Arab." "Then nothing." "I don't know him, I've never seen him." "But do you believe he's a man you can trust?" "Yes." "I have a blind faith in him." "If he hasn't shown up, it means he can't." "He must have been busy." " With what?" "Do you know what he does at least?" "I don't." "I never asked." "Yeah, I recognize him." "That's him." "So what will you?" " You'll see." "Hey, you!" "Don't you know this isn't a place for a bastard like you?" "Talking to me?" " Yeah, you." "Aren't you from dusk to dawn with them?" "What do you tell them?" " You listening?" "Reply, coward, why are you always with the British?" "I'm an interpreter." " What interpreter?" "You're a spy!" "How much do they pay you, bastard?" " Answer, how much?" "Answer!" "What's the matter?" " What are they doing?" "Reply, say something!" "Why don't you speak?" "You don't dare, eh?" "Those ten arrested the other day, it was you who denounced them!" "Scoundrel!" " And you pointed out all the battle places, eh?" " Bastard!" "Stay there!" " And that prisoner?" "Arrested for emptying the British oil drums, who ratted on him?" "How much do they give you?" " How much?" "Maybe a few stabs...!" "Now, you'll deal with me!" "Spy!" "Don't worry, you'll get what you deserve!" "I just want to forget." "Forget him!" "Why did I meet him?" "What have I done wrong?" "I don't deserve this!" "I don't deserve this!" "What should I say then?" "There is always some light." "For me it's Enrico." "I don't know where he is." "But you see, I've hope, struggle on, never give up." "They spat in his face!" "What do you want me to hope for?" "And yet we must hope." "Hope!" "I protest my arrest and those of my friends being held arbitrarily." "I don't know what we're accused of." "Someone who is very well informed has alerted us in Benghazi of the existence of a clandestine radio transmitting news to the Italian-German command." "We know nothing." "And you?" " Nothing!" "Of course." "What do you expect us to know?" "I'm just a doctor." "And just like to propagandize!" "I'm Italian and certainly I can't speak well of the enemy!" "Have you ever been to El Kish?" "Perhaps." "I often go around Benghazi." "It's my duty to go the places where you loot to confirm the damages!" "Yes, in El Kish, it's not about looting." "The house at number 75 was visited only yesterday by my order." "Police found the traces of a clandestine radio, certainly removed a little time before our arrival." "I'm sorry for you and for your informer." "And for you too!" "This is a very serious matter." "For now I'm forced to deprive you of your freedom." "Then a doctor must be provided for the refugees." "That won't be necessary." "Each of you can keep working, while remaining in custody." "Keep in mind, you'll be closely watched." "Here's the doctor." "It's Mrs. Berti." "Yes, Doctor, it's still me." "I want to know where my husband is." "I've already told you." "I don't know." "And even if I knew, I wouldn't say." " No, Doctor, you must tell me." "You always strove to keep us together." "Why don't you want me to join him now?" "Wherever he has retreated, there will be a place for me." "If he's running any risk, I want to be near him." "And if his task was at odds with your presence?" "Ah, see, you know where he is." "But really, why won't you?" "Why?" "I'm being watched." "If I take you to Enrico, they'll get all of us." "And he will be shot." "Want to see him against a wall before a firing squad?" " No, no!" "Then show some faith." "Like all who've been enduring this hell for 2 months." "Hello?" "Hello?" "Hello?" "Here L44 is calling F35." "Listening, listening, over." "They're responding, Captain." " Give me the message." "Remember, Captain, today's agreed upon number of recognition is 476." "Yes, in transmission." "Hello?" "Hello?" "Hello?" "476." "Stop." "Yes, General, right now we're connected to Benghazi." "As soon as I receive it, I'll telephone you." "Ordered, General." "What happened?" " Stopped transmitting." "This time, they'll catch us." " Don't worry, hurry." "Open up, it's me." "That's Filippo!" "Why did you come?" "They arrested the Arab." " When?" " An hour ago." "Luckily, I found out." "If I went home, I would've been taken." "How were you discovered?" " Maybe London intercepted some of our posts." "Yes, but how?" " They're in control of the news." " Ah, right." "Some things I didn't even know." "They mustn't get their hands on the radio." "You must move quickly." "Now?" " Damn!" "They were quick." " Yes, but they won't take us." "Come on." "This damn thing won't get in." " Easy, easy." "The rope is still in place?" " Yes, Captain." "Did we leave anything that could give us away?" " No, nothing." "Go!" "You two go with the radio." " And you?" " Later." "The rope can't hold the weight of 3." "You go first." " Please, go down!" "Hide the rope!" "Enrico." "What is it?" "Look, Enrico," "I'm leaving." " What?" "Yes, I need to leave." " You need to leave?" "But know you're running some risk." "Is it really necessary?" " Yes." "You know, if they catch us, we mustn't kid ourselves." "See, if they catch you, you're still Captain Berti." "It'll be different for me." "They believe me and always will believe me a bastard." "Don't talk nonsense." "You were the best of us all and shouldn't worry what people may think." "Yeah, I know." "But I I must leave." "Filippo." "Yes?" "Be careful, eh?" " Sure, don't worry." "Bye." "Giuliana!" "I was lucky, I was afraid I wouldn't find you." "Shall we go up to your place for a moment?" "I must tell you something." " No, it hurts me to speak to you." "But how?" "Even you believed it?" "Of course." " I had so much trust in you." "But you must have some more." "Giuliana, I can't tell you anything now." "I can only say you needn't be ashamed of me and that I will always love you." "Maybe it'll be a long time before we meet again." "Perhaps we never will again." "But you must remember me kindly." "I've the right to ask you this, Giuliana." "Get back inside!" "Goodbye, Giuliana!" "Get back inside or they'll arrest you too!" "You don't want to answer." "That's a mistake." "Where did you get this radio?" "I already told you I don't know what radio you mean." "And how did you manage to transmit news to the Italian-German command?" "I transmitted no news." "Exactly." "You furnished the news for another to transmit." "I know not of whom you speak." "I've no contact with my countrymen." "The only I had, weren't very friendly, as you know." "It's useless now to pretend." "We know very well who you are and what you're doing in Benghazi." "I'm simply an engineer who knows English." "In fact I was paid to serve as an interpreter." "You are an Italian officer on duty at the General Staff." "I deny it." "If you will..." "We found it in the home of your colleague." "You see that we are well informed." "We also know who transmits the news:" "A captain, a former prisoner, missing an arm." "We know too where the radio was 'til yesterday." "I think it'd be best for you to talk and tell everything." "Where did you transport the radio?" "I kept silent when the Italians spat in my face." "You think I'd talk now?" "You'll give then a longer explanation to the war tribunal." "I've done my duty, you do yours." "Call everyone, have them come immediately." " What is it?" "Go on!" " Right away." "You can't stand still, eh?" "You'd understand with such news inside me!" "Come here, hurry!" "Close the door." "I've some news." "News much waited for:" "The British are leaving!" " Hooray!" "About time!" " Are you sure?" "Yes, until yesterday it was unsure, but today I'm certain." "The British are retreating everywhere!" " Finally!" "Even those in Benghazi had orders to cut and run and pack their bags quick as they could!" "Boys!" "Over here!" "Guys, maybe this mole life is over." "Maybe we're done getting moldy." "Are they going." "Captain?" " Yes." "Our Germans won't let them breathe." "Yesterday they marched to Brega, now they're in Ajdabiya." "Then they could be here tomorrow?" " Maybe." "But they're still 160 kms away." "Now anything is possible." "We must be ready." "Boys, let's go!" "Unearth the weapons!" "Silence!" "Silence!" "Even tonight they kept fighting." "No doubt, our guys will be here tomorrow." "Arriving at the right time." "Now you won't need my assistance anymore." "Tomorrow will be a great joy for all." "Especially for you who has deserved it so much." "But those who deserved it most of all will not have this joy." "Who?" "Filippo." "Think they'll take him away?" "Eh, I'm afraid so." "Well, now you should think about some rest." "With your wife, for example." "And I wasn't thinking about it?" "I've been hard and unfair to her." "I almost blamed her for the accident." "But the real culprit was me." "It was me who made them leave." "No, don't say that." "You couldn't know." "And it just wasn't in that I was unfair to her." "But maybe earlier, always." "She never stopped loving you." "What do you know?" " Want to see her?" "You brought her?" " Yes, she's here." "I forbade you from telling where I was." " And I told her all the same!" "You've done well." "Why don't you wait until tomorrow to go?" "I must join the others tonight." "And if it weren't for the wound..." " You'd already be gone." "Yes, I'd be with my friends." "Let me help you." " No, no, I want to do it." "Perhaps I was wrong to keep you here with me." "No, without you I would've been a prisoner, who knows where." "Is there danger where you are going?" " For now." "One must be ready." "I'm leaving too." " Where are you going?" "I don't know." "But away from here." "I'll do anything." "I put a little chocolate in there for you." "You always do too much for me." "Oh, Antonio, I'm sure I'll never see you again." "Case Alte Tarcento, a mountain hamlet." "It's the address of my house." "I asked Gina." "Maria, at the end of the war, will I find you there?" "Yes, Antonio, you'll find me there." "But will this night ever end?" "It's almost over." "It's almost 6." "Perhaps they've taken him away." "Why always think the worst?" "You're right, but it's stronger than me." "Poor Filippo." "He wanted to be entrusted with my happiness." "There, there." "What time you think they'll arrive?" " Ah, at sunrise for sure." "I'll go meet them." "Ah, dear boys!" "I want to hug them one by one." "My God, let them come!" "Let them be safe!" "The sirens!" "Another air raid." "But then..." "they won't come anymore!" "How terrible!" "How terrible!" "Why the sirens?" "The alarm, what is it?" " I don't know, Doctor." "Strange!" "The alarm." "Why the sirens, Doctor?" "The English!" "They set mines in the city!" "They're exploding!" "Outside!" "They're gone!" "They're gone!" "They're gone!" "The English have suddenly left the city!" "In the name of his Imperial Majesty, the King, the sovereignty of Italy has been restored!" "English subtitles by sineintegral@KG"