"This film, set before the war in 1914, was overshadowed by the German occupation of 1940." ""THE HOSTAGES"" "Boiling hot water makes the best coffee, Brazou." "On't know, boss, I like sardines for breakfast." "Slowly bring it to a boil and..." "Here we go again..." "Every day for the last 17 years, that bell's gone off, just as my water starts boiling." "Can't you make your coffee 5 minutes later, boss?" "You crazy?" "Change a 17-year habit for a train with no passengers?" " Hello, boss." " Hello, Léon." "Lots of people today." "Sure, same line you've fed me for 17 years." "Hey, you there, it's a one-minute stop." "Urinate at the next stop." "It's our stop, see the ticket?" " 25 people." " For Champlagny." "That's right." "Here's the exit, follow me." "Right this way." "22, 23, 24, 25..." "Whafre you doing here on a weekday?" "Mum's the word." "Rue Gambettafs that way?" "Yes, but what's your business?" "Terribly sorry, I have my orders." "Let's get moving." "30 cans for those spongers." "Now I've seen everything." "My family has always treated guests like princes, Madame." "He's wearing white!" "Nothing clean to wear to Paris." "And I married that," "Mr. de Rossignol." "That's right, "Mr. de Rossignol."" "Though we cut the "de" in '89 to be safe, it's in our blood." "We're giving bottled wine to those moochers?" "Mother, please." "He won't do it for your wedding." "Let him enjoy it." " This the place?" " Yes." " Who's this?" " Come on in, my friends." "Let's get our strength up." " Who are these people?" " Musicians." "Please have a seat." "Musicians?" "Soon dancers too..." "your father's undoing!" "A real band with a bass drum, bass, the whole works." "Shady characters." " Shady?" " Shady." "For my friend, I thought, "Why not?"" "I said...no, not like that." " What?" " Shave top to bottom." "Did you hurt yourself?" "I can't bear to watch somebody shave." "Would you let me take over?" " Does it hurt?" " No." "Father, Mr. Rossignol hired a band!" "Yes, that's very nice." " Is he a lout?" " No, a musician." " Right, Rameau?" " A client." "He won the lawsuit, he can go through my barn." "Well, let him go on through, starting today." "First one to make a mess gets hit on the fingers." "And those napkins?" "Who are they for - the dogs?" "Who slurped?" "I did." "How can your kids respect your bad example?" "Come here." "Your tie's perfect, as usual." "You're worse than the other 5." "Keep him quiet." "Come in." "Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Fabien, how are you?" " Hi, kids." " Hello, sir." "They're so polite." "It's hard to discipline them." "That's true." " How's Pierre?" " Got 8 more days." "Actually I need your help." "As a neighbor or a notary?" " Notary." " Just a minute then." "Hurry, I need an affidavit." "A musical affidavit." "A band?" "Good heavens, a band?" "You mind the kids, I'll go get ready." " Ok." " No, I need him." "I'm not missing this." "Get the diapers." "Baby's diapers." "Here they are." "But don't forget the blue forms, I need those." "The blue forms, here they are." "Diapers, hurry!" " The diapers." " And the blue forms." "Do your job, Fabien." "Ok." "Maméne, where are you?" "Call your wife later." "This is a summons." " Ring the bell." " Maméne..." "Time's up, I can go in now." "Sign the paper." "Mr. Rossignol, please allow me to say..." " Say what?" " Before we involve the law, do you really need to cross here?" "What do you think?" "It's a 478-yard detour to my land." "But you never visit your land, it's rented for 99 years!" "And 99 years from now, if I can't go?" " You're mediating?" " Yes." " So mediate." " Ok." "Maméne...good boy." "Hello, how can I help you?" "I need to speak to the mayor." " I'll fetch him right away." " Maméne!" "Sir, I'm not here as your friend, but in the service of my legal duties." "By the 1914 executive ruling of the Dignes Court of Appeal, at the request of Mr. Rossignol, of Champlagny sur Marne." "Jojo, will you let me finish?" "Resident in my study, I, Ernest Fabien, official court notary..." "Spare me the spiel." "If it's about the barn key, here!" "Finally!" "For 30 years, gentlemen," "I waited for this key." "Champlagny won't forget August 1914!" "On with the music!" "Halt!" "Awall!" "He built a wall to keep me out!" "He dared to defy the law!" "Politeness is out." "An affidavit!" "Yes, right away, I'm coming." "But I can't..." "An affidavit!" "So what's wrong?" "What's happening?" "Something wrong?" "Rossignol, old man, you can get through now." "Satisfied?" "Tell me, how do I get through?" "Right there, of course!" "The wall has an opening." "That silly opening?" "You think I'm an eel?" "The document mentions an opening, not a comfortable opening!" "Fabien, note:" ""passage impossible."" "Impossible?" "Piffle." " Fabien?" " Sir." " Can you make an affidavit?" " Yes, I..." "Go through the opening." "Of course, I'd love to..." "Maméne..." "Excuse me." "How can I, if I'm holding..." "do you mind?" "Please excuse me, Mr. Rossignol." "It's not the same," "Fabien can make it, he's a runt." "I'm a normal, tall man." "I can't help it if your father made a big idiot!" "What?" "!" "First make a note of that insult, right away." "Then take your child." "It's wetting on me!" "I can go into your barn, so I'm going." "Your wall can't stop me!" " Your father's stuck." " Leave him alone." "What if they see us here?" "Someday they will." "Look!" "He's really stuck now." " Keep trying." " Now look at you!" "Who needs your comments?" "Carve our names deeper, so they'll stay there forever." "It's great to be 20, with our whole life to be happy." "How many nights in a lifetime?" "MP Mayor!" " Where's Mr. Mayor?" " There." "Town hall needs you." "I'm on my way." "Come on!" "Look!" "The police are putting up posters!" "GENERAL DRAFT NOTICE" "They don't take boys under 18, do they?" "My boy's not 18 yet." "No ma'am, they don't." "They're not taking my boy." "They might punish latecomers." "Don't be like us in '70, whip those Prussians!" "Go, I'm scared!" "I'm not leaving a broken window just because of a war." " Enough people for you, boss?" " Half without tickets." "It's free today." "This old rust-bucket going to Berlin?" "Let me through, excuse me, ma'am." "I'm blowing the whistle." "Ok, goodbye boys, Joseph, Georges." "Let's forget our differences." " No, sir." " Yes, sir." "He's not an enemy, but a soldier." " Goodbye, Pierre." " Ignore him!" "What the..." "I never!" " Look!" " The Rossignol boy and Beaumont girl!" "Annie, have you lost your head?" "What's up?" " Bye, Brazou." " Bye, boss." "Sweep the waiting room every day." "Pierre!" "Pipe down, I look silly enough." "A smaller representation of the town council, in view of the tragic situation, has unanimously adopted the following resolution:" "given the threat of clericalism..." "The "ever-increasing" threat of clericalism!" "The Champlagny town council, true to its ideals of secularity comma..." "Uh, I say...it seems..." "Oh, no!" "Shut him up!" "Who, me, Mr. Rameau?" "No, Labiche's bugle." "I can't write." "I'll take care of it." "Keep it down!" "We can't think." "It was for the kids." "Let's see, where were we?" "What is it, Fabien?" "I think..." "it's just my opinion, but no comma's better." "Ideals of secularity period!" "That's your comment?" "Yes, because I think..." "Secularity period is stronger." "Go on, Rameau." "Given the ever-increasing threat of clericalism..." "Come in!" " Excuse me." " I said not to disturb us." "It's a telegram." " Even for a telegram." " But..." " What?" " It's the Duchemin boy." "What about the Duchemin boy?" "Charleroi, private Duchemin of the 12th dragoon..." "Is he wounded?" "Dead." "He's the first." "There had to be a first." " We have to tell the old man." " And wife." "She's expecting another child." "They asked me, I couldn't bear to tell them." "Let's get the priest." "A month ago, the horrors of war invaded our territory, you came to the Paris meeting from all corners of this stricken land, as honorary notaries." "We must all have courage, as the village mourns, we will courageously assume the tasks at home, so I raise my voice with you:" "Long live the secular republic!" "Long live our country!" "Who's yelling?" "Dad's practicing." "Practice cutting bread." "Tattletale." "I'm so glad they invited me to Paris, because I...well, it's an honor and a pleasure." "Dad wouldn't let me go to my friend's wedding." "Weddings are fine celebrations, especially in Paris." "Lots of organ music and flowers." "This one is simple." "The groom's leaving for the front." "Is your friend sad, miss?" "She's trying to accept it." "Some days she laughs, since a Wedding's a happy time, but then... there are days..." "Why, Miss Beaumont... what's the matter?" "There there..." "I feel like crying, and laughing - at your reaction when I tell you." " My reaction?" " It'll be funny." " Will you be my witness?" " What?" "I'm marrying Pierre Rossignol." "The words I'm using on this occasion should be very different." "I should be saying a wife should always follow her mate, but your mates leave tomorrow." "Our duty is more important than our happiness." "Hear the first burst of gunfire, the shock and struggle never tire, into your ranks, watch your flanks, horror of war, pride of tyrants." "On your feet, boys, the German horde is sly, you alone, and the deer's loud cry, the black eagle you'll fearlessly slay." "On your feet, boys, you'll triumph one day." "Travelling by car is very hard, but it's much more fun than a train on the run." "Hey, lovebirds!" "Lovebirds, no answer?" "Are you dead?" "You ok?" " We're fine." " Yes, fine." " We're so happy." " Glad we missed the train." "Fabien's waiting at the station!" "You angry that Paris scared me?" "I love your fear." "I want my old Annie back - no hat, no corsage." " And the barn." " Yes, the barn." " Remember our promise?" " Hush, my love." "I saw that!" "Travelling by car is very hard, but it's much more fun than a train on the run." "The last report said we're here." "Across from the Germans." "Hand me some Germans." "Let those bourgeois take a jump in the lake, and if they don't like it," "I'll say, "Take a hike!"" "Rodilar, if I ever have any trouble with you," "I'll put lead in your backside." "Lead in my backside, let me sing, my backs/dds so hard I won't feel a thing." "Go on, touch it." "Well?" "Come on." "You shocked?" "Let's not disturb these gentlemen." "Traitor!" "You sold out, and you're not even worth the price." " Well!" " Mr. Rodilar, these gentlemen are here - even the mayor." "Mr. Mayor, he's a great player." "He's my mayor, but he's not such a great player." "Look at the little flags!" "Hello, ladies and gentlemen." "It's rabbit time, and I'm going poaching!" "I'd lick them in no time!" "En garde, four, six!" "Forgive me, things can happen so fast." "Who knows - maybe he was armed?" "If you have no authority, you shouldn't be mayor." "This way, we can get in here." "Come on." "We're home, dear." " Strange wedding night." " This way, sir." "Next floor, please." "Our honeymoon love nest!" "With real pine furniture from my father." "Generous father." "Mine just helped me get in." "Listen!" "It sounds like soldiers." "Let's look." "Germans going to Chéteau Thierry!" "They've taken over." "Then how did we get through?" "The driver got lost on a side road, remember?" "What if they find you?" " I must go back." " Where?" "To the French side." "Staying is desertion." "And your clothes?" "Maunoury is here." "I order him to go north." "But that's dangerous." "No, it's not." "Let's say I'm Von Kluck." "Leave me alone, will you?" "The German is here, I outflank him to the right." "To the right!" "Listen, no!" "I outflank him, and outflank him again." "But if I move my left flank, I outflank you." "No, because I outflank you first." "The Germans advance." "Germans advance?" "Are you joking?" "Von Kluck is on my right flank." "I strike." "He outflanks me, I move on." "Using several left flank maneuvers, I trace Von Kluck." "Germans retreat, I follow mercilessly," "I have new vigor, gentlemen." "The Rhine is mine!" "Excuse me, sir." "May I?" "Lt. Von Wohlmuth." "MayorAdrien Beaumont." "Have a seat, Mr. Mayor." "These are the supplies we need from your village." "The German authorities order you to divide them equally." "We need everything by 10 a.m. tomorrow." "Send word tonight." "But sir, our village isn't rich." "There's no way." "This is no joke." "Who owns the property on the hill?" "RossignoPs attids empty, and our armies already took supplies. it's impossible!" "I'm sure it's not." "It's all possible in war." " Why do you have father's coat?" " It's no good." "He can't get through as a man." " Got a skirt?" " What?" "Why a skirt at 3 a.m.?" " For someone to wear." " Wear?" " For the poor?" "Yuck." " No, for Pierre." " Pierre who?" " Rossignol." "Why're you giving him a skirt?" "Because of the Germans." "He's my husband, stupid." "Give me that." "Remember to be on time, your full cooperation is not just polite - it's wise." "Halt!" "See you back at camp." "He likes the girl!" "We couldn't get away with that." "Silence!" "March!" "Marianne!" "Where's the horse?" " I don't know." " Was it the Germans?" "Didn't you hear it?" "No, I can't say anything, I'm going to bed." "Ask your daughter." "What?" "How would Annie know where it is?" " She knows." " She's back from Paris?" " Yes." " What?" " Yes and no." " Yes and no?" "Where is she?" "Will you tell me already?" " My lips are sealed." " You must..." "Sit down, it's an earful." " Pierre!" " Annie my dear!" "Let's hurry." "I thought it best to disguise you." " Here." " How pretty." "Don'tjoke, I'm scared." "Do you mind?" "Excuse me." "French army?" "Your weapons!" " I have none." " Hands up!" "Come closer." "Don't move." "Father!" "Fine mess you've made." "Go, I should be alone when they find him." " You want them to?" " But..." "Take him away..." "my barn, of all places!" "Were you mocking me here?" "Loving your daughter." " Sure." " I always have." "Even worse, making me a fool for years." "We married" " I'm going to the front." "The front?" "You missed it, stupid." "We're on their front." " Help me." " Do what?" "Get rid of him, not go walking!" "Help me put him in the car." "Now put on the women's clothes, and wait at the oak tree." "Annie'll drive." "You sure are the oddballs in the family!" "You look pretty, now hurry up and get in." "Drive him to Mincheﬂs, he'll help him cross tomorrow." "You can trust him, Rossignol." "Stay there overnight, if you want." " I love you, Father." " Decent of you, sir." "It's not decent, it's idiotic!" "Go as fast as you can." "Why didn't you search immediately?" "I had orders to return to camp." "When I came back to look for the lieutenant, he was gone." "I thought he'd gone back..." "Headquarters?" "Yes." "What?" "He's been found?" "Take care of it immediately." "Gentlemen, we've found Lt. Von Wohlmuth." "He was murdered!" "Quiet!" "You think this is fun for me?" "Fun for you to bother us." "Will you let me speak?" "Here goes." "Each inhabitant must state his supply of wheat, oats, how many horses, cows, sheep, how many cars, tools, how much leather, oil..." "And how much wine?" "Moreover, the village must give the authorities three eggs a week." "What if they don't lay?" "50 liters of milk per cow per week." "50!" "What do they take them for?" "They'll pay 7 pfennigs a liter, 5 per egg." " Thieves!" " They can't!" "Three eggs per chicken?" "What good are pfennigs to us?" "And our kids?" "Tell them no." "Send'em to a Chéteau!" "Let's fight back." "I'll tell 'em," "Vive la France!" "Our boys'll save us!" "You're trying to save your cow?" "France is bigger than your cow!" "You get out." " Bum!" " Good-for-nothing!" "He'll give, he's got nothing." "What does he have to fight for?" "What, I've got nothing to fight for?" "Mr. RossignoPs hares are nothing?" "Beaumont, are you totally inept?" "Shut up that old poacher!" "Why?" "You should thank him for your hares." "You bet!" "If anyone touches his hares," "I'll shout "Vive la France!" like you." "They are my France." "Be quiet now." "One order at a time." "I made a list." " A list?" " We need everything." "And 6 months from now?" "If you have several animals, give one." "Some of you have 4 or 5." "Where you going?" "Where it suits me." "You have 5 horses." "I need all 5." "Give one!" "Who named you dictator?" "Now I'm chief supplier to the German army?" "Tell them I need all 5." "And they can go stuff their authority!" "You hear me?" "They can..." "Excuse me." "Forgive me, justjoking." " Mr. Mayor?" " Yes." "You're wanted at the Kommandantur." "All right." "You the mayor of Champlagny?" "Adrien Beaumont, mayor." "Forgive me for not wearing my uniform." "It's not important." "The commander will see you shortly." "Sorry, that's forbidden here." "At least you're polite!" "One of the few feelings army regulations allow." "The commander wishes to inform you that a German officer was murdered in your community." "The authorities believe you can assist in the investigation." "We need to find the murderer in the next 24 hours." "If the killer's not found in 24 hours, the village will be destroyed." "Know what I think?" "It's not fair." "War isn't fair." "War is war." "Listen..." "I know I'm not a general, but is it a good strategy to destroy our old homes and church?" "It's falling apart anyway." "MP Mayor!" "Let me finish." "Like the commander, I know about authority." "There are deadbeats in my village too, I must say..." "You need to reassure your men." "Reassure them for good." "I'm not here to discuss this with you." "You're right, don't get angry." "Listen, we're alone now," "I can make you another offer." "Try to explain it to him, we'll investigate, but if we can't find the killer, take me hostage." "I'm the top citizen in town," "I answer for everyone, see?" "You look smart." "If I'm arrested, the murderer will give himself up." "Translate." "Tell him if he accepts, I'm ready immediately." "Strange people... those French..." "I accept, but I want 5 hostages." "5 hostages?" "No, I don't agree." "B!" "But we don't have 5 important people here." "Tell him I'm the only one who can do it." "I said 5." " A. -5." "If the murderer doesn't give himself up, what happens to the hostages?" "If the killer isn't caught tomorrow night, the hostages pay with their life." "I got the picture." "We will come for you tomorrow at 6 a.m." "If you're not there, our batteries will open fire on your village at 6:05." "That's all." " That's all." " This way, please." "How long'll he make us wait?" "Never here when we need him." "Did you hear a German officer was killed?" "So?" "Haven't the Germans killed anyone?" "Every home'll be searched." "Even under the floorboards?" "What a crazy idea." "Why?" "No reason, just asking." "Here he comes." "So..." "A German officer was murdered last night by someone in town." "The body was found in the woods." "The German authorities have decided to take 5 hostages tomorrow morning at 8 a.m." "Why?" "They didn't kill the officer." "They answer for the killer." "If they don't show up to the authorities, the batteries open fire, our town will be dust," "no survivors." "So I need 4 of you to volunteer." "Why 4, you just said 5?" "As our primary citizen, shouldn't I be named first?" "Primary citizen?" "So what does that make me?" "Rabbit droppings?" "And my ancestors, who wiped their boots on yours?" "That doesn't count?" "No." "This guy wants to be a hostage because he made money in sales." "Your monocle doesn't make you a hostage." "What's all the fuss about?" "You think the rich guys should have all the breaks?" "Take me too." "I'm a citizen like everyone else." "This is my town." "This outlaw I catch every other month?" "I'd like to see that." "I'm a sworn in guard, you say." "What do I care?" "I swear every day." "You won't let him, Mr. Mayor?" "Mr. Tartagnac, yes..." "Of course, my honor requires it." "Requires it from all of us." "I don't know if it's acceptable, although I've been discharged and my income is modest, I'm with you." "I have a question first, Mr. Mayor:" "if the perpetrator doesn't give himself up, what then?" "Well, my friend, in times of war, 5 people don't mean much." "It would save the village." "And citizens." "As primary landowner in this town," "I insist on being a hostage." "Let's say the matter is settled for us." "It's settled." "For the others, I think we should draw." "Get some pieces of paper." "I'll make an X on three of them, the men who draw them come with us." "Lureau, help us." "Trignol too." "Now listen!" "We're not changing our decision, are we?" "What decision, Labiche?" "You know I'm the one they chose to be hostage!" "Me alone, nobody else!" "That was in '70, Labiche, now it's 1914." "Where's your Bismarck?" "I'll look him straight in the eye and say, "Long live the Emperor!"" ""Long live Marshal MacMahon!"" "Calm down, why don't you help us?" " Those the last ones?" " Yes." "Pass the hat." "The last one's for you." " Thank you." " Start with the council." "Go on, pick one." "Come on." "Mr. Fabien..." "Mr. Tartagnac..." "Thank you." "I'm in." "Uh...well, me too." "Is there an X?" "I can't see." "No." "Why not?" "There are only 4 of us, we need a fifth." "Mr. Tartagnac, you haven't looked at yours." "Of course, sorry." "Count me in, gentlemen." "Always the fat cats." "It was rigged." "Gentlemen, wait, one more thing:" "I believe it's best not to involve the women." "He's right, we'd better not tell them about the hostages' cruel but noble fate." "Maybe it'll work out." "it could, right?" "They'd worry in vain." " Is it a deal?" " Yes." "Good." "You 4 stay here." "I lied before, they're coming for us at 6." "I didn't want everyone to be there." "If you want, we can meet at the square at 5, and go together." "Yes, sir." "I'm glad you're with us." "Provost marshal with the 37th, man of honor." "Is there a chance of finding the killer?" " Of course." " By tomorrow?" "By tomorrow night, of course." "See you at 5 a.m." "5 o'clock." "Honestly, a man of your stature, vice president of the philharmonic, they had the gall not to name you first?" "Yes, dear boy, sometimes one has to be humble." "I've only lived here 10 years." "I couldn't tell you I was chosen as hostage." "I'm sure you'd be angry, but our town and country are at stake." "Ernest, where are you?" "I got up, Maméne." " Why?" " To go to the bathroom." "Come back, I'm cold." "Yes, Maméne." "I'll wear my white gloves and monocle." "Get my top hat, it's the only one in town." "Show them who I am." "Take a muffler, it's cold." "A muffler, she says." "I'm representing France!" "France, France." "She doesn't care if you catch cold." "I don't want to lose you." "I love you, stupid!" "Me too." "I would have liked it to last longer, but duty calls..." "We're alone, spare me the speeches." "My teddy bear." "Don't say that at a time like this." "Ok, cuddles." "Go fast this time, and wait for me at home, Annie." "Bye,dear" "Adieu, Pierre." " Let me row." " Suit yourself, my boy." "Tartagnac, it's time to go." "Come down." "Tartagnac!" "Good god!" "We all felt that in this tragic situation, as Tartagnac has unfortunately let us down..." "It's incredible, such a brave man, didn't look at his paper." "We all thought the honor of replacing him should be yours." "Thank you, but I don't want any favors." "You deserve it, old boy." "Thank you, but other folks have been here longer." "Seniority isn't everything, there's also social standing." "I really don't want to impose." "No, Rameau, it's a great pleasure to have you with us." "Thank you, Mr. Rossignol," "I'll never forget your vote of confidence." "If someone else..." "Right now?" "Let me shave." "We're late, I wouldn't bother." "Then I'll take my shaving kit with me." "To set an example." "Wait!" "What is it?" "L..." "I'll catch up." "Ok, let's go." " Wait." " What is it?" "Nothing..." "Yes!" "Please, let's wait for Mr. Mayor." "Mr. Mayor's been working too hard, not sleeping well." "Think it's funny?" "Poor Beaumont, what an embarrassing moment for a primary citizen." "Being mayor doesn't make him less of a man." "The Rossignols' idea of a man is entirely different." "So be it." "Wait!" " What is it?" " Nothing." "Yes!" " You the commander's hostages?" " Yes." "We're early." "It's such a nice morning, we're taking a walk." "Here's the fifth, sir, he was lost." "Follow me." "Let's go." "Hello there, Mr. Mayor, Mr. Rossignol." "Fancy meeting you here." " Who's that?" " Notary, mayor, deputy, guard and Rossignol in person." "Unbelievable - is there a reception?" "Mr. Mayor, would you sit on my Louis XV couch?" "Don't talk that way." "I'll lock you up, you rogue!" "I am locked up, and so are you." "Why'd they arrest you, Rodilar?" "You didn't want me as a hostage, the stuffed shirts get the glory." "Guess what I did to the Komandatur?" "I pinched Mr. R's 3 hares that I just sold to them!" " What?" " You bet!" "A hare thief, they won't shoot you!" "Know what I said when they arrested me?" ""Damn the King of Prussia!"" "I yelled it, and when they said, "What?" I bumped one off." "So look, I'm a hostage!" "Father?" "Anyone home?" "Your father's gone." "Gone?" " At 5 a.m." " So early?" "What's going on?" "He's been taken hostage." "Hostage?" "And 4 others, because a Prussian was murdered." "They say it's an honor to be a hostage." "Father's been taken hostage?" "What now, are you crazy too?" "Let me see the commander." "What's wrong, miss?" "I must see him right away, sir." "What for?" "I know who murdered the officer." "Right this way." "What's your name?" "Annie Beaumont..." "I mean Rossignol." "Mayor Beaumont is my father, but I recently married Pierre Rossignol... the day before yesterday, actually." "Rossignol and Beaumont..." "Isn't your husband, Pierre, one of our hostages?" "His father." "My Pierre is a soldier." " Oh?" " French, of course." " You married 2 days ago?" " Yes." "We weren't here then, but reliable sources say the French were gone." "Another window's broken, who's gonna fix it?" "Another window's broken, no one to fix it." "Imbecile." "Hey, he's got extras!" "Can I help you wipe them?" "One last warning." "You'll be sorry!" " Yeah?" " My certification is law." "What's law without a rifle?" "No rifle, no law, old fool." "I'm telling you, my husband killed him." "Perhaps it's true, but your testimony is of no value unless the killer surrenders." "We're sorry." "Please..." "You must go now." "I can't go until I know whafll happen." "They going to Germany?" "Is that it?" "Worse?" "But they're innocent!" "Let me see the commander again." "It's no use, ma'am." "Is there someone above him?" "Many people, all the way to the emperor." "Where's the commander's superior?" "He won't see you, but he would say the same thing." "And his superior, etc." "On and on." "Can I at least see them?" "Wait here." "Here's a pass for this afternoon." "From the commander's assisanfs assistant." " Easier that way." " Thanks!" "Right this way." "Know what I'm thinking?" "Beaumont?" "I think maybe one of us doesn't want the killer to be found." " You think?" " Yes, imagine that." "And maybe the killer's closer than we think." "It was Rodilar!" "You fess up!" " Knock it off!" " It wasn't him." "Oh, really?" "When I'm up late," "I see strange things out the window sometimes." "Really, like what?" "People taking off in loaded wagons at 3 a.m." "insinuating?" "Not insinuating." "I know the killer." "True, you do." " I know him well." " True again." "He knows me." "Of course, why wouldn't he?" "Why?" "You really want me to tell you why?" "Listen to me carefully, Rossignol." "It's gone on too long." "Your son is the murderer." "What?" "Are you crazy?" "He was drafted." "He came back here last night." " My son?" " To see my daughter." " Your daughter?" " Yes." "He was seen by the German officer, he killed him, she helped him get back to the army." "When you saw me," "I was getting rid of the body." "There." "What are you doing?" "Calm down!" "I have to speak to him immediately." "Would you tell us where you killed the lieutenant?" "In the woods." "What weapon did you use?" "My hunting rifle." "I was hunting, he saw me." "I got scared." "Free the others, it was me." "You're lying, sir." "Lt. Von Wohlmuth was shot with his own gun." "What's your name?" "Rossignol." "You have a son." " Where is he?" " Drafted in the French army." "Your son is married to the mayor's daughter?" "My son, with his daughter?" "It can't be... that's wrong... there must be a mistake." "Mr. Rossignol, I admire your courage." "Unfortunately I can't change orders." "Well, what could I do?" "I hid the body and took Pierre back to the French." "He's the son of a fellow citizen." "I gave myself up, but they didn't buy it." "Forgive me." "It's 0k, you did your best." " Right?" " Of course." "With a drink, we'll all feel better." "Hear that?" "Sounds like Annie." "Authorization?" "Yes, the commander's allowed me to bring food." "For the hostages." "Act happy now, no one should know we're sad." "What's up?" "Come on Fabien...no, Rameau." "Sing something." "Oh, the mad women's suffering goes on, lend them an ear, you'll go mad yourself..." "That's happy?" "Sing something fun!" "That's my best." "I know a good one." "Wait, wait, wait, the mountain men are coming, the mountain men are here." "The mountain men, the mountain men... are here!" "Annie, my dear." " Father!" " My girl." "What d'ya know, food!" "Thought maybe you'd stay..." " overnight." " Maybe." "Yes." "Might as well have dinner!" "Look here, leg of lamb, sure smells great!" "Pété, just the way I like it." "More pété!" " Dig in." " Hands clean?" "Try this wine, it'll tickle your tastebuds." "Look, miss, you know this trick?" "And this one?" "Where'd you learn that?" "Army." "Your bottle trick's great." " How'd you learn?" " Prison." "First night Ernest is gone." "Ok for one night, for our country." " Think they'll be released?" " Sure." " Really?" " Annie wouldn't say." "Wait, these are my own last 2 bottles of '93!" "From Mrs. Rossignol." "Saved for Pierre's wedding." " Right, Mr. Rossignol?" " So?" "Come with me." "What is it?" "Excuse me." "Listen, I..." "excuse me for a second." " Actually, Mr. Rossignol..." " Tell me." " Pierre asked a favor." " Oh?" "He wanted to surprise you." "Surprise?" "I doubt it." "Oh yes, he surprised me too." "Your son's quite a joker." "Pierre and I have always loved each other." "Do you understand?" " So we..." " You're saying you got married?" "What's all the fuss about?" "I knew that." "You know?" "What, you know?" "I've known it for ages, old man." "Think I'm a fool like you?" "Yes, I do." "You're right." "It took a day like today to realize how silly we've been." "So are we toasting or not?" "To your health!" "Right, well..." "I was thinking "Vive la France!" - same difference." "How about that pété?" "Sure looks tasty." "Look, it's even got truffles!" "First time I get truffles is during a war." "You know what?" "It's worth it." "Since you're here, I'll tell you:" "When I was young, before my promotion, I was a poacher too." "We're all the same, we were young and foolish!" "Guess what?" "When I was young," "I wanted to be a cop!" "It's Jojo." "My wife is out there." "Isn't that her?" " And Mrs. R." " My wife?" " And your mother." " Mom!" " Where?" " Across the courtyard." "Just look out the window." "Hurry, let's look!" "Mother!" "Do the puppet, Ernest!" "Watch the puppets dance around, up and down, watch them turn around 3 times, then they dance away." "Louder, Ernest, he can't hear you!" "Put your hands at your sides, little puppets, hands at your sides and jump jump jump." "Watch the puppets dance around, up and down, watch them dance dance dance, do 3 turns and dance away." " You hear that?" " 3 a.m." " No, 4 a.m." " No, 3!" " No, it's 4." " The town hall bell didn't ring." "See?" "3 o'clock." "Morning already?" "No, not yet." "Go back to sleep, Rameau." "Good, I was just dreaming I was 100." "Let me go on dreaming." "Quite a strange wedding, and strange fathers-in-law." "Usually a Wedding's a happy occasion." "They've been in love for ages, might not've told us, if there wasn't a war." "All that for a barn." "Fine opening I've got now." "Bars on the windows, a lock on the door that will open tomorrow for..." "Come on, Rossignol, you're so proud, you exaggerate backwards." "It wasn't your barn problem that caused the war." "Oh, no?" "Maybe the millions of idiots who wanted to cross through no matter what, and the millions of idiots who wouldn't listen, no matter what." "Our only consolation is, right now the whole world's as dumb as we are." "We should've let them destroy the town, ifsjust a bunch of rocks." "Travelling by car is very hard, but it's much more fun than a train on the run." " What time is it?" " I wonder." "I think it's 4 o'clock." "My watch is usually fast, but this time I'm afraid it's working." "Won't that bum stop snoring?" "It's really coming down." "Should we let him sleep?" "We have at least half an hour." "I'd like to have a shave." " Rameau?" " What?" "Sorry to wake you, but we'd like to have a shave." "Yes, Mr. Beaumont." "Morning's here?" "Nights can be so short." " Oh, no!" " What?" " Bad news." " What?" "We'll have to use cold water." "Your turn, Mr. Mayor." "Please have a seat." "Sure your hands won't shake too much?" "They always do in the morning, a little." "But I'm an artist, Mr. Mayor." "As soon as I start, they follow." " Thank you, sir." " Don't mention it." " Does it hurt?" " No." "Everyone's gotta shave, what is it, Sunday?" "Yes, buddy, almost." "We should look good today." "Move it!" "It's the general." "Yes, sir!" "Retreat!" "This battle may change our country's fate, remember:" "there is no more turning back." "Make every effort to attack and drive out the enemy." "If you can't move forward, by all means hold your ground, and die... don't retreat." "Under these circumstances, no weakness is tolerated." "Firing squad, fall in!" "Pity they're not just fireworks." "Always aiming to kill." "My wife should see that after all this, a man should have a little authority at home!" "Patrol wagons pulled out." "Whafre the firing squads orders?" "Ask the commander." "The commander is gone." "Ask Lt. Von Grune." "Firing squad ready." "I'm taking orders from Lt. Von Grune." "Strange, I'd thought we'd be more afraid." "Everything3 quiet now." "The kids're probably asleep again," "I was worried about the noise." "I don't know about you, but I'm also feeling very calm." "We all have to die one day." "What's a little gunshot?" "You've fired lots at me." "Yeah, but I always missed on purpose." "Not them." "Von Grune is gone too." "What about the firing squad?" "I'm surprised, you're usually reliable." "What time is the execution?" "0600 sharp." "What time is it now?" "It's 4:57, sir!" "They have one hour, three minutes to live." "Orders are orders!" "Fall out!" "Not that I'm impatient, but let's get it over with." "They should at least have the decency not to make us wait." "Sgt. Durafont, this is where I live!" "Good god!" "All together now!" "Heave ho!" "Sorry, Mr. Mayor, couldn't help it." "This way." " Let's go into town." " Men only!" " I'm going!" " Me too, see what's up!" " Me too." " Let's go." "They're after the hostages." "Poor guys!" "You never know." "COME on, everyone." "Let's go." " Come on!" " Ok, we're coming." "Look, over there!" "Stop!" "Who's that?" "Are they French or German?" "Maybe we could make a little detour." "They're attacking!" "Let's get out of here!" "Wilted daisies." "That the best you can do for your poor father?" "No respect!" "Ernest!" "He's not dead." "Hope they don't drop him." "Quick, throw the flowers in the toilet." "Beaumont, this changes everything!" "Fabienl!" "Mr. Rossignol?" "Can you make me an affidavit straight away?" "It's a little tough to write now." "Write it later!" "I solemnly swear today, to give up my right to pass through Beaumonfs barn." "Give it up?" "First you must have the right." "Mr. Mayor, I beg of you, on such a fine day!" "We almost died." "Today will go down in history." " Who cares about history?" " Not me." "Don't dare deny me the right I have to deny my right." "Long live the hostages!" "Put me down." "Me too." "Actually, it's ok if you want to go through." "No, it's all right, I was just saying that." "It really doesn't matter." "See, we argue over and over, then one day the barn is gone, nothing left." "But there is something left." "All the harm we've done." "And all the good." "We did some good too, you know?" "Maybe without realizing it."