THE SIEGE OF THE ALCAZAR
subtitles by: RAREFILMSANDMORE.COM (Copyright 2014; All Rights Reserved)
Starring / German Voice over:
This film was awarded the Mussolini Cup at the Italian Film Festival
1936: Bolshevism is raging throughout Spain. The country is starting to sink into chaos.
A small group of nationalists have gathered around General Franco to fight the Red Terror.
At the very last moment, Franco succeeds in saving Spain from extinction by the Red hordes.
The defense of the Alcazar in Toledo becomes the symbol of this heroic battle for freedom
where Colonel Moscardo and his brave men hold out for two months against a siege of the fortress by
their Bolshevik enemies, who outnumber the defenders many times over.
The heroic struggle of these brave men are shown in this film, which has faithfully
re-created the events in complete historical accuracy.
Company: Attention!
Eyes ... left!
Stand at ... ease!
Tonight we'll be in Madrid.
Don't be so enthusiastic about it! You know, men in uniform aren't exactly loved in Madrid these days
What are you two talking about?
About leave, sir.
Which train are you taking? - The one at three pm.
Then we'll be seeing one another. I'm leaving on the same train.
We'd be more than happy to travel under your supervision.
Fix your belt buckle before the Colonel sees it!
Nothing new at the Alcazar, sir.
Attention!
Cadets, the future of our nation lays on your shoulders!
The Fatherland's in grave danger!
It is your duty to be diligent and always ready to do your duty!
And to be the bearers of loyalty to the traditions of our country
Always remember the words of Charles the Fifth:
"If in combat you see my horse and my flag fall"
"then raise my flag before you tend to me!"
Always remember these words!
Cadets, the day has come for you, too, to step up in battle for the honor of your Fatherland!
Defend him!
Hello, Conchita!
Carmen!
It's so nice of you to pick me up - Hopefully, you'll stay for a while
Only three weeks. My mother expects me to return to Madrid afterwards
That's the most vacation time I was able to wrangle out of her
Thank you very much for your help - You're welcome.
Do you have a new admirer? - Two, in fact
The first got off before Toledo.
How's your aunt? Still sick?
Yes, but she's getting better. Oh, wait here with the bags a minute!
Why? We're not going straight home?
I need to say goodbye to someone - Oh?
You mean Francesco! - Of course, Francesco. I am his fiancee, after all.
Am I late? - That's unimportant
It's Paolo's fault. I'll beat him up later
Such a pretty girl! - That's my friend.
Introduce me to her? - What could you be thinking?!
Carmen!
Allow me to introduce you to ... - Your fiancée?
Sorry, no. I'm not the happy man.
I'm Paolo Montez, this is the fiancée.
So, you're Francesco!
Conchita's told me a lot about you and I'm glad to finally be able to meet you
Hopefully, you're not disappointed. That would be a shame. - No, au contraire!
Oh, excuse me, please!
Can you change a 50 Peseta note? I don't have any coins for the paper
Right away, Captain.
May I, Captain, introduce you to Miss Conchita Alvarez?
My fiancée. - Captain Vela
Pleased. - And this is Carmen Herrera
She's visiting me from Madrid
I was able to make change, Captain - Thank you, Montez.
Glad to have met you, ladies. Farewell, ladies!
See you on the train.
Nice guy. - The finest officer in the Academy
I have to admit, I like him
TODAY, CALVO SOTELO, HEAD OF THE OPPOSITION, WILL GIVE A SPEECH
The Minister promised us, he'd ensure peace and order through- out the land
But what does this "order” look like in reality?
300 dead and 2000 wounded just last week!
Everywhere strikes, assassinations, robbery and plundering!
All signs of our impending descent into anarchy!
You're over exaggerating the facts, Deputy Calvo Sotelo
Misdeeds that you're accusing the government of abetting
aren't happening at all. And if they do happen, you alone will be responsible for them, Sotelo!
Untrue! Everyone in Spain knows, who has the dead on their conscience
It's on the conscience of the current, left-leaning government
And on the conscience of its corrupt leaders, who are bringing Spain to the edge of chaos
And which I will fight against with all the means at my disposal
I'll repeat the words of a great Castillian to his king:
"You can take my life, but nothing more.
"Because death with glory is better than a life with shame."
Throw the dog out! Throw the dog out!
Death! Death! Death to Sotelo!
Now, the destiny of our country no longer rests here
...but in the street!
CALVO SOTELI HAS SIGNED HIS OWN DEATH WARRANT
THE SUDDEN DEATH OF C. SOTELO. DISFIGURED BODY FOUND. THE FUNERAL OF THE ASSASSINATED C. SOTELO IS TOMORROW.
We swear to you on your lifeless body, Calvo Sotelo
We will avenge your death and liberate enslaved Spain!
We swear!
The forces in Africa are in rebellion against the government.
This is a local incident without importance
The government is in control of the situation.
Did you hear that, Paolo? Do you think the rebellion will be limited to Morocco only?
Why not?
Are you leaving? - Yes, and you're leaving with me.
Where to? - To the Captain.
After news like this, we must absolutely place ourselves at his disposal!
Waiter!
Is the news from Morocco true? - Yes!
A large number of Moroccan troops has landed at Algeciras by plane.
I'll tell you more, but you'll have to keep it a secret
Two of the great powers are sympathizing with the rebels
Do you know who moved those troops from Africa to Spain?
German and Italian transport planes
There isn't a chance the rebellion will fail
Tomorrow, at the very latest, the Reds are going to quit the govern- ment.
What is it? - Captain, two cadets are asking for you.
Let them in!
Come in!
Ah, it's you!
So, what is it?
We heard the news on the radio, so we came to receive orders.
I'm off for Toledo. You two can do what you want; you're on leave!
We'll do as you do, Captain. Our duty now is to be at the Alcazar.
Bravo! I'm glad to hear that.
Follow me to Toledo, agreed? - Agreed, Captain!
Good morning, gentlemen. Staff officers, report!
Gentlemen, as you have learned from the news on the radio
the death of Calvo Sotello has been the signal for a movement
intended to save the country.
The initiative for the conquest of the country
was taken by General Franco.
The officials and officers are on his side as well as
all those who still believe in the future of Spain.
We have waited a long time for this day. It has come and we'll fight with him.
Now we need to act!
I ask every one of you to give his opinion as to whether we should follow Franco
Franco! - Follow Franco!
Follow Franco! - Follow Franco!
Franco! - Follow Franco!
Follow Franco! - Follow Franco!
I am happy to see that your opinion is the same as mine.
At this moment, the destiny of Spain is in the hands
of those who are prepared to give their life to save her
Move away from the window, please!
Do you wish to stay with us until things blow over?
It would no doubt be best, if I returned to Madrid.
I'm afraid it's like this all over now, my dear.
Francesco! Are you calling from Toledo?
What? You're back?
I understand
Of course, Francesco.
Don't worry! We won't leave the house.
We'll await instructions from you. Bye!
It was Francisco.
Francesco called. He says, we shouldn't worry
The military's controlling Toledo
The rebellion will be put down immediately
Then I'll leave for Madrid. - Impossible!
Why? - No one can leave! The trains aren't running to Madrid!
What should I do, then? - Francisco told us not to move.
Ever thing will end soon
The Civil Guard is already at the Alcazar.
Unload this as fast as you can! - As ordered, Captain!
Already back, Vela? - Yes, Colonel.
I brought the ammunition without any difficulties, sir.
A million cartridges? - Yes, sir.
Hello. One moment.
The War Ministry wants to speak to you, Colonel.
We requested ammunition be sent to Madrid!
Nothing's arrived yet. Where are they?
We didn't send it, because we need it here.
Do you realize this is insubordination!
With all due respect, I must say --- and you know full well why -— I can't deliver arms and ammo
to someone who'll use it against Spain. - As you wish.
You know Toledo is only 43 miles from Madrid.
If you persist in this attitude, we'll come and take the ammo by force!
Do as you like, sir!
Gentlemen, you heard.
They asked me to hand over arms to the enemies of Spain
I refused. I think, I acted on behalf of everyone here.
We're all with you. - Thank you
Now we must be prepared for anything.
Madrid will send troops and planes against us. - We will resist, of course!
We must now do everything to stop the Reds from taking the city
The Tavera hospital. - Exactly.
The Tavera hospital towers above the street that gives access to the city.
You shall take over its defense.
Thank you.
But I can only give you a few men; I don't have a lot to spare - As ordered.
Who is it? - It's me, Francesco!
Hurry! Take everything you can and come with me!
Where? - To the Alcazar. We're in a state of siege!
Impossible! - There's a civil war!
But I can't go to the Alcazar with all my suitcases and clothes!
You won't need them. It'll just be for a few days
What about auntie? She's ill!
She'll come with us. She can't stay here!
Follow me!
Come here already!
Let mommy get some sleep!
Come, give me the suitcases!
How are you feeling, aunt? - Good.
It's terribly damp in here
I don't think such air's going to be good for me
Don't worry, ma'am. It's just for two or three days.
I managed to find you a wonder- fully soft mattress to use
I hope you'll dream about me.
Why did they put us in these horrible cellars?
Isn't there another place in all of Alcazar?
The cellar's the safest place - Are you really afraid something's going to happen?
One thing's for sure: I won't get a wink of sleep this evening
Isn't there anything you can do for me? Like a screen?
A screen? Yes, perhaps in the physics lab.
Good, go fetch it! - Hopefully, this is the last request.
I have plenty of other things to do
Some men would agree to walk around the world for me.
But they haven't done so! - Such insolence!
Paolo! Can't you find me a softer pillow as well?
This is too hard; I'm used to something softer.
I'll have it stuffed with swansdown.
Fifty guns for Revenga; and 35 for Captain Casale
And the machine guns?
10 for the defense of the Alcazar and 3 to defend the hospital
Captain Vela, I'd like to ask you something
Yes, miss - Must I really spend the night here?
You have a problem with that? - Yes, all these people will bother my sleep!
Disturb you? Well, this isn't a hotel
Well ... show me your spot!
Here it is. - And you're complaining?
You're lucky to have your own bed, miss
Sorry, but this spring mattress will have to go back.
What? You're taking it from me?
We've very few of them. They're reserved for the hospital
So you want me to sleep on this dirty floor?
Like everyone else, miss.
And you'll have to share your mattress with another woman.
That's the last straw! I'd never have come, had I known.
I'd have gone back to Madrid at any cost.
I don't think that would've been such a bad idea.
Here's the pillow!
Did you bring this bed here? - Yes, sir.
Bring it back to where it came from. - Yes, Captain
Such insolence! - He's not so willing to walk around the world for you, miss
Halt!
Calm down! Calm down!
Carmen!
- Conchita!
I'm afraid! - Me, too.
There seems to be a lot of them - About 4,000.
And we're only 60. Good odds! - But they won't pass.
Don't fire until they're close!
Yes, Major - We have to be real stingy with what ammunition we have.
As ordered, Major!
Careful with the ammunition! Everything in order? - Yes sir
Aliaga!
Major? - Relocate to the machine guns.
The first remains here; the second to the third window in the back.
Move this gun, too! To the second window!
They're trying to surround us - Yeah
The road to the hospital is under heavy fire
An advance isn't possible. We must first demand heavier artillery from Madrid!
You ask them! - Yes sir.
Won't be so easy a business.
The hospital has an exceptional strategic position
and the defenders fight well.
They can't resist more than 24 hours. The hospital isn't
a fortress. Its walls are not strong enough.
Hello. - How are things going, Villanova?
Enemy pressure is very strong, but we beat them off
If you don't hold your positions, the Alcazar will be in big trouble
Nobody is passing now and nobody will be passing.
Good. Keep me informed! - Understood, Colonel.
Major, they're sending armored cars against us!
How many? - I spotted three.
We must stop them!
Quick! The hand grenades!
The air force!
To the yard, quick!
Hey, you!
Call the others; have them come here right away!
Hello? Major Villanova? One moment.
Villanova? What's the situation like?
They want to cut us off with artillery fire.
We can't get sufficient food and ammunition.
The roads to Toledo are all under enemy fire.
But our morale is good and we'll resist.
I expect nothing less from you! I know you'll resist.
My regards to all of you and may luck be on your side!
The situation's bleak. They can't hold out much longer.
Hello?
Colonel, sir, it's the Chief of Staff.
Hello! - Moment. General, sir.
Good evening, Colonel.
Please listen closely!
I'm speaking to you as a friend, not as your commander.
I understand your attitude
but it will lead to a disaster. You cannot resist ...
Surrender! - No, we won't surrender!
It's for our and General Franco's Spain.
We'd rather die than capitulate!
He won't surrender! - He's mad!
Who's to decide, who's mad?
THE CIVIL HOSPITAL HAS FALLEN. REPUBLICAN TROOPS ENTER
TOLEDO. THE REBELS ARE EN- TRENCHED INSIDE THE ALCAZAR
The moment we pull our people out of the hospital and bring them here, they'll blast us a new one!
You don't think they'll hesitate to attack such an important, cultural monument?
If they hesitate to do so, it won't have anything to do with respect for a monument
They'll attack without mercy. We must prepare as best we can for a siege.
Food supplies? - Not good, Colonel.
Just enough for the children and the wounded.
And there are 2,000 people here.
I didn't know there were so many people there!
125 officers.
1,000 men of the Civil Guard; the troops and the Academy.
And 200 falangists and civilians. - You can add 850 women to that
Almost a small city in itself, Colonel
Are you able to come here? - In a few minutes. Wait for me!
He seems to love you very much - Not as much as I love him!
I believe you; you work so well for each other. I've never seen you so happy
In spite of the times being so bad.
You're right. We have no clue how things will end.
But I have faith. I've never been as happy as I am now.
I'll always be together with him. You can't believe how wonderful a feeling that is
It’s something you can only understand, when you're really in love
I've been in love many times. - In love, yes; but not like I am now
Being in love is a wonderful feeling, that one can only experience once in life
Ridiculous. "Love" mean finding someone, whom we find inter- esting. Nothing more.
At least, that' what it meant for me til yesterday - And that's changed?
Yes, it has. - Really?
Excuse me a moment!
Hello, Captain. - Hello, miss.
Can I tell you something? - Of course.
I know you took part in the defense of the hospital.
It must've been terrible. - Yes, the worst was when they made us pull out.
You must have a bad opinion of me. - Why?
Because of what I said the other day
I'm the lady, who was looking for privacy.
Ah! I'd forgotten. - That's nice of you. Your opinion means a lot to me
You're actually the first man, who's dared to tell me the truth to my face
Oh, I'm just a soldier; sometimes a rude one.
Would you do me a favor? Help me become a nurse!
You want to treat the wounded?
I'm a trained nurse
I did it for the fun of it. I only did it so I could meet a doctor.
Let's hope that's changed. - I want to make myself useful
I want to do my part in all this - I think we can find something useful for you to do.
I think so, too.
The artillery's firing perfectly, General. I'll report to Madrid.
Tell me, when can the infantry attack and exterminate these rebels?
For now we'll leave the action to the artillery.
General, we received a phone call saying everything's ready.
Comrade commissar, we're having a feast in your honor in Toledo.
Wonderful, let's go!
The cannons can fire on their own. They don't need us. - Right. Food's important, too
These bishops had magnificent facilities.
I chose this Archdiocese as a headquarters
because it's quite pleasing. I left all the sacred images
on the walls. They're decorative!
You're right
Officers and friends! You've accomplished a great task!
Toledo, the cradle of Spanish civilization, is finally controlled by us.
The triumph will be complete when the Red flag waves over the Alcazar
At this moment, the mighty voice of the cannons
that accompany our dinner
assures us that this last relic of their fascism
will be obliterated
The traitorous cowards hide behind behind the walls of the fortress, be- cause they're afraid to fight us in the open
They've locked themselves inside the walls of Alcazar
hoping that our respect for a monument of art will save them.
We should, indeed, respect works of art
Our general does that now by leaving these disgusting, holy pictures on the walls of his HQ
But we mustn't overexaggerate this respect
The cost involved in such losses is irrelevant, when the overall, his- torical picture is taken into account
If every work of art must disappear in order to crush the fascists
we will build new monuments even greater.
So let us drink to that! - Bravo!
Incredible. Five hours of intense shelling and the Alcazar still stands.
Medieval walls were constructed thicker than those made today. You must be patient!
I have to conclude that the artillery is impotent.
No, but it will take time and effort.
Madrid needs to send us more artillery of a larger caliber.
That means even more of a delay!
You obviously don't realize that the proletariat needs a victory.
We announced to the world that the capture of the Alcazar would
only take a few hours. What now? - I have to think about it
Attack with the infantry! What are you waiting for? Tell me!
First, our assault troops probably won't make it alive to the walls of the fortress
Without a breach in the walls, it would be crazy to attack with infantry!
What am I supposed to tell Madrid then?
And the press?
What is it? - Excuse me, General.
Is that really true? - Yes sir.
Where did they catch him? - Here, in Toledo.
Have you told the chief of the militia? - No sir.
Inform him right away! - Yes sir.
You can send a message to Madrid announcing that the Alcazar will be in our hands tonight
What? The Alcazar is ours? - Without a single shot!
And without the loss of a single man!
Over here. An operation's needed, doctor - For whom?
I'll be right there
Three cadets are lightly wounded: Glauso, Fernandez, Rodriguez.
And badly wounded are Moreno and Suarez
That's all of them, for now. Thank you, doctor.
Hello. - Hello.
Captain! - Oh, it's you
I'm here thanks to your intervention.
If I'd known sooner, I'd have asked about you.
To know, whether I did my duty?
I have no doubts about that.
You look tired. Take a rest! - I'm not tired.
There's always lots to do. - Unfortunately.
Do you think this will go on much longer?
They'll try everything to make us surrender.
But we won't! - Your spirits are high
You're not scared of the bombs any more? - Much less than before.
Now that I'm needed somewhere, I'm not scared
You surprise me. I'm starting to wonder, whether you're the same woman I met only a few days ago
I am. I'm trying to forget the woman I was. I don't know what was with me.
I'm grateful for your observation
The electricity and water have been cut.
Two bad blows.
We have water in the underground wells
but without electricity, the radio's dead.
We'll have to fight without news from the outside.
- We can and will resist, Colonel. - I believe that as well
I know, our will can't be broken
Even the women, after short fits of panic, stay calm.
God help us, nothing will force us to give up!
Hello?
It's for you, Colonel.
This is the commander of the Republican forces in Toledo.
I demand the immediate surrender of the Alcazar
I'll give you ten minutes to surrender.
After that, we'll shoot your son. He's my prisoner.
My son is in your hands?
I'll let him talk to you, so you know I'm not lying.
Dad. - How is this possible, my son?
They're going to shoot me, if you don't surrender.
But don't worry about me!
If they're indeed capable of doing that, then die as a good Spaniard!
Sacrifice yourself for our Fatherland!
And cry out, "Long live Spain!"
Long live Spain, dad!
I'm proud of you. God be with you! - Farewell, dad.
Five of the ten minutes are gone. What's your decision?
I make you a present of the remaining five.
Attention, attention! Stop obeying your disloyal leaders!
Pass over to our side!
We won't shoot you. We'll welcome you as brothers.
Surrender!
For us at the Alcazar, the word "surrender” doesn't exist!
Is Fernando Ramirez there? Answer!
Fernando! They're calling you!
Hey there! Answer!
Tell him to come to the window so that his wife may talk to him!
C'mon! Call him! - Fernando! Fernando!
Clara! - It's a trap!
Your wife greets you. She's having a wonderful time over here, Fernando
Beast!
Every man to his place!
Bring the sandbags here!
Take him to the infirmary!
Sister, I need this bandaged. - Go to the young lady over there!
Which one? - That one over there.
Excuse me, sister?
What a surprise! You as my nurse!
I learned not to be surprised by anything anymore.
What happened? - I'm hurt. Can you bandage it?
Strange we hadn't met till now.
The Alcazar's big. There are over 2,000 people here, after all.
Too tight? - No, it's the splinter that hurts.
How did you get that?
You'll never believe it. A tango was at fault.
A tango? - One of the Red militiamen was whistling a tango out of tune
I wanted to teach him a lesson and to thank me ... Bang!
But now, I can thank him be- cause I got to see you. - You're still the same
How happy I am to find you!
- Me, too. - Remember our last dance in Madrid?
You had a dress of pink tulle that I really liked.
Your friend, the doctor, was there too. He was very jealous
Didn't leave you for a moment.
Not too tight? - No, it's good.
But I would've done the same. It was the evening of our first kiss.
Pedro, please ... - What? Those are memories I'm happy to remember
Captain, the losses aren't that bad - Thank goodness.
I heard you're hurt. - A trifle.
I'll bandage it! - Thanks, it's nothing.
Go distribute these! - Okay
The Alcazar is finished/!
The Alcazar is finished! Latest edition!
Alcazar is finished! Latest edition!
Wait a minute!
The Alcazar is finished! Latest edition!
GENERAL NEWS
Thank you for bringing dinner; I'm hungry. - Today mule, no horses
It's a noble animal as well.
No, the difference between the two is that
the horse neighs in the stomach, while the mule kicks!
Mommy, I want bread!
Yes, of course. Here.
They're always hungry and they've cut rations again
I don't care about the meat; but the bread ...
For two days, we haven't eaten so they could have some food.
If they cut the rations again, what will I give them?
And what shall I give this creature?
Since yesterday, I have no milk.
The stores are all empty.
I've cut back on the consumption of flour
but when there's nothing left, there's nothing left.
What little remains of coffee and potatoes
is reserved for the sick.
There are still mules and horses
Even that's decreasing.
Even if we proceed to cut con- sumption, if we don't get more food in here, it won't last long
So, that's how things look? - You wanted the truth!
If God doesn't help, we'll soon be starving.
I must speak to the Colonel. - He's busy; come again later!
I need to talk with him now! If he knew the news I bring
he would surely meet me. - And what is this news?
Bread!
Bread? - Yes, bread
There is grain in the storehouses of the Agricultural Bank.
It's the grain that farmers gave as collateral for loans.
One of them is very near the Alcazar.
Do you realize the importance of what you are saying?
If what you say isn't true ... - It's true, Colonel.
I saw them unloading it in the magazines.
Very well. Tonight, a patrol will go there.
And you will guide them! - Yes sir, Colonel.
Nothing. Madrid, always Madrid. - We should be able get a foreign station!
The batteries are charged. Let's give it another try!
Still nothing. Let's try it with a new battery!
Listen!
Bastards!
The little bastards!
Keep listening!
Where's the Colonel? - He'll be here soon.
What's happened? - Very serious news.
If Madrid is broadcasting it, I wouldn't worry. A lot of lies.
This too is a big lie. But listen to what they said!
"The Alcazar rebels have been arrested by government troops”
"The officers and cadets have been disarmed and marched out."
"The situation in Toledo is now completely calm.”
We're cut off here from the rest of Spain.
If our troops believe Madrid, they won't come to Toledo and liberate
We must inform them!
I will ask the colonel to send me to General Franco!
Radio Madrid announced that the Alcazar has surrendered.
What? - Read my notes!
There are no limits to their lies. Unbelievable!
Colonel, I request permission to try and penetrate the enemy's lines tonight
to tell General Franco the truth?
I want to go, too, Colonel.
Thank you, but that's a one-man job.
The risk will be smaller and you'll be more likely to make it.
We need a man in good shape, who's intrepid and very familiar with the countryside
In that case, I think I'm most qualified, Colonel. I know the area.
Do you have a plan? - The simplest there is
I'll take the documents and uniform of a prisoner. - Good.
You can go; all is quiet. - And the guards?
They've been informed - Think I can pass for one of them?
You could make a career of it! - Please do me a favor, sir!
This ring ... If I fail to come back ...
- What are you saying? - I'll get back. But you never know.
If we don't meet again, when you get out of here ...
I sincerely doubt it
You're sure to get out. - You think?
Of course! Can I ask you, Major, to give this ring to my wife?
Of course. Good luck! We'll see you soon!
Someone disturbs the night, Colonel.
Maybe it's a sleepwalker
When I was in Madrid, I never went to bed before sunrise. Always out partying.
Now, it seems like it was all a dream!
Do you believe in love at first sight?
What do you mean? - I mean, that such a thing is really possible
No, but it sounds nice ... - Often, you don't know what you've lost till you lose it
The whole time, you've been walking around blind
But then, suddenly, you realize what love is.
Realize? What do you mean?
Never mind
I can't sleep.
What are you thinking about? - The night he avoided me
We used to meet, we talked ... even if for just a brief moment
He's very busy now. - No, it's something else.
In spite of being busy all the time, he always made a quick visit to the hospital to see me.
I don't want to disturb your illusions, but ...
He came out of duty, not to entertain you
Or did he ever talk about personal things with you?
No, never.
I can't explain it, but I think he's purposely going out of his way to avoid me
My whole day revolves around seeing him - That can be explained.
And I'll explain it: You're really in love
And these feelings are completely new to you. Believe me: you'll eventually be very happy
My whole life has changed suddenly.
Everything I was so sure of in the past, I'm not sure of anymore
If only there was a way to run into him tonight
Why, where is he? - You don't know?
Francisco didn't tell you? - No. What happened?
Vela ordered an excursion tonight. The cadets accompanied him.
Francisco was with them. I heard it at the hospital.
Dear God! What for?
They're trying to get some grain.
Careful! Tie the rope well! Go!
It's grain!
Guys! Tomorrow we'll be eating!
Go! Fill the sacks!
Hi, fellas! Going to Talavera de la Reina?
No, to Torrico. - Close enough. Can I join you?
Sure.
What are you doing in Talavera? - I'm off to see my girl.
You're on leave? - Yes, for ten days.
Lucky you. That Alcazar keeps us busy.
We take care of the shells for the artillery.
Two trips a day! Perhaps more now.
Starting tomorrow, they're going to start shelling day and night!
At night? How? - By using searchlights. They're gonna light up the place all night
So the shelling won't stop. - I already stopped sleeping.
What we need is more artillery.
Artillery? If I had my way, I'd do it more effectively!
Some poison gas and the Alcazar would go down, men and mice.
Wonder if we'll do that someday.
Why not now?
We should reconnect the Alcazar's water pipes.
They'd be able to drink again.
But with poisoned water, the drinker croaks!
And that way the "liberation” would come true!
Giovanni, a drink for a militiaman on leave!
How are you, Captain? - Are you talking to me?
Yes, to you! How are you? - Are you making a joke, friend?
I'm not a captain. - You don't remember me?
This is the first time I've met you. - Just a moment.
Even if you don't remember me, I remember you.
You're Captain Vincenzo Alba. - Captain? Just like you're a general.
My name is José Fernandez, look at my papers!
Papers, schmapers! You're Captain Alba ...
I recognize you. And I'll never forget you.
I was a recruit in your company.
In the 7th infantry regiment in Madrid.
You don't know what you're saying, nut job!
Tell the truth! Friends, this isn't a militiaman! He's a spy!
If you have any last wishes, perhaps I can fulfill them.
Between old comrades in arms.
Well then ... Bon voyage.
Ready!
Fire!
Horrible!
We used to be able to listen in at night; now with this shooting ...
But now, not even that is possible anymore.
We haven't a clue, what's going on in the outside world!
I'm going to try again nonetheless!
I wish it were over. - Don't be afraid, calm down!
Everything will be fine. - Hope so ... hope so ...
Rafael!
Rafael, it's a boy! - A boy!
Yes, a boy!
Handsome? - Very.
Where is he? I want to see him.
The mother wants to see the boy. Bring him over here.
Maria, look! How cute he is!
We'll call him Francisco ... after General Franco, okay?
A pencil!
I've got a foreign station. Italy!
Radio Milano, finally! Write!
"The campaign of the Nationalist forces in Spain proceeds success- fully.”
"The army of the south has taken Badajoz"
"Troops under Colonel Yage"
"are marching towards Toledo!"
Our troops! Advancing!
General Franco is marching on Toledo! We heard it on the radio!
Our guys are marching on Toledo!
#Cara al sol con la cam is a nueva que tu bordaste en rojo ayer#
#me hallara la muerte si me lleva y no te vuelvo a ver.#
#Formare junto a mis companeros que hacen guardia sobre los luceros#
#impasible el ademan, y estan presentes en nuestro afan.#
#Si te dicen que cai, me fui al puesto que ten go alli.#
#Volveran banderas#
Long live Spain! Our guys are coming!
Long live Spain!
Carmen! Embrace me!
We'll be free and able to go to Madrid! - Freedom, in Madrid!
Carmen!
#Cara al sol con la cam is a nueva que tu bordaste en rojo ayer#
#me hallara la muerte si me lleva y no te vuelvo a ver.#
#Formare junto a mis companeros que hacen guardia sobre los luceros#
#impasible el ademan, y estan presentes en nuestro afan.#
#Si te dicen que cai, me fui al puesto que ten go alli.#
#Volveran banderas victoriosas al Paso alegre de la paz#
#y traeran prendidas cinco rosas: las flechas de mi haz.#
#Volvera a reir la primavera.#
We still haven't been able to take the fortress. It's a difficult situ- ation
Yes, we've been working on the problem day and night for over a month without letup
No, not necessary. But you can let the minister know, that our plan can't fail
Yes. We'll hurry it up
Bye.
They're losing patience in Madrid by the day
They think taking the Alcazar is indispensable to winning the war.
Naturally, because the others are advancing.
If not stopped, they'll be here in 10 days.
They'll never get here in time. It'll be over by then.
They're there! - No. They're there!
There's a noise. - Where?
In here!
There's a noise in the wall. - Where?
In here.
What's everybody doing at the wall?
There's a noise!
Where?
In here.
There really is a noise! - A noise?
What is it? - A noise.
A strange noise. - What can it be?
The stones are shaking.
It's a continual noise, as if from a machine.
Let us through!
You can hear the noise there. - Silence, please.
What is it? - Nothing.
What's happening? - They're trying to blow us up.
Two tunnels. At two different points.
There's no doubt, Colonel. The noise comes from drilling.
They're resorting to dynamite, because they can't capture us with guns.
Killing women and children! - They're not soldiers; they're murderers!
Cowards! - Bastards!
Gentlemen, calm down. Please!
Where can the noise be heard? - In the southwest cellar.
The tunnels of the mines start in the houses near here.
I can't say exactly where
but I think they run in this direction.
This is the enclosure of the Alcazar.
Here is the southwest cellar.
The tunnels ought to go from this point
and by going through here, arrive at these two points.
Is the danger imminent? - Not yet. The noise is still far off
The tunnels aren't finished yet.
It will take four or five more days for them to finish.
And to think that help is perhaps ten days away!
Can you tell me, where they are?
Not more than 100 meters from here, I think.
When will you know where the start of the two tunnels are?
I can tell you tonight, Colonel. - Good.
As the head of the citizens
I advise, that you clear out the houses next to the tunnel.
Transfer the women and the children to the northeast cellars!
Arrange for a platoon of volunteers to destroy
the entrances to the tunnels.
Auntie's asleep - She's worn out.
Poor thing. All this pressure at her age.
You have water? - Yes.
Give me some! - What for?
I want to wash my face. - There'll be less to drink.
I prefer being thirsty to feeling dirty.
Well ... seen him? - No, not yet
I'm scared. What am I supposed to say to him?
I wouldn't know how to start and I'm afraid of the answer.
What? You? Afraid of a man?
Seems strange, right? I, who laughed at such things.
It was easy when nothing made me feel like that.
And now! - There will be plenty of time, if we survive.
But if we die instead ...? - Have you lost all hope?
God could not allow the death of so many innocent people.
We'll be saved. Francisco also said we'll be saved.
Francisco and I are going to marry when we get out.
When Francisco's an officer ...
we'll live in Madrid. Think about it: Madrid! - Madrid!
What's become of everyone I knew there?
Don't worry, I'm sure they're doing fine.
I hope so.
What time is it? - It must be around eight.
Eight? I must go. - Bye.
Hello.
I'd like to speak with you. - I'm late.
Just five minutes, please. Don't say no. Will you marry me?
Don't you feel well? - I feel fine.
Will you? - Now, at death's door?
Arm in arm with you, I'll be more welcome in Heaven.
Answer! Will you marry me or not? - Marry?
Why not? What's wrong? So many people marry!
Now that Spain needs new Spaniards ...
marriage is an act of patriotism!
Can't you be serious for a moment?
You wouldn't believe me. If I told you that ...
this climate has changed me; that I'm not the man I once was ...
If I can get out alive from these glorious walls
I will remain changed for life. Would you believe me then?
I'd believe you. I believe you now.
So let's marry. - No, Pedro. That's nonsense.
We avoided it a year ago when I wanted to and you didn't
and this time we'll avoid it, too.
What's his name?
Who?
I know you. If you're speaking like that, it's because you love someone else.
It's Captain Vela, right? - Yes.
You like him a lot? - I love him.
I got to know him here. I started to love him here.
Perhaps I'll leave here without having spoken to him and telling him, how much I love him.
You say that with bitterness. - With regret, Pedro.
Just one day of happiness is all I wanted. But my feelings for him aren't reciprocated.
Nobody's missing? - No, Captain.
How many are we? - Forty.
Does everyone have a hand grenade? - Yes, Captain.
Don't let them see my arm!
Attention!
At ease! - At ease!
I know, I shouldn't burden you; but our fate depends on the success of your action.
Franco's troops are in the Toledo province.
You're off to destroy the entrances to the tunnels to stop our enemies
from blowing us up and to hold them back while our troops advance to liberate us
Good luck!
Can we go, Colonel, sir? - Yes. Captain Vela ...
Forward, march!
With five men, there!
Where did they get you? - In the belly.
Go on!
I'll have you brought back - One moment, Captain.
I need to speak to you. - Quick, what is it?
I can't breathe.
Thank you.
Carmen, you know ... - Who? Carmen Herrera?
Give my greetings to Carmen!
She loves you. I'm telling you this, because she never will.
Marry her! That's good advice.
The best ...
I ever gave in my life.
Captain!
Attention, Alcazar!
Will you receive our messenger?
Colonel, the enemy is sending a messenger.
I repeat: Alcazar!
Again.
Will you receive our messenger
to negotiate with the Alcazar's commander?
Tell them to send him over! - A megaphone!
- What time? Tomorrow, from 9:00 to 10:00. Conditioned upon a cease fire.
The Colonel will receive your representative
Tomorrow, from 9:00 to 10:00
Hostilities are to be suspended during negotiations
Answer!
Agreed. Our representative ...
will appear at Cappuccini Place between 9:00 and 10:00.
Hostilities will be suspended during this hour.
Remove the blindfold!
Am I speaking with Colonel Moscadero? - Yes. Be seated!
I should like the two officers, who brought me here
to be present during our conversation, if you'll permit it.
I'll allow it.
What's your mission?
By the authority of this paper, I have the authority to discuss
the conditions of surrender.
Cigarette?
Long time since you had one? - Some time, yes. Cigarette?
Long time since you had one? - Some time, yes.
Keep them! We have plenty.
Why not surrender? Resistance is suicidal.
We don't agree.
It's not our job to discuss these matters.
The Colonel is discussing this with your superior right now.
This window is finally an ordinary window again
You can watch freely. Look at the sky ... the fields!
Breathe the fresh air without fear!
Too beautiful to be true.
Even the silence seems true.
To think that in an hour
hell will start again.
Once I get out of here, I'll marry Conchita.
We'll rent that cottage.
On the Tago. Do you see it?
You're not going to Madrid? - When I'm an officer.
In the meantime, I'll stay here.
For the moment, three rooms will do, as long as there are no kids.
For me and Conchita, it will be more than enough.
Francisco!
I refuse! That's the answer. - Is that definite?
Yes sir.
Regretful. Now we'll be forced to use all means.
I know, the mine. Tell everybody
that we prefer the Alcazar become a cemetery
rather than a pigsty.
And the women and children? - If they should get out ...
will they be allowed to go? - They will be freed immediately.
Can you give me your word of honor
that no retaliation will be made against them?
That they will not be used?
Let me know, without going into painful details
if they will be used as elements for further persuasion?
Then my mission is ended.
Ended indeed.
May I shake your hand, sir?
I hope the mine explodes at night
so I don't notice it. You? - Always the mine! An obsession!
Don't you think about it? - Yes, but I don't rave on about it.
Mom, is it true, that when we get home, you will buy me a gun?
Yes, son. - And a box of soldiers?
Yes, love. - A doll for me, mom!
Yes. - Mom, when are we going home?
Soon.
The baby we were hoping for is here. And now ... - And now?
A miracle will happen. I'm sure of it.
You say that, but you don't believe it.
He woke up.
No change. He can't speak.
Tell me the truth! What did the doctor say?
No, I don't want to know.
I know, it's serious.
But there's hope, right? - Certainly! Relax.
Still serious? - A matter of hours.
His girl doesn't know? - She doesn't want to.
She looks at him as if she's begging him not to die, poor thing.
Francisco was her whole life.
It's horrible to lose someone you love so much
You have to have lived it in order to understand.
You speak as if you'll lose someone dear.
Yes, I'm afraid of losing you. - Me? Why do you say that?
Because I love you.
Vela, don't say such things!
You have no idea what it means for me to hear you say this.
It's true, Carmen. I love you.
And I'd like to spend my whole life declaring it to the world
How I've waited to hear those words! I've waited forever!
Now I feel that everything I did here
every pain that I felt
all I could do in here
helped me earn this moment.
No, it will be more than a moment.
Death may be near, but a miracle may still happen.
May God hear you! - God will hear me.
Gentlemen, I'd like to share the following with you
The Alcazar will fall early tomorrow morning
AL 615, we will blow up the funnels
For reasons of security, Toledo's remaining population must be evacuated from the city
At 6:25, the assault will take place
The assault will commence from every direction
Long live the Republic! - Long live the Republic!
Calling Alcazar! This is your last chance to surrender.
Tomorrow morning, we will blow you up!
Answer!
Excuse me. Come here!
You can see much better from here. There it is: the Alcazar!
Those men in there ... Why did they let it get this far?
It would've been better had they surrendered. Well, at least it'll make for a good photo
Put cotton in your ears, too!
You'll understand! It's to shield yourself from
the noise of 600 tons of dynamite
Six tons of dynamite! That'll be more than enough to blow every house there to kingdom come!
And when will the Alcazar be pulverized? - Will we have to wait long?
No, only a minute. - Oh, then I better get ready.
Now!
Go!
Now? - No, wait!
Fire!
Put your men above the courtyard!
Follow me, guys!
A ladder ... quickly!
Amid the smoking ruins, the surviving defenders continue to fight.
It seems like all the women and children are buried under rubble.
The resistance at the Alcazar is miraculous. The fortress will not yield.
After five days of violent assaults, the situation remains unchanged.
Franco's troops are only 6 miles from Toledo. The Alcazar will be liberated by them!
Another machine gun busted!
And this is our last machine gun! - The tanks are coming back!
They're too strong. It's too much for us to fight.
68 days of siege. Our troops so near and all this in vain.
By God, don't let them take us alive!
Get some more bandages! - Right away.
How will this end? - Only God can save us now.
Not even God! - Don't blaspheme, God will save us.
We survived the explosion! You must have faith. - Yours is so strong!
And yet you lost Francisco. - I didn't lose him; he lives in me.
Where no one can take him away!
He gives me faith. He and all the others
cannot have died in vain.
Their battery is veering about, sir.
Are you sure? - Yes sir, I saw it myself.
The Reds are leaving; our troops are coming! - They're getting closer!
#con la cam is a nueva que tu bordaste en rojo ayer#
#me hallara la muerte si me lleva y no te vuelvo a ver.#
#Formare junto a mis companeros que hacen guardia sobre los luceros#
#impasible el ademan, y estan presentes en nuestro afan.#
#Si te dicen que cai, me fui al puesto que ten go alli.#
General, sir, nothing new to report from the Alcazar.