All language subtitles for Christopher Columbus 1949

[bong]

[heroic music]

[fanfares]

[music continues]

[music fades]

[narrator] It's the end
of the 15th century,

1475-1480.

The Mediterranean is
the center of the world

and the world is
a strange one
to our eyes.

There isn't much of it,
just Europe,
a little of Africa,

Britain,
an island outpost
in the North,

Japan and China,
dim lands to the East.

The rest is water,
the limitless ocean sea.

Most sensible people
believe the earth is flat,

but here and there,
a crackpot theorist

is convinced
that it's a sphere.

That you can sail
right around it.

It's 1485 now, and one
of these crackpot fellows

is toiling up the long slope
to the monastery
of Rabida, in Spain.

Diego, come and look.

-What's the matter?
-I'm so tired.

You'll soon be able to rest.
You see that building
over there,

the one on the hill?

That's Rabida,
where the friars live.

They'll give us food
and a bed for the night.

You think you can walk
as far as that?

-I'll try.
-All right.

And if you're a good boy
and keep very quiet,

maybe they'll help me
to see the Queen.

-How can they do that?
-Ah, that's a long story.

-Tell me.
-No, no.

Please, Father.

Promise you'll never
mention it
to anyone else.

I promise.
Cross my heart.

Well, the Prior, Father Perez,
is the one I want to see.

He used to be
the Queen's confessor.

And it may be
that he'll give me
a letter to her.

-Will you really see the Queen?
-I hope so.

Only remember, he mustn't
know what we are after.

If he suspects
he'll be careful.

So, we're just
two weary travelers,
you understand?

[bell ringing]

You're welcome, brother.
What do you seek?

Of your charity.
A little bread and a cup
of water for the child.

-Will you come inside?
-Thank you.

[Gregorian chants]

Pax domini sit tecum.

Et tecum pax.

I see you're a scholar,
my son, as well
as a traveler.

Certainly a traveler, Father.

I have sailed
as far North
as Iceland,

as far as south as Guinea,
and eastwards,
to the Golden Horn.

But that is to have reached
the limits of the world.

Of the known world,
yes, Father,
but of the actual world...

not by a thousand leagues.

How can you say that,
never having seen it?

Have you ever seen
heaven? Or hell?

We have sound reasons
for believing they exist.

I have sound reasons, too.

-What are they?
-The same as yours:

faith and revelation,

to which I can add
cosmography
and mathematics.

What is that
you have there?

Bread and water
for the child, Father.

That's what
they asked for.

And we have
nothing better to offer?

I brought the boy
an apple, too.

An apple!
Take them inside.

Father Jose will show you
to the guest chamber.

I hope you'll do us the honor
of spending the night here.

-You're too kind, Father.
-Not at all.

You shall pay for your supper
by telling us more about
this new world of yours.

[Gregorian chant]

There's no need
for us to go yet.

Stay and drink
another cup of wine

and tell us why you're
so impatient to sail to India.

For two reasons, Father.

First, because there are
thousands of heathens

in those parts
waiting to be converted.

And because they are
rich in gold and spices.

And the first reason is
better than the other.

Gold has its uses.

True, and most of them bad.

But why you sail to the West?

Because that's
the quickest route
to India.

How can that be
when India is to the East?

You agree that the earth
is a sphere, like this.

That is the accepted belief
among philosophers.

Very well.

Then, here is Spain

and here are India,
China and Japan.

now, if instead
of traveling east by land
we travel west by sea,

we come
in some 3000 miles
to Japan again.

And where do you go now?

To France. And if I'm
unlucky there, to England.

But why to France?

Because a voyage like this
needs ships and money.

Perhaps the French
will give them to me.
The Portuguese won't.

Two years I've been
kicking my heels in Lisbon

trying to explain my scheme
to people who can't see
beyond their noses.

But why go to France?
Why not Spain?

I know no one
at the Spanish court.

I am a foreigner
without influence,
without friends.

What chance have I got?

My son, do you believe
in the workings
of a divine providence?

Of course, father.

Because it may be providence
what brought you here today.

-I don't understand.
-I'll tell you.

For many years, I was
confessor to the Queen.

I believe that if she
were to hear your story,

she might lend it
a friendly ear.

You mean, you...

You could give me
a letter to the Queen?

-No.
-Oh, but I thought you...

My son, in affairs of state
you must learn to move slowly.

I will give you a letter
to a friend of mine at court.

She will introduce you
to others with influence.

And one day,
if providence is still kind,
you may meet the queen.

Come and see me
in the morning
before you leave.

Thank you, Father.

[Gregorian chants]

What happened
to the boy's mother?

She's been dead
these two years, father.

I'm glad you decided
to leave him with us.

He'll be safe here
and it will provide
an excuse

for your coming
to visit us again.

-Goodbye, my son.
-Goodbye father

I shall never cease
to give thanks

that providence
led me to you.

My son,
one of the lessons
I've learned

in the course
of a long and not entirely
uneventful life,

is that providence works best
when she's aided
with a little knowledge.

I don't understand, Father.

Don't you? Do you mean
to tell me that you
didn't know who I was

before you
arrived here last night?

Well, naturally
your reputation...

As the queen's confessor?

Yes, Father.

I admit it.

I hope providence
will continue to assist you
to meet the right people.

Goodbye, my son,
God be with you.

-Goodbye, Father.
-I leave you with the boy.

[grandiose march]

Wait here please, sir.

Your servant, madam.

The good Prior writes
of your project
with great enthusiasm.

Are you sure that
he couldn't be mistaken?

Father Perez is
a learned man, madam.

I wouldn't presume
to doubt his judgment.

I didn't say
I doubted him.

I know him
too well for that

But you I do not know at all.

That is my loss, madam.

And an omission I trust
will soon be rectified.

There's no need to practice
your pretty speeches on me.

I hear too many of them
around the court.

Do you seriously believe
in a new world
across the ocean?

I'd stake my life on it.

You may be asked
to do that one day.

[Christopher] I am ready.

If I can arrange for you
to see the queen...

I said if.

You'll be ready
with evidence and arguments
to support your case?

Madam, I can talk
for two hours on the subject

without repeating myself.

I don't doubt it.

But please save that
for the Queen.

Then, I shall see her.

Call on me again next Thursday

and I'll tell you
what progress
I've made.

But I...

Your servant, madam.

Mind where
you're going, idiot.

I humbly beg
your lordship's pardon.

I'm not a lord.

I trust that omission
will soon be rectified.

Who is he?
I haven't seen him
about before, have I?

No, but I think
you may see a great deal
of him in the future.

What's his line?

New worlds across the sea.

What New World?
Where?

He wants their majesties
to give him a fleet of ships

so that he can sail west
across the ocean

and come to Japan
and India that way.

Then, he's crazy.

He seems very sure of himself.

Stuff and nonsense,
the whole thing's ridiculous.

We shall be the laughingstock
of the civilized world.

Stuff and nonsense,
the whole thing's ridiculous.

We shall be the laughingstock
of the civilized world.

Exactly what I said, sire.

Let us at least hear
all he has to say
before we condemn him.

We have
more important things to do

than to listen
to sailor stories
about imaginary islands.

There's a war on.

You have our leave
to withdraw, sir.

But Your Majesty...

You have our leave
to withdraw!

[fanfares]

[man] Master Columbus?

-Yes.
-I have a message for you.

The Queen will see you
in her apartments
tomorrow morning.

-The Queen?
-At eleven o'clock.

[fanfares]

Come closer.

I dislike speaking
to people at the distance.

You seem to have interested
the Duke of Medinaceli
in your ideas,

as well as Father Perez.

He writes that
he's ready to help you.

What do you say to that?

It's a matter
for the crown, madam.

It's too great a thing
for anyone less.

[Queen]
You seem to have
impressed the Duke.

I talked to him, Your Majesty.

Has he talked
to you too, Chancellor?

He does nothing else
but talk, Your Majesty.

I understand you have also
talked to expert gentlemen
in Portugal,

who are not impressed.

They know very little
in Portugal, madam.

Indeed. That's rather
my experience
with my own experts.

Talk to me, then. Freely.
But briefly.

Briefly, madam?

With all the proofs
I have to give,
at least an hour.

An hour? And indulging
myself as it is?

Assuredly, madam.

Now, then. Briefly.

I have knowledge
of certain lands
to the west,

-which can be rich...
-Yes, yes.

India is to be reached
by a short western passage,

I know all that,
I've read it
in these letters.

Forget your maps
and reckonings
and calculations.

They may be right or wrong.

But when you speak
of new lands along
this route,

what is it that you imagine?

What is it that you see?

I see an empire
for the sovereigns
of Castile and Aragon

such as no monarch
ever dreamed of.

A land whose illimitable riches

would pay
for these Moorish wars
a dozen times.

What else?

The holy sepulcher itself
could be rescued from
the power of Muhammad.

It's an ambition
many great princes
have lived for

and have died without seeing.

Humbly, it is mine.

For the glory of Your Majesty.

You have heard
that the noblest aims

can cause men
to twist the facts
to serve their theories.

Majesty.

I am sure of what
I shall discover

as if it were under lock
and key in my room
at home.

Set all my proofs aside
and this I still know

that I was elected.

Pre-ordained.

Inspired.

Madam.

Yes, yes, very well.

I think you had better
remain here
while the court stays.

You should be
provided for meanwhile

and your project
shall go
to a royal commission.

Does that satisfy you?

I'm deeply grateful,
Your Majesty but...

[Queen]
But you're impatient, I know.

You must curb
your impatience and wait.

It's good for the soul.

[Queen]
Are you married?

My wife died
some years ago,
madam.

[Queen]
Oh, I'm sorry.

[fanfares]

So, we are kept waiting
while this foreign quack

peddles his crazy notions
to the Queen?

A fine set of affairs,
I must say.

If you ask me,
it's a disgraceful waste
of time and public money.

This upstart mountebank
from Genoa.

The fellow who can't even
speak Spanish correctly.

Have you heard his accent?

He expects us to listen
to his crackpot schemes.

It makes me sick.

Don't you think you'd better
reserve judgment

till you hear
what he has to say?

I know what I think now.

Gentlemen,
master Columbus is waiting,

shall we take our places?

We are here, sir,
by command
of their royal highnesses

to hear your proposals
in full detail.

To weigh them
and to question you,

and afterwards, to report
on them to the sovereigns.

You are assured
of a fair and proper hearing

and I now invite you
to set forth your arguments.

My... proposals, gentlemen,

begin and end
with one assumption:

that the earth is round.

A sphere,
like a ball
or an orange.

And one deduction,
which I make
from that assumption:

if the earth is round,
and who nowadays
doubts it,

it must follow
that a man who traverses
the earth by land or sea,

will one day return
to the point
from which he started.

That, in essence, is
the foundation, the kernel
of my proposals.

In support of them,
I have massive evidence

which I fully believe
will convince
your excellencies.

These calculations show
that we can expect to reach
India after sailing some...

750 leagues. But if we leave
mathematics and physics

and turn to the Scriptures,
we find justification
for supposing

that there is land
between us and India

And where
do the Scriptures
say that?

The prophet Esdras,
your excellency,

tells us that God commanded
the waters be gathered

into a seventh part
of the earth.

In other words, there are
six parts of land
to one of water.

Judge, then, from that
how much land must still
remain to be discovered.

I would like to draw your
attention to the writings
of the Venetian, Marco Polo,

who speaks of lands
to the east of India
and Cathay.

Lands which must,
therefore, lie
between us and India

if we travel westwards
around the circumference
of the earth.

Master Columbus,
we have been here
for three days.

We have listened
most patiently
to your proposals,

your theories,
your suppositions,
your assumptions.

But so far, we are
without evidence
of any sort.

Have you no proof
to give us?

With all due deference,
I think you have had the proof.

Proof by deduction is
a form of proof known
to every mathematician.

And to a lesser degree,
by every marine.

What do you say
to that, Lord Admiral?

The fellow's right enough.

if you accept
that the earth is a sphere,

then you must accept
that by sailing to the west
you'll come to the east.

If you go on long enough.

-May I say something?
-By all means.

If, as some of you
seem so sure,

I'm not among you.

But if the earth is a sphere,

then master Columbus's case
automatically falls
to the ground.

-Why so?
-Because, sir,

if you sail down
the slope of the sea,

how could you ever hope
to sail up it again?

[man] What is
your answer to that?

The wind will blow the ships
back again, of course.

What, uphill?

Water does not run uphill.

That is exactly
what I'm saying,

the whole scheme
is preposterous.

Contrary, sir, is you
who are preposterous.

You're behaving
like an over-grown schoolboy

and deliberately making
asinine remarks
in order to discredit me.

-That will do.
-But I submit
your excellency...

That will do.

Because we understand
your natural impatience,

we shall not impose
any punishment on you
for your behavior,

but you will apologize
to the learned gentleman
forthwith.

-Learned gentleman...
-Master Columbus!

Very well, I apologize.

The Commission
is adjourned until tomorrow,
at the same time.

Been waiting long?

-Three years.
-You're not serious.

Oh, I am. Believe me,
three years is not long.

Not for a Royal Commission.

Well, I hope
they don't keep me
waiting that long.

-What are you after?
-An appointment as a notary.

-I hope you get it.
-Thank you.

-And you?
-What about me?

Well, what are you after?

All I want is to present
Spain with enough gold

to fill a treasury
for the next hundred years.

Enough land to make it
the greatest power
in the world

and enough glory to
satisfy a hundred kings.

You think I'm mad, I suppose.

No. Of course not but...

if you can really
give them all that,
why didn't they take it?

I'll tell you why.

May I come in?

Please do.

I want to talk to you
about my cousin.

-Has she been
to see you yet?
-No.

When she does,
do what you can

She's anxious
to come back to court.

That won't be easy

after what happened
last time.

That was ten years ago.

The Queen has a long memory.

Especially where
her husband's concerned.

I know. I know, well...

Do what you can, she's...
a nice little thing.

[laughs]
A pretty little thing,
perhaps.

I'm not so sure
about the "nice".

That's a question
of taste, I suppose.

Oh, I saw
that fella Columbus
down below.

-[Juana] Well?
-I think he's waiting
to see you.

Suppose he is?

Don't you think it would
be kinder to tell him
he hasn't a chance?

I thought
the Commission
hadn't reported yet.

-They haven't.
-[Juana] Well?

When they do,
the answer will be "no".

He might as well
give up now as later.

Oh...

Well, master Columbus,
what is it this time?

The same as last time.
When do I hear something?
When can I start?

-I can't tell you that.
-Does anybody know?

You must be patient
a little longer.

Patient?

I waited two years in Portugal,
I've waited three years here.

Where am I at the end
of it all? Back where
I started being patient.

-It's the war, you know.
-If it wasn't that,
it'd be something else.

Look at me, I'm so shabby
I'm ashamed
to be seen in public.

I've worn my clothes out
rubbing up
against anteroom doors.

-I can't do anymore.
-I know, I'm sorry.

Does me good to pour out
my troubles to someone.

The court returns next week.
Come and see me then.

I may have news
for you.

Juana!

How wonderful
to see you again.

Oh, I'm sorry,
I didn't mean...

I present
master Christopher Columbus.
Madame Beatriz de Peraza.

Christopher Columbus?

Not the man who wants
to sail around the world
the wrong way.

-The same.
-But how delightful.

You don't look
like a crank at all.

-Should I?
-Well it's rather
a fantastic idea, isn't it?

-I don't think so.
-Tell me confidentially.

You're not really serious
about this, are you?
I mean, it's just...

-an area to make money,
isn't it?
-Certainly not.

You mean you really
think you can do it?

-Certainly.
-But how terribly thrilling.

Look, I have nothing much
to do this evening.

Why not meet me
in the Court of Oranges
and tell me all about it?

You're surely not interested
in the ravings of a lunatic.

Oh...
I deserved that,
didn't I?

I do apologize.

Now, will you meet me
and tell me all about it?

Very well.

Your servant, madam.

[drums, men singing]

[children screaming]

[Diego]
Master Columbus!

Master Columbus, come in
and help us celebrate.

No, no, thanks.
I'm not in the mood.

Oh, please, surprise me.

It's not every day
one gets a court appointment.

-You got it.
-Come along.

[man singing]

My friends, master Columbus.

-Master Columbus,
my friends.
-[all cheer]

[men laughing]

We are drinking
to Diego's new job.

Come on, drink to Diego.

My friends, I thank you,

I shall try to be
the best notary in any town,
in any province,

in any country in the world.
Need I say more?

[all] No!

[all laugh]

What's your line?

-Ships.
-How many have you got?

-None.
-He will have.

-Very soon.
-Who's going to give it
to him?

-The Queen.
-[all laugh]

Tell him
about your scheme,
Christopher.

Tell them what you told me
this afternoon.

Hey, Diego, what sort
of celebration you call this?

-Bring us some more.
-I'll get another.

Maids may come
Maids may go

Good red wine
Will ever flow

U p aloft
Gales may blow

Wine keeps me warm below

I must go.
Excuse me.

[men continue singing]

[men laughing]

-You're not leaving?
-Yes, I must.

I hoped you'd stay
and tell us more
about your voyages.

At the moment, my voyages
take place entirely on land.

I'm glad you got
your appointment.

-Goodbye
-I'm sorry we're
such a poor company.

Oh, it isn't that.

Well, if you
must know the truth,

I'm penniless and I can't sit
and drink other people's wine

-if I can't buy around
in return.
-Is that all? Listen.

Listen, I live here
with my cousin.

There's an empty room upstairs.

You're welcome to stay
as long as you like.

No, it's all right.
There's something

you can do for me in return.

What?

Take me with you
when you go.
On your voyage

Why do you want to come?

Because I believe
you're about to make
some wonderful new discoveries.

-I want to be there
when you make it.
-Bless you for that, anyway.

-Then, you'll stay?
-No. No, thank you.

Beatriz!

[men laughing]

This is master Columbus.

The man I told you about.

The man who wants to sail
around the world the wrong way?

-The same.
-Somebody else
said that to me today.

What's so funny about it?

Oh, nothing...
If you're sure
you can do it.

-Of course I'm sure.
-But in the meantime,

while he's waiting
for his ships, he has to have
somewhere to live.

So, I thought
of the little room
upstairs.

I'll take your bundle.

Thank you.

There's something
your cousin forgot to tell you.

-I have no money.
-Neither we.

So, we start even.
This way!

[men laughing]

I brought it specially
for you to see.

Am I boring you?

-A little.
-I'm sorry.

You know what you need
more than charts, don't you?

-No, what?
-More friends,
more influence.

More... people like me,
who can say a word
in the proper quarters.

But you've been away
from the court for ten years,
you said.

Yes, but there was
a reason for that.
You see,

when I was 17,
I was rather beautiful.

You're very beautiful now.

I hoped you'd
notice that eventually.

But when I was 17,
the king noticed it.

The Queen thought
he noticed it too often.

So, I was married
and packed off
to the Canaries.

-You're married?
-I was married.

He's dead.

You could say a word for me
in the proper quarters?

Why not?

If you did,
you'd be helping Spain.

But it's not really Spain
I'm concerned about.

[classical music]

[fanfares]

Well, and how does it feel
to be a gay young widow
at court?

I like it very much.

You have everything
you want, I hope.

-Dresses, jewelry.
-Yes, why?

Don't you like my dress?

It looks very attractive.

-And very expensive.
-It was.

Does it have occurred you
to wonder where the money
is coming from?

From Hernan's estate,
I suppose.

I've always left
money matters to you.

They couldn't be
in better hands.

But there are
some things
even I can't do.

Supposing you had
your entire fortune
here, on the table,

in gold pieces,
shall we say.

And you insisted
on throwing it out
of the window.

-I couldn't stop you.
-Why do you say that?

-That's what you're doing
at the moment.
-[Beatriz] I don't understand.

Well, it's high time
you did.

Every penny that you
and I, and the rest
of the family possess,

is invested either
in the Canaries
or the Mediterranean Sea trade.

If this Genoese upstart
you're so fond of
gets his ships

and half of what he promises
comes true, we're ruined.

You as well
as the rest of us.

I hardly know him.

You've been
with him every day
for the last fortnight.

I know next to nothing
about his scheme.

What can I possibly do?

Marry him
and make him
settle down.

Marry him?

How can I do that?

Must I draw you
a diagram?

Offer him security,
position.

Anything else
you care to give him.

And he'll give up
this wild goose chase.

-And if he won't?
-Then, there are other ways
of disposing of him.

-You wouldn't dare.
-I do a good deal

in order to avoid
becoming a pauper.

And so will you if you're
as sensible as I think you are.

I'll have to think it over.

Well, don't think too long
or it may be too late.

Sooner or later,
he'll make a full step.

They all do,
you know.
And then...

I hope I make myself clear.

Beatriz.

Come and sit down.

I want to ask your advice.

Do you think
I should marry again?

Do you want to?

I don't know.

Then don't.

Marriage is difficult
enough if both people
want it badly.

But if you're not sure,
then it would be madness.

You haven't asked me
who the lady is.

I don't need to.

What do you think of her?

-I've never seen her.
-You know all about her.

I know some of the things
they say about her.

What's your advice?

I can't advise you

but I can tell you
there are two kinds of wives.

The wives who are
ambitious and headstrong,

who drive their men
on and on till they get
what they want.

-And the other kind?
-The others are the comforters,
the cushions.

The wives who smooth out
their husbands' wrinkles

and tell them
how wonderful
they are.

Which is the right kind for me?

You?

You need both.
Or neither.

You're not a man
to be satisfied
with one thing for long.

You know?
You're quite right.

A man like me
shouldn't have
a wife at all.

How can I do the things
I have to do if all the time

I'm thinking my wife
will be wondering why
I haven't come home?

The children will be
calling for their father,
poor little lambs.

No.

I shall take your advice.

No more marriages for me.

I must be free.

Thank you, my dear.

You made me
a very happy man.

[classical music]

You know what'll happen
to you, don't you?

If you're lucky enough
to get your ships,
you'll go sailing off

and maybe you'll find
the new route to India.

Maybe you won't.

If you don't,
you'll probably die
looking for it.

And if you do,
you'll come back
and the King will say:

"Now go and find a new
route to the north pole."

And you'll die
looking for that.

And if you are not
very careful,

you'll die long before
you even get your ships.

-How, of boredom?
-No.

Of a stab in the back
some dark knight.

You know
you're surrounded
by enemies.

-Why? Nonsense.
-It's true.

There are hundreds
of people at court

-who would be glad
to see you dead.
-Who?

Everyone who has
a vested interest
in some other sea route.

Everyone whose trade
may suffer
if you're successful.

Give it up.

And do what?

Settle down.

Can you imagine me
settling down?

Why not?

You could have
a position at court,

money, security.

-Master Columbus.
-What is it?

His excellency,
don Francisco,
wishes to speak with you.

Go.

I'll wait for you here.

[fanfares]

[Bobadilla]
Oh, master Columbus.

How good of you to come.
Won't you sit down?

Thank you.

I hope you won't mind
my touching on rather
a personal matter.

But after all, we're both
men of the world.

There's no point
in beating about the bush.

You've been seeing
a great deal
of my little cousin lately.

Yes.

You find her attractive?

I find her a charming
and congenial companion.

Exactly.
But you know what people
in court circles are like.

They have nothing
to do except gossip.
And how they gossip.

If you speak to a woman once,
you're in love with her.

You're seen with her twice,
you're betrothed. [laughs]

Three meetings and you
might as well be married.

[laughs]

I hope I make myself clear.

Not entirely.

Then I'll be blunt,
master Columbus.

My cousin is a widow:
young, beautiful
and unattached.

You've been seeing
a great deal of her,
tongues have been wagging.

Her name has been
coupled with yours

and that means
that her good name
is at stake.

I'm forced to ask you now

what are your intentions?

Well, sir?

You ask my intentions,
I will tell you.

It's my intention
to cross the ocean sea
until I come to India.

That's my only thought.
And nobody,

man, woman or child,
is going to stand in my way.

I hope I make myself clear.

[dramatic music]

Of course, you must
make it clear to your cousin

that no blame attaches to her.

She cannot help her beauty
any more than the King
can help noticing it.

She has a child,
they tell me.

Two, Your Majesty.

As a mother myself,
I know how painful it is

to be separated
from one's children.

Tell her that she has
our permission to return
to the Canaries, at once.

As Your Majesty pleases.

And, master Columbus,

what you wish done
about him?

Nothing.

-But surely...
-Surely what?

But he has laid hands
on the person
of His Majesty.

I'm sure that the king
has forgotten all about it.

I advise you
to do the same.

[dramatic music]

So, master Columbus,
we meet again.

And this time there's no need
for me to ask your intentions

because you have much say
in your future plans, have you?

You may not know,
but the King has
a horror of violence,

particularly
when it's directed
against himself.

I've just left their majesties.

They sent you a message.
It's a very simple one:

make yourself scarce,
master Columbus.

Go back to your genuine slum.

Go to the devil,
if you please.

But don't show your face
around the court again.

Unless you wish
something very unpleasant
to happen to it.

I hope I make myself clear.

Madam, I have
bad news for you.

Master Columbus
is leaving Spain.

He set out
a daybreak
for France.

Madam, may I speak
with you alone?

Father Perez
and the Chancellor
are outside.

They beg leave to see you.

-About him?
-Yes.

The Genoese sailor
seems to have
powerful friends.

Isn't that one more proof
that there must be something
in what he says?

Bring them in.

Gentlemen.

I hear you've come
to scold me.

No, Your Majesty.
Simply to ask

if there's no way
preventing this tragedy.

Madam, I marvel that a woman
of such grace and understanding

should fling away
an opportunity like this

for some other
sovereign to pick up

It would be
an inestimable service

to God, your crown
and your country.

Forgive me if I say
I'm disappointed in you.

I'm sorry, Father,
he asked impossible things.

[Father Perez]
A title or two,
a little authority in lands

-you and I will never see?
-But the cost.

I'd risk as much myself.
Will do now, if Your Majesty
will allow me.

[Queen] No, no
I will not have him behold
into anyone but the Crown.

And yet, you won't help him.

-Raise what is
necessary on this.
-Madam,

there's no need for that.

Your word is enough.

The money
shall be advanced to you

till you're able to repay it
with gold from the New World.

And if there's no gold
in your New World?

Then, I will repay it myself.

You shall have my bond for it.

You have great faith in him.

-I have, Your Majesty.
-Pray God you're right.

Send someone
to fetch him back.

Say the Queen
begs him to return.

Your Majesty.

[heroic music]

-Master Christopher Columbus?
-The same.

In the name of Her Majesty,
Queen Isabella.

[birds singing]

So, they've come
to their senses at last.

Yes.

-You see that?
-What?

The wind has just changed.

It's blowing due west.

Soon you'll see it filling
the sails of the ships

that will take us
to the New World.

[soft classical music]

[men singing]

[Gregorian chants]

Benedictio Dei omnipotentis.

Patris et Filii
et Spiritus Sancti.

Descendat super vos

et maneat semper.

Thank you.

Cast off the moorings!

[cheering]

[inspiring music]

[bells ringing]

[Christopher] "Friday,
3rd of August, 1492.

Set sail from palace
on the morning tide
with three ships:

the Santa Maria,

the Pinta,
and the Nina.

God be with us
in this great enterprise."

-Thank you.
-Thank you.

Is this yesterday's reckoning?

Yes.

Twelve leagues?

What about it?

Well, I never say that
but surely with this wind,

isn't that very little?

Look in my bunk
under the pillow.

Not much I keep
from you, Diego.

Open it.

"Sunday the 9th of September.

We have made
this day 19 leagues

but I've determined
to reckon less than
the distance actually covered.

So that, if the voyage is long,
the crew shall not be
terrified and disheartened."

But surely some
of the people in the feet
can reckon these things.

Plenty. But they
won't think of it.

The Pinzon are good sailors
but they don't keep a log.

-They all accept my figures.
-But suppose
they question them.

Then, I'll say the currents
are against us.

Are they?

They're dead in our favor.

[inspiring music]

[knocking]

Who is it?

-What's the matter?
-You better come on deck.

-Something's wrong.
-[Christopher] What?

I don't know, something
to do with the compass.

-The compass?
-[Diego] Yes.

I'll be there in a minute.

[man]
Soon it'll pull all the nails
out of the planks.

-You mark my words.
-Quiet, you!

[man]
It's all very well
for you to shout "quiet."

What is it?

-It's the needle, Admiral.
-What do you mean the needle?

-It's no longer true.
-The magic mountain's

pulling it away from the north.

We're adrift in strange waters,

without even
a compass to guide us.

That's a fact, Admiral.

It's a proof that
we've sailed out
of the natural world

God meant mankind
to inhabit, if you ask me.

I didn't ask you.

The variation is
at least five degrees west.

Is that all?

[laughs] You fools!

Even you, Cosa,
a seaman of your experience.
You amaze me.

I can only trust my eye.

You mean you think
the needle it's wrong

because it no longer
points to the North Star?

-Yes!
-It's wrong.

Didn't it occur to you
that it was the star
that moved

and not the needle?

-The star?
-Star...

Is that right, Pedro?

Try it.

-[knocking]
-Come in.

-May I speak to you, Admiral?
-Of course.

I didn't say any more
up above because I didn't
want to provoke a riot.

It was very sensible of you.

-But...
-What?

In all my years at sea,
I've never known the compass
to behave like that.

You've never sailed
this parallel before.

Beg your pardon, sir,
but neither have you.
So...

-how can you know that...?
-Just as I know

a great many things
that you don't.

You must trust me, Juan,
I know what I'm doing.

Anything you say, Admiral.

-Goodnight.
-Goodnight.

-So, the Pole Star moved.
-Of course not!

It's a perfectly natural
phenomenon, it must be.

I know if you go east,
the needle declines
to the east.

And I suppose we've sailed
to a point where we must expect

the needle
to decline to the west.

-It must be.
-But for the men,
the Pole Star moved.

-Yes, why not?
-Why not, indeed.

-Goodnight.
-Goodnight.

[dramatic music]

[Christopher]
"Tuesday, 18th September.

Ten days out
from the Canaries

and 47 from Spain.

The men are in good heart.

Every member of the crew
faces what lies before us

with courage
and determination."

-Well?
-May we speak
with Your Highness?

-What do you want?
-We want to go home,
Your Worship.

What do you want me to do?
Put the ship about and go back
to Spain and say we failed?

-Yes, Your Honor.
-What are you afraid of?

Oh, they've never been
further out than paddling
for shrimp, sir.

-Should I put a foot
to their backsides?
-No, no, no.

Let's hear what
they are afraid of.

-Well?
-Did you never hear

of the Magic Mountain,
Your Excellency?

-No.
-It's like a great magnet.

It draws the ships and then,
when they get close,

all the nails come out
of the planks and the ships
fall to pieces.

-Where's
this wonderful mountain?
-Over there, Your Reverence.

-Have you seen it?
-No.

Then stop talking about things
you know nothing about.

If there were such a mountain
there's only one place

it could be
and that's the North Pole.

We're not going to North Pole,
we're sailing due west.

-Anything else?
-Yes, Your Grace.

-Sea serpents.
-Sea serpents?

Honorable great beasts
200 yards long

that can swallow
the whole ship in one gulp.

-And the Sea of Darkness.
-Tell the Admiral about that.

That's the worst
of them all,
Your Highness.

The Sea of Darkness.
Where you never see
the sun again

and go on, and on
into nothingness.

Till you sail right over
the edge of the world.

Now, you listen to me.

The ocean in front of us
is the same as that behind.

There are no sea serpents
or magic mountains

or anything else
between us
and the New World.

I know exactly
what I'm doing

and I don't want
any more of your old
wives' tales on my ship.

if you're afraid of the dark,
I'll take your wife
with me next time

and leave you home
to mind the brats.

-You can't do that.
-Why not?

-I ain't got none.
-[all laugh]

Let us thank providence
for small mercy.

[all laugh]

-Day?
-Nineteen.

Nineteen days
since we left
the Canaries.

-End of the deck.
-What is it?

-[Pedro] Can't you see?
-[man] No.

We are blind.

for 19 days that wind's
been blowing steadily

in the same direction
to the west.

-You know what that means?
-No, what?

-We never get back.
-Why not?

Suppose the Admiral sees sense

and wants to turn around
and go back.
What's going to happen?

How can we sail back
the way we came

with a wind
that's always blowing
from the east?

We can beat against the wind.

Yes, yes if you've got
six months to do it.

And food for six months.

And water for six months.

-You know what?
-What?

We don't dare
to turn around
and start from.

Why not?

Because he knows
we never get there.

Not against a wind like that.

[Christopher]
"Wednesday,
19th September.

Received signal
from Pinzon brothers

desiring to come aboard."

Coming over for a talk, see?

Now perhaps
we'll hear something.

You think they want
to turn back?

Well, they're sensible men
and good sailors, aren't they?

Of course they want
to turn back.
But they can't!

They're finished.
Same as us.

And they know it.
Mark my words.

[knocking]

Come in.

You're welcome, gentlemen.
You drink a cup of wine?

No, thank you.

To what do I owe
the honor of this visit?

The time has come for a little,
plain speaking, Admiral.

-That's why we are
all here together.
-Go on.

We've been doing
a little calculating.

How many leagues
you say we've covered?

Four hundred,
a little more or less.

-Our calculations say
more than 500.
-Your calculations?

Oh, I know the Admiral
doesn't think it is
very intelligent.

We can count
and we are prudent enough

to take some notice
of what's going on.

-Now, this chart
you gave us, for instance.
-What about it?

If we've sailed 500 leagues,

I said if,

surely we should
have cited Japan

or the Brazil islands.
Or some island, at any rate.

So far, not a sniff of it.

-What else?
-Isn't that enough?

Give me the chart.

-You agree this is
our course?
-[Martin] Yes.

[Christopher]
There.

That's our approximate
position now.

-So, we over-shot the island.
-Certainly.

-When?
-In the night.

And why didn't we
stop and take a look at it?

Because I'm bound
for Japan and India,

not some measly little island.

We could have taken
on fresh water if you stopped.

What it would have
happened after that?

The men would have said,
"We've come far enough,
let's go home."

That's true enough,
they would.

Are you sure of that?

Just as sure as I am
that we're going to find India.

Just how long do you think
that's going to take?

It depends on the wind
and the currents.

if we sail for six more days
and don't sight land, will you
turn back then?

-No.
-You see?

The men have had enough
and the officers have
agreed to turn back.

I haven't agreed.

Let this be clear:

I will not turn back
until my mission
is accomplished.

Say what you like,
do what you like,

kill me if you like,
I can't stop.

But as long
as I'm alive,
we go on.

Nobody is questioning
your orders.

I'm glad to hear it.
And they better not.

If anything should happen
to me, the Queen
will see you hung

as high as Haman for a set
of treacherous traitors.

There's no need to talk
like that, Admiral.

You've explained
what we want.

We're satisfied.

[dramatic music]

It's Francisco I don't trust.

-He's the sly one.
-Martin's the oldest.

-I'd do as he says.
-He's a good sailor,
that one.

He believed your story
about the islands, too.

Why not?

Are you quite sure it's true?

As sure as I can be
of anything.

And the weed around
that crab they found
was riverweed?

Looked like that to me.

The Polar Star did move?

What are you trying
to say, Diego?

I just wanted to ask yourself
if you're sure
of what you're doing.

Do you doubt me?

Not unless
you doubt yourself.

What makes you think I do?

You're so careful always
to convince everyone
we're near land.

A whale spouts
and you cry "That's a sign
land is near."

A bird lights on the deck
and you say "that's
no marine bird, that's a jay."

-It was a jay.
-You see a bank of cloud

and that's a sign of land.
Weed, shellfish,

everything is
a sign of land.

It's nearly three weeks
since we left the Canaries.
How much more of it?

-200 leagues, roughly.
-200 leagues?

And you pretend
we're near land.

I had you
to keep the spirits up.

-You're really sure
the land is there?
-Yes.

-Truly?
-Yes.

It must be.

It must.

[dramatic music]

[Christopher] "Monday,
8th of October.

30 days out
from the Canaries
and all well.

The crew have taken
new heart and have
ceased to grumble.

I tell you he's mad.

He thinks that because he says
there must be land there,

there will be land there.
But the thing is,

did God say there must
be land there, eh?
Answer me that.

-[all] No.
-All right,

then, who are you
going to trust?

God, or this jumped up
admiral from Genoa

who's never commanded
a ship before?

Is he greater than God?

-[coughs, mumbling]
-Is he to decide

whether we are
to live or die?

-[all, mumbling]
No, of course not.
-Look at that.

30 days we've been sailing
these benighted seas.

You want to sail them
for 30 more?

-[all] No.
-All right.

Now, there's only
one way to deal with him.

[sailor] What's that?

Throw him overboard.

-[all] Overboard?
-[Pedro] Yes!

If he's so sure
there's land, then
let him swim to it.

-What about the others?
-Mr. Arana can join him.

But Cosa's all right,
he'll turn back with us

when he sees
which way
the wind is blowing.

Now, who's for doing it?

[all mumble]

Good. Now,

don't make a move
till I give you the signal.

Can I speak
to you, Admiral?

Privately.

I have no secrets
from Diego.

Would you trust him
with your life?

Gladly.
Why do you ask?

Because your life
is in danger.

Let's have it.

The men are going to mutiny.

How do you know?

I know. What are you
going to do about it?

Are you with me or them?

Why you think I'm here?

Silly question,
I shouldn't
have asked it.

How many others
can you count down?

Three, besides myself.
Maybe four.

They can't do much,
they haven't any arms.

They are all they need.
A knife or two,

mile and spike,
meat axe,

and 40 of them against
six of us, including the boy.

When do they start?

[Cosa] Tonight.

After the Salve Regina.

Have your three
on the quarter deck
with us

when the Salve Reginabegins.

[singing in Latin]

[Pedro] Hey, Admiral.

Hey.

Are you addressing me?

[Pedro]
Yes, I was.

-What do you want?
-We want to know

whether you're ready
to turn back
and start for home.

[all shout together]

Yes! And at once!

It's no business of yours
but the answer is no.

All right, we'll turn back
and sail without you!

Come on, lads!

[men shouting]

[screams]

[screams]

[grunts]

[canyon shot]

Land ho!

[dramatic music]

Mutiny is a crime
punishable by death.

You all know that.
I could string every man

on the yard arm
right now.

But I'm not going to.
I'm not even going
to hang your ringleaders.

And I'll tell you why.

This is a glad and historic day
in the history of Spain.

Today, for the first time,
men have crossed the ocean
from East to West

and discovered
a new route to India.

Today, Spain is
mistress of the seas.

And while all this
is happening,
you're sniveling

about the safety
of your miserable skins.

Rebelling against
the authority
of your betters.

I'll say no more,
the incident is closed.

You can pick up
your weapons
and return to your duty.

But I hope you'll all
thank God,

that in His infinite mercy,

He's saved you
from the fate
you deserve.

-See what you did?
-What did I do?

You're the one that ought
to be flung overboard.

[all shouting]

[soft mellow music]

[shushes him]

-He's still asleep.
-Asleep?

It's the relief after all
he's been through.

Went to sleep the moment
he got in here last night
and hasn't stirred since.

-Well, you
better wake him.
-Why?

That land we saw last night?

Well, it's not there
this morning.

What's that?

What did you say?

There's no land
in sight, Admiral.

I swear
by San Fernando!

I might have known it.

The crew are looking ugly.

And the Pinzon brothers
are coming over.

They are just
lowering away a boat.

I'll be there in a moment.

Of course you're
disappointed to find

that we didn't sight land.
I'm disappointed too.

But it's no more
than I expected,

a false land fall,
half a dozen
false land falls.

You're bound to get them
when you're sailing new seas.

But the fact remains
that we are near land.

[all exclaim angrily]

-How do we know?
-Because I tell you so!

But I don't ask you
to accept me
on trust forever.

We'll sail west
for three more
days and nights.

If by thorn on the fourth day,
we haven't sighted land,

we'll turn around
and make for home.

Does that satisfy you?

[all murmur reluctantly]

Hey! What does
master Pinzon say?

The Admiral gives
the orders here, not I.

And you heard
what he has to say.

It's good enough for me
and it should be
good enough for you.

And if we don't
sight land then?

Martin] Go about
and make for home.

How do we know
he means it?

Because I say so!
Now! Publicly!

At the end
of three days,

if we haven't sighted land,

you can cut off my head,
throw me overboard,
do as you please.

-Is that clear?
-Yes.

All right, now get back
to your watch.

[all murmur reluctantly]

[soft mellow music]

[Christopher] "Tuesday,
9th of October.

This morning,
I promised the men
that if we did not sight land

within three days and nights,
we would turn back.

Today made 32 leagues,
but no sight of land.

Pray God we find it soon."

It is, I tell you.
It's quite fresh.

Here, what's that?

He's tasting sea water,
he says it's fresh.

Huh? Give it to me.

Well, it's fresher
than it was yesterday.

You call that fresh?

-[men laughing]
-Fresh!

[Christopher]
"Wednesday,
10th of October.

Today the sky is overcast.

But we sighted
a great flock of birds
heading south.

I'm sure we're near land."

One of the boys
fished it up
half an hour ago.

Diego!

-Where did it come from?
-You see these carvings?

That was done
by a human being.

And it proves
that we are near land.

-[Diego] I hope you're right.
-[Cosa] So do I.

Admiral! Admiral!

A branch
with flowers on it!

Flowers, huh?

You can't eat flowers.

But what
do you think
it is, then?

That Devil stuff.

That's to lead us on,
that's all that is.

[Christopher]
"Thursday,
11th of October.

Thus far and no land.

Another 12 hours will decide."

[suspenseful music]

Well, you can go on
looking if you like.
I'm going to sleep.

Wake me in the morning
when we turn back.

[yawns loudly]

Diego.

Diego!

-Yes?
-Look over there.

-Where?
-There?

Do you see anything?

-A light?
-I...

Yes.

Yes, I can.

Cosa!

What? You see something?

Look, over there.

A light.

We've done it.

You've done it.

Yes.

Now, I think I'll...

I'll go and rest.

[triumphal music]

They're ready for you
to go ashore, Admiral.

[music continues]

[mysterious music]

Oh, Lord God,

who has brought us
safely to the end
of our journey.

We thank Thee
for all Thy mercies.

Help us, we pray Thee,

to govern
these new lands
wisely and well.

And to bring the inhabitants

within the knowledge
and understanding
of Thy Kingdom.

For the greater glory
of Thy name.

-Amen.
-[all] Amen.

[waves crashing]

In the name of their majesties,
Ferdinand and Isabella,

King and Queen
of Castile and Aragon.

I now take
possession of this land

and name it San Salvador.

[cheering]

I declare that this is
Spanish soil for all times.

And that the natives, hereof,
are subject to Spanish rule.

It is our earnest desire
that they shall be taught
the Spanish language

and embrace
the Christian faith.

For the greater glory of God

and in accordance
with the wishes

of our most sovereign
lady, the Queen,

In witness, hereof,
stands this protocol

drawn up this 12th
day of October
in the year 1492.

[dramatic music]

[fanfares]

[cheering]

[heroic music]

[indistinct chatter]

[cheerful music]

[Christopher]
"Sunday,
14th of October.

Today, we moved freely
among the natives
and traded with them.

They are a friendly people,
guileless and unwary-like.

Eager to welcome us
and generous
in their dealings.

The country
is obviously rich.

The natives wear pieces
of gold on necklets
and in their noses."

You see this?
Very beautiful.
Magic juju.

Plenty strong, lovely.
I give it you,

and you give me that bit
of yellow rubbish, eh?

What do you think
you are doing?

Just a little
honest trading, Admiral.

Honest trading?
A broken piece
of worthless crockery

- for an ounce of gold.
-They don't know it's gold.

That makes it
all the worse.

He wants this,
he does really.

You want it now,
don't you?

Wantee? Wantee?

There you are.

If you don't understand,
I'll explain.

We are here to convert
these natives to Christianity,

not to exploit them,
is that clear?

-Yes, Admiral.
-A piece of gold
like that...

[laughs mockingly]

it's worth at least
a Falcon's bell.

[bell ringing]

[rings bell]

Well...

[Christopher]
"Thursday,
22nd of November.

So far, I have not
come upon Japan or India
as I expected.

But I have found
one large island
which natives call 'Cuba'.

And which is rich
in spices and gold.
And many smaller islands,

the location of which
I have marked on my charts.

It seems to me
that there cannot be
under the sun

land superior in fertility.

In mildness of cold and heat.

In abundance
of good fruits
and pure water.

The men are well
and in good spirits.

Up to the present,
among all my people,

nobody has even had a headache

or taken to his bed
through sickness.

Indeed, my only trouble
has been with Martin Pinzon,

who continually disobeys
my instructions.

I am convinced
he is plotting against me.

Whom do you suppose
the King will be glad to see?

The man who arrives home
first with a cargo of gold,

or the man who stays behind
and carries out instructions?

-Well, are you with me?
-Aye, aye, sir!

Or not?

-All right.
-Good.

Better not let the men
know anything

about this until I say so.

Carry on with your orders,
leave the rest to me.

-Understand?
-Understood.

[canyon shot]

[Diego]
He's not taking any notice.

-Should we fire again?
-[Christopher] No.

[Cosa]
Do we change course
and follow them?

[Diego]
No, he's faster
than we are.

We'd never catch him
unless he wanted us to.

-That's true enough.
-The thing is,

is he going to look
for the goldmines
or is he making for home?

My guess is the gold.

-I don't know.
-Perhaps he'd like

to be first home
with the news.

Whichever it is,
we'll meet again
one day.

And I shan't forget
what's happened tonight.

[Christopher]
"Saturday,
1st of December.

Today I came upon
more wonders,

the like of which
I never thought
to see in this world."

What do you suppose
this could be?

-A fishing net?
-No, the mesh is too big.

Well, perhaps it's used
for storing something.

Yes, maybe. But what?

[laughs]
It's a bed.

Diego!

We could sling 50
of these aboard ship

and every man Jack
of the crew could
sleep in comfort.

-I shouldn't do that.
-Why not?

It's too comfortable.
Once you got them
into these,

you'd never
get them out again.

-[men laughing]
-See what I mean?

What do you suppose
he is doing?

Drawing in the smoke
and blowing it out again.

He seems to enjoy it.

Doesn't that just prove
how backward they are?

You never see
a civilized man
doing a thing like that.

He wants you to try one.

Thank you.

[coughs]

[Diego laughs]

Thank you.

[soft music]

[Christopher] I wonder
what they're saying
about us at home.

[Diego]
That we're dead,
I expect.

Can't blame them,
can you?

By this rate, it'll be
Easter before we return.

Oh, no, we'll start back
in a day or two.

-I shan't be sorry
to see Spain again.
-Nor I.

[Cosa]
Evening, Admiral.
Should I take over?

[Christopher]
Yes, I'm ready for bed.

Tonight, I shall sleep
like a child.

[Diego] I think
I shall turn in, too.
Goodnight, Juan.

Goodnight.

[suspenseful music]

[ship creaking]

[loud explosion]

[men shouting]

[canyons shooting]

[sailor]
We're aground, sir.

[Christopher]
I can't see that.
But how did it happen?

The helmsman
let her drift.

The helmsman
in charge of the watch?

-[Cosa] No, sir, I was.
-Nevermind that now.

-Can we refloat her?
-I don't see how, sir.

[canyons shooting]

[Christopher]
"Christmas day, 1492.

Last night, the Santa Maria
went aground in Caracal Bay.

The master, the pilot
and the helmsman had all
gone to their beds

and only a boy
was at the tiller.

Even so, the vessel
might have been saved

if my orders had been
faithfully carried out.

As it is, she's a total loss.

And I have ordered
her stores to be
brought ashore."

Vicente wants to know if he
can break up her timbers
and bring them ashore, too.

Well, they'll help to build
a fort or a hut or two.

All right.

And what do you wish us
to do about Cosa?

-Nothing.
-But he was the officer
at the watch.

-The whole thing is his fault.
-No, it's God's will.

-Well, everything's God's will.
-If this hadn't happened,

we'd have sailed back
to Spain. All of us.

Now, it will be different.

we shall leave 40 men here
to explore the islands

and start a colony.
And teach the natives
Christianity.

And because
I was to go free

-Whatever you say.
-Diego.

-Yes?
-I want you to stay here

-Stay here?
-As a governor. Will you?

Well, yes if you wish it.

I do.

It may be many months
before anyone will return
here again.

I've got to cross
the Atlantic
alone this time.

No convoy,
no companions,
just the Nina.

I want to be sure
I've left the New World
in good hands.

-I'll do what I can.
-You don't mind staying behind?

Why should I mind?
I shall be in paradise here.

In that ship, alone,

I may be in paradise
ahead of you.

[inspiring music]

[heroic music]

[cheering]

[all cheering]

[fanfares]

[heroic music]

[all exclaim]

[all cheering]

Bring a chair for the Admiral.

A chair?
Bring a chair.

We're all eagerness
to hear of your discoveries,
my Lord Admiral.

Thank you, Your Majesties.

I hardly know
where to begin.

The bare facts, we know.

We have read your letters
and taken great pleasure
in them.

Thank you, madam.

So, these are the men
from the new lands.

Yes, Your Majesty.

In those lands
they live naked,

though they
paint themselves,
as you see.

We procured them clothes
for the voyage.

Mother, what's that bird?

-What is it Admiral?
-[bird squeaking]

This is the talking bird
of the New Land.

-Talking bird?
-Yes, Your Majesty.

[bird] Long live the King,

Long live the Queen.

Long live the Admiral!

[all laugh]

[guitar music, castanets]

[indistinct chatter]

[rattling]

[rattling]

[rattling]

[indistinct chatter]

I was merely making the point
that in everyone's life,

there is a moment in which
it reaches the climax
of his achievement.

If he's a fisherman,
it's the day he makes
a record catch.

If he's an admiral,
it's the day he wins
a great battle.

Or discovers a new land.

What you say
to that, Chancellor?

I agree with my Lord Bishop.

But the great thing, of course,
is to have the wit to know it
and make the most of it.

What would Your Majesty say
was the greatest achievement
of her reign?

The discovery of New Lands
or the conquest of the Moors?

-Which would you say?
-Conquest of the Moors.

-Your reason?
-Because that is

something which only
a great commander
could have accomplished.

Master Colombus'
achievement? Couldn't
stand in the same class.

It's merely something
that was bound to happen.

-Bound to happen?
-Well, it stands to reason.

Sooner or later,
some ship sailing idly
in that direction

would have come
upon the New Land.

-That's all there is to it.
-You agree, Admiral?

I would like
to borrow an egg,
with your Majesty's leave.

-An egg?
-If Your Majesty pleases.

Why do you ask
for an egg, Admiral?

I should like to ask
your guest a riddle.

A riddle? But Her Majesty
just asked you a question.

With your majesty's permission,
I will ask you to solve
my riddle first

-and then I'll answer
the question.
-We're all attention.

The riddle, Your Majesties,

is how to make an egg
stand up on end like this,

using nothing
to support it. Will you try?

It's impossible, of course.

Your Majesty?

It's beyond my wit.

And mine.

It's beyond
anybody's wit.
It's impossible.

On the contrary, sir, it's easy
when somebody shows you how.

[all laugh]

And that, Your Majesties,
is the answer
to master Bobadilla's question.

Most things are easy
when someone
has shown you how.

[Christopher] Most things
are easy when someone
has shown you how.

Too easy, perhaps.

in the years that followed,
new fleet sailed
the ocean seas.

New lands were added
to the map of the world.

But it was not
a peaceful world.

Death and disease
took their toll
or the early colonists.

It was scarcely
10 years later

that an old man,
old before his time,

worn out by intrigue
and rebellion,

laid in a hut in the jungle
and dictated a letter
to the Spanish court.

To Juana de Torres.

Salutations and greetings.

[birds singing]

I write to you, dear lady,

because I know you are
near to the Queen

and can see
that she is told
the truth.

I know there are
persons at court

who wish to do me injury.

Who will not hesitate
to belittle what I have done.

They judge me
as a governor

who had gone to Sicily

or some other city
under regular government.

When I ought to be judged
as a conqueror

who has placed under
Their Majesties' sovereignty
a New World.

Whereby Spain,

which was reckoned poor,
as become the richest
of countries.

Bobadilla's right,
something must be
done about it.

Every ship that comes back
from the new lands

brings another story
of disorder and bloodshed.

What's the man up to?

-He's been given
enough power.
-Too much, sire,

if I may be allowed to say so.

He seems to resent
anybody else

having any sort of entry
to the new land.

Instead of colonizing
and keeping order,

all he does is to go
aimlessly cruising about
from island to island.

Oh, come on now,
that's not altogether just
surely.

He claims to have discovered
the mainland of Cathay,

what the natives call Cuba.

With the greatest of respect,
madam, he also claims to have
found the Garden of Eden.

[all laugh]

I won't have him ridiculed.

His discoveries have given
Spain a great new empire.

Nobody denies that, it's what
he's doing with the empire
that we're complaining about.

It's easy enough
to stay at home
and criticize.

Especially when the person
concerned isn't here
to defend himself.

But Your Majesty,
the amount of gold
he sent home last month

was scarcely enough
to pay for the carrying of it.

Of course, always
plenty of parrots.

But who wants parrots?

And it isn't as though
the slaves he sent home
were worth anything.

They're such poor stuff.

I wanted the people
of the New World converted,
not enslaved.

-So did we all.
-[Bobadilla] True, true.

The slaves
should be sent back,
every one of them.

I quite agree.
He'd no right to do it.

[Bobadilla] It was completely
against instruction.

Yes, there I can't defend him.

The trouble is that
the man's unreliable.

-One can't trust him.
-Exactly.

[King] He may be
a great sailor and discoverer,
but he can't govern.

If he can't govern,
we must do it for him.

But I don't want him disgraced.

He's done much for us
and for Spain.

No, of course not.

He shall keep his titles,
if that will make you happy.

To the Lord Admiral
of the ocean seas

and Viceroy
of new lands, greetings.

We've commanded
our good servant,
Francisco de Bobadilla,

to take ship and present
himself to you, in order that
he may act as Chief Justice

and Royal Commissioner
of the New Land.

With power to arrest all those
who mutiny or rebel
against our royal person

and, for the settlement
of all just grievances,
etcetera, etcetera.

You can fill in
the details, Bobadilla.

-Yes, sire.
-And may be...

-The 28th, sir.
-The 28th of 1499.

I, the King.

[fanfares]

I, the Queen.

These articles allege
that you have shown yourself
persistently hostile

to those of Spanish blood
who have come to these islands.

That you have sent
Spanish gentlemen to labor
that is unworthy and degraded.

That you have made unjust war
on the native population.

And that you have retained
for your own use and enjoyment

gold, land, and other goods,
rightly the property
of the Crown.

Have you anything to say?

To you, nothing.

[Bobadilla] Very well.

You're under close arrest.

You will be shackled
and sent back to Spain
for trial.

[dramatic music]

[man]
Stand over here.

All right, son,
you may go.

Wait outside.

Please, forgive me, Admiral.

it grieves me
beyond measure
to see you treated like this.

But in front
of these... soldiers...
you understand?

Yes, sir, I understand.

Come and sit down.

[chains clanking]

You're in pain, Admiral.

I'll have them taken off
directly we sail.

No. I shall wear them
until the Queen herself

orders them to be removed.

[chains clanking]

One more word,
Your Majesty,
and I have finished.

It is seventeen years
since I first came here
to serve you.

Eight of those years
were spent in discussion
and frustration.

I was laughed at
and rejected
but I was right.

I have placed
under your sovereignty

more land than there is
in Africa and Europe.

More than 1700 islands,
not counting Hispaniola.

And what is my reward
for all this?

To be arrested
and put in chains.

Your imprisonment
was highly displeasing
to us.

It was never our intention,
you must know that.

Then, I am to be
reinstated as Viceroy
of the New Land?

Master Columbus,
you have suffered much,
endured much.

Now, we think it best
that you should rest
for a while.

All your money and titles
shall be restored to you.

But, for the present,
it is better that you
stay here.

[King] That's right, Admiral.
We'll talk about
future plans later on.

But I shall die if I
don't go back to sea!

For the moment,

we think it best
that you should not.

Majesty!

This is worse than my shackles.

Look after him.

You're worn out.

-Come and rest.
-No.

I rather go home.

Things are difficult
just now, with Naples
and Venice.

-There's a war on, you know?
-There's always a war on.

They'll agree
to another voyage
soon.

-You'll see.
-It's too late.

If I go on 20 more voyages,

I'll never recover
from such ingratitude.

Don't they realize
who I am?

-Of course they do.
-It's time they did.

People will remember me
long after they are dead
and forgotten.

[solemn music]

[heroic music]