Original subtitles

Between 1943 and 1944...

...Hitler's empire, stretching from the Volga river to the English Channel...

...began collapsing under the blows of the Soviet army...

...and the Anglo-American landings.

On the eastern front. After the Stalingrad defeat, the German army...

...is driven out of Russia...

...after being decimated and compelled to a shameful retreat...

...through Ukraine and Poland.

On the southern front, the Anglo-Americans heading up the Italian peninsula...

...where, in the meantime, Mussolini's regime has collapsed.

In June, 1944...

...Rome is freed.

Several detachments of the Italian army, along with the partisans...

...form an alliance with the Anglo-Americans...

...and take part in the Nazi expulsion from Italian soil.

After the liberation of Paris...

...the Nazi troops are driven out...

...of the western front, towards the Rhine.

On April 11, 1945...

...the Anglo-Americans reach the Elbe river.

On April 16, the Russian troops begin the battle to conquer Berlin.

There are just 15 days to Hitler's end...

...the Reich is in ruins...

...and the horror of the concentration camps...

...where nine million people found a dreadful death, is devastating.

In northern Italy, Mussolini who had entered the war...

...hoping to share Hitler's plunder...

...is now just the leader of a puppet government.

On April 20, General Clark's troops...

...spread through the Po valley.

In the Alps, and in several parts of the Po-Venetian plain...

...the National Liberation Army, counting 200.000 men...

...is waiting for the general insurrection order...

...from the allied headquarters.

Mussolini is surrounded.

The Americans and the British want to get him alive...

...in order to try him as a war criminal.

The Germans want him on their side until the end.

But the "National Liberation Committee" (NLC)...

...has already issued the death penalty for Benito Mussolini.

LAST DAYS OF MUSSOLINI

- Look. The Duce! - Duce! Duce!

- Captain. - Heil!

I will announce you to his Excellency...

Captain!

- Heil Duce! - Do you always enter unannounced?

- There was no time. - Why not?

The German Embassy has moved to Merano.

- We have to reach it. - "We"?

As soon as possible. Not later than tomorrow.

- My orders, come directly from Berlin. - We are to abandon Milan?

General Clark's troops are across the Po.

The partisans are coming down from the mountains to fight.

We must move north.

But...

Not to Merano. We'll go here, to Valtellina...

...on the Alps, I'll continue the fight.

- Alone? - Thousands of men will follow me!

Valtellina is a perfect strategic position.

- Excellency... - Yes, Captain...

My orders are to instruct you that the movements of your soldiers...

...must be strictly co-ordinated by the Reich authorities.

You and your government must transfer to Merano, immediately.

Under your protection? No!

The F�hrer needs an ally, not a prisoner...

...there are more than 100,000 men ready to combat for victory.

They are bringing the ashes of Dante Alighieri from Ravenna...

Dante! The father of the Italian language.

I'll report your intentions to Berlin,

but, for the moment, our objective must be Merano.

You must not leave Milan till we are ready to move.

- Excellency... - What?

- You must give me your word of honour. - You have my word.

- [How many men can you spare?] - [A dozen.]

[I'll be back by tomorrow.]

[Meanwhile, don't let him out of your sight for a second.]

- [What if he tries to escape?] - [The orders are explicit.]

[He's to be shot, no hesitation.]

The general strike has begun...

...an armed insurrection will follow.

But General Clark prohibited any attempt at insurrection...

For the salvation of our lands...

...our homes, our factories...

...demonstrate in the streets under the tricolour banner of the NLC!

Give the Germans the choice they got in Genoa and Turin...

..."Surrender or die"!

Viva the general strike! Viva the national insurrection!

Milan, April 25, 1945.

Our mediation is imperative, or blood will run in every gutter in Milan.

The fascists have been given four hours to surrender to the partisans.

After six o'clock, it'll be "shoot on sight".

What do you know of Mussolini's real intentions?

There's some wild talk about a stronghold in the Alps, a last stand...

...but Cella assured me that Mussolini has no intentions of fighting.

What makes Cella so sure?

Mussolini sold him...

...the buildings and the presses of "Popolo d'Italia" for 109 million lire.

He had the money transferred to a Swiss bank account...

Hardly the gesture of a man planning his last battle.

Claretta Petacci. His mistress. Is here in Milan.

He's probably thinking of getting himself to safety and taking her.

Will he appear at the meeting, this afternoon?

Mussolini is unpredictable, but everything points to his coming.

Excellency...

I greatly appreciate your coming here.

I only pray our meeting may prevent further sorrow and destruction...

You are now the only man capable of saving Northern Italy...

...from complete chaos and disaster.

It'll take all your courage. The journey to Saint Helena is long and lonely.

And dangerous. Remember that Napoleon...

...was on the deck of a British warship...

Much safer than a salon in the Curia of Milan.

This is the history of the life of Saint Benedict. I wrote it many years ago...

There's a situation in here very like our own.

Totila, the king of the Goths, is received by the Saint...

...in the monastery at Monte Cassino. - Monte Cassino?

Monte Cassino has been destroyed by the new barbarians...

...the Americans. The British and the Polish have reduced it to rubble.

Not even a saint could live there, now.

May I ask how you intend to save Milan from a similar destruction?

From that useless slaughter you were unable to spare the rest of Italy?

- Meaning? - A drink?

No, no...

Do you plan to accept the capitulation which will be offered to you today?

Well, my plan is simple...

First, I'll disband the army and the Republican National Guard...

...and then I'll withdraw to the mountains with thousands of fascist loyalists.

- You mean to continue the war? - A symbolic gesture.

An empty gesture. The men ready to follow you...

...will only be a few hundred, don't fool yourself.

More, more...

Many more.

So, General Cadorna, what do you propose?

Since these are political, and not military negotiations...

...I shall let the delegate from the National Liberation Committee...

...Counsellor Marazza, speak.

I have been charged by the Committee to ask for your unconditional surrender.

I came to this meeting...

...because I was promised guarantees for fascists and their families.

We'll find an agreement about these matters...

- What the people demand... - The people!

I've devoted my life to serve the people!

I've always fought against the king and traitors...

...who wanted to disrupt my revolution!

Gentlemen, please excuse me...

In these days...

...I've enacted a decree...

...with which...

...I intend to give all my power...

...to the people.

The decree provides for the nationalization of factories...

...and the transfer of my powers to the Socialist Party.

This is my commitment.

I still haven't received an answer to this proposal...

I am now waiting.

Mister Mussolini. Your proposal is pointless.

You give away things, that don't belong to you anymore.

You have destroyed the parliament, the unions, the political parties...

You've deceived the people with promises of colonies, empires, and victorious wars.

And now, in the midst of this catastrophe...

...you want to pass yourself off as a socialist!

You have no other choice than unconditional surrender.

As for your personal safety...

...the new Prefect of Milan Riccardo Lombardi will be responsible.

What about the safety of my followers?

We intend to accord the fascist troops treatment reserved for prisoners of war.

But not the criminals of war... they'll be judged...

...by the appropriate military tribunals.

Criminals! And who is to decide?

Who is to judge? We could never trust you!

Duce, we can't sign a surrender behind the Germans' backs.

Our loyalty to our ally is our highest claim to honour!

Graziani. I understand what you're trying to say, but...

...we still have the duty to negotiate. - We have to work out an understanding.

The Germans are not as scrupulous as you over honour.

General Wolff has negotiated the surrender of their detachments in Italy.

Negotiations... it's just talk... a delaying tactic.

It seems they did not feel the need to inform you.

Of course, we knew or guessed, but there have been further developments.

- What do you mean? - Prefect Bassi knows all the details.

Well... it's true...

I've learned that the Germans have completed the negotiations...

...for the surrender of all their troops in Italy to the Anglo-Americans.

General Wolff is expected here at the Palace any minute...

...to sign the agreement.

- How did you find that out? - From Don Bicchierai...

...he handled the negotiations with the Germans.

Now that the secret is out, I can confirm it.

But... what are the conditions?

The Germans will be considered prisoners of war...

...in accordance with international conventions.

In exchange, they will pledge not to destroy our factories...

...not to take hostages...

...and to disarm the fascist militia.

I can't believe this...

I can't believe that you would use the Germans against your own people!

Not our people! Your people, your bandits!

The Germans have always treated us as servants, and now they betray us!

They're just betraying the fascists... and you!

I will deal with them!

Duce, we must try to talk to the Germans...

Let it be clear...

...that from this moment...

...I am resuming full liberty of action with the Germans.

Me! I'll return in an hour.

Excuse me, your Eminence...

I will speak with the Germans, and I assure you, there will be an agreement.

I hope so.

It's the only way to keep Milan from turning into a battleground.

There's been enough blood and destruction.

Italians!

This material is magnificent!

Wonderful!

All of Italy must see it... they must see it!

Stand at attention!

- Salute the Duce! - Heil!

I have sent a letter to Hitler informing him, as of June 10th...

...Italy will enter the war and fight by Germany's side.

Your Excellency has received my report...

...so you must be aware of our military unreadiness.

- We need more time. - In 3 or 4 months the war will be over.

We must forget about the military problem...

...and concentrate on our political advantages.

- But, Excellency... - When the war is over...

...we have to be on the winning side and have our share of rewards and glory.

In order to do this. I must have a few thousand Italian dead.

Only then will I be able to sit at the negotiating table...

...and have real negotiating power.

Do you understand?

Your General Wolff has betrayed us!

Pavolini, what's happening? Why aren't you giving orders?!

- I have to know first what order to give. - How many black shirts can you get?

- At least thirty thousand, Duce. - We can't keep on repeating these lies!

Where are these men? Nowhere, they're nowhere!

Our men are pouring into Milan from all over Lombardy!

- Lies! - Tomorrow at 8, in Como...

In Valtellina. Not Como! In Valtellina!

There's nothing there! No food, no guns, nothing!

They're all strategists, now! Liars!

We haven't even got enough gasoline to get us there!

What, you want to give up? To surrender to the partisans?

We must die fighting!

No agreements, neither with Germans nor partisans!

Alright, but where is the artillery?!

We have to leave Milan. We'll go to Como...

There. We'll decide whether to go to Germany...

...or die on the Alps, with the ashes of Dante.

Duce. Don't leave...

It's safer for you to stay in Milan...

- For how long? - Till the Americans arrive.

Ah. The Americans...

No, no, no...

The truth is that I hate the Americans and the British more than the partisans!

What can the partisans do to me? Shoot me?

No.

I will not be turned into a trophy for the Tower of London.

Nor exhibited in New York's Madison Square Gardens...

- Have you seen the lady? - Mrs. Petacci is waiting in the courtyard.

- What did she say? - She asked no questions.

She simply told me to tell you that she is ready to follow you, anywhere.

Thank you.

Let him go, you cannot be any help to him now...

- You would only be in the way. - You don't understand...

He needs me. He's always needed me.

You, and a hundred others...

I know, but I'm the one he sent for.

I want to be near him now...

...I can't leave him when he's in danger.

They'll hunt him down like an animal...

...and when they get you, they'll kill you both!

What about Switzerland? This Swiss frontier isn't far from here.

The Germans won't even let him see the frontier.

Look at him...

I'm sure that he'll win in the end...

...he's brave and clever.

He has a plan, you know? Listen. Marcello...

He's already sent Churchill a letter, a magnificent letter...

There's nothing cowardly or defeatist about it...

It's a plan to defeat communism, not just in Italy, but all over the world.

Churchill will listen to him... he must listen to him.

Oh, Marcello, you know...

How many times they've written him off? He always pulled through.

He'll win through again. We must trust him.

I'm sure he will overcome all obstacles.

Heil Duce!

Heil!

He had promised me he'd never see that woman again!

Why do you worry? She's his daughter...

At least that's what everybody says in Milan...

Daughter or not, she's a whore to me!

Claretta, do you still want to follow him?

Yes, absolutely...

Anywhere...

Mister Sereni. You must listen to your Cardinal.

You must promise me that there'll be no armed insurrection.

You are not my Cardinal... and it's impossible to stop it now.

- The insurrection has already begun. - Mister Valiani, you persuade him...

- What's the use of fighting? - If the fascists surrender...

...there'll be no fighting.

- What about you, Mister Lombardi? - Everything will be done legally.

Criminals of war will be court-martialled.

If Mussolini surrenders. His life must be spared.

- Sure, we've given our word. - He's already been sentenced to death...

...the sentence must be carried out.

It's almost 8.

He said he'd have an answer for us in an hour.

Let's see what he's decided to do.

Prefect Bassi here.

This is Cardinal Schuster. I'm speaking from the Archbishop's Palace.

We're waiting for Mussolini's answer. Here.

The Duce has left. There is no answer.

- Mussolini has left Milan. - He ran away!

Therefore we've no reason to honour the promise to spare his life.

Now, anyone who arrests him can execute him immediately and legally.

The Americans insist he be turned over to them.

I'm sorry Eminence, but if we get him first...

...all they'll get is a corpse.

Eminence.

Eminence.

They've flashed from Milan that Mussolini has left the city and is heading north.

There'll be a lot of people chasing him...

...English, partisans and especially the communists among them.

We must be first.

The order is to take him alive...

...and it was transmitted personally from President Truman to General Clark.

I'll leave in 15 minutes. I've got 12 men in my squad.

Thank you.

We'll have to cross the border a couple at a time.

We'll rendezvous before dawn in the Mount Olimpino shelter.

It's only a couple of miles across the border right on top of Como.

We've an agent in Como already... Larry Burrows. He has a lot of contacts.

Luckily the Rome secret services have agreed to collaborate with us.

According to their information, Mussolini wants to turn himself over to us.

I don't know how true that is...

I'll find out. If correct, we'll try not to let him down.

- Good luck, Captain. - Good luck!

- What's the situation here in Como? - The city is calm...

...but there are strong groups of partisans up in the mountains.

If they attack, there's nothing we can do.

- Duce, it could happen any minute! - I don't understand...

...I was told that all the partisans in the area had been eliminated.

You choose to ignore the truth!

- If I ignore it, the fault is your own! - You wanted to believe Pavolini!

The only thing he ever accomplished...

...was burn the houses of the partisans and frighten the population!

How many fascists are coming to Como?

Thousands, but they're not soldiers, they're just misfits.

Last night, a group of twelve partisans disarmed over...

...200 black shirts without firing a single shot.

What's the situation on the Swiss border?

The pass at Chiasso is heavily guarded by Germans.

Pizzamiglio is very difficult to reach.

Our only chance could be to reach the border from Menaggio.

There are no Germans at the Porlezza pass, just fascists.

Maybe...

Maybe we can make arrangements with the Swiss...

...for the safe passage of the entire Government.

Buffarini, you tell everyone off our new plans.

Thank you.

- Prefect... - Duce.

Are you in contact with the American consul in Lugano?

Yes, it was in the matter of some passports.

Alright I don't care now... are you in contact with him?

Yes, Excellency.

Call him.

Tell him I want to hand myself over to them...

Yes, Excellency.

No, I'm not trying to run away and I'm not trying to save myself...

I just want to meet the Americans on neutral grounds...

...so we can bargain on equal terms. I am far from finished!

Italy and I still have a marvelous, great future together!

I must get to Switzerland first and the Swiss cannot refuse me an entry permit!

I only hope it's not too late.

Your departure from Milan did nothing but worsen the situation...

Soon. Milan will be in the hands of the partisans...

- I ask you to help me! - I'll call the Swiss authorities.

Transmit it immediately.

I just had a telephone call from the prefect at Como.

Mussolini wants to hand himself over to us. He's waiting for an answer.

Tell him this... he can cross the border by tomorrow at 1 PM... but alone.

He's asked for authorization for two other people.

I gather one of them would be the Petacci woman.

Alright, for him and two others. We must have an agent at every border post.

Do you really think he means to surrender to us?

If he tries to escape, the Germans will shoot him.

If he stays, the partisans will.

That's for sure. We're his only hope...

Allen, do you think that Washington will be lenient with him?

He'll be a prize trophy to show at the peace table...

...but there are 8 million Italians in America.

Truman will have to handle them carefully, if he wants their vote for re-election.

If it's "thumbs down", Truman's in trouble...

But if it's "thumbs up", he's made it.

- Cigar? - Yes. Thanks!

- Excellency... - What is it?

Your wife.

Hello?

Yes...

You got my message?

No, no, no...

Rachele...

The most important thing is that you save yourself and the children.

You have to pass the border along with them...

...that's the most important thing!

Rachele, listen to me...

Of course!

Yes...

I took my decision... I'll follow my destiny.

You're the only woman that I have ever loved.

Goodbye, Rachele.

- Where was she calling from? - The Villa Montero.

- Is that far from here? - About a kilometre.

Tell Mrs. Petacci to stay in the hotel.

Alright.

Thank you.

[Wake up! Wake up!]

[Lieutenant, wake up!]

[Mussolini is leaving!]

Duce, you can't leave without my escort!

I go where I want, when I want! Get out of my way!

You can't leave without my escort!

You heard what he said! The Duce can do what he pleases.

In the absence of Captain Kerneg...

...I am responsible, directly to the F�hrer, for the Duce's personal safety.

You weren't concerned with my safety when General Wolff surrendered.

I'm not under General Wolff's orders!

Our orders are direct from Berlin. And I am personally responsible.

I'm not concerned with your problems!

Not at all.

[Attention!]

[The fascists can't leave without us!]

[Ready to move! If necessary, shoot!]

Bassi!

- Let the Germans follow us... - Alright.

[Let's go! Hurry up!]

[Quickly!]

Jackson, set up the radio and get in touch with Lugano.

You go down to Como. You know where to find Burrows...

I'll get in contact with you as soon as possible.

We have to get Mussolini before the Germans. The Italians...

...and even before those bloody English!

We have to get him first.

Ok boys, when you're all in uniform, let's get some rest.

It's gonna be a tough day!

Sorry, Marshall, but you can't go in.

Can't go in? What do you mean I can't go in?

- We must talk with the Duce! - The Duce is asleep.

He said you're to avoid gatherings, you are to withdraw to Cadenabbia.

Why didn't he wait for Pavolini and his black shirts?

We don't even know what we are supposed to do!

- We need precise orders. - You'll get your orders at noon.

Meanwhile, clear the square and go back to Cadenabbia.

I'll go to Cadenabbia and I'll stay there!

But can't you understand this whole thing is a farce?

Mussolini is planning to escape to Switzerland...

...and leaving us here to fend for ourselves!

Let him run!

I'm going to do my duty as a soldier!

We know where you're going!

You're going to give yourself up!

Never!

Now I know why we're here... we're guests at a honeymoon party.

A perfect moment for a honeymoon...

Barracu. Mrs. Petacci would like to know if she can see him.

Yes, his Excellency left instructions to admit her.

Duce, I have brought the last loyal men to die with you!

Fine...

There are thousands of black shirts gathered in Como...

...ready to fight with their usual bravery.

Any news of Commander Borghese and the others?

Commander Borghese disbanded his troops and hid himself...

waiting to give himself to the Americans.

Even Graziani is talking about "surrendering with honour".

With honour! Honour!

My generals become concerned with honour...

...only when it's time with surrender!

Anyway...

...Pavolini, I'm proud of the courage that your black shirts have shown.

Thank you, Excellency.

Colonel...

- We're leaving! - When?

- Now. - With Pavolini?

No, by ourselves.

- Should I tell Mrs. Petacci? - Yes.

Tell her that this time she comes in the car with me.

May I ask where you are going?

If you want to know, follow me.

[Gunter! Get a move on! Hurry up!]

What is he doing, now? Let's follow him!

[Come on! Come on!]

- Where are we going? - The Grandola pass.

What about the Germans?

A few minutes' advantage will be enough to get rid of them.

There are 500 black shirts waiting in Grandola...

...they will escort us across the border into Switzerland.

How are you feeling?

Better. I slept for a few hours.

[Step on it! Come on!]

[Faster, goddammit!]

The Duce!

- Where is everyone? - They've all run off...

- Where's the path for the Swiss border? - It starts out here...

Go with the Duce!

This path is too narrow for a car!

The Swiss authorities closed the pass.

Eminence, I need permission for two people...

...myself and someone very close to me.

That way, we can slip across the Swiss border at night.

I just need permission from the Swiss, it shouldn't be difficult...

They've just told me that they denied permission...

...to your wife and kids too.

- They what? - I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do.

Alright, I see...

Too bad.

I wanted to avoid bloodshed. But now I have to wait for Pavolini's men...

...and try to resist until the Americans arrive.

But I want you to remember one thing, Eminence...

...if you don't help me, the blood will be on your hands!

This is the man who once thought he was a new Caesar...

...a people's leader, a God...

How will he be remembered?

As the man who made trains arrive on time.

We'll wait for the Americans...

Relax boys, it's Burrows.

- Captain. - Burrows.

This man is an agent of the fascist secret service.

Hi.

- A cigarette? - Thank you.

The fascist convoy which has stopped in Como...

The fascist convoy which has stopped in Como...

...wants to negotiate surrender.

Their leaders have asked me to act as a go-between.

That's impossible.

The fascists are still at war with the United States.

Their surrender must be unconditional.

Their surrender must be unconditional.

The fascists intend to accept the unconditional surrender...

...but what happens once they do?

Their life will be spared.

- What about Mussolini? - We already discussed this...

If Mussolini turns himself over to us. He'll have nothing to worry about.

If Mussolini turns himself over to us. He'll have nothing to worry about.

- Chocolate? - Thanks, very kind of you.

I'm here to arrest him...

...and fly him to Allied headquarters.

The fascists want to know if he'll be put on trial.

Well, I think... that's inevitable.

Well, I think... that's inevitable.

In the future, you're going to need friends in Italy...

...in the fight against communism.

You'd be wiser not to execute him.

Alive. Mussolini will influence public opinion...

...in favour of the Americans.

Where is it?

It was here...

Oh. Here it is.

Listen to this letter.

This is a letter you wrote to me when I was in the hospital...

...when I was very sick, remember?

I was very unhappy then, and you said...

I was very unhappy then, and you said...

"My darling,

now you must want to live more than ever.

Use your willpower".

Very typical of you.

"It is only a matter of one courageous step at a time...

...and you have already taken the first one.

...and you have already taken the first one.

We will be together again soon.

Your room is waiting for you in Palazzo Venezia.

And I'm waiting for you too.

With love and admiration...

With love and admiration...

...your Ben".

That was a very important letter for me at the time. And it still is.

Thank you.

You know. I wrote a letter to you once...

...but you never received it.

I remember that at the end of it. I said...

"Snakes must be killed before they bite".

What's happening?

The snakes are leaving.

I see, and there's a whore running along with them...

I see, and there's a whore running along with them...

I saw her leaving with you in Milan...

...you had promised me you'd never see her again!

But here she is... running away!

- That bitch! - She's not a bitch...

I think I should have left you in Milan!

I think I should have left you in Milan!

Then why did you send the colonel to find me?

I wanted you to share my destiny. Doesn't that prove that I love you?

Your destiny?

How can I share anything with you...

...when I'm not even allowed to be seen in public with you!

- You're ashamed of me, aren't you? - No...

- You're ashamed of me. I know! - I'm not ashamed of you!

I know you are!

I know you are!

I am not ashamed of you...

Listen to me, Ben...

All I've ever wanted is to be near you and help you.

All I've ever wanted is to be near you and help you.

That's all I've ever wanted. Believe me!

You want to help me?

This is the letter I wrote to Churchill...

I made the mistake of telling you, and what did you do?

You told your brother!

You told your brother!

Yes, you told your brother a state secret!

Now everyone knows!

The Germans, too.

Now, nobody's willing to pass the border and deliver it.

Now, nobody's willing to pass the border and deliver it.

And you sit there and tell me that you want to help me?

Look.

Look at this.

- What is it? - It's so beautiful and peaceful...

- What is it? - It's so beautiful and peaceful...

That's where we should be going, to Austria.

- No one would ever find us. There. - What are you talking about?

It's our nest!

I've arranged it all. Only a couple of mountain people live there...

...they think that the emperor is still on the throne!

It's the perfect hideout!

It's the perfect hideout!

- A hideout? - Yes.

No...

Claretta, you don't understand.

I still want to fight. And I will.

Soon I will find a way of contacting Mr. Churchill.

Soon I will find a way of contacting Mr. Churchill.

- Don't worry... - But...

No, don't worry about the letter. I will find a way...

Churchill will have to understand.

He stood by me in the beginning, and he has to stand by me now.

[Mussolini is inside.]

- How are you? - Fine.

You had given me your word that you wouldn't have left Milan!

You had given me your word that you wouldn't have left Milan!

I know...

But the situation in Milan suddenly changed...

It was a decision of my ministers.

We have to go back to the valley immediately...

No.

I have decided to stay here, Captain.

Besides, the roads aren't safe.

We got through. They're open...

If you want me to go, you'll have to use force...

Excellency, allow me to point out...

...that these barracks could turn into a trap for us.

...that these barracks could turn into a trap for us.

They're isolated, with no defence. If the partisans attack, we're finished.

I'm staying here!

- What about the lady? - She's staying too.

Duce...

The mountains are full of partisans!

They will hunt you down.

The partisans mean business!

You choose...

...either you die like an animal, or you come with me.

...either you die like an animal, or you come with me.

Everything went well... the Americans were extremely understanding.

They sent twelve agents from Switzerland to get Mussolini.

Over the border. An American mission will take care of him.

Over the border. An American mission will take care of him.

What are they going to do with Mussolini?

He will be treated as an honoured prisoner of the United States Army.

But who guarantees the Americans will respect the agreement...

...once they've got Mussolini?

That man will act as guarantor... he's an Italian officer from the south.

He belongs to the secret service of the Rome Government.

I have already made contact with the Como Liberation Committee.

I have their authorization to arrest Mussolini.

As soon as he is in our hands...

...we will invoke the clause of the Armistice...

...which obliges us to turn him over to the allies.

U.S. Captain Jack Donati...

...will fly him to Siena to the Allied Headquarters.

...will fly him to Siena to the Allied Headquarters.

Yes, but how? We're cut off. The partisans are blocking all the roads.

Now that the Captain's with us, we'll have no trouble.

I have both Italian and American passes...

...but we have to get Mussolini as soon as possible!

What are we waiting, then? Let's go!

Who's your commander? We're a from the Government of Rome!

Who's your commander? We're a from the Government of Rome!

My name is Giovanni, I am the chief of this brigade.

We have all the passes. We have to get to Menaggio as soon as possible.

Hey! This is Commander Della Muti! I know him. It's him!

Stop, for God's sake!

Let us explain!

Let's kill them!

Stop! Let us explain!

- There's a reason we're here! - You're making a mistake!

Alright! Let's hear what they have to say!

Shut up!

We're on our way to negotiate the surrender of the fascists troops...

We're on our way to negotiate the surrender of the fascists troops...

...according to the rules of war!

So now they invoke the laws of war!

The fascists are not surrendering, they're running away!

It's too late to change sides!

You, come with me to the brigade HQ!

Come on!

Calm down! Let's wait until they're back!

Come on. Tell him...

Listen!

- We worked things out... - So, can we go on?

- Will they let us go? - Don't worry, we'll leave soon...

They got through to Como, the situation was cleared up...

- Can we go to Menaggio, now? - No, we have to go to Como, first...

So... so, let's go...

Not him! Not Commander Della Muti!

He's a murderer! A butcher! The blood is still on his hands!

This is a mistake!

We're a delegation!

Let's go, let's go!

Where are you going?! Don't leave me alone! You cowards!

Where are you going?! Don't leave me alone! You cowards!

Leave me be! Let me go with them!

Attention!

Republican National Guard present!

What does this mean?

Where are the black shirts?

Where are the black shirts?

- They're here. - How many are they?

- Twelve. - Twelve what?!

Twelve children?!

200 Germans have arrived.

An entire anti aircraft unit with heavy machine guns.

We could join them...

From my own people, I get twelve children...

From the Germans. I get hundreds of men...

Alright...

Alright...

I go with them.

Article 5.

All members and hierarchy of the fascist government...

...who contributed to the suppression of constitutional rights...

...destroying individual freedom, imposing the fascist regime...

...destroying individual freedom, imposing the fascist regime...

...compromising and betraying future of the country...

...leading it towards the the present catastrophe...

...will be sentenced to death.

[Don't shoot!]

I am in command of the 52nd Garibaldi Partisan Brigade.

Lieutenant Fallmeyer.

We do not intend to fight, we just want to pass.

We do not intend to fight, we just want to pass.

You are in our machine gun line of fire.

- You wouldn't get far. - I have orders to get back to Germany.

And I have orders not to let a single armed German beyond this point.

We have to request authorization from our HQ...

...otherwise, we can't let you pass.

This is impossible... I have precise orders.

Since you received your orders, everything has changed...

I repeat, you can't pass beyond this point...

Hold on a moment.

- There's a long convoy, back there. - 30 trucks and at least 300 men.

They won't attack. It wouldn't be worth it.

They don't know there are only ten of us.

We should gather the entire brigade here.

Then we should block the roads and tell the workers at Falk to get ready.

Alright... let's do it.

While I take the lieutenant to our Headquarters...

...you go ahead and tell everyone to join us.

Tell them to stay in the bushes, so they will think there are many of us...

...and to wear red scarves.

Red is a scary colour, you know?

You... run to the Passo Bridge and mine it.

But Pietro, we ran out of explosives...

Then go to the bridge and pretend to place some explosive charges under it...

- Be careful. Duce. - I can't stay in a cage all day.

- Have you seen them on the lake? - No, also in the mountains...

Why are we waiting here so long?

I don't know.

Maybe...

Maybe it was a mistake to trust the Germans.

- What did you say? - I said that...

...maybe it was a mistake to trust the Germans...

No.

Hitler has given special orders to defend me. And of course...

...you're under my personal protection.

Listen. Ben...

Whatever happens, don't think about me.

Think about yourself... don't worry about me.

You must save yourself... that's all I care about.

In Milan, I promised to take you along with me.

It was a precise promise.

[They will let us pass...]

[... but we'll have to hand over all the fascists in the convoy.]

[You can't accept these conditions. It would be a betrayal!]

[I am only concerned about the safety of my men, is that clear?]

[Can we trust them?]

[All the Germans who have surrendered were allowed to pass the border.]

[But we have special orders to get to Merano.]

[I signed the conditions on behalf of my men.]

[My orders come from the F�hrer!]

[Lf your orders require you to stay with the Duce, stay and fight.]

[I am just responsible for the safety of my men.]

[The area we passed through was swarming with partisans...]

[... and the bridges are mined.]

[I am just responsible for my men.]

[Let's go!]

- [How do we tell this to Mussolini?] - [God only knows!]

The Germans are going! They're leaving us in the hands of the partisans!

The Germans are going! They've been authorized to pass the border!

- Calm down... what happened? - This is the end.

The Germans are going to leave us in the hands of these bandits!

But it would be a betrayal! Who said that?

[We're moving out. Get the engines started.]

[We're moving out!]

[Only the Germans will pass through!]

[Throw out the Italians... if necessary use your guns!]

[Do you hear me? Get ready!]

[Lieutenant...]

[I have an idea that might work.]

[I'm afraid it's too late. I have given my word.]

[Listen, we could have Mussolini...]

[... putting on a German uniform, and hide him on board with the soldiers.]

[The partisans wouldn't notice him.]

[Lieutenant! This is a F�hrer's personal wish...]

[Don't forget it.]

[Alright.]

- What's going on?! - I don't know...

- Tell me something! What's going on?! - Calm down...

I don't understand!

- We're all going to get killed! - Please. Calm down!

If the partisans find out the Duce is with us. It'll be the end...

- They're going to kill us! - Calm down, please...

- Calm down. Mrs. Petacci... - We're all going to die...

Excellency? I suggest you put on a German overcoat and helmet...

...and hide in one of the trucks.

It's your only chance to get through.

There's no time. Fallmeyer's convoy is preparing to move immediately.

Excellency...

Go with the Germans. Save yourself.

Please, don't worry about me. You must save yourself.

Captain...

I ask you a personal favour.

Let the lady come with me.

It's impossible, only you.

Move this block!

Duce! Are we going to surrender without even an attempt to fight?

- It would be useless. - It's true then, you're deserting us!

How dare you say I'm deserting you!

You, who promised me thousands of black shirts!

I ordered you to destroy the partisans...

...and what did you do?!

Nothing!

Excellency! Let's go!

Duce, it's true that we didn't defeat the partisans...

...but since you were in Milan, you had just one thought in your mind...

...to pass the border! And now you're leaving...

...alone, and dressed as a German!

[Let him sit.]

- Traitors! - Cowards!

Traitors!

Let me in! Let me go with him!

Don't leave me here! I beg you!

Help me! Let me in!

I want to go with him! I don't want to leave him!

I can't leave him! Don't you understand?!

Help me to get in!

I want to go with him!

[Get out!]

We'll stay here to take care of the fascists.

Check all the trucks when they get to Dongo. Go!

If it wasn't for you, Duce...

...Hitler would never have become F�hrer.

No one can wear a uniform like our Duce!

- He looks like a God. - He is God!

Throw down your guns and form a group!

You must guarantee we'll be treated...

...according to the International Convention.

Drop that gun!

Group up against the wall!

ONLY GOD CAN BEND THE WILL OF FASCISTS, NEVER MEN OR THINGS

- Where's Pedro? - I don't know.

- Do you know where Pedro is? - No.

- What about Bili? - He was a here...

He's drunk!

Hey, camerata, wake up...

Excellency, wake up...

Benito Mussolini, come on, wake up...

Benito Mussolini, I arrest you in the name of the Italian people.

As long as you are under our protection, you won't be harmed.

No question, the partisans are about to attack!

General Wolff has probably signed the surrender by now...

We rejected the partisan's ultimatum.

Lieutenant, we have nothing to do with this...

Deal with it, we didn't invite you here!

Where did you expect us to go?

Hold your fire!

The German commander has accepted your surrender!

Hold your fire! What are you shooting for?

Marshall, you must do something before its too late!

- What's going on outside? - The Americans have arrived!

- Give yourselves up! - Not until I have orders from Milan!

Call Milan. Then! It's useless to keep fighting!

The Germans have already surrendered.

Don't move! Let me speak!

I'm Marshall Graziani. Commander of the Fascist Army.

I'm Captain Jack Donati. From now on, you're under U.S. Army protection.

- Where is Mussolini? - I don't know.

I lost contact with him two days ago.

Our last information had him travelling north with a German convoy.

- Others say the partisans have him. - May I ask what you intend to do...

...to guarantee my personal safety?

I'm taking you to Milan. I must talk to General Cadorna.

He's the only one who can tell me where Mussolini is.

- I hoped you would be able to. - All I know is that he abandoned us!

Cold?

Don't you want to keep it as a souvenir?

What are you thinking?

I was thinking about two years ago, when the King dissolved my government.

All I wanted was to retire from politics...

...and live the rest of my life in peace.

It would have been better for everyone.

Do you have orders to shoot me?

- At least tell me where we're going... - To Germasino.

It's a village in the mountains.

No one will think of looking for you there.

What will you do to my fascists?

Will they be treated according to the Geneva Convention?

- We are prisoners of war... - You committed all sorts of atrocities!

Even worse than the Germans!

Those weren't my orders...

The Duce was always against violence.

What about the Civil War?

The fascists killing women and children?

The sackings, the burnt villages, the slaughters...

...the tortures and the killing of prisoners?

Where was the Geneva Convention then?!

That was Hitler's fault...

Was anything ever your fault?!

It's freezing, here. Any chance of getting the stove working?

I've set up the guard.

I'm going down to Dongo, watch them carefully.

Alright, we'll take shifts.

Is there anything you need?

Yes.

Please. Do me a favour...

Find the lady and tell her that I'm still alive...

Mrs. Petacci?

Alright.

I wrote him my first love letter when I was twelve years old.

It's absurd isn't it? I was just a little girl...

When I was fourteen I invited him to my birthday party...

...and I made the whole family wait for him...

...because I was so sure he would come!

Even then, I always thought of him as a perfect man...

...he was my ideal of a real man, because he is a real man, you know!

When I met him, I felt that I belonged to him.

I was just 18, then.

Please. Do me a favour...

I beg you...

You can do anything you want with me, I can do any kind of job...

...even the most menial. I don't care...

But please, don't harm him... He's a weak man. Now...

He's a sick, broken, weak man...

Please don't hurt him, I beg you!

Nothing's going to happen to him, unless someone tries to free him.

Nobody will try to save him...

If you had been with him the last few days...

...you'd have seen how everyone abandoned him...

They all ran away...

He ran away too, dressed as a German soldier.

He has deserted his own men to save his own life, hasn't he?

Anyway, for the moment, he's in no danger.

- Please, I want to ask you a favour... - I'll do what I can.

Let me be with him.

What harm can there be? Please. Let me be with him...

Look, if something were to happen to him...

...it would happen to you too...

You're going to shoot him?

We want him transferred to Milan. To be tried by a popular jury.

If you give him to the Americans, he'll be treated as a prisoner of war!

It's got nothing to do with them! He will be judged by the Italian people.

- Then why did you hide him? - To protect him!

From the crowd, from a lynching...

A lynching? What do you mean?

Today, he's the most hated man in Italy.

He's responsible for all the atrocities that the Germans and fascists committed!

A lot of people around here have lost relatives, killed because of him...

...killed by the fascists!

Women and children too!

That was the war, it wasn't his fault...

It's not fair!

Fascism did a lot of good for Italy, before the war!

It brought us to ruin! Look...

This is fascism... Do you know what these are?

Wedding rings offered by the Italian women...

"Give your gold to your country", they said!

Do you know where we found them?

In the cars of the fascists who were running away!

Too many women in Italy are crying for their men!

Husbands and sons... tortured, deported, murdered!

Cigarette?

Thank you...

You're very kind.

You must promise me one thing...

If he's going to be shot, I want to be shot with him.

I have no authority to make you such a promise.

Please... I must be with him.

I can't let him die alone... I must be with him!

Please, he's all I got...

And I'm all he's got...

Now that everyone else has left him...

...I want to be with him.

Let me stay with him...

Please!

I beg you!

Latest word had him arrested at Dongo. Now, it seems that the partisans...

...have hidden him in a secret resort.

- They'll tell us where he is. - Question is, who will go and get him?

And what to do with him, when we have him in our hands?

- Mattei, what do you say? - It's simple.

The Liberation Committee resolution is very clear...

"Fascists leaders who have betrayed Italy, have been sentenced to death".

They only have to be identified...

...and then brought in front of a firing squad.

- Pietra, do you want to go with your men? - I'll provide the men.

- But I personally would rather stay here. - Why?

Why? There are still 20,000 armed Germans in Milan.

Until they've surrendered their weapons, that's my first duty...

They're locked in the barracks, but my men are the only ones watching them...

It's better that I stay here.

Do you want to go, Valerio?

Alright.

But I'll need vehicles. Passes and an escort.

The Como area is still full of fascists.

You'll have to go to General Cadorna for everything.

The Americans have already reached Como. Leave as soon as you can.

Do you understand what you have to do?

- I understand perfectly. - Then go...

What will we tell the Americans?

They're bombarding us with messages demanding we hand Mussolini over to them.

We'll tell them that Mussolini has already been shot.

General Cadorna?

This is Colonel Sardagna, from Como.

Yes, I have just received your order, but I am not sure I understand...

The Liberation Committee is about to send one of their people to get Mussolini.

For a number of reasons, it'd be better if you transfer him before they get there.

We have to avoid shooting in case of an escape attempt.

Right now Mussolini is in a Germasino, just above Dongo.

I'll send an escort to take him from Dongo to Como...

...where I shall personally take charge of him.

Once he's in Como, I'll arrange to have him taken to the Bresso airport.

If the Anglo-Americans ask us to hand him over...

...we'll have to take him to the Allied Headquarters.

I've been asked if it is possible to save Claretta Petacci along with Mussolini.

You're free to do what you like about that...

I see.

In 1940, everybody asked me...

"Mussolini, why don't you enter the war?"

"Otherwise, Hitler will grab it all!"

I didn't want to go to war, but today, they all say...

"Find Mussolini! Get him! Kill Mussolini!"

So, you believe the people asked for the war?

And today, they put the blame on you!

You know what? The people can't decide for themselves...

They just have to obey.

- Now you're sincere! - Hitler is crazy...

His biggest mistake was declaring war on Russia.

- I tried to stop him... - If he's crazy, why did you follow him?

Why didn't you turn your back on him?

I always tried to stop him... he wouldn't listen.

But you were his teacher!

Who was his role model?

You! Who started to persecute the opposition and the workers unions?

Who abolished the free press and the parliament? You!

Who sent Italian men to fight in Abyssinia and Spain?

Who sent them to fight in Greece, or to freeze in Russia?

Not Hitler! You!

Excellency, would you write a couple of lines for us?

- About what? - A declaration to the effect...

...that it was our brigade who arrested you...

What do you want me to write?

The 52nd Garibaldi Brigade...

"The 52nd...

...Garibaldi Brigade..."

Captured me today...

"Captured me today..."

April 27th...

"April 27th..."

In the town square in Dongo.

"In the town square...

...in Dongo".

Excellency, write about the kind of treatment you received.

"The treatment...

...I've received...

...during...

...and after...

...capture...

...has been...

...correct".

The Committee has decided to execute Mussolini.

My mission is to go to Dongo and shoot him.

The Americans are near Como and they're asking us to turn him over to them, alive.

They have the right on the basis of Article 29 of the Malta armistice.

But that armistice was signed two years ago by Badoglio...

...we're not bound by it. - Yes, we are.

Badoglio's signature bound all Italians.

Please.

Sure...

Fact is, in the last two years, many things have changed.

Mussolini's been sentenced to death many times by the people...

...by the resistance, by those partisans...

...with whom you have fought with, here in the North.

He's responsible for the massacres committed by the fascists.

- We must execute him. - Why come to me?

General, I need vehicles and an escort.

And Italian and American passes to enter the liberated areas...

So? What do I tell the Committee?

- In two hours you'll have what you need. - Good.

That's good.

No, it's better not to show this...

This is good...

With England still fighting...

...Hitler's attack on Russia means we're finished.

But Germany is invincible...

You have to remember that Russia has three great Generals...

...General Snow, General Mud and General Distance.

No one's ever beaten them.

Camerati!

With allies like these. We can conquer the world.

I want to march by Hitler's side into Russia.

The alliance between Germans and Italians...

...will destroy bolshevism throughout the world.

Long live fascism! Victory will be ours!

Duce! Duce!

Duce! Duce! Duce!

Duce! Duce!

We've received orders to leave.

What's that?

We're going to bandage your head and say you're wounded.

We have to cover about fifty kms and there are dozens of road blocks.

- I'm not going to wear this. - Why?

Because it's German...

...and I hate the Germans.

It's cold tonight.

Here...

Put this on.

Excellency, are you wounded?

No, it's nothing.

It's just a precaution.

- Claretta... - What?

Why did you want to come with me? It could be dangerous...

- I know, but that's the way I want it. - You sure?

Yes.

Then...

I thank you.

Please, madam, let's go...

Good thing I met you.

We soldiers. Understand each other...

- I hope Milan it's not far... - No, we're almost there.

Quick, in my car!

On the way from Como to Milan, they shot at us at least four times.

- Yesterday, they even shot at me... - Chaos reigns, here...

They're hunting the fascists like madmen!

Snipers are everywhere... we must stop them!

- Please. - Attention!

At ease...

This is the end of a civil war, captain. Sit down, please.

Excuse me, general... about those passes, I'm going to check if they're ready.

Alright.

- Any news of Mussolini, general? - Nothing accurate.

Remember that, according to the clauses of the armistice...

...you are obliged to turn him over to us. Alive.

We're moving carefully. Wherever he is, Mussolini is in danger.

One mistake and he'll be in front of a firing squad.

After two years of occupation, people are angry...

They don't care about the armistice's articles.

But why do you want Mussolini so much?

A matter of prestige, I think.

Also, we believe that he might give us military and political information.

But he knew nothing...

Mussolini was just a puppet in the Germans' hands.

Captain, here's the passes...

These are the authorizations for the partisans to move in the free areas.

Fine.

A couple hours of sleep and I'll be ready.

Goodbye, general...

Thanks for everything.

Goodbye, Captain. And thank you...

General, I'm on my way to Dongo.

My escort is made up of twelve men from the Oltrep� Pavese Division.

Here's the passes.

Nervous?

Nervous? No...

You see, my men and I have already faced the fascists and the Germans before...

...but this time I think we'll have to worry more about an attack from behind.

I'm talking about our British and American allies, you know?

Don't worry about them. But. Remember...

...no personal vendettas.

When we were in exile. In the resistance or in the fascists prisons...

...most of us dreamt of getting Mussolini to execute him.

Now it's different. Because we've won...

It's not a question of personal vendetta anymore...

Goodbye.

"To General Archimede Mischi...

...commander-in-chief of the Italian army.

I read your plans...

...in the fight against partisan banditry.

I think it's vibrant and enthralling.

I'm sure that actions will follow your words.

We have to get rid of this hateful plague...

...with fire and iron.

Signed, Mussolini".

We have to get rid of this hateful plague with fire and iron...

Signed, Mussolini.

We have to get rid of this hateful plague with fire and iron...

Signed, Mussolini.

- Where are we? - Don't worry, I'll be back in a minute.

Did you hear? These are cannon shots.

Yes, I hear.

I want to check out the situation before going any farther.

I know a guy who lives here.

I'll be right back...

We should have stayed in Germasino.

- The orders said to reach Como. - I don't think it's safe...

The Americans must have reached Como.

They're the only ones with flares that strong.

- What do we do. Now? - We'll carry on avoiding Como.

Where could we go, Neri?

I know a peasant family who lives here. They'll take him in...

- Where? - Not far, in a place called Giulino.

Let's go, then.

These are two prisoners. Can you shelter them overnight?

Yes.

Alright, take them in...

Pietro. Let's leave them here for the night, tomorrow we'll see...

Do you think we can trust these people?

If the room upstairs is free, they'll sleep there.

Would you like something to drink?

Thanks. I'd like some coffee. If possible. You, dear?

I don't have any real coffee, I can make you some substitute.

- That's fine, thank you. - I'll get the room ready.

- You can come with us, if you want... - For tonight it's all set, you can sleep.

We're going to Dongo to check the situation.

Alright.

Sandro, we'll be back tomorrow morning. Don't let them out of your sight.

Please, would it be possible to have another pillow?

Of course!

If you need to use the bathroom, I'll show you the way.

Maybe later, thank you.

Look, this door has to stay open.

We can't let you out of our sight.

Can I ask a favour of you?

Please...

Let us close the door. The lady needs to rest.

Please. Can I close it?

Thank you.

Are you sure that this pass is authentic?

I know Donati personally. I was in contact with him in Switzerland.

That's his signature.

I want your co-operation.

- I have to transfer Mussolini to Milan. - We're going to put him in the Como jail.

We'll handle his transfer ourselves.

I greatly appreciate your organization.

But let's say I prefer to handle this particular situation by myself.

This is an unwarranted interference by the Milan committee!

That's what you think!

I've got American authorization, signed by Captain Jack Donati.

That's just a pass to enter the free areas...

...it's not a warrant for Mussolini!

Thousands of black shirts were forced to surrender by our committee!

Milan has no right to take credit for arresting Mussolini from Como!

It's not a question of Milan or Como!

It's something which has to be done!

I was sent here by the General Command of the Liberty corps...

...in complete agreement with Alt Italia Committee of Liberation!

I have been given orders, and I'm going to carry them out, at all costs!

- Look, I've already told you... - Gentlemen!

I have twelve armed men along with me...

...with whom I've solved tougher problems than your stupid objections.

So, either you stop interfering with my mission...

...or you'll find yourselves filling the jail cells you prepared for Mussolini.

No doubt about it. Now.

We have proof they want to turn him over to the Americans.

They say we are trying to steal the glory of the arrest...

...and they want to transfer him to Milan themselves.

Enough. Mussolini has to be shot.

Valerio, I'm speaking on behalf of the Committee.

Either you kill him, or we kill you. That's an order!

Alright. I'm leaving for Dongo now.

You won't hear from me again till it's all over.

Come in...

- Good morning. - Good morning.

Would you like something to eat?

Well, yes, if possible... we're rather hungry.

- Do you have something warm? - Yes, of course...

Oh, our salami is very good... Would you like some wine, too?

No, no...

No wine. Just water for me.

Thank you.

How are you feeling this morning? A little better?

A little better, yes.

They're being nice with us... I think that's a good sign, isn't it?

Why are the Americans taking so long?

- Who are those two in the car? - Two patriots, I personally guarantee.

Good morning.

Get out of there immediately. I don't want spies in my way.

You have no right... You will answer for this!

I'm accountable only to my command and no one else.

You don't know who we are. You should stand to attention when you talk to us!

- Why? Who are you? - We represent the Free Government of Rome!

We're in charge of liaison with the Americans.

Wonderful... just what I needed!

If you don't get out of here immediately, I'll put a bullet into your skulls!

Come on, boys, it's late! Get on the truck...

You two, get lost!

And have fun in Como!

- But, Colonel... - Get in the car!

Keep going, we've got no time to lose!

Damn. We caused a stir!

What are you afraid of? They're friends, aren't they?

We'll apologize on the way back!

Hey, stop! Who are you?

I'm from HQ in Milan. I need to speak with your commanding officer.

Listen. Mussolini isn't here. They took him away.

What are you talking about?

They tried to transfer him last night, but failed.

Now they're hiding him in a farmhouse in the hills.

Who's the commanding officer, here?

Valerio, the best thing to do is act as if you don't know anything.

I've already found out where he is.

Oh. Here he is.

Pedro says that if you want to talk, you'll have to go to him unarmed.

What? Have you all gone mad?

Colonel... let us speak first, please...

Come here, quick...

Let's try to follow the normal procedures...

Colonel Valerio. I want to talk to you alone.

Pedro, the political commander of the brigade will be here in a few minutes.

- Look, we've got to be there as well. - Just a second!

- Do you know these two guys from Como? - I would have saluted them. If I did.

They're boycotting our mission, acting like double-dealers.

What are talking about? You know who we are!

- Take them! - Stop! What are you doing!

I'm Sforni, secretary of the National Liberation Committee of Como!

- And this is Major De Angelis! - I want to see your documents.

- We were in a hurry, we didn't take them! - We'll verify your identity later, then.

- Arrest them! - What are you doing!

This is a mistake! Have you all gone mad?!

Okay, let's go.

- Where are Mussolini and his men? - Mussolini is hidden in a farmhouse...

...the others are in Germasino.

Guido, Neri... come up here.

- What's up? - The men from Milan have arrived.

- Damn, and you let them in? - Pedro spoke to them...

- Who are these men? - They're the escort.

Pietro!

We met him in Milan. You can trust him.

Check his papers. We assure you they're in order.

This is Pietro. The Political Commissioner of our brigade.

Sorry about all this...

...but we still have difficulty in getting in touch with General Command.

We've just come out of clandestinity and we don't know each other...

We've even discovered some fascists dressed as partisans!

Anyway, your papers are in order. What's your mission?

My orders are to shoot Mussolini and the others.

And I mean to do it now. Within an hour.

I don't agree. I intend to hand them over to the General Command...

...to avoid any attempt at an execution without a trial.

But we must shoot them before they fall into the hands of the Americans!

Their troops are only a few kilometres from here!

I don't want the Americans to get them either...

- We'll take them to Milan together. - I have precise orders!

And I mean to carry them out whether you like them or not!

To me, those orders are not just!

What, are you trying to save his neck? The man's a criminal!

I agree... he'll have to pay, and pay hard...

That's exactly what I'm proposing to do. Make him pay!

What I object to, is an execution without a trial.

Mussolini and his accomplices have already been regularly condemned to death.

There's a Liberation Committee decree signed by all the antifascist parties.

Then, let's join forces and transfer him to Milan.

Impossible!

Can't you see that they're all out to get him?

The Americans. The British. Agents coming from south...

We saw them ourselves, with our own eyes...

The cowardice and the doubts are starting to surface already...

The compromises... the filth that we wanted to wipe out once and for all!

Either we shoot him now, or he'll never pay.

The National Liberation Committee...

...decreed that the sentence for acts of treason committed by hierarchs...

...be pronounced by a war tribunal.

Commander Pedro...

...we are the war tribunal.

"The 52nd brigade Command...

...acting as a war tribunal...

...can issue the sentence on the basis of the identification of the accused".

- What's your name? - Giovan Battista Germinazza.

- What are you doing here? - Nothing, I was just curious.

I wanted to see Mussolini and Petacci.

- They say she's very hot! - Is that your car?

No, my boss's. He has a villa near here.

- I'm only the driver. - Any gasoline in it?

- Yes. - Stay here.

You and your car have just been requisitioned by the 52nd brigade.

But... listen...

- I found a car. - Good. Take the road to Como.

- Hey, where are we going? - He'll show you the way!

Can't we go any faster?

- I said faster! - You want to finish up in the lake?

Aren't you a driver?

- So what? - Then drive!

At the crossroad, take the road for to Giulino Di Mezzegra.

This way.

- We can go now. - Where?

Get back onto the road to the lake.

THE PLOUGH FURROWS THE GROUND BUT IT IS THE SWORD WHICH DEFENDS IT

Stop here.

Go and block the curve.

Get down.

You stay here.

You go down and don't let anyone near.

Move the car away.

Get out of the way!

- You can't kill him! - Get away!

- You can't kill him! - Get out of the way!

Get out of the way!

- Get away! - No!

By order of the general command of the corps of Volunteers for Liberty...

...I am in charge of rendering justice to the Italian people.

Pietro, give me your gun!

- No! Don't shoot! - Back off!

- Get away! - Don't shoot him!

- Don't shoot him! - I told you to get away!

TWO HOURS LATER. IN THE DONGO TOWN SQUARE...

...AS DECREED BYARTICLE 5 OF THE JUSTICE ORDINANCE...

...ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL LIBERATION COMMITTEE...

...15 OUT OF THE 57 MEN ARRESTED WITH MUSSOLINI WERE SHOT BY THE PARTISANS

APRIL 29, 1945

THE NATIONAL LIBERATION COMMITTEE OF NORTHERN ITALY...

...DECLARES THAT THE EXECUTION OF MUSSOLINI AND HIS ACCOMPLICES...

...IS THE NECESSARY CONCLUSION OF A HISTORIC PERIOD...

...WHICH LEAVES OUR COUNTRY IN MATERIAL AND MORAL RUIN...

...AND IT IS THE CONCLUSION OF AN INSURRECTIONAL STRUGGLE...

...THAT MARKS THE PREMISE OF THE COUNTRY'S REBIRTH AND RECONSTRUCTION.

SIGNED BY

LUIGI LONGO ITALIAN COMMUNIST PARTY

EMILIO SERENI ITALIAN COMMUNIST PARTY

FERRUCCIO PARRI PARTY FOR ACTION

LEO VALIANI PARTY FOR ACTION

ACHILLE MARAZZA CHRISTIAN DEMOCRACY

AUGUSTO DE GASPERI CHRISTIAN DEMOCRACY

GIUSTINO ARPESANI ITALIAN LIBERAL PARTY

FILIPPO JACINI ITALIAN LIBERAL PARTY

RODOLFO MORANDI ITALIAN SOCIALIST PARTY

SANDRO PERTINI ITALIAN SOCIALIST PARTY