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National Film Archive presents

A Film by

Based on the Novel by Karel Čapek

Screen Adaptation Screenplay

Music — Film Symphony Orchestra Conducted by

Director of Photography Camera Assistants

Art Director Art Director's Assistant

Director's Assistant Set Designer's Assistant

Recording Secretary

Costume Advisor Make-Up Artists

Film Editor Sound Editor

Produced by Production Assistants

Made by the Group

Starring

Featuring

Directed by

THE STORY TAKES PLACE IN THE MIDST OF A FEVERISH DREAM.

You can come now, Doctor.

- What's his temperature? - 40.2 degrees.

His pulse is only sixty.

Well, well. He doesn't want to lie on his back.

Meningitis. Tetanus.

Get him ready for a lumbar puncture and hold him tight, nurse.

- Who's he? - We don't know.

He was found unconscious on the embankment.

With nothing on him at all. Not even an ID.

That's a fine thing indeed. A man in delirium.

Perhaps we'll never even find out his name.

His hands are a real mess, burnt-up.

He could be a chemist.

We'll see what the test will show.

He's having trouble breathing. Give him oxygen, nurse.

Long wandering…

Long… wandering.

Excuse me.

Excuse me, aren't you Mr. Prokop, the engineer?

Are you Prokop?

- I wasn't there. - Where?

There. What do you want from me?

Don't you recognise me? It's me, Tomesh.

- From the university, remember? - Tomesh?

Of course, Tomesh.

- What do you want from me? - You'd better sit down first.

- Understand? - Yes.

I'm not feeling well, you see?

I'm injured, you see?

- Damn it! - We studied chemistry together.

Do you remember? Tomesh.

Tomesh, that rascal. What about him?

He's fine. He's talking to you.

Listen, you have a fever. You should be in bed. Understand?

- Where do you live? - There.

Near Hybsmonka.

I don't want to go there.

Don't go there. There's…

- There's… - There's what?

- Krakatit. - What's that?

Krakatoa, the volcano.

A volcano, you see?

- It's a horrible thing. - What?

Kraka…

Krakatit.

- Who's that? Who are you? - I'm your colleague, Tomesh. — Tomesh.

That scamp! He borrowed my lecture notes.

He never returned one of my chemistry exercise-books.

Wait, let me tell you something.

When the rest blows up, it'll be hell.

The whole city will be swept. Blown away.

Wait, that's not possible.

- It's nonsense. - What? — Why…

Why didn't the container explode?

When the powder on the table… All by itself…

Wait! Be quiet.

- What's the matter with you? - Krakatit.

Rest, it's just a nervous fever, you'll feel better in the morning.

I've discovered methods. Destructive chemistry.

Matter is terribly powerful.

It holds together with great strain, but it disintegrates upon tampering.

Everything explodes.

Every idea is a crack in your brain, you see?

My head is abuzz. Like a machine gun.

- Swallow this aspirin, will you? - Yes.

Explosive aspirin. Perchlorated acetylsalicylic acid.

Any substance is in fact an explosive.

Water is an explosive too.

I've discovered atomic explosions.

I've carried out alpha explosions.

If only I had the proper instruments.

But all I've got are eyes and hands.

- Aren't you sleepy? - I am.

But what have you been up to all this time?

Nothing. Just life.

Life is an explosive, you know?

Boom! A man is born and instantly disintegrates.

While to us it seems like ages, doesn't it?

You're right. Maybe I'll go BOOM tomorrow.

I'll have run out of money by then.

Mr Prokop shall take his colloquium.

Tell us what you know about explosives.

- What are alpha explosions? - Alpha explosions.

An explosion is the result of atomic disintegration.

- Atomic particles disperse… - Nonsense! There are no atoms!

And you dare take your colloquium?

What do you know about Krakatit?

Krakatit is…

It is a new explosive, so far not…

What ignites it? What causes it to explode?

- Hertz waves. - How do you know that?

- Because it exploded unexpectedly and because… — Well?

I've achieved its synthesis under high-frequency oscillation.

I believe these were some kind of electromagnetic waves.

You must prove that! What's the formula for Krakatit?

Pb-Ar4.

What? What did you say?

- Pb-Ar4. - Pb tetra-argon? How many?

- Two. — How's it made? What's the process?

The procedure! How's Krakatit made?

- Why do you want to know? - Never mind.

You've had a nightmare. Rest, my friend.

Who's there?

OFF TO SEE MY FATHER. UNLESS I GET THE MONEY, I'M NOT COMING BACK. J.

- Does Mr Tomesh live here? - Come in.

- Mr Tomesh isn't in? - He left.

- Last night, Miss. - Where did he go?

- He went to see his father. - Will he return?

Do you think he'll do it?

It's so dreadful!

He doesn't know that someone…

He doesn't have to do it, you see?

If someone goes to him today.

I've got to give him something. A letter from someone.

So that… I can't tell you.

There's no need. I'll go to him and give it to him.

We're old friends, you know?

Is it raining?

I trust you.

You'll save him, won't you?

I'd be pleased to do it.

I, Miss… It's not worth mentioning.

Thank you very much.

The letter.

- But you're injured! Let me see. - It's nothing serious.

Just a small cut that got inflamed, you see?

But you can't go anywhere like this.

Let me go. Why I'm…

I'm doing it for you.

I'm so grateful to you.

Goodbye.

- Should I give him your regards? - No. Goodbye.

My diagnosis was correct. It's meningitis.

We'll give him 4,000 units of penicillin.

And the oxygen so that he doesn't stop breathing.

It's such a pity we don't know who he is.

The poor man doesn't even have a name.

Take me to Tynice, please.

- I can't. - Why?

The car's full.

But…

But I've got to see Doctor Tomesh.

- Are you his patient? - I'm sick.

Sit over here then.

Gee!

This is where Doctor Tomesh lives.

Be quiet, Jack!

- Is the doctor in? - Come in.

- What seems to be the trouble, young man? — I…

The thing is… Is your son home?

He isn't. What's the matter with you?

Jiri…

I'm his friend, bringing him…

I'm to give him… It's very important.

Jiri's in Prague. You'd better sit down, man.

Jiri isn't home?

But he said he was coming here.

I've got to give him…

Bring a chair, Annie!

Long wandering.

Long wandering.

Come now! You've had enough sleep, don't you think?

Wake up, that's enough!

Or you'll wake up in the other world.

What do you want and who are you?

You haven't taken cognizance of me, have you?

- I'm Doctor Tomesh. - I'm Prokop.

I thought you were Sleeping Beauty. Besides, how did you get here?

- Where here? - Here in Tynice.

You came here in a delirium and then you passed out.

Where did you come from, man?

I don't know. From Prague, I suppose.

With meningitis and pneumonia on top.

And what about your hand? Fine blood poisoning indeed!

You shouldn't be going on trips like this.

As soon as you get better, I'll tell you that you were an ass.

Forgive me, I almost said something much worse.

How are you feeling?

A bit stupefied, eh? No memory?

It'll take some time. You mustn't rack your brain.

Understand? It'll come back. Little by little.

Stay awake, damn it! Fetch some wine, Annie.

Hey, wake up, mister! You could fall asleep for good, you hear me?

- You must overcome it. - You mustn't fall asleep.

- I won't. - I'd advise you not to.

You'll get some books and you'll read.

I have to go to the consulting room.

You stay here, Annie, and chat with him.

You've got the gift of the gab, after all, eh?

In case he wants to sleep again, call me, I'll have it out with him.

You've made me happy though, understand?

Watch out though!

Daddy is quite hot-headed.

He's used to yelling at his patients.

You've never been to our village, have you?

There's nothing here, just alleys and fields.

It was happier when Jiri used to come here.

But then he fell out with Daddy because of money

and hasn't written a letter since.

We're not allowed to talk about him. Daddy's forbidden it.

I don't know what to talk to you about.

Give it to me.

That's enough. I'll do it myself.

What were you thinking about?

That I've known nothing but work so far.

And that perhaps there's something more to life than just thinking.

One simply lives here.

And to live is something wonderful, isn't it?

Why do you always hide your hands whenever I'm around?

Because… Because they are so scarred.

But that's what's so beautiful about them.

Lunch is ready!

Oh my, it's lunch already.

There's no pharmacy in the village, you see?

And the people are poor here. So I've got to make medicine myself.

Even if my sight no longer serves me.

Let me do it, Doctor, to be at least of some use.

Besides, I shouldn't be bothering you any longer.

Do you want to leave?

- I'll have to leave sooner or later. - What a silly notion!

You haven't won yet. Your illness can return.

Well, well!

You've got quite skillful hands.

They've been doing this for quite a few years.

Making different substances though. Explosives.

I've invented tremendous things.

If only I could recall my last experiments.

All I know is that I was experimenting with something terrible.

I've completely forgotten.

I only have a feeling I was supposed to go somewhere.

To give something to someone. To bring something.

I have a splitting headache.

Drink this.

Maybe it's good after all.

Just imagine how many lives you'd have on your conscience,

if that horrible thing was used in the event of a war.

But what if that horrible thing put everyone in fear.

You cannot enforce peace with any explosive.

- How then? - How?

With better education.

I believe in working people. If you knew people like I do.

People are the happiest when they succeed in their work.

You'll see that one day, everyone will find out

there's no sense in building one's well-being on the misery of others.

Simply because nobody will put up with it for long.

And then, everyone will work together

and stop fighting over something that doesn't belong to them.

Am I right?

These are fine ideals indeed, but I'm a practical-minded man.

I believe in science and invention.

- These will change the face of the world. — They will.

But depending on who possesses them.

There's a man from Sedmidoli here, his wife's in labor.

Sedmidoli? That's not my district.

Good evening. Our doctor's refused to come. It's quite far.

It seems I'll have another sleepless night, then.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

Go to bed, Annie. Goodnight.

- Will you be writing now? - I will.

All evening?

All evening.

- Is there anything else you'd like? - No, nothing.

Very well.

What's the matter with you, Annie? Is anything wrong?

Tell me.

Never mind.

You're so kind, Annie. So terribly nice.

And the feeling that I'm fond of you makes me so happy.

I'll never go away.

Why were you crying? Tell me.

Because it took you so long.

So, you love me?

No! No!

It's so beautiful here.

It seems all so unbelievable to me.

I'd like to stay here.

Goodnight, Annie.

What if your father comes back…

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Krakatit — Engineer P. is to advise of his address. Carson

Why…

Why didn't the container explode as well?

To Mr Jiri Tomesh

I trust you. You'll save him, won't you?

How's it made? The procedure!

How's Krakatit made?

Tomesh and Carson. I told him everything.

You'll save him, won't you?

Find your friend and give him this letter.

It's a forged bill of exchange. I've paid it off.

He wants to kill himself because of it.

I beg you to please save him.

I'll go and look for him if I promised you to do so.

I trust you so much.

- Goodbye. - Wait, Miss.

When will I see you again?

Put your hands up! What do you want here?

This is my home. And what do you want here?

- I've been looking for you. Did you read my ad? — I did.

I've been searching for you for six weeks!

Through newspapers, private detectives. I'm truly glad!

- Why did you break in and rob me? - What?

- Why did you rob me? - Are you saying I robbed you?

- Yes, you robbed me! - I beg your pardon!

Me, Carson, a robber? You amaze me!

I hid it so that somebody else wouldn't steal it.

Either one state or the other of course.

True superpowers were coming and going all the time.

It's no trifling matter. But I hid it for you, understand?

You have my word. I want to bargain with you.

You've got a tremendous career ahead of you.

You can get yourself the best laboratory in the world.

The best instruments and a legion of assistants.

Whatever you wish. The American way.

You can make millions.

- What is it you want? - Quit fooling and sell us Krakatit.

- How do you even know? - I'll tell you.

Mr. Tomesh came and brought us 150 grams of Krakatit.

And the formula. Unfortunately, he didn't know the procedure.

Neither he nor our chemists were able to figure out the synthesis.

- In our factory? — What factory? - The Balttin Works.

- Haven't you heard? — I haven't. - It's a foreign enterprise.

Labs experimenting with modern explosives.

- For army purposes, you see? - And is Tomesh at the Balttin Works?

Of course he is. At first, we arrested him as a spy.

Lots of spies are trying to get inside so it doesn't matter.

And as to Krakatit, we had it tested.

- And the result? — Colossal. Twelve dead in two days.

On the third day, some moronic lab assistant left a pinch of it

lying on the table and at night, when the lab was closed…

- It exploded! - Yes, at 10:35 pm.

It blew up the whole lab and two other buildings with it.

Some sixty dead, to put it short. That's a success, isn't it?

It turned out there was nobody in the lab.

- That it had to explode… - All by itself!

- Yes, did the same happen to you? - Yes, after 10 pm.

You see? It's useless if you can't control it.

Sell it to us and you'll be rid of it.

You could demand some twenty million.

- Sell Krakatit to us. - No.

Twenty million! Sell it to us!

No, I want nothing to do with your wars! No!

And what do you have here?

An ingenious chemist like you living in a shack!

Besides, you're a scholar.

- Why should you care about others? Why don't you sell it? — I won't.

You're right. You'd be a fool to sell it for twenty million.

We'll sell it to somebody else. You can rely on Carson. Well?

I can see you're a man of character. Very well.

Let me tell you a secret. Let's shake hands on it.

I didn't ask you.

A discrete man. I like you. You're my type.

So, you said it exploded by itself after 10 o'clock in the evening, eh?

- Was it a Tuesday by any chance? - I think so, why?

We've done some experiments.

We left a milligram of Krakatit on the table

and it always exploded on Tuesday and Friday at 10:30 pm.

- What does it mean? — Coincidentally, for about 6 months now,

all European radio stations are malfunctioning at the same time,

someone's jamming their communication.

What do you say to that?

This means that if you spill Krakatit anywhere on the ground,

it would blow up by next Tuesday or Friday. Stop it.

That's terrible!

Whoever has Krakatit in their hands can blow up anything whenever…

No, only on Friday and Tuesday.

Blow up whole cities, whole armies. Everything!

It can be dispersed by an aircraft…

- Can you imagine that? - Of course I can. Colossal.

And therefore, in the interests of the world,

I'll never give it away! Never!

And therefore, in the interests of the world,

we ought to find out… - About what?

That damned secret station.

Do you think that…

I think that Krakatit is a horrible thing.

And that secret station is even worse.

And if someone should get a hold of both…

I'd rather live among cannibals.

What's the matter with you? Collect yourself. Come on.

I've been ill for a long time.

And I'm still not feeling quite well.

- I haven't eaten all day. - I see, of course.

You must eat something. It's all right.

The future is what counts.

You've had some really hard times, eh?

Don't you worry. You'll be on your feet again.

You'll get loaded, you'll become a "big man,"

and you'll give me my ten percent, won't you?

It's an international custom.

At last, the car is here. Let's go!

- Where? - To get some grub.

I'm a big man!

I can light a cigarette with a million banknote.

Of course you can. Big man.

You're my friend, Carson.

- I'll tell you everything. - What?

I'm terribly in love with a woman in a veil.

Stop! Stop! I'm getting off! Stop!

Let me go! Go to hell!

Hands off! Let me go or…

Where have you brought me?

To Prince Hagen's house at Balttin. Gigantic ammunition works.

Come, I'll introduce you to our host.

Our distinguished guest, Mr. Prokop. His Highness, Prince Hagen-Balttin.

The President of the Board of Trustees of the Balttin Works.

How do you like the grandpa? A genuine museum piece, eh?

Well, he still manages the representative side of things,

although he regularly has a stroke every week.

Let's bow to the princely family at the Balttin court.

His Grace, Prince Egon.

Her Highness, Princess Hagen.

His Majesty, ex-King Fritz X.

Her Majesty, ex-Empress Margaret.

His Excellency, Count Hacke, and Her Grace, the Countess.

Former General Director, Sir Bonifac Wulfe.

Former General Ambassador, the Earl of Tewton.

And the former bank concern Director, Mr. Düring. This way.

It's like some ancient world of the past.

- They appear as if they're not alive. - They only look that way.

Waiting for Balttin to wage war and to return to their thrones.

They'll come back to life then. Don't you worry.

Pity I don't have Krakatit on me now.

This is Baron Rohn. The Director of the Balttin Works.

Let me introduce Mr. Prokop, sir.

It's very kind of you to call on us, Mr. Prokop.

I did not! This is an outrageous restraint on individual freedom!

This is kidnapping, gentlemen! There're laws forbidding this!

Not so loud! Other laws apply here.

Come on.

Wait till I show you the labs.

- Most up-to-date. - I don't care.

Look over there. She's in command here.

It's the old man's daughter. Princess Wilhelmina.

A pretty girl, eh? She's only 28.

Keen on dangerous sports. I must introduce you to her.

Get me out of here or…

Your Excellency, let me introduce the famous…

No need. I know the gentleman.

- His Excellency, Mr. d'Hémon. - I've heard much about you.

Your work in destructive chemistry, and particularly your discovery

of the alpha explosions are envied by all experts. Your study on…

Your Grace, allow me to introduce our guest, Mr. Prokop,

even though to some extent against his will.

He's a ferocious man. He wants to kill me.

- I'm pleased you've come here. - That's not true. I was dragged here!

Order them to release me at once, Your Grace! This is violence!

Perhaps you shouldn't use such harsh words in front of the Princess.

- Mr. Prokop doesn't like it here? - He'll get used to it.

I hope to see you more often. Do you go horse riding?

- He doesn't. - What games do you play?

He doesn't play any games. Mr. Prokop is a scholar.

He can release atomic energy.

He's discovered atomic explosions and things like that.

- He's a magician. - What is atomic energy?

If we succeeded in developing and discharging all the energy

contained in this at once, we could blow up Mont Blanc with Chamonix.

- But we'll never succeed. - You can do it.

- It seems he'll become very famous. - Like Darwin.

Dukes will consider it an honor to carry a tip of the flag

covering his coffin. If there are any dukes then.

- Nonsense. - That's very interesting.

Tell him to enlighten me on the subject one day. Goodbye.

That woman is of the finest breed. Quite proud, isn't she?

Wait till you get to know her better.

It seems you're mistaken, Carson.

I've no intention of getting to know anyone better. I'm leaving tomorrow.

What a pity. It's very nice here. Oh well, nothing doing.

Stop fooling around and take me to Tomesh, I've got to speak to him.

To Tomesh? I'm afraid I can't. He's not here.

He took his money and ran off. He lead us on a merry dance.

- Where is he now? - I can't tell you right now.

Maybe he's trying to make Krakatit for another country.

Don't you worry. He'll never manage. Ditch him.

- And what about my Krakatit? - It's gone.

- All that remained of it. 90 grams. - It got stolen?

Including the lead container.

And with it a Saxon lab assistant disappeared as well.

But we'll get it out of you.

- I'll show you the new lab tomorrow. - You won't let me go then!

Mr. Prokop! Don't go to the fence!

Danger High Voltage

You should leave, Your Grace, it's becoming dangerous here.

Be so kind and leave me alone, will you?

Careful! Don't shoot!

- That man has tremendous value for us. — Don't shoot!

You were too mild with him and here you have it!

That man interests me.

What a shame! What a scandal!

There's no one there.

They're not coming back. I've sent them away.

I wanted to tell you I deem you as my guest.

I'll allow no one to touch you.

Carson told me you could tell a person's character by touch.

One feels what power is hidden inside. It's nothing.

Let me see.

Well?

Virginal, insensible,

lustful, furious, and proud.

Torrid like the desert and wicked.

You're wicked, avid, and hard on yourself.

Ice and fire, fire and ice.

Thank you for your sincerity.

I heard you could make explosives out of anything.

Is it true?

I could make an explosive out of your powder, if you'd like.

There's so much powder on you to burn out a cannon.

I didn't know that powder was an explosive.

Everything is an explosive if in the right hands.

You yourself…

- What? - Nothing.

A concealed explosion. You're highly explosive.

If I get in the right hands.

I take your word for it. Let me know when my powder-box blows up.

It was a pleasure to meet you.

So these are the Balttin Works, Mr. Prokop.

How do you like it so far? Not bad, eh?

The buildings with the letters and numbers are ammunition dumps.

The hills covered with grass over there are warehouses,

and a bit further is the railway station.

Do you see the woods? The experimental labs are behind it.

And the sand hills over there, that's the shooting range.

Just wait till you see the lab!

- It's the most up-to-date. - Take me there. — Sure.

I'll make an explosive out of this powder-box.

I'm doing this for you. I made a promise to the Princess.

Out of what? Powder?

Do you think you can make us believe that?

This quantity can have the same disruptive power

as 100kg of ecrasite. Not bad, eh?

Did you hear that, gentlemen? I take your word for it.

- Under one condition though. - Yes?

- That you let me go after that. - Of course. The lab's ready.

You can begin straightaway. Come.

Here it is, Powderite, the best explosive cosmetic powder.

It hasn't lost one bit of its fragrance.

You've finally come to your senses.

I hope you'll let me go now. I want to leave tomorrow.

Of course, but we'll talk about that later.

Now I'm anxious to see what you can do with the powder.

- It'll explode in half an hour. - I'll go get the Princess.

- Are the nearest buildings cleared? - Yes, I've sealed the whole area.

Within a radius of one kilometer, everything as you wanted it to be.

- Watch out! Stop! - Stop, Your Grace. Come back!

Down!

Get down! Damn it!

You beast!

Darling.

Give me your hand.

- You mustn't. Not now. - Can I get up now?

- That was a wonderful explosion. - Was that all?

For Chrissake, as if it weren't enough.

A single powder-box. You're a wizard!

You've sold your soul to the devil, eh?

The King of Matter. Behold, Your Grace, the King.

By Golly! We're nothing but rag-and-bone men.

And it isn't Krakatit yet.

- Stay here, you cannot come with me. - And tomorrow?

Don't wait for me, they would see you.

- I'll run away tomorrow. - They'll kill you.

- I'd be better off. - Come and have a look at the crater.

A good five meters. What disruptive power.

Congratulations.

Why's that man guarding me all the time?

- Mr. Holz? - Yes, Mr. Holz.

He's responsible for your safety, Sir.

So that you can work without being interrupted.

It's a joy to work in a fine lab like this, isn't it?

Indeed, I'd like to know what right you have to detain me here!

Detained? Didn't somebody let you go in the park or what?

What right do they have to imprison me here?

Right or no right…

If you make Krakatit for us, you'll be a free man.

I told you that you won't get Krakatit from me, man!

- Even if you cut my head off! - Whose laboratory is this?

- Mr. Prokop's, Your Grace. - He didn't run away yet?

He's just yelling.

You could be mistaken.

In such a case, we'll think about taking you elsewhere, Mr. Prokop.

- Why? - All right, I'll tell you.

You're accused of espionage.

And you'll be taken to the fortress in two days.

If it doesn't work by fair means, it'll work by foul ones.

- We don't play games with anybody. - And you call yourselves civilized?

You behave like ordinary gangsters!

A person who has Krakatit is dangerous to the public.

And as such, he belongs in custody.

But in that case, you'll all blow up.

Everyone will blow up!

- Let's run away together. - Where to?

- To my home. - You surely have someone there.

- What's her name? - Annie.

And there's also another girl, whose name I don't even know.

You see! I won't let you go. You won't run away, will you?

Don't let me think now, darling. I'll be evil again.

Let go of me.

You didn't think you have a princess, did you?

- What are you saying? - I know.

You wanted a princess from the start. And I did come.

- Do you think I'm sorry? On the contrary. — Shut up!

If you were my equal, I couldn't be with you.

But there's a difference between us. Do you understand?

Can it be that you're so depraved?

No, it isn't true. You mustn't believe me.

I came because you wanted to flee. But I don't want to be without you.

Now you're lying again.

- You're lying all the time. - I'm lying all right, but I love you.

Madly.

You can become famous if you make Krakatit, can't you?

What did d'Hémon say? That dukes carried Darwin to his grave.

Could you be as famous? Really?

- Wait for my funeral. - Will it be soon?

It would be so wonderful if you were famous.

- Do it for me, will you? - Will you wait ten years?

Ten years? Couldn't it be a little sooner?

You know I'm not used to waiting.

Goodbye.

- I'll come for you! - You mustn't.

I'll come myself in the evening.

- Mr. Prokop, the Princess… - Is she coming?

She apologies, but she's got a bad headache and she sends this letter.

Prokop, you're to make a decision tonight.

Darling, please do everything so that I can be truly yours. W.

In our country, women are subject to military discipline, too.

And the strictest discipline applies to the members of the princely house.

Don't you worry, I'll do everything as necessary.

You're wonderful, Your Grace. As I expected you to be.

It's in a higher interest.

Does it mean that I'm not to meet with the man again?

On the contrary! It's in the higher interest

to bind the man to you as much as possible.

Excuse me, Mr. Prokop. The Baron would like to have a word with you.

Come in. Sit down.

Excuse the mess.

- What's that? — Explosives. - Ah, explosives.

It's chloracid. Explosive choking chlorine.

- What can ignite it? - Impact. Well, I'm listening.

- Why're you putting it in your pockets? — Just for fun.

Do you want to tell me something?

It won't blow up, will it? I'm terribly afraid.

- I'll be careful. - I'd advise you to.

But tell your people to keep out of my way.

This is worse than a ton of ecrasite. Why don't you sit down and begin.

Well, Mr. Prokop, what we've come to tell you

is a very serious and discrete matter.

The General Director will explain it to you.

I have the pleasure of informing you of the wish of our military command

to join our army with regards to your private liabilities.

What liabilities?

I mean your relationship… Your interest.

I didn't confess any of my interests to you.

Of course you didn't. Somebody powerful intervened.

We don't mind you're a foreigner.

All you need to do is file an application for citizenship.

- Aha. - What did you say?

- Nothing, I only said "aha." - Aha.

Everything's all right then. It's a fine career, isn't it?

- What's this? - A hand grenade.

Hexa-nitro-phenyl-methyl-nitramin and bolt nuts. See how heavy it is.

Shouldn't you be more careful?

Of course, it's chlorargonate. Don't play with it.

I can't help myself, but I have an unpleasant feeling of deterrence.

Really? I had a feeling of deterrence

when you threatened me with the fortress.

Well, that's just about all, isn't it?

A high rank will be conferred upon you to reward your merit.

Isn't that so? And in such a case,

even a princess may shake hands with a soldier.

Presuming of course that the military command will get…

- That you'll simply give them… - What?

Nothing more. Well.

Who told you I care about that?

I trust you will do everything to deserve the marriage for which

the Princess sacrificed her honor and turned down an heir to the throne.

Quite correct. I told you that woman's of the finest breed.

I've got to do it, haven't I?

You don't, but you should consider what your duty is.

It means I must!

You've caught me unawares. So you think that I must.

That's how it is then.

Watch out!

Alarm! Alarm!

Watch out! The anarchist!

Go, Marike.

So this was your plan, wasn't it?

- You set it all up. - What're you saying?

So this is what it was all about.

To make me give up Krakatit, eh?

You're planning a war.

- And I was to help you kill people! - I don't understand.

Do you know what a war is? I've been in a war.

I know what people can do. Do you know what Krakatit is?

A million lives. For what? Not enough?

Two million dead. That's a good match for a princess.

It's worth throwing yourself away a little. I was such a fool.

- How dreadful! - Go.

- Leave! - Why'd you do it?

You have your own conception of honor.

But you're terribly wrong there. I'm no chevalier.

I'm a cobbler's son. An ordinary man, understand?

I have none of that honor of yours.

You can lock me up in the fortress and torture me! I won't do it!

I won't give you Krakatit!

I'm sorry for stooping as low as your level, Your Grace.

- Go! - What are you?

Are you human at all?

I've been waiting for you, come with me.

- Where? - Wherever you'd like.

- I want freedom. - Let's go then.

- Is the gate open? - It is.

- Halt! - Out of the way!

- What have you done? - Be quiet!

Halt!

- Your passport, please. - I'm Ambassador d'Hémon.

Why are your headlights off?

- Password? - Krakatit.

Who's traveling with you? Your permit, please.

Just a moment.

Don't shoot!

- Isn't he in agony, doctor? - No, but a crisis is approaching.

Cardiolobeline.

Who knows whether he'll make it till the morning.

From now on I'll be your comrade Daimon.

- Where are you taking me? - You'll see.

I'll introduce you to my people.

The most powerful people from all over the world.

With their followers. Riff-raff cast them out of their lands.

And their program?

They want their power and assets back.

They have 95 grams of your Krakatit.

Our Saxon comrade's brought it from Balttin.

If only Carson knew that.

For now, they're arguing about what to blow up first.

Where did the victory of democracy bring us?

To humiliation and hunger. To chaos and helplessness.

Cultured nations are suffering.

Because those predestined to rule were driven out by riff-raff!

Providence's chosen us to raise the chosen people from the ashes.

And to show those inferior where their place is.

We know how to rule, they know how to work.

With such co-operation we can achieve the prosperity

which the riff-raff sought to steal from the world!

He's so handsome!

- This makes me sick. - Pay no heed to that.

We've trained him to fanaticize the people against democracy.

We need war so that ammunition factories can thrive. Come.

Friends, I bring someone before you.

Friend Krakatit.

Let friend Krakatit speak!

Where's the Krakatit? Where'd you put it?

That's good.

Let him speak!

Friend Krakatit is a man of action.

He wants to unleash a war against the whole world.

To decimate humanity with a single explosion and to rule the world!

I've never wanted that!

You'd be a fool to give up your invention.

Quiet!

Friend Krakatit has the actual power to carry out such an explosion.

Pilots have the instructions where to disperse Krakatit!

Get ready for take-off in half an hour!

- Hail our Führer Krakatit! - Krakatit! War!

Mr. d'Hémon is lying! I don't want war!

Get back! Or I'll throw it under your feet!

No one move!

Mezierski wants to shoot me! I'll throw it!

Quiet! As long as I'm holding this I'm issuing the demands.

I don't care if I die. Nobody will leave!

Well.

- We will speak now. - Yes, we'll speak all right!

Krakatit!

It'll explode!

Lock the door!

I want to go with you!

Aren't you…

Did you know Jiri Tomesh?

I don't remember them all.

Why did you tell them such lies?

- I told them what they wanted to hear.-Stop. — In a moment.

Now listen. You have the means to blow up all the world's superpowers.

Krakatit.

And I have what they call the secret radio station.

Which ignites your Krakatit within a distance of 3,000 kilometers.

This station is at your disposal. It's up there on the ore dump.

Our station, you see? It's standing on 50,000 tons of magnesite.

- A natural condensator, you see? - How did it get here?

- The house! — It's been standing here for years, what about it?

Never mind, it just looks like my lab at home.

It only appears that way.

There's nobody there.

The telegrapher has remained with the others.

Open the door, you have the key.

It's just like home.

It's not very cosy. Our telegrapher's an oddball.

What do you say to the instruments?

This is our extension station which transmits the anti-waves.

The artificial magnetic storms or however you call it.

That's my entire secret.

- Report. - Hello.

All the airplanes have landed safely at their positions.

Everything's ready. I repeat: All the airplanes have…

Who's that?

Don't you recognise her?

The belle who embraced you a while ago.

Fabulous, isn't she?

Could you turn on the big button?

In the middle.

Come, I'll show you something.

Look over there.

- Can you see anything? - Nothing.

No, wait. I see a faint glow.

Do you know what it is?

Done.

Goodnight, friends.

Don't you understand? The explosion's reached us only now.

Fifty kilometers as the crow flies distance. Two minutes and a half precisely.

- What explosion? - Krakatit.

- The idiots put it in matchboxes. - And you…

It was impossible to work with them.

Now you take it into your own hands.

Listen.

Do you see? There and there!

European capitals are on fire. Blown up. There's Balttin.

It vanished off the face of the earth.

My planes have dispersed Krakatit and you ignited it.

You've just unleashed a war against the whole world.

- War? — We've jammed all wireless connections.

Telegraphers hear nothing but cracking.

And meanwhile, Mr. Tomesh is toiling to complete Krakatit.

- Where's Jiri? - At the Grottup Powder House.

A hundred kilometers from here. He won't succeed.

And even if he did, it would explode in his hands. Our station is working.

Now you can control Krakatit yourself.

- Will you play the game? - What do you mean by that?

With Krakatit and the station you can hold the world at bay.

You'll dictate contributions, laws, borders. Whatever crosses your mind.

- Why would I do that? - Because you can.

Energy must be discharged.

Don't save anyone, work at large.

There're billions of lives in the world.

You'll be the first man who can deem the whole world as his laboratory.

You can destroy it or enslave it. As you wish.

You shall be Providence itself.

You've deceived me, you demon. I don't want war.

I don't want to cause new millions to die.

There must be no war! There must be no Krakatit!

You fool!

- Hello! — What do you want? I can't let you in.

Is Mr. Tomesh still here?

- What do you want from him? - I need to speak to him.

Mr. Tomesh is in the laboratory, you can't speak to him right now.

Tell him his old friend Prokop is waiting here for him.

- That he has something for him. - Stand back from the fence.

- Is it you, Tomesh? - No, I'm the lab assistant.

Mr. Tomesh cannot come, he's got important work to do.

- What do you want? - I must speak to him at once.

It's not possible. Mr. Tomesh is very busy today.

I have to warn him. I have to deliver him something.

- You are to give it to me. - No, I'll give it only to him.

- In that case, you are to keep it. - Wait!

Give it to him.

Tell him… tell him that…

Tell him that I have to speak to him.

- I want to know the name of a girl. - He said you shouldn't wait.

- He can't be distracted from work. - Damn it! Tell him to stop…

Or it will blow up, understand?

Mr. Tomesh knows what to do. We'll be ready in 15 minutes.

- Goodnight. — Tell him not to turn the high frequency on!

Tell him to stop! Or something…

Hurry up! He doesn't know that d'Hémon…

- For Chrissake, stop him! - Hands up!

Beware, Tomesh.

Take me with you, please.

Is it you, Prokop?

- I've been waiting for you. - I'm coming.

I was running so fast.

You're all off your feet, aren't you?

Sit on the driver's box.

Do you know that Grottup blew up too?

And how many people were killed then.

More than 5,000 people died. It was a terrible disaster.

You're all wet, you'll catch a cold.

Let's get going. Gee!

- Uncle? Why did it all happen to me? - What?

Why did I have to encounter so many things?

What one meets, comes from one's inside.

That's not true.

Why did I run away from Tynice when I felt so good there?

Why did I meet the Princess?

I was looking for the other one, wasn't I?

And it came all the same. Why? Tell me.

It was your pride. It was in you.

Even your invention.

What do you call it?

Krakatit.

It was a terrible explosive. It could destroy the world.

And why? What good is such an explosion?

Find something that would drive another thing.

To make the work of people easier. Do you understand?

Do you mean some kind of inexpensive fuel?

Cheap, inexpensive, something quite useful.

Something that would give light and heat, you know?

Wait… I'd have to start from another end.

That's just it!

Start from another end and that's that.

To give light and heat.

You're right.

- Why haven't I thought of it before? - There, you see?

Invent something that would help people.

And not kill people.

Then it'll truly be a great invention.

I'll try again, then.

Something that gives light and heat.

He doesn't need oxygen. He's breathing normally.

He's calmed down. He must've suffered, poor man.

THE END

Starring