Original subtitles

Slivnitza, 1885

Captain! Captain! The enemy!

Where?

On that hill opposite to us.

The officer is looking at us.

It's only a patrol.

If they see our cannon, they'll surely leave soon.

Captain, you... you can never be sure.

Who wants to lose his life on such a beautiful day?

Men, are you afraid of a cannon?

No...

Are you afraid?!

No!

Forget death. We attack!

Sir! They're coming...

Well, is he mad? Seven men against a cannon!

What's the matter? Why doesn't it shoot?

Wrong ammunition, captain!

Damned suppliers! Everyone flee!

Come on! Come on!

Come here!

On the horses!

Stop!

Stop!

Stop!

In name of everything that is holy, stop!

*** HEROES ***

Order of the general!

Order of the general!

"To all Bulgarian citizens..."

That also means you.

"...everyone who's helping an enemy soldier..."

"...or give shelter, will be punished with death."

A letter from the major! A big battle!

The major sends me.

A letter from the major? Louka, this has to go to the Mrs right away!

No, this is awesome!

A victory! And guess who's to thank for this!

-Who? -Who do you think! Sergius!

He has carried out an attack. A great attack.

Sergius. My Sergius.

Is everything alright with him?

-Oh yes, is he alright? -Here it says...

"Sergius is the hero of the day. The idol of the army."

"Ahead of everyone he broke through the enemy artillery."

He's a hero. A real hero.

Oh. Mother. Mother! Mother!

Don't I get anything? The major said I would get something.

-Give him five Krones, Nicola. -Five?

Ten. For the victory of my fianc�.

Ten!

Ten for the victory of my fianc�.

They are acting so self-satisfied, like those people in novels

who just linger around in their rooms.

You can't understand that, dear.

you don't belong to the refined people.

Ah, mother. I'm proud of Sergius.

What a man.

He acted at his own judgement and just attacked!

And you waited a year before you accepted this man's proposal!

I'll worship him as soon as I see him again.

Louka!

Please, a lady doesn't yell. We've got an electric bell now.

Do you want something to eat?

Eat? Now?

Oh Mama. I want to be alone with my thoughts of Sergius.

Sleep well.

Louka! Make my bed. I'm going to sleep.

His song.

With this song my hero will surely always sleep.

-Shall I bring you some warm water? -No.

From now on I'll wash with cold water. It's war.

Who lives like you, won't get dirty.

My fianc� can't even brush his teeth, even though he's a hero.

He doesn't need that. His teeth are always bright white.

I don't need it either.

But in Vienna it's the fashion now. There are even special brushes.

Nicola! Nicola!

Lock the doors. Put the beam on the gate. Quick!

Raina, where are you?

-Here, mom. -Child, come inside. Shots are fired!

-The Serbs have been beaten after all. -Get away from the door!

Louka, close all shutters. There are Serbs around.

-Sleep well, my child. -Sleep well, mom.

Promise me you go to sleep right away.

Yes, mom. I'll put some cotton in my ears and dream about Sergius.

Louka. Help me out of my corset. Quick!

Who's there?

Don't yell or I'll shoot.

Stop!

If you're sensible, you won't get hurt.

Turn on the light.

Turn around.

I'm a Serbian soldier on the run.

I know the uniform of the enemy and I know you're beat.

If they catch me they'll...

...kill me. Do you understand?

Absolutely.

Well. Then you understand why I'm here.

I don't want to die as long as I can prevent it.

I know there are soldiers who fear death.

Everybody fears death. Everybody.

And therefore you're hiding in a lady's bedroom.

I had no idea I would have so much luck here.

- Would you shoot me? - Yes, absolutely.

But how do you know if I'm afraid of death?

I don't care if you're afraid, as long as you don't yell.

You can't keep me from my duty. I'll let the Bulgarian authority capture you.

Capture! If that was all, I would ask you to start yelling.

But do you know what would happen?

Such a bastard from the cavalry would kill me without hesitation.

How dare you!

They enter this beautiful room and butcher me like a pig. THAT would happen.

They wouldn't hurt you one bit.

Our troops are knightly winners.

Yes, I know what winners are capable of. I've seen it often enough.

Where do you wanna go?

- To fetch my wardrobe. - Stop.

I'll keep that one.

That is worth more than my gun.

As long as you're wearing nothing...

...no man can be in your bedroom.

That's not the weapon of a real gentleman.

There's no real gentleman here.

- It's time to... - Open up!

Open up!

They're still searching for me.

You're staying here. Come.

Get dressed.

- What are you going to do? - Out of my way. It'll only take a second.

Oh sir, couldn't it have been another house?

No Madam, he's been seen, he climbed onto your balcony.

For God's sake! That's my daughter's room!

If he hurt her...

Miss Raina! Open the door!

Raina! Darling! Did something happen to you?

What's going on?

Who are those people?

This lieutenant must search your room. They're looking for a Serb.

- In my room? - Miss, I'm asking you to let us in.

Go ahead.

May I?

Typical for a cowardly Serbian to hide on the balcony of a lady.

Stop it! Idiots!

Those boneheads are shooting at their own officers.

Was this hatch shut all the time?

- Of course, Lieutenant. - That has been ordered, right?

- Did you sleep all that time, Miss? - Deeply, sir Lieutenant.

Could this man be here after all?

Yes. Unfortunately, we have to search the room.

One moment, Lieutenant. Raina dear, come. We'd better...

No! I can't... I mean, I don't want to.

- Will they find him quickly? - We'll hurry. Come on.

- Idiot! Look under the bed.

Where is the key of this chest?

I don't know where that key is. Louka, where is that key?

Then I'll have to open it with force.

Lieutenant, don't be ridiculous.

Do you really think somebody would hide in there and then came out to lock it?

Maybe someone else locked it.

Are you trying to make the bride of a Bulgarian hero into a suspect?

- I'm just doing my duty. - Leave him alone, mom, he's doing his duty.

Come.

Lieutenant... that's the bridal trousseau of my daughter...

I'm sorry I had to disturb you, ladies. Good evening.

Mister Lieutenant...

When you see Major Petkoff, say hello from me.

He's my father.

Come with me.

Terrible. I thought the war couldn't hurt us women.

Are you feeling better already? Or should I help you go to bed?

Your care is touching, but I don't need you anymore.

Really, not anymore.

- I don't want to be disturbed anymore. - I can understand that.

After all the excitement... I hope you will sleep well.

That was close...

or I would have choked.

That would have been an original soldier's death.

Choked in the clothes of a charming enemy.

I am your enemy!

Don't forget that.

But I would love to be friends with you.

It's really not going well with me.

It's a shame I joined the Serbian army

and not the Bulgarian.

Aren't you a Serb?

I got it. You are one of those Austrian officers...

...who are helping the Serbs. No wonder I couldn't stand you right away.

That must be because of something else. I'm Swiss.

- Then what are you doing with the Serbs? - Well, I'm wondering about that myself.

From Switzerland to Austria you pass Serbia first. That's why.

I'm a mercenary.

- You fight for money. - Yes.

If I would have known that, I wouldn't have saved your life.

You can still turn it around.

Call your men, but don't ask me to leave this wonderful bed or this room.

I can't think anymore.

Alright, stay for a little while.

Here.

You can keep that. It's not loaded.

What!

- Then load it. - I haven't got bullets either.

I needed my pockets for a bit of chocolate.

Chocolate?

Yes, I ate the last bit this afternoon.

You fill your pockets with chocolates like a schoolboy?

I only had a few left.

Here. There are three left.

Now you really look like an angel.

Nuts with liqueur.

You can always recognize an old soldier by the contents of his pockets.

The young ones have them filled with ammunition, the old ones with food.

Don't be so mean, it makes me so nervous.

I believe I'm braver than you.

But you haven't been on the run for three days. You might make it two days,

but the third day, look, I'm shaking like a mouse.

Do you want to see me cry?

Oh Christ, even that!

Don't look so angry then. It makes me very sad.

Cavalry.

What's going on? Did you come from the front?

There's no front anymore.

We're throwing out the last Serbs.

Bravo, bravo. What do you want from us?

Water. Water for the horses.

Water you can get. Nicola!

Water for our victorious horses.

And a drink for the horsemen!

Maybe they belong to the victorious regiment,

that dared to attach that cannon in Slivnitza.

That wasn't a regiment.

That was six men lead by an idiot.

An idiot?!

- Yes. - He was a hero!

He wasn't a hero, he was an idiot.

He attached a cannon with six men. We didn't take him seriously.

Yeah sure, you were scared. You fled.

Yes, we got out of there, because it didn't fire.

We couldn't even load the cannon.

Why not?

Because we had the wrong ammunition!

Now he thinks he's a hero. It was simply suicide!

It's just that the cannon didn't shoot.

Would you recognize him, if you saw him?

Yes, I'll never forget that face for the rest of my life.

That's him!

That's a picture of the hero who I am engaged with.

With him?!

Yes...

That's kinda painful.

Maybe...

Maybe I'm doing him injustice, maybe...

...he knew we had wrong ammunition, maybe is just a realy clever...

Are you calling him a show off and a coward?

No...

And just now you called him an idiot.

But I am the idiot here, for hiding you!

He seems like a nice person...

Tell me, am I not pretty enough?

Yes, but you must have a lot there to get here.

Ah, the babe belongs to the officers.

That one is for the men!

And that one is yours!

Take off!

Let me go! Help!

They left. Go now.

Where to?

After what you said about my future husband, I don't want to see you anymore.

Go.

How?

How you came.

Down the rain pipe? I can't, I would fall to death.

You came up that way as well, didn't you?

Yes, they were chasing me.

I can't!

I just want to sleep.

Don't lose courage now.

Ah well, you...

You chocolate soldier.

What am I to do with you?

I can't let you sleep here with me, can I?

Thanks very much.

If you hear a dull thump in a moment: that would be me.

Stay here.

They'll see you, it's full moon. I'll save you. You want to be saved, right?

What on earth is that?

That's our new bell.

I'm here already. Do you need something?

No, I just wanted to see if the bell rings at night as well.

- You can't sleep. - Who can in the middle of a battle field.

At Miss Raina there's still light as well.

My daughter, the high-born miss, is probably scared.

By now she may feel at ease again.

Here you are in the main house of the city.

You didn't have to come up the rain pipe. We've got stairs.

Stairs.

Yes, I'm a Petkoff.

A what?

What? You're at war with us and you don't know what a Petkoff is?

My father has a very high rank in the Bulgarian army.

He is a Major.

The Petkoffs are among the richest and most important families of the country.

Yes, I know.

No, you don't know anything. At least do you know what a library is?

A library is a room with books.

We've got such a room.

There's a bell ringing.

I'm only telling you this to proof you're not among uncivilized people,

who would kill you right away, because you're wearing a Serbian uniform.

A guest is sacred to me.

Do your housemates share that opinion?

Yes, let's shake on it.

Dirty.

At least you know how it should be.

Bulgarian from high society, like us, wash our hands almost every day.

But you can shake my hand, then we wash them both afterwards.

Then we should tell your mother now that the enemy is in the house.

- Fetch her. - You don't have to remind me of that.

But... you must keep very quiet as long as I'm gone.

Completely quiet.

- You're not falling asleep, are you? - No, no... I... I...

Let me tell you, you're falling asleep!

No, the next day...

There. Remain standing like this until I get back.

I will.

When will you get back?

In a minute.

What would my mother think if you would sleep here.

You have to stay awake.

Chocolate soldier.

Sleep another time.

"If I was a little bird"

"and would have a nest,"

"ah, that would be so nice."

"Then I would sl..."

Nothing keeps me as fresh as danger, where is the danger.

Nowhere.

- Ah, it's you. - Get the hell out of there!

- One day you'll be fired. - Leave me. We're not married yet!

What did I want here?

I wanted to lie down in bed, but I'm not allowed.

Just sit down.

Don't lie down.

Really, don't lie down.

I've been thinking, you know, about the guest-friendship.

In the middle of the night you suddenly think about guest-friendship?

Dad always says: "A guest is holy and you can't crush his skull", but...

Imagine someone sneaking into my bedroom...

Raina!

There is nobody.

Apparently.

There is our problem.

Apparently.

- Hey, wake up, quick! - Leave him, mama. He's exhausted.

Poor fellow.

Raina. What do you say about him? "Poor fellow"?

He didn't even take off his boots.

- Where's the danger?! - The danger?

There is no danger. Calm down.

You wanted to...eh...greet... eh... my mother...

Captain Bluntschli of the 9th Serbian artillery regiment,

subordinated to... under...

Captain, it's an honor for me... to get to... know you...

Don't be scared, my ladies.

I fully trust myself...

...to your soft hands.

You stay there, Raina.

- Sorry. - Okay.

In case you have to defend yourselves.

And if you can't sleep, our whole library is at your service.

Oh there.

Wonderful.

- I immediately saw it. - Good night then, Captain.

But Captain...

Captain.

- Oh, good night. - Good night.

I only wanted to bring you something that might be useful to you.

Little by little you really look like an angel.

You make me forget that I came to you as an enemy. Thanks.

Even an enemy is a human being.

- Good night. - Good night.

"To all Bulgarian citizens."

"Anyone who helps an enemy or gives him shelter will be punished with..."

"At orders of the General."

Katharina? Katharina!

Petkoff...

- Bunny. - Man.

Come!

My beautiful, fat bunny.

You're glad I came, right?

No? Why not?

Did you forget me?

No woman forgets me.

Katharina, the war is over.

- Oh, completely over, really? - Absolutely.

The treaty has been signed three days ago in Sophia.

Petkoff, I hope you signed an honourable treaty?

Of course. There won't be any friendly connections with our enemies!

They wanted to put it in, but I insisted it was removed.

- Good! - Now let's see what I've got for you, girl.

Well? What do you say about that.

What should we do with that?

What do you say? That's war booty. You got to have war booty.

Did the war teach you to play the piano?

What do you want from me? There wasn't anything better left.

The general took the best furniture. There wasn't anything else left.

The enemy must suffer. That's the whole point of war.

Sergius!

Lieutenant Seranoff reporting.

Stop it, man. The war is over. Sit down, you're just in time for breakfast.

Thanks, I just had breakfast. Mom.

Sergius, our hero. I'm so proud of you.

Thank you, mom. I may say "mom", right?

Of course, you'll be married in four weeks, right?

You look wonderful, Sergius.

Thanks. You look younger every day.

- How are you doing? - Despite the pain in my neck, fine.

That happens when you wash your neck every Sunday. No man can stand that.

Why? I wash my neck every Sunday as well. It suits me well.

You're just as modern as Raina. You'll be very happy.

With Raina one has to be happy.

Where is Raina?

Here is Raina.

Raina.

Do you still love me?

Am I still worthy to you, my hero?

Darling, all my fame belongs to you.

- Do you know how I felt when I attacked? - No, sir.

Like a knight, galloping to his lady.

Just like he described it.

What, who?

Uh... an eyewitness.

Come, Sergius, sit next to your bride.

What a happy family, right?

Nicola! Louka!

Petkoff, you don't have to shout anymore. We've got an electrical bell now.

An electrical bell? What is that?

A little button. It rings in the kitchen and Nicola comes.

- Where is that button? - In the dining room

and in the bedroom and in the library.

Why should I push a button in the dining room if I can shout here?

Nicola! Louka!

Sir?

Bring me my jacket.

Which jacket, sir?

Did you forget which jacket I wear at home?

Ah, that jacket, sir. I would have brought it already if I could find it.

Nicola, you become more and more stupid. Louka, it's in the dressing room.

- Well? You have to go up. - Why? I know that jacket isn't there.

There is a difference between what one knows as human being

and what one may know as servant.

As a human being I save myself from the way upstairs.

As a servant I'm already downstairs again.

Ma'am, the jacket is lost. It's not in the dressingroom.

I want my jacket, right now!

Maybe Miss Raina knows where the jacket is.

Me? I don't meddle with my father's clothes.

Sergius, do you want to see our new piglet?

- Me? Do I want to see piglets? - Yes, you do!

Of course, if you say so.

They haven't eaten anything yet.

Don't worry, they won't starve.

She eats two pounds of chocolates every day.

And now I shall fetch your jacket.

- My queen. - Sergius. My hero.

- I worship you. - I love you.

- Sergius... - Yes?

I think it smells here.

Yes. Does it bother you?

Yes, very much.

Sorry. It wasn't my idea to go there.

- No, mine, sorry, I just wanted... - To be alone with me?

- Yes, of course. - My queen!

High! Victory! High!

I believe we found the perfect love.

Yes yes, the perfect love.

What do you actually mean by that?

When we're together I'm incapable of thinking of low things.

Oh. Yes. I don't know if it's something low I'm thinking of...

But I must say: I'm always thinking of it.

When we're together.

Let's sit down for a minute.

- Let's talk. - Alright, let's talk. About what?

About what? About Slivnitza.

About Slivnitza! What can I say, I won.

Yes, I know. But how?

Very simple. I had six men, we were on patrol,

and suddenly I saw a cannon. An enemy cannon.

- And you had only six men. - Yes, six men against a cannon.

- When I saw it... - The cannon shot!

No, then I had to decide. Death or victory.

- Like in a novel. - Yes.

- I gave the order to attack... - And then the cannon shot!

No, I took my sword, spurred my horse,

and in full gallop we attacked the enemy.

- With you in front! - Of course.

- And then the cannon shot! - Unfortunately not.

Those Serbian losers had the wrong ammunition.

So it's true. I thought it was a lie.

A lie? What?

- The story about the ammunition. - How do you know that?

I uh... I...

You can tell me, from your father.

Yes. From whom else.

He surely says what the general says. I acted against the rules of engagement.

I won the wrong way.

While our commanders lost in the right way.

Oh, war, war. Dream of patriots and heroes.

And if the cannon had shot?

Then I wouldn't be with you now, my queen.

You were just lucky.

Luck? I call that courage.

I wonder why we have to clean this carpet again.

There's no dust coming out of it at all.

I wonder as well. What does it matter if I do this or something else.

Go on. If the Misses notices you're not working, you'll get fired.

You want a shop one day, right?

One signal of the boss and nobody will ever buy from us.

You'll never be a merchant. You've got the soul of a servant.

I've got exactly the soul that I need for my profession.

A merchant has to serve as well.

Ah, our wedding couple.

I'm exhausted. I have to rest.

Isn't he beautiful?

- They're not walking hand in hand anymore! - Miss isn't a farmer's girl.

- If Sergius had been in love with me... - Be glad he isn't.

It's a disaster when an esteemed gentleman falls in love with a farmer's girl.

As soon as his wishes are granted, he'll think about his class duties,

and he'll dump you.

Who falls in love with me, won't think of anything else.

Isn't there a better place for the hero of Slivnitza?

Oh Louka...

Louka, I'm not a hero.

I was just lucky.

Luck? Only the brave have luck.

That's what you say.

Others expect me because I got lucky.

But Lieutenant. How can they be so stupid.

In my opinion you're a hero. And it will always stay that way.

But that probably doesn't matter to you,

if I say something like that.

But it does, Louka. I thank you.

- Sir Lieutenant, I didn't mean it like that. - Me neither, Louka.

- I just wanted to thank you... - Lieutenant, everyone can see us!

- Think about my good name. - Uh, oh well... I wasn't thinking about that.

After all as well, you're engaged.

Raina darling, you've got to help me.

You went to school, right? And learned math?

- Yes, dad. - Good. Because tomorrow I will send

two regiments of cavalry to Sophia to have a victory parade.

But I've got only 2314 breads and no oats or hay for the horses.

- Do you understand? - Yes, dad.

Good. Please calculate how much bread I can give each man.

We never calculated above thousand at school.

That's just my luck.

I really went through the whole house. Your jacket is gone.

Leave the stupid jacket. Rather help me with this military problem.

Can Sergius calculate?

But, dad. Sergius is a hero.

If only that Swiss was here, that Serbian captain.

He could calculate!

A Swiss? Are there many Swiss in the Serbian army?

He's the only one I know. I'll never trust a Swiss again.

He has deceived us. Swapped.

I gave him 50 healthy prisoners, for 200 lame horses.

- Now that was a villain. - What does he look like?

- But Raina! Who wants to know that? - As a Swiss looks.

As a business traveler in uniform.

Please Raina, do not ask dangerous questions about that Swiss.

If Sergius hears something about it it's over between you two.

Then it's over alright.

How long was that guy already in your room before you called me?

Who are you talking about, mother?

About that Serbian Swiss.

- Oh, him. - When did he climb up?

When the soldiers were already gone? Or even before they searched your room?

- Let me think... - Please tell the truth.

Was he here, or not?

No...

Beware! Sergius worships you. He is rich, beautiful,

and a Seranoff, that's almost as good as a Petkoff.

And that Swiss doesn't come back. You don't have to wait for that.

Or do you want to become an old spinster?

Yes, mother.

Don't talk nonsense, you'll marry Sergius and that's that!

- Here I've got a letter. - For whom?

For the Miss. And here I've got 20 krones.

Those are for whoever delivers the letter without being noticed.

Ha!

Ah!

The chocolate soldier.

Greetings!

- How are you? - How nice, I didn't expect you at all.

Why not? Didn't you get my letter?

A letter? Did you write me a letter?

Yes.

Oh. I'll find it at home between all the other letters I receive every day.

- Yes, sure, sure... but how annoying. - What?

That you didn't receive my letter.

- Why? - Because I wanted to meet you.

- Where? - Here.

How painful for me. Now you think I've listened to that.

If I had received a letter I wouldn't have come.

Or only to say that it's inappropriate

to ask a lady like me into the forest.

Did you know I had palpitations at the idea of seeing you again?

Palpitations?

Why?

Of fear.

A woman one has only seen at night by candle light

can be a big disappointment.

But I'm satisfied. You're very nice.

Did you take me into the forest only to say that?

No, I wanted to return this jacket to you.

What? You brought me to the forest for that old jacket?

Yes, it's a very good one.

After all it is a coincidence you're here, right?

Yes. Well. I'm sorry about that coincidence.

Miss, what did you expect?

I can't declare my love to a lady who doesn't want to see me, right?

That would be completely pointless.

I'm engaged, with a man who won from you before.

Did you lose something?

Is that your letter?

You're losing something again.

Is that your shoe?

Let me go, Lieutenant.

No.

Everyone can see us.

- Where's your common sense? - What?

Oh... that's true. You're right.

- Louka, do you know what perfect love is? - Something very exhausting I think.

- Right.

- You have to try to avoid that. - Lieutenant! You surprise me.

I surprise myself.

If Sergius, hero of Slivnitza, could see me like this.

Or the fianc� of my cherrishable bride.

What would a whole bunch of Sergiusses say about that.

Yes. Or Miss Raina.

Oh, she.

You're right, Louka.

Do you know where she went?

What, did she leave without telling you where?

Yes.

Then I would wait until she tells you herself.

Or is it part of the perfect love, that you spy on her?

Would you spy on me, Louka?

You're an attractive little witch.

You high gentlemen are all the same.

What do you mean?

You're doing this behind Raina's back.

And she's doing the same behind your back.

- Louka! - That shows how little you care about each other.

You must understand, Louka, that a gentleman of my class...

...doesn't discuss his fianc� with her roommaid.

Who knows what a gentleman of your class thinks is correct.

- Just now you tried to kiss me. - So what?

- Do you call that manners? - Devil!

Can I get back to work again?

Go ahead.

- Who is my rival!? - You'll never get that out of me.

Not for money, not for love.

- Who is it!? - Ouch! You're hurting me!

- Who is it!? - Ouch!

I don't know. I just heard his voice.

Through the door of Miss Raina's room.

That's a lie. What are you thinking!

There's nothing wrong. You misunderstand me.

If that man returns, Raina will marry him. Not you.

I know the difference between ideal and real love.

- Watch out! - Ouch! You're hurting me!

That doesn't matter.

You slander my wife.

You are a pathetic fool with the soul of a servant.

Whatever I am,

you're exactly the same.

And your bride is a liar.

Her good manners are his deceit.

I'm worth six times as much.

Louka...

A man shouldn't hurt a woman.

I'm asking for forgiveness.

Should I kiss your arm?

Never!

An officer will never kiss a farmer's arm.

Just now you weren't ashamed to kiss my mouth.

If I would have let you.

Louka.

Forgive me.

- Wasn't that Louka? - Now, why?

I mean... yes, I believe so.

I've searched for you everywhere.

Won't you ask where I've been?

No, I would never ask you where you were.

A shame. I wish you would have asked.

Then I could have told you right away that I wouldn't want you

to ask me where I've been. I don't want to be spied on.

But... I wasn't doing that at all.

I just said, if you would have, I would have said that...

Miss, outside there's an officer who wants to speak to you.

Me?

He specifically asked for the lady of the house.

- He sounded like a foreigner. - Probably an Austrian.

- Or a Swiss. - A Swiss?

A Swiss!

Mary and Jozef! Really!

Louka! Louka, take off my apron, quick.

- Where is Mister? - In the library.

Good. Be sure he stays asleep.

- Good day, Madam. - Captain Bluntschli!

Nice to see you, but you have to leave.

If my husband discovers our secret, it will end badly.

I only stay for a bit. I wanted to return something to you.

- What. Did you have the jacket? - Yes.

Let it in.

Why? It isn't mine. Your daughter gave it.

- Raina? - Yes, that's her name.

I want to thank her.

- Later! Don't you understand you must leave? - Right now?

You're wearing a Serbian uniform and my husband hates the Serbians.

Ha!

Bluntschli!

Dear friend, come to my heart!

How nice when an old enemy comes to visit.

Sergius, this is the Swiss crook who sold me those lame horses.

Nice to meet you, comrade! You're the hero of Slitnivza.

Oh, you know me?

Yes.

A little bit.

My friend Bluntschli fought with the Serbians.

Petkoff, don't hold him back. He's in a big hurry.

Why? The war is over, right?

Sergius, love, here you are. I've been looking all over for you.

But Raina, we were just...

Raina. Don't you see we have a guest?

Captain Bluntschli. A friend of your father.

Sorry, Captain, I've missed my fianc� very much.

I only have eyes for him.

Petkoff, I invited Captain Bluntschli for dinner, but he couldn't unfortunately.

A shame.

No, Bluntschli, I won't let you go. You've come just in time.

Tomorrow I have to get three regiments to Sophia

for a victory parade. You've got to help me.

Sophia? You'll have to be careful with your supplies.

He immediately knows what it's about. Nicola!

What do you want from Nicola?

He has to prepare the guest room for my friend.

The guest room? That... is impossible unfortunately...

It's full of stuff. Garbage. Do you understand, Captain?

Take the library. You can sleep well there.

Raina!

Why are you laughing? We've got a library, right?

With a wonderful Ottoman. You will sleep there like a bear!

Darling, will you ask him? He thinks he's not welcome.

I think Captain Bluntschli knows exactly what I want.

So you stay. Nicola! Put the luggage in the library.

Nicola. For the trouble.

Thank you.

600... 48... 4000... and then 494...

Are you sure, dear friend, that I can't help you?

No, no, it's fine...

- Do you know how much food everyone gets? - Half a bread.

Very nice of you to help this way.

Isn't there anything I can do?

Don't bother him.

- Oh yes. - Yes.

4 kilometers... 4 percent interest...

Raina. Stop it with those bonbons.

You don't realize at all how annoying that is.

I wish I still had my old jacket. There must be a thief in the house.

You have no idea what happened here during the war.

We'll find that jacket. In my house nothing has ever gotten lost.

Then where is it?

We've searched everywhere.

Sergius. My hero. Are you thinking of me?

- Are you thinking of me? - Yes, of course, my queen.

Ready!

Really? I thought it would take all night.

- Shall I read it to you, Mayor? - No I can read myself.

Sergius, listen what he has made.

The horses can graze normally. He knows exactly where there's a pasture.

How do you know?

The Bulgarian army has excellent maps, Mayor.

From Switzerland. Everything is on it.

- Even the pastures? - Yes. Where it's green.

The lieutenant only has to ensure marching pace.

Bluntschli, I've never had such a good plan.

Every hour has been planned exactly. You're a great man! Thank you.

No, thank you. Take a seat and sign.

There, please.

Thanks. And there as well.

Thanks. And done.

That was a good job. Raina! Booze!

A shame I couldn't help. My hand is more used to the sword.

You don't have to say sorry. You're a hero.

Absolutely.

- Here you are, Captain. - Thanks, Madam.

Captain Bluntschli, where did you fight?

Almost never, Miss.

I mostly hid behind my cannon.

Very well. Very well. Let's drink to that.

- You're joking, Captain. - Not at all, Madam.

You see, the secret of martial art is

to attack, merciless,

if one is the strongest.

And run if one is the weakest. That's all.

- Isn't it? - Cheers.

- That's not true.

In Slivnitza I fought with six men against a cannon.

And I won.

If the cannon would have shot you'd be flying like an angel now.

Now you're a national hero. And the enemy fled.

And how he fled! I've never seen a human being run like that.

Actually terribly cowardly of that man, don't you think?

Well, maybe he thought: a living soldier is of some use...

After all he never met you before.

Oh... Do you... want some more?

Thanks, Madam. That coward, that was me!

- Who? - Him?

- You?

I'm sorry, captain, I didn't know...

Everyone can lose his courage now and then...

Not you, moron. You would have let yourself be beaten to death.

Bravo Bluntschli. You please me.

Let's drink to that.

Now you know, Sergius. You have to be a coward to please daddy.

No, Miss, it's not that simple.

I don't have my life due to running away

but to the heart and the goodness of a Bulgarian lady.

Well, couldn't we stop talking about that dreadful war?

Don't worry, Miss, this is a very happy tale.

Please tell. Did she hide you?

- Where did she hide you? - But Petkoff!

- The bedroom. - What?! In the bedroom right away?

Sergius!

Well, you don't have to think... what you're thinking now.

Go on. What happened in the bedroom?

At first she was... she was scared.

- And after a while... - I understand! And then?

Then she was determined to save my life.

Yes, because she was in love, that's clear!

I don't think so. She wasn't old enough for that.

I think it was more like a game with danger.

A little adventure. You never know.

Yes, there are women like that. I've heard about that.

Captain Bluntschli, I never thought that you

would ever dare to tell such a story in my presence.

Did I say something wrong?

I don't get it. It was very harmless, right?

It wasn't. Raina can't even imagine

that a Bulgarian girl would ever hide an enemy.

Sergius is right! If such women exist,

one must be spared to ever hear about it.

Well, now we're alone.

Now we can talk freely. What happened in that bedroom?

You kept quiet about something, right?

The most important thing.

I fell in love with that girl.

What kind of new fashion is that to show your arms like that, my child?

My own fashion.

Don't let Mrs catch you like that.

Mister goes to sleep.

- So do we. - You maybe.

- Yes yes, I know. - What?

You set your sights on him.

In case you reach your goal...

don't forget that I made you into a woman.

- You? - Yes, me.

I taught you to keep yourself pretty and clean.

like a real lady. That was, you hear, me.

Alright. And why do you tell all of this?

Because...

I'm counting on your gratitude.

I misjudged you. You're tougher than I thought.

Thanks.

If Sergius was any more stupid and Raina wasn't in the way...

you could be my best customer...

instead of becoming my wife and cost money.

I think you really rather be my servant than my husband.

And than you make advantage of me. I know your beautiful soul.

Leave my soul out of this.

You frightened me!

My heart almost stopped beating.

- What are you doing here? - I'm thinking.

About what?

About women.

You'd better not.

A man like you will never understand women.

You're right. It would only be a disadvantage.

Let me see what I caused.

Does it still hurt?

You've got strong hands.

Shall I make it better?

Don't play with me. Please.

But Louka, I'm not playing with you.

I would elope with you if I didn't have to go on parade.

You're dreaming of eloping with me,

but you'll always lack the courage to marry me.

Louka.

If I were free...

Nobody could stop me.

But you know I'm bound

to a woman from whom I may never take pure love.

You really don't understand anything about women.

The man whom I told about came back.

Your bride will marry the Swiss!

- The Swiss?! - Yes, the Swiss!

Then you'll come back to me,

but you won't be good enough for me as well anymore.

- I'll kill him. - Ha!

And then I'll do with you what I want.

Maybe the Swiss will kill you.

In love he already beat you as well.

I'll kill him.

Where he's standing.

Who's there?

It's me, the chocolate soldier.

Make light.

Turn around.

Captain Bluntschli.

If you don't leave immediately, I will call my fianc�.

Why?

You won't tell him I'm in your room again, would you?

You... you coward! Miserable coward!

He would kill you!

Then I'll jump out of the window and run away.

And by the way, my gun is loaded,

now the prohibition is over.

I finally wanted to get rid of this beautiful jacket.

Nothing happened with it.

Good night. Sleep well.

Lord... Bluntschli.

At your service.

I've got one more question for you.

- Yes? - The last one.

Was it really only a nice story, that you've been hiding here?

When I see how it ended, I can't think it's tragic.

Yes, you saved your life. But me!

You don't think about me.

I do.

A lot.

Did you... have any trouble?

I lied for you.

- When? - Back then.

- Which then? - Then!

Oh, then! Then.

That was the first lie in my life.

Miss, don't you think you're exaggerating a little?

Look, I'm a very truthful human being...

and with one lie I couldn't stand half a day.

And neither would you.

You're insulting me, sir Captain.

When you're acting so lofty, I don't get why I still desire you.

That could be because of myself as well. But still...

Captain Bluntschli...

- What? - Do you know what you just said?

- Yes? - You... you...

You're the first man in my life,

who doesn't take me seriously.

I think I'm the first one who really takes you seriously.

Do you expect me now, now that you've figured me out?

In everything else I think you're very enchanting.

Really?

Yes.

So...

Then...

Sleep well.

Don't forget to shut the shutters behind you.

Good night.

Captain...

Yes?

You could take the stairs, right?

Thanks, but I know this way.

Captain Bluntschli!

Oh, it's you. Don't yell, people are sleeping.

You... you cheated me!

You... you are my opposite! I accept no rival.

I expect you at dawn behind the village wall.

- You want to have a duel. - Yes, I do.

- And bring your sword. - I haven't got one. I'll bring my cannon.

Sergius? Will you fight? Why?!

- Stay out of this. - This is men's business.

He will kill you! This is murder!

Yes, yes, just come. Sorry, I live here.

Lieutenant! This might be the last time we could talk.

Ah. Are you afraid something would happen to me?

Not really afraid... but heroes die as well now and then.

It would be a shame if you would get in peace what you avoided in war.

War or peace. Whoever likes the battle doesn't ask.

Don't play the hero. You're a coward, right?

Well, I am really terrified, but I must overcome that.

You can't throw away the life that I saved?

I must sleep now. I need a steady hand tomorrow.

I'm staying with you.

Lie down.

Make yourself comfortable.

You must sleep well.

Close your eyes.

Shall I take off your boots?

No, rather not. I might have a hole in my sock.

That would be painful.

I'll make some music before sleep.

Is that a new song? I don't know that one.

Hold my hand...

You're shaking!

Because of the fear.

Think about it, maybe this is my last night.

Sure!

It's not that sure.

Maybe I'll be lucky. Maybe his sword will break.

- Then I'm the hero. - His sword surely won't break.

Answer this question...

Go ahead, ask.

Why do you worry so much about my life?

I... I...

- The truth. - I...

I don't want my fianc� to become a murderer.

Ah, that's true love. My compliments.

Flee. Why don't you flee?

You can run very fast, right?

Then I'll be a coward. I hate cowards.

It's stupid to risk a life without reason.

But very brave.

Please.

Too late.

Don't imagine things, you... you...

Hero!

Hey, no insults right before the battle.

- Men are stupid. - One is even more stupid than the other!

- Lieutenant Seranoff. - Captain Bluntschli.

I don't blame you if you withdraw the challenge.

I never withdraw anything.

Alright. Then we'll start.

Say something. What are they doing?

I don't know. I think he's polishing his sword.

- Who? - The Swiss, of course.

- Excuse me. - No problem.

Do you want the side of the sun?

It doesn't matter to me. I want to fight, finally!

Now they begin.

Help me get up. Hurry.

Do you want again?

Thanks. You won.

Don't be sad, lieutenant.

As a child I already won the first prize with a sword.

Greetings.

Did you really win first prize?

Yes, at boyscamp in Sankt Galm.

Now you tell me?

I shivered because of you! I lied for you!

You... you crook! I hate you!

- Hey, you! - Excuse me?

Yes, you. Does a Captain Bluntschli stay here?

Yes, we've got a guest with that name.

A letter for him.

- Hey, you! - Yes, what?

Here's half a crown for the trouble.

Half a crown? Keep it.

Yes.

Nicola. What's the matter?

Mail for you, Captain.

Thank you. Ho, when was this delivered?

Just now. I gave the courier five crowns.

Isn't that a bit much?

It was a courteous man who had a long journey behind him.

- Courteous drink money. - Thanks very much.

You're welcome.

- Captain Bluntschli, I... - Yes, one moment...

- I already know you hate me. - No!

I mean yes. But that's not why I'm here.

It's painful to me to ask you something.

Very well, what's on your mind, miss?

Captain Bluntschli, give me back the picture which I gave you...

when I completely misjudged you.

Your picture? You gave me your picture?

Are you saying you didn't find it?

- Where should I have found it? - Where?

In the jacket that I leant you!

Such a fuss! I really didn't find it.

You mean it's still in that jacket?

And my father could find it any moment?

Don't get excited. Such a picture doesn't mean anything to him.

Say something! You're really so stupid.

Have you written something on the back?

- Yes. - Why?

Why? I can't remember now.

Please tell me nobody else touched that jacket.

I can't. A soldier can't always watch his jacket.

Where did you put it?

At the rack in the saloon.

The rack...

A nobleman would never think of that.

You've got a low, earthly soul.

That's just the Swiss national character.

We've been like that for 500 years.

Children, look what I've got on. My old jacket.

Just found it in my room.

None of you have eyes in your heads.

Now I'm really feeling at home.

- Sergius! - I came to say goodbye.

- I've got my old jacket back. - Congratulations.

That's a very beautiful jacket, Mayor.

Wait, I found something weird in my pocket.

- What? - Hey, it was here a moment ago...

- Was it something important? - A picture of my darling.

- With an assignment on the back. - What kind of assignment?

- Something very unimportant. - But funny!

Raina. For her chocolate soldier.

I know exactly who that chocolate soldier is.

- Ah. Who? - You.

Me?! A chocolate soldier!

Raina. Explain to your father that's not about me.

Whom else?

Do you mean to say Raina gives pictures to other men as well?

Women are not as innocent as we used to think, Petkoff.

What's going on? Who's that chocolate soldier?

Me.

You are a big crook. I don't believe a word from you.

Didn't I tell you yesterday about a young lady

who saved my life?

Is that young lady in this room by any chance?

Yes, here.

With which of these gentlemen are you engaged?

With none.

Sergius, is your engagement broken?

So you hear.

The feelings of Lieutenant Saranoff now belong to someone else.

To whom?

Now I get an idea...

Louka.

Saranoff, congratulations.

- You are a hero after all. - My hero.

Miss.

My bride.

In a moment he'll be saying "my queen".

Sergius, what's the meaning of this?

Sergius broke his engagement. I had nothing to do with it.

Sergius, I won't allow it.

We've got your word. You're bound.

Nothing binds me.

- Lieutenant! - Madam. Mayor.

Your daughter saved my life with a gun to her chest.

That was really all.

It didn't mean anything else.

What else. Look, an old soldier like me...

A fighter. A vagabond.

And such a young girl. Naive. Full of romantic dreams.

I left her behind as an innocent angel

like she was when I came.

I hope everything is settled now. My child.

You're a romantic fool, if you can't distinguish...

a child of 17 from a woman of 23.

That old? Are you that old?

Then things are different. Then I have to take it all seriously.

In that case, Mayor,

I take over the engagement of Lieutenant Seranoff

and humbly ask you for the hand of your daughter.

Such... shamelessness!

I'm afraid you're not the right match for Miss.

The Petkoffs and Seranoffs belong to the richest and main families.

Wait, Katarina. We're pleased with your proposal, Captain.

But Raina is very spoiled.

Sergius has the largest horse stable around here.

But Miss, what does that matter. We don't want to start a circus.

How many horses have you got, Lieutenant?

- Don't let them get to you, Sergius. - Twenty. Fully bread.

I've got 200. How many wagons for you horses?

Three. One has a roof that can open and close.

I've got 70. All with such a roof.

- How many dining plates have you got? - How should I know?!

- Well, approximately. More than 4000? - No!

That's how many I've got

and 9600 sheets and 2400 woolen beds,

10.000 knives and forks and just as many spoons.

I've got 100 servants, stables, a boat house and a private house

and another house, but that's let to someone else.

I'm an officer and I speak three languages fluently:

German, French and Swiss German.

Name one Bulgarian who can offer all of that to his future wife.

Who are you, the emperor of Switzerland?

No, I've got the highest rank a man can reach:

I'm a free citizen.

If it's like that, I don't want to stand in the way of your happiness.

That's also what my husbands thinks. Isn't it, darling?

Of course. 200 horses?

What's the use of so many woolen beds?

Well, incidentally, today I got a message

that I inherited six luxurious hotels.

Raina, did you hear that? Where is Raina, by the way?

Here is Raina.

Miss...

What do you say about that, my little sheep.

What do I say about that?

That he can stick his woolen beds into his hat!

I'm not for sale to the highest bidder!

Excuse me for a moment.

Good luck, comrade.

- Thanks, comrade. - Good luck, Raina!

Raina? Do you call her Raina?

She calls me Louka.

Bravo, my queen.

How dare you!

And now you even come through the door!

I only came to return your picture.

For an old lady of 23 you've got some fierce temperament.

What do you want from me?

That picture was just a romantic mistake.

Tell me, why did you change your mind?

- Did I? - Yes, you did.

I came as fugitive, beggar, dying man,

you offered me your hand for a kiss,

gave me a bed to sleep in, even lied for me...

I wouldn't even have done that for the emperor.

Right! And for whom did you do it?

Well? Come?

Tell me the truth.

For my chocolate soldier.

Nuts with liqueur.

* THE END *