Original subtitles

[ Narrator] In the alpine country of Austria lies the village of Piber...

home of the Lipizzan horses.

The Lipizzan breed had its beginning in 1580...

during the reign of Maximilian 11,

From that time until the end of the empire...

the white horses served the crown.

Today they belong to the people of Austria...

cherished as a living symbol of times that were splendid..

But that are gone and will not return.

In the autumn of their third year...

when the Lipizzaners are turning from dark to white...

the finest stallions are selected..

For the famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna.

Named for the Spanish origin of the Lipizzan horses...

the school was built in 1735, when every court in Europe...

patronized the art of classical riding.

Today it is the only home of that art in the world.

It has survived wars and occupations...

crowns and republics.

But near the end of the second world war, it was almost lost.

In the spring of 1945...

a great adventure began for the white horses of Vienna.

General Tellheim, this is a pleasant surprise.

Colonel Podhajsky, you remember General Stryker?

Yes, of course. I remember the general very well.

Forgive me for not calling my staff to attention...

but a military atmosphere in the hall...

would disturb the concentration necessary in our training.

I see.

General Stryker arrived only this morning.

One of his first inquiries was of the Spanish Riding School.

We're honored.

I"m a great admirer of your Lipizzaners.

I make it a point to see them on my visits to Vienna.

Then you must attend tomorrow's performance.

- 1t's our first in several months. - So I understand.

But what happened here, Colonel Podhajsky?

“Happened,” General?

Yes, it doesn't look the same.

Wasn't there a portrait of Charles VI above the gallery?

And I remember some magnificent chandeliers.

I had them removed.

Did you have orders to do that, Colonel?

I gave the colonel permission to take certain precautionary measures.

These things are irreplaceable. 1 was anxious for their safety.

Oh, I see. “Anxious for their safety.”

Might your anxiety also explain...

the number of empty stalls in your stable, Colonel?

I did send some of the younger stallions to the country.

You made a request to Berlin...

asking permission to move the Spanish Riding School out of Vienna.

- Yes, some time ago. - That request was denied.

Yes, it was. I was very disappointed.

So disappointed that you chose to ignore those instructions?

If I had chosen to ignore them, none of us would be here.

The horses I sent away were still in training.

They were not yet school performers.

You made decisions that contradict the spirit of orders from the Fuhrer.

Vienna is in no danger.

Life has to continue as usual here.

- You can't honestly believe-- - That's an order!

The Spanish Riding School papers.

You have a number of riders on leave from the army.

They are to be returned to active service immediately.

You want the riding school to continue, and yet you take my staff away from me?

Men are needed at the front.

But the basis of this school isinits training.

I sympathize with your problems, Colonel...

but the war is fast reaching a climax.

And 1 tell you in confidence that it will not be easy.

If Germany is to win, some sacrifice will be required...

by everyone.

I"m looking forward to tomorrow's performance.

Heil Hitler.

You there!

That horse should kick you for giving him such confused signals!

And then kick me for allowing you in this hall!

It wasn't you he was shouting at.

You were only a substitute.

Will you check my work?

If I'm doing something wrong, I want to be corrected.

- [Woman ] Louis? - Yes.

Something wrong?

Yes.

- Something's wrong. - What is it?

I don't permit childish outbursts of emotion...

to interrupt training in the riding hall.

- And who is having childish outbursts? - I am!

I sent myself away.

I shouted at a young rider. You should have heard me.

He's conscientious too; one of the best.

If he's one of the best, he'll survive your temper.

Come and have some coffee.

I must remember to praise him tomorrow.

How can the Nazis be so stupid?

Are they now believing their own ridiculous propaganda?

- Aha, the Nazis. - Yes, the Nazis. Always the Nazis.

I feel there have been Nazis all my life.

The school should be closed. I should be evacuating now.

There should be no one in Berlin to stop me.

You can ask to leave the city, and keep asking.

That's all you can do. You are in the army.

The school is under military control, and that's that.

Is the opera run by the army? Or the symphony?

Perhaps Vienna will be spared, like Paris has been spared.

I must prepare to leave Vienna, on my own if necessary.

No, Louis. You mustn't even think of it.

I have to do whatever I can to ensure the survival of the school.

What of your own survival?

The school was my responsibility before there were Nazis in Austria.

- It remains my first responsibility. - There are limits!

I'll keep trying to get permission and pray they come to their senses...

but if they won't listen and time runs out--

I don't want to hear this.

Verena, I want you to understand.

Europe is going to split wide open.

Only those people who are ready, who have a plan and the courage to use it...

will have a chance to save something of their lives.

The school is my life and my obligation.

I can't turn from it, forget it out of fear.

Think about it, Verena, as I have thought about it.

You do understand.

I do. 1 do.

[Sighs] But I don't want to.

Louis, promise me...

you won't risk yourself unless it's the only way...

until it's a last, desperate resort.

Don't forget, you are my life.

Only you.

J A Wiener schnitzel to start the morning >

J A Wiener schnitzel to soothe me late at night ;>

S And in between for funch and brunch and for my dinner ,»

J A Wiener schnitzel is just right 2

& A Wiener schnitzel for all that ails you J

o A Wiener schnitzel for every pain and ache

J Adaily schnitzel keeps the doctor from your doorstep &

J 'l have my schnitzel now for goodness sake S

o' [ Zither Continues I

Beautiful wine, just beautiful!

- [Cheering] - This one knows! He knows good wine!

With you for an uncle, how could I help it? [ Laughing ]

I'm going back to my old outfit, the one I left three years ago.

I'll have a nice time seeing them all again.

If any of them are left.

Ooh! That's a fine way to talk.

- Yes, nice and cheerful. - Drink up, everybody.

After a few glasses, everything will be nice and cheerful.

Before you know it, we'll have Otto volunteering to go along to the front.

I've already been thinking about that.

You'll need somebody to wipe your noses for you.

- It is such an honor for me. - Good evening, Herr Hagen.

Please, sit at the head of the table.

See how the wine suits you. It's a good year for wine.

- [ Podhajsky ] Glad to hear that. - [ Men] Good evening, Colonel.

Every year is good for something.

If we only look. You're right, Herr Hagen.

Well, to me it's perfect.

Why are we all standing? Sit down, please.

Colonel, we would like to propose a toast.

When we first came to the Spanish Riding School...

three years ago...

you said we'd be expected to give the best that was in us...

that you would settle for no less.

And as time passed, we saw that you meant it.

It was difficult because 1 don't think any of us knew...

what the best in us was, or even where to look for it.

But you kept demanding until you made us find it.

And for that we thank you...

because we can take it with us now wherever we go.

- Prosit. - Prosit.

[Sighs]

You were sent to the riding school under orders.

No one asked you if you wanted to go...

and I wasn't given much choice either.

But the riding school is lucky.

It would have to be to still be around after so many years.

If I had been allowed to go through the entire cavalry...

unit by unit, to find a staff...

I couldn't have done better.

Those of you who remain here will have to work harder than ever.

Those who are returning to active service...

will, I'm sure, be a credit to your units.

We'll miss you. Good luck.

O' [ Zither Resumes ]

They're good boys.

Going off to war s0 uselessly at this point.

- Uh, Louis-- -1I'm sorry. It's a party.

- We need Otto. - Yes, get Otto.

- Come on, please. Please, come on! - No, I don't sing anymore.

[ Men] Come on and sing! Come on! Sing!

- He even remembers your favorite song. - I'm all out of the habit.

A man should never get out of the habit of singing.

JJust say we'll meet again

J Tomorrow J

JJust say auf Wiedersehen g

J Tonight >

" Dot say good-bye

o And don't despair

o1 know that we

J Will meet again somewhere

& Our dreams g

& Will still be there 2

J Tomorrow J

J Although tomorrow's &

J Far from sight

J Until the day

J When life's complete again

J And good friends

o Meet again

JJustsay g

& Auf Wiedersehen g

Come on. Play something very gay.

- Come on, Uncle, bring some more wine, please. - JJ [Continues ]

[Air Raid Sirens Blaring ]

[ Whinnying ]

[ Sirens Continue, Bombs Exploding ]

[ Whinnying ]

Get the horses out! Put them over there! Hurry!

- All right, hurry it up! - Open those doors!

Come on! Keep them moving! Keep them moving!

All right, come on! Hurry it up there!

Get them out! Let's get them out!

[ Sirens Continue ]

[ Whinnying ]

All right, keep them moving. Keep them moving.

Louis! Louis!

- [ Bombing Continues ] - I was so afraid.

Get ready to leave Vienna.

I"m going to defense headquarters in the morning.

They can't refuse me now.

[ Bombing Continues ]

The general will see you now.

What can I do for you, Colonel Podhajsky?

I have a request to make.

I want permission to evacuate the Spanish Riding School immediately.

- Your request has been denied. - But that was before.

That was this morning. I've been in contact with Berlin.

Why would they deny it? Last month was one thing, even last week. But now?

The Spanish Riding School is a symbol of Vienna.

Its evacuation might be interpreted by the Viennese...

as a sign that their situation Is regarded as hopeless...

that the city's doomed.

It's an extravagant sacrifice, General Stryker.

I don't believe the Viennese people can be so easily fooled.

It's not my place, Colonel, to question the decisions of higher headquarters.

I have a responsibility, General.

Indeed. The responsibility of any man in uniform: to obey orders.

Heil Hitler.

- Colonel Podhajsky to see General Tellheim. - Do you have an appointment?

- No, I do not. - The General is very--

It's urgent. I want to report a plot on General Stryker's life.

What did you say to my orderly? He was very impressed with you.

You know, he stutters when he's impressed.

It isn't difficult to impress people.

You just talk very loud and have an unpleasant manner.

- Did you impress General Stryker? - No, he's an exception.

Request denied. Any requests, all requests.

I"m sorry.

I can't believe such waste, such stupidity--

Don't tell me what you think; don't tell anyone.

These are not times for saying what you think.

Forgive my temper.

The school mares were moved to Czechoslovakia...

for reasons I never understood.

I can't predict what will happen to them there.

Now air raids endanger my stallions...

and I'm refused permission to save them.

It's as if the end of the Spanish Riding School...

had been planned and is being carried out..

On some secret schedule from higher headquarters.

I don't know how to be polite and patient any longer.

I only wish I could call Berlin and accomplish something for you.

But since the attempt on Hitler's life...

there have been too many changes.

I have no friends left there.

I know.

Well, thanks for listening to me... again.

Just a second.

Some time ago I gave you orders to take certain art treasures...

out of the school to safety.

Those orders have not been rescinded.

Can you help me with transportation?

Where would you like to take these treasures?

To St. Martin.

There's plenty of stable space in the castle there.

Perfect for storing art treasures.

Railroad cars are scarce, but I'll see what I can do.

I'll send you some trucks.

Or wagons, if trucks are scarce.

My Lipizzaners will help me with this evacuation.

I'll give you what help I can, and then it's up to you.

You know, I could be setting a trap for you.

I"m willing to take that chance.

Be careful, my friend.

Colonel, do you want me to wait for you?

No, you go ahead with the trucks and wagons. I'll come with the rest.

- We'll meet at the railroad. - Got a copy of the orders, in case you get stopped?

Yes, but I"m hoping we don't have to use them.

- Those field police make me nervous. - Good luck.

[ Door Opening ]

[Man] Colonel Podhajsky?

We are ready to go, Colonel.

[ Whinnying ]

What's going on here?

I'm Colonel Podhajsky of the Spanish Riding School.

Take a look in those wagons, all of them.

I'm evacuating valuable equipment and art treasures from the riding school.

- We're on our way to the railroad yard. - You have orders?

Signed by the area defense commander.

- Your wife? - Yes.

- She helps with evacuations? - I don't like to leave her.

Why do you have horses tied behind your wagons?

These are show animals. They're not used to pulling loads.

I brought extra horses for relief.

Furniture, paintings, some saddles and harnesses.

- What you are doing is very dangerous. - I realize that.

I'd hate to see these beautiful animals...

caught in a raid,

You'd better move on, and go quickly.

Thank you.

[ Train Chugging, Whistle Blowing ]

I've talked to the dispatcher. It's hopeless.

Very few trains are going out.

There's been heavy damage on the western line.

Not hopeless, Otto. Never hopeless.

- Where is he? - He's over here. Come with me.

Clear track seven now!

- I'm Colonel Podhajsky. - Move them! Push them over if you have to!

- Burn them, but move them! - I have transportation orders.

I told you, it's impossible.

- You didn't tell me anything. - Well, it's still impossible.

- But I have orders. - Who hasn't?

You won't get rid of me, I promise you.

Colonel Podhajsky, I have a hundred orders I cannot fill.

All of them urgent-- soldiers, equipment.

And you want a car for art objects.

- I want six cars. - Six?

- I can't leave until you help me. - I'm a very busy man.

My concern is not for myself, it's for the horses.

Horses?

Your orders, Colonel, cover the transportation of certain treasures.

What are the treasures of the Spanish Riding School, the real treasures?

That's not for me to decide, Colonel.

I can't help you... or your horses.

- Are you Austrian? - Yes, I'm Austrian.

Then they're as much your horses as they are mine.

Please, Colonel, don't try to use sentiment on me.

- There's no place for sentiment these days. - Not sentiment, hard reality.

Something irreplaceable is in danger of being destroyed.

Colonel Podhajsky, you're gonna force me to telephone the police.

Your children?

Yes, they are my children.

Very handsome.

Such an eager look...

as if they know that tomorrow will be a good day.

- Are they here in Vienna? - No, I've sent them away.

Out of danger. Good. I'm relieved.

Colonel Podhajsky, I must ask you again--

- Have they seen the Lipizzan horses? - Yes, they've seen the horses.

They love the horses. I love the horses.

Why wouldn't you take no for an answer?

You're putting me into a terrible position.

I look at my desk, and I see a hundred orders I cannot fill.

[ Sighs ] But you make me also see the faces of my children.

There are some things that a man should never lose sight of.

[ Whinnying ]

- Where are you going? - The horses are restless.

So are you. You must get some sleep, Louis.

When we get to St. Martin.

Easy, boy.

[ Machine Gun Fire]

Whoa, now.

- Planes! - [ Strafing Continues ]

[ Strafing Continues ]

- [ Woman Screaming ] -[ Man] What's going on?

- Verena, get off the train. - No, I'm staying.

[ Woman Screaming ]

Verena, don't be a fool!

- [Airplane Engines Droning ] - Just passing by.

Or just turning around.

They're passing on by.

[ Train Whistle Blows ]

- You are so stubborn sometimes. - You taught me.

It's so quiet here, it makes me nervous.

- We're used to noise now. - Where's Otto?

He went for a walk. He was born here in Linz.

Until a few days ago...

the war was just radio reports and a few inconveniences.

And suddenly, now--

And it still seems unreal to me.

[Air Raid Sirens Blaring ]

They can't be coming back. There's nothing left!

We're left.

[ Indistinct Shouting ]

[Woman] Uncouple and pull out of here!

Uncouple and pull out of here! You'll have to pull out!

- You think I waited for you to tell me? - Hurry on! Hurry on!

Pull out! Pull out!

Hey, wait for me!

We're not going anywhere. They're leaving us here to be slaughtered!

[ Sirens Continue ]

- [ Bombs Exploding ] - Whoa. - Whoa.

Whoa, boy.

Whoa. Whoa.

Is it all over?

How long do we have to stay here?

Until I get orders to move out, that's how long.

It's not a very safe place. Where do you get your orders from?

Everybody and his dog.

- And I"m getting pretty tired of it too. - [Air Raid Sirens Blaring ]

Uncouple and pull out! Uncouple and pull out!

They're not going to stop until they bomb this place off the map. It's murder to leave us here!

We can't risk an engine. What are you waiting for?

I didn't bring the Spanish Riding School to Linz to have it destroyed.

- The Spanish Riding School is on my train? - Four cars of us.

My wife and I went to see your beautiful horses on every trip to Vienna.

Are you crazy? It's a raid, and you are talking about horses!

Uncouple and pull out!

But you can't just leave us here!

[ Sirens Continue ]

Otto, we've got to get the horses out of here.

- Where will we go? - I don't know. Any--

[Train Chugging ]

He's taking us with him. He's taking us with him!

What are you doing? Stop!

I"m telling you to stop! Oh, stop!

[ Blows Whistle ]

[ Podhajsky Narrating ] During the last weeks of the war..

The castle of St. Martin was a refuge...

for hundreds of homeless, frightened people.

And for the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.

The days were long with waiting.

Lighter with the hands.

[ Mimicking Gunfire ]

[Thud ]

Stop him!

- What's the matter? - A thief broke into the storeroom.

- I only took some blankets. - And a saddle.

Help! Don't kill me! Someone, help!

Nobody's hurting you.

But my wife and child are freezing.

Freezing? In this weather?

It's cold at night. We have to sleep on the ground.

And a saddle keeps you warm? See if anything else is missing.

What are you doing to him? Did they hurt you, brother?

- I only wanted some blankets. - A'man has to take care of his family.

- My children are freezing. - A moment ago you only had one child.

- You shouldn't bully poor people. - You're not needed here.

There's a pistol missing.

I didn't take any pistol! I swear!

I don't know anything about the pistol!

Search me!

Goon, get out.

All of you!

We better keep a guard here from now on, day and night.

They'll steal everything we've got to use for barter.

I'll make up a roster.

Give each guard arifle and a clip of ammunition.

Don't forget, someone out there has a pistol.

[Verena] Louis!

Louis! What's happening out there?

Otto caught a thief in the stables.

- What did you do with him? - Let him go.

What could I do? Turn him over to the authorities?

I"m a fugitive from authority.

And we couldn't wait to reach the safety of St. Martin.

Colonel Podhajsky! Anarmy car!

It looks like we're going to have an important visitor.

We better go upstairs.

- Louis, aren't you coming? - No.

Is there any reason to draw attention to yourself?

I'm going outside to say hello.

I can't believe my eyes. What brings you to St. Martin?

I've brought permission for you to finally evacuate Vienna.

- How quickly can you accomplish such a move? - [ Laughing ]

What a pleasure to see you.

General Tellheim, do come in.

You were right, Louis. A very important visitor.

Countess, allow me to present General Tellheim.

The Countess generously opened the doors of her home to us.

An honor.

- General Tellheim is a friend from Vienna. - Welcome to St. Martin.

His visit is a happy surprise.

How did you get away from your office?

Everything is confusion these days.

I don't think I'll even be missed.

- In that case, you must stay for dinner. - I don't want to impose.

L'insist. I'll see to arrangements.

- Thank you. - Come along, Carl.

What a lovely woman.

And next to yourself, the busiest person in Austria.

I see she has quite a population here.

I can't count the number of refugees who come through St. Martin every week.

She nurses and advises and worries over them.

Where's her husband? In the army?

No. He disagreed with the authorities.

He's in a concentration camp.

Oh, I see.

Well, come in, please. Sit down. Tell us what's been happening to you.

Don't pretend. What you really want to know is what has happened to the riding school.

Is it so easy to see through me?

The hall is still standing, and it looks the same.

I am happy to see you. I"m happier every minute.

J»' [ Continues I

- How beautiful. Thank you. - It was my pleasure.

I don't often get the chance to play anymore.

You know, we have just broken the law.

Yes, the music of Mendelssohn is forbidden.

- I'd forgotten. - Of course you had.

Who can remember such things?

[ Sniffs, Sighs ] The brandy's superb.

And the wines with dinner.

I'm not accustomed anymore to such good things. In Vienna, they're all gone.

Or very well hidden.

We dug them up, General, literally...

- from under the floor of the wine cellar. -[Laughs]

The silver and the chinaware too.

- Verena and I were digging all afternoon. - You went to a lot of trouble.

But it's so good to have guests again...

and music.

G [ Piano]

I've always loved Mendelssohn.

I played “Cradle Song” as a boy.

What can happen to a country that causes it...

to outlaw the genius of a great composer?

What happens to a people...

that they permit themselves to be so denied?

Perhaps you are being too hard on them, General.

It doesn't happen overnight, this condition.

It develops slowly and so subtly...

that people don't realize what's being done.

Yes.

And suddenly it's all there.

And then it's too late to fight back.

At least, that's what the weak people say.

No, I think you're being too kind.

The strong people fight in spite of everything.

They risk themselves...

for what they beljeve in.

I admire them.

I-- 1 envy them...

whatever happens to them.

- Yeah. - [Closes Piano Lid ]

Now I think I must go.

It was a wonderful evening.

For a while, I completely lost track of time.

Not only what hour, but what year.

- Thank you for that. - Ithank you.

It was worth more than I can tell you.

I hope we're going to see you again.

Think of me sometime.

You don't have to ask.

Now I would like to see my beautiful Lipizzaners once more.

Of course.

Good-bye.

And Carl thought he was announcing an enemy.

You've done so much for the school already...

I'm embarrassed to ask more of you...

but I'm worried about my mares in Czechoslovakia.

I wonder if something can be done before it's too late.

It's already too late.

Save your appeal for the conquerors.

I've brought very bad news with me.

I've postponed telling it for selfish reasons.

It's been such a pleasant visit.

What news?

The Hungarian Riding School fled Budapest...

but was captured by the Russians on the outskirts of Vienna.

The outskirts?

The fall of Vienna is imminent. It may have happened since I left.

What happened to Hazlinsky and his horses?

He and his staff were taken prisoners of war. They were in uniform.

And the horses were destroyed.

I see.

We have talked so much about “the end”--

expecting it, waiting for it.

It's still a shock when it comes.

But I can do one thing for you, my last good deed.

I can demilitarize the school.

It might make things easier when the conquering forces take over.

I'd be very grateful.

All right, I'll send official papers to you...

establishing the school as a civil institution...

the way it was before.

You called it your last good deed.

- [ Horse Snorts ] - Yeah.

With the fall of Germany, my life is over.

I've given a great deal of thought to my situation...

and I've decided I've neither the courage...

nor the desire to begin over again.

And more than that, I've decided...

I don't want to be judged a Nazi.

I don't want to accept the responsibility.

But you were never in sympathy with Hitler.

No, but I sold myself to him, like many others.

I'm only being faithful to a course I took years ago.

A weak course then, weak still...

but my chosen one.

After such a terrible winter...

I think we're going to have quite a nice spring.

I don't believe the Russians will come as far as St. Martin...

for whatever encouragement that may be to you.

I believe the Americans will come into this area.

Should I expect more from them?

Don't give up hope, my friend.

You have a past to be proud of...

and a chance for a future.

Few of us have that much.

I"m sorry I had to spoil our beautiful evening...

with such grim reports.

General Tellheim, why don't you stay here for a while?

I"m sure the Countess would be very happy--

To take in one more refugee? No.

Thank you for the thought.

Well...

good-bye.

I hope things go well with you.

[ Radio ] Before we leave, we will slam the door so hard all Europe will tremble.

We leave not to surrender, but to restrengthen ourselves for greater battles.

The Third Reich will rise up again to meet its glorious destiny.

[Verena] No news?

The last rattles of a dying monster.

I want it to die, but I don't want to listen to it.

Perhaps tonight.

We have better luck with the British broadcasts.

I don't think they're bothering with us anymore.

What do they care if we know the truth? They've won.

It's all over except for some cleaning up here and there.

The rain puts you in a bad mood.

Take it easy. You might shoot somebody by accident.

If 1 shoot somebody, it won't be an accident.

Is there a killer under that kind face of yours?

I don't believe it.

- Now, get the horses, quick! - Touch those horses and I'll shoot!

[Alarm Bell Ringing ]

Curt, get him out of the way.

[leader] That's right, Colonel.

- Just stay right there. - What are you doing with my horses?

We're going to use them to get out of here before the Russians come.

Do you think I'll let you?

You're not giving orders today, Colonel.

Besides, we're doing you a favor.

I hear the Russians have a taste for horse meat.

If you're running from the Russians, you"re wasting your energy.

- The Russians aren't coming to St. Martin. - That's not what I hear.

I hear they're in Vienna and moving in this direction.

Where do you have to run? You're better off staying here.

I don't think you really care what's better for us, Colonel.

You saw that German officer who visited a few days ago.

He told me what's going to happen.

The Russians are not coming as far as St. Martin.

Maybe we've listened to too many German officers.

[ Horse Whinnying ]

- Hit that horse, I'll kill you. - Be careful, Colonel.

1l shoot if I have to.

[ Rifle Fires ]

Drop it!

Everybody but my staff better get out of here.

Fast!

Get the horses in their stalls.

Somebody help me get Otto to the house.

- Now I am going to retire. - Don't talk.

[ Distant Explosion ]

- That doesn't sound like thunder. - Itisn't thunder.

- 1t's the victors. - [ Bombing Continues ]

- [ Bombing Continues ] - It isi't a deep wound, thank goodness.

- Is it worth it, Verena? - What?

All our efforts, all our care.

Now, I've never heard you ask that before.

No, I"m stubborn.

The truth is stubborn too.

The time comes when you have to see things as they are.

And how are they?

- I'm curious to know. - Just open your eyes and your ears.

Here come the conquerors.

They take lives and destroy tradition without a second thought.

How do you know what they do, Louis?

You heard what happened to the Hungarian school,

That was one unit in the Russian army.

Have you heard anything better about the other side?

That's not the worst of it, not nearly the worst.

The very people I've been trying to save the school for now threaten to destroy it.

- That's not true. - What happened just a few hours ago?

Somebody gets hold of a gun and they're ready to go...

ready to kill me or anyone else who gets in their way...

and steal every stallion in the stable.

Louis, there's something you must understand.

There are people in this world to whom a horse is just a horse:

white, black or piebald.

Not a thing of beauty or culture, but just a horse.

A means of transportation, or perhaps something to fill their stomachs.

Well, maybe there won't be room...

for tradition and art in the world that comes out of this war.

Maybe those things are obsolete.

If they are, then so am /. Obsolete.

Like Tellheim: a man whose time is past, whose world is gone.

If that's so, then I should know it.

I should open my eyes wide and recognize it.

Yes, open them.

Your sight is faulty.

Butitisn't blindness, it's just nearsightedness.

You can see a desperate group of refugees because they come near you...

and shout threats into your face.

But where are the others?

All those Austrians who risked themselves to save the school?

The engineer on the train that brought us here...

the dispatcher at the railroad station, Otto, Sacha.

You've suddenly lost sight of them?

You compare yourself to Tellheim?

That's unfair. Poor Tellheim.

Nothing to hold onto, nothing to fight for...

s0 he gives up.

But that's not you, Louis.

As long as there's a chance for the school to continue...

you've got to keep fighting.

You owe it to those people in the background.

I have something else to hold onto besides the school.

Thank you.

[ Knocking ]

Jd' [ Continues Playing ]

[ Knocking Continues ]

- Open the door, please, Carl. - Yes, ma"am.

[ Distant Explosions ]

- I'm looking for Colonel Podhajsky. - I'm Podhajsky.

- I have orders for you, Colonel. - Orders?

You are to be defense area commander, Colonel.

The men of the village have been armed and await your instructions.

- Area commander? - As the highest-ranking officer.

But I'm no longer in the military.

I've been waiting for official papers.

These are official papers, Colonel.

[ Podhajsky ] Yes, / see they are.

I urge you to impress upon the men under your command...

that the fight is not over.

Any ideas of peaceable surrender to the Americans...

will bring severe punishment.

Do you have any questions, Colonel?

No.

Burgermeister Altman will remain here for your instructions.

[ Clicks Heels ]

- [Door Closes ] - [ Explosions Continue ]

Herr Altman, are you any relation to the man...

who owns the butcher shop in the village?

Yes, I am the same Altman.

I wonder if there isn't a closer danger facing us right now...

than those guns we hear echoing in the hills.

A closer danger?

- Yes, the danger of plundering. - Plundering?

There are over 300 refugees here.

As those guns grow louder, they grow more restless.

Now if their fear and desperation were to reach the breaking point...

and they gave themselves to open riot and looting...

you can see what would happen to all of us.

Yes. Yes, I see.

It might not be a bad idea if we kept our armed men close to the village...

in case there is such an outbreak.

- What do you think? - Oh, I agree with you, Colonel.

I agree with you one hundred percent.

The fox.

That sly fox.

[ Chuckles ]

He's gonna get himself in trouble.

Louis, I don't like what you're doing.

What should I do?

Send a bunch of sick and tired old men out to fight soldiers?

I don't want it on my conscience.

- And the orders? - Orders?

I promise you we'll never see the kreisleiter again.

S [ Piano]

I am no longer in the army, with or without written confirmation.

I"m through with Nazis once and for all.

Jd' [ Strauss, Forcefully ]

[ Laughs] Bravo!

My husband used to say I play the piano like a carpenter: bang, bang, bang.

Sounds fine to me.

Wait. Listen.

- I don't hear anything. - [Otto] Exactly.

- I don't hear anything. - [Otto] Exactly.

The guns have stopped.

What do you suppose that means?

Verena, bring the clothes you ordered for the staff.

I think we should get out of these uniforms.

- Louis-- - Please go right now, Verena.

[ Departing Footsteps ]

Otto, I want the uniforms burned.

- Get rid of those rifles in the stable. - Right away.

- I'd rather not have to explain them. - Yes, sir.

Isn't there something I can do? Id like to be busy too.

I feel the world is spinning twice its normal speed tonight.

And if I don't hold tightly--

[ Laughs] I don't know what I mean.

I do.

I feel it too.

Before many hours have passed...

a whole way of thinking and acting will end for us.

And, welcome or not, it's a jolt.

Finally, the end.

- What will they be like? - The Americans?

I don't know.

We'll find out soon enough.

[ Crowd Clamoring ]

They aren't stopping. They're passing us by.

Wait.

Major Hoffman, find out who these people are and who owns this place.

- How do you do? I'm Louis Podhajsky. - Are you the owner?

- No. The Count Arco-Valley is the owner. - Where is he?

- He's not here. - My husband is in a concentration camp.

We'd like to inspect your home, Countess, as a possible headquarters.

We would be honored to have an American headquarters at St. Martin.

Will you show me through?

Major Hoffman, take a look at the other buildings.

Hey, there's a whole stable full of white horses!

Horses! Colonel, let's take a look!

Louis, be patient for a while.

Hey, come on, will ya?

Gee, I'm sorry. I beg your par--

- What is it, Otto? What's wrong? - Nothing's wrong.

There's an American officer asking for you. He knows your name.

Take me to him.

I was sure it must be the same Podhajsky.

I"m Major Hoffman. I saw you ride in the 1936 Olympics.

- Along time ago. - Yeah, it seems like a long time ago.

I certainly remember your performance. I'd never seen riding like that.

- You're very kind. - These your horses?

They're from the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.

I read about your being made director there. That was before the war, wasn't it?

I"m still director, for whatever it's worth.

Major Hoffman, we'll set up corps headquarters here.

Would you take charge of moving in the various sections?

Yes, sir.

We'll set up our motor pool here in the stables. There's enough room.

Sir? Podhajsky here, he's director of the Spanish Riding School.

One of the finest horsemen in the world, sir.

The famous Lipizzan stallions are here at St. Martin.

- How many horses do you have here? - Seventy, sir.

- Handsome animals. - Yes, sir.

I've never seen them perform myself, but it's supposed to be quite an experience.

They're unique in the world.

- You brought them from Vienna? - For their safety.

- Very handsome. - General.

Sir, the Spanish Riding School is worth saving.

Not just for Austria, but for the world. We need your protection.

- I'm sorry, Podhajsky-- - I don't believe we can survive without it.

We have 70 stallions here to care for, to feed and shelter and defend.

Our mares have been removed to Hostau in Czechoslovakia.

If they're not returned to us, the breed will die.

Podhajsky, we are still trying to win a war.

Once that's done, agencies will be set up to take care of requests such as yours.

Forgive my impatience, sir, but those agencies may be too late.

I have no authority to grant army protection to you.

As for the mares, a line of demarcation has been drawn...

that American forces will not cross.

That line lies on the Czechoslovakian border.

The Russians will take Hostau.

I respect your devotion to your school. Sorry I can't help you.

[Sighs] Well, don't give up, not yet.

- I spoke too soon. I was too forward. - No, you--

Just don't give up, hmm?

Louis, dinner?

I'm not hungry.

Podhajsky, could we have a talk?

I just had a long conversation with the general.

He'd like to help you, and we've got an idea.

Yes? What idea?

Do you think you could give a performance here at St. Martin on short notice?

Performance?

You see, General Patton, commander of the 3rd Army, well, he's a real horse lover.

He rode in the 1912 Olympics.

If he were to take an interest in the school...

he might be able to do things for you no one else could do.

Even save the mares?

Well, I can't make any promises, but...

if we invited Patton to come see a performance--

How can I give a respectable show under these conditions?

I have a small staff. The stallions are out of training.

- Well, ifit can't be done-- - I didn't say it couldn't be done.

I only said I don't know how.

But you're willing?

It's a chance, isn't it? I heed a chance.

Good. I'll radio army headquarters tonight.

Major Hoffman, I want to thank you.

You go into a town, after so many sad towns...

and you walk into a stable and see something beautiful.

You don't expect it.

Helps you forget some of the not-so-beautiful things you've been seeing.

Well, good night, Podhajsky.

Colonel, anything?

We're going to give a performance.

A performance? Here?

Perhaps the most important performance in the history of the school...

Perhaps the most important performance in the history of the school...

for an American general who can help us.

Ah, wonderful. When's it gonna take place?

I don't know yet. Maybe a couple of days.

A couple of days?

Why, that's not possible.

It would take weeks to get the horses ready.

I don't see how we can do it.

Well, I'll tell you something.

We've come too far and gone through too much to give up now.

To save the school, we need the help of the Americans.

And this General Patton ls the one to impress.

- But we need time. - There isn't time!

So we can shake our heads and throw up our hands and turn from this opportunity...

and there may never be another performance anywhere.

Is that what you want?

Let's take this chance and thank God for it. It may be our only one.

A training program will start early tomorrow morning. Very early.

I suggest you get some rest.

[ Sergeant ] All right, you guys, come on, up and at 'em!

What do you think this is, the Waldorf Astoria?

- [ Soldiers Groaning ] - Up and at 'em! Come on!

Come on! Come on!

All right, you guys! Come on! Come on!

The Waldorf Astoria? Come on!

[ Sergeant Continues Yelling ]

Hey.

Nobody gets out of the sack earlier than the U.S. Army, but nobody.

Sacha, I want two rows of seats, each one long enough for about ten men.

Oh, here, I'll show you the plans.

What's going on here? Isitacircus?

No, it's not a circus!

1t's the Spanish Riding School from Vienna.

What's a Spanish riding school doing in Austria?

We got a Spanish restaurant in Brooklyn.

It's the oldest riding school in the world.

They certainly are beautiful horses, ma'am.

Aren't they?

When you want to make a friend, you smile.

And we're in need of friends just now.

Mm-hmm, look at him sashay around.

Why don't you ask him for the next dance?

I wanna tell you something.

He's awhole lot lighter on his feet than a lot of the girls back home.

[ Men Chuckle]

The director of the riding school says he's happy for the chance...

to show his horses to the American liberators.

He has a big job to do now, making a suitable place...

but once it's done, the stallions can perform for you.

Perhaps give you a happy memory of Austria to take back home.

- Maybe we can help out, ma'am. - Mm-hmm.

Really? Oh, that would be very kind.

They're going to help us.

Hey, look what he's doing now.

- & [ Playing Harmonica ] - [ Men Laughing ]

We're freaks to them, Verena. We're sideshow performers.

I don't need their help.

Louis, they're young.

How could they understand what the riding school means?

How could they appreciate tradition?

But they're willing to understand, and they're open to it.

I don't have time to teach them, and I don't like their jokes.

Louis, you're always talking about your responsibility to the school.

You think your responsibility is just to be...

but it's also to give.

Verena, what are you doing?

I don't want to have an argument with you, especially over such a thing as this.

Such a thing as this is very important.

I've heard of men in wartime who killed so long they just couldn't stop.

Maybe you've fought too long and you've distrusted for too long.

Just leave the coffee. We'll help ourselves.

[ Sets Coffee Pot Down ]

The kitchen is so far, I might as well have gone to the village pump for water.

You're too lazy to do that.

- Good morning, Verena. - Good morning.

Aren't the Americans wonderful?

They have an absolute passion for cleanliness.

Yes. Yes, wonderful.

They're finding dirt that I'm sure has been in the palace for centuries.

I hate to see it go.

Verena, something wrong? Won't you tell me?

We ask too much of our men.

We ask them to have the strength and fury of giants...

and then to change quickly and be again the men they were before.

But we have to ask it.

- Isn't that true? -1t's our duty to them.

Don't worry so much, Verena.

But you see, I have to think of what will happen to him...

if the American general will not help him.

Oh, how beautiful. And I have just the place for them. Here.

Oh, now I can see without being seen.

- He's late. - He's so nervous.

-1t's as bad as the day we got married. - Worse even.

I didn't know what to expect from you. General Patton has a reputation.

He's here. The big man. Good luck.

Present arms!

[Officer#2 ] Attention!

Forward march!

[ Engine Stops ]

Hep!

- Yes? - Can we begin now?

Oh. Oh, sorry.

[ Whispering ]

[Indistinct Talking ]

Fellas, it's all right to move in closer, if you want to. Go ahead.

Sit down, if you want to. Move in closer.

Hey, did you see that? I ain't never seen no horse do that before.

Ain't you never seen a horse fight?

He's never seen a horse before.

A horse has better sense than to go any place near Brooklyn.

Come on!

[ Soldiers Applauding ]

What's the matter with him?

Maybe he's got a stomachache.

General, I thank you for the great honor you have shown the Spanish Riding School.

This cultural institution, so deeply tied...

to the Austrian soil and heart...

the oldest riding school in the world...

has survived centuries of war and revolution.

Surely the great American nation, which has gone to war...

to save European culture from destruction...

will be interested in this old school..

Which is truly a living piece of the Baroguse.

I believe I am doing right in asking you, General...

for your special protection and help.

Protection for the school...

and help in finding and returning the Lipizzan mares...

which are now in gravest danger...

in Czechoslovakia.

Thank you for a fine performance.

Will you join my party for a tour of your stables?

Yes, sir, of course.

Yes, sir, of course.

[ Officer] Attention!

- Did he say yes or no? I missed it! - He didn't.

How long does it take you to train your horses, Podhajsky?

Before they're ready to perform, three to four years.

It's amazing to me that so much time and energy can be put...

into an activity of this kind in the middle of a war.

We've tried to preserve our arts.

A worthy idea, if you can afford it.

Tell me, Podhajsky, do you ever use the mares?

No, only the stallions are worked in the school.

The mares are kept aside for breeding.

That's why it's so necessary to get our mares out of Czechoslovakia.

There are no others.

The Germans moved our stud farm from Piber some time ago...

over my strong protests.

You've done a fine job, Podhajsky.

My congratulations. Now, gentlemen, let's have some lunch.

Well, what did he say?

He said he was hungry.

- [ Officer ] Attention! - Carry on.

Our dining room is to the left, sir.

I want to see a map of Czechoslovakia.

I'll get the overlay for that area, sir.

Over here, sir.

I received a message from the commanding officer...

of the 2nd Mechanized Cavalry earlier this week.

He informed me of some 2,000 allied prisoners just across the Czech border...

being used to take care of a large herd of horses.

Excuse me, sir.

That's it, sir.

Now, it's across the line of demarcation, of course...

but I never was much in favor of that line.

Id like to see those prisoners liberated before the Russians move in.

I want a communique sent to that effect.

Conditions permitting...

Colonel Reed might bring the horses along too.

No sense letting the Russians have them.

- Right, sir. - [ Officer ] Attention!

I'll contact General Eisenhower. He has authority over Patton.

- [Verena ] Have some food. - I'll contact the American president.

Will you have some food? You haven't had any breakfast, and you've done a show.

We put on a good performance, in spite of everything.

But why did we bother? Why did we go to the trouble?

- Please have some-- -1"m not hungry!

- Louis. - Verena, don't pull at me!

- Podhajsky, I-- - Did General Patton get his lunch?

ls he in good health?

The Spanish Riding School is now under the protection of the United States Army...

by order of General Patton.

The 2nd Mechanized Cavalry regiment is going into Hostau.

Congratulations.

What I said before--1'm sorry. I was upset.

Well, you asked about General Patton's health. Nothing wrong with that.

When will they leave for Hostau?

Orders have already been sent to Colonel Reed. I leave tomorrow morning.

Colonel Reed's official concern is 2,000 allied prisoners...

reaching and liberating them.

Of course, I'll be free to take care of any other matters that might come up...

like Lipizzan horses, for instance.

How I would love to be part of it.

I can arrange for you to meet us at the Czechoslovakian border.

Unless we run into resistance, the whole operation should be completed in a few days.

In a few days. Did you hear that, Verena?

I hear. I hear.

- Halt! Who goes there? - Captain Danhoff, of the German army.

I come in answer to a message from your commander, Colonel Reed.

- What's the password? - Cowboy.

Well, you didn't say it very good, but I guess you said it. Let's go.

[ Knocking ]

Come on in!

- Oh, good evening, Major Hoffman. - Hello, Colonel.

- Grab yourself a cup, have some coffee. - Oh, thank you, sir.

- Any word from the Germans yet? - No, not yet.

I"m trying to catch up on my meals here.

Seems like I'm always about three behind.

Boy, that's a meal worth waiting for, isn't it?

I ordered baked Virginia ham and hominy grits, black-eyed peas, corn bread.

You know what I ordered. You're a southern boy.

- Texas, sir. - That's close enough.

Have you tried closing your eyes, sir?

Eyes closed or eyes open, it's still S.O.S.

You can't ignore it, you can't disguise it, you can't escape it.

It's the one mutual nightmare we"ll all take out of this war.

-[Laughs] - [Knocking ]

- Come on in. - Colonel Reed, sir?

There's a German officer out here from the unit at Hostau.

- All right, show him in here, Sergeant. - Yes, sir.

Maybe I oughta offer him some of this stuff.

We could see how tough those Germans really are.

They might accuse us of germ warfare, sir.

-[Chuckles] - Captain Danhoff, sir.

Captain Danhoff, I'm pleased you accepted my invitation.

This is Major Hoffman.

I believe a talk between us can be of mutual benefit.

Please sit down.

I'm going on with my supper, if you don't mind.

You're most welcome to join me.

- No. Thank you, sir. - Hmm.

I, uh...

I understand you have a large number of allied prisoners in Hostau.

Yes, sir. Mostly French and English.

Well, 'm interested in liberating those prisoners.

I wonder if you and I couldn't make ourselves a little deal.

A deal, Colonel Reed?

I'm assuming your men would rather surrender to us than to the Russians.

My proposition is very simple.

If your garrison will surrender peaceably...

we will move into Hostau, and the Russians will have no chance to call on you.

- You will bring us out of Czechoslovakia? - As American prisoners of war.

- With our wives, our possessions? - I'll be as generous as I can.

I'll explain it to my men. They may want more assurances.

I cannot haggle, Captain. I got no assurances up my sleeve.

I believe my men will cooperate.

I have your promise, Colonel, that under favorable conditions--

Your wives will be brought out. I can't say about possessions.

We'll move into Hostau within the next 48 hours.

You're wise to move quickly. The Russians are not far away.

Captain Danhoff, you have some horses at Hostau.

Yes, a treasure of horses, Major.

- Perhaps the finest collection in history. - We're interested.

- I shall see you next in Hostau. - Good night, Captain Danhoff.

Major Hoffman, would you ask Captain Loring and Lieutenant Powell...

to come in here, please?

Yes, sir.

Operation Cowboy will get under way at 0500 hours.

Fire!

They knew we were coming!

F Troop continue their advance!

E Troop, divide and move in on their flanks!

F Troop, continue your advance.

[Reed ] The German force ls concentrated on that ricige!

Move up there and blast it out from under'em!

Pull!

[ Engines Idling ]

Well, it looks harmless enough.

Unless they got something tucked away in those buildings.

I'd sure like to know how that SS unit found out...

we were gonna cross the border this morning.

Find out, they did.

We'll proceed, but with caution. Weapons ready.

As acting commander of the Hostau garrison...

I surrender my troops and equipment...

according to the terms of our agreement.

We are your prisoners, Colonel.

For my part, that agreement will be faithfully followed, Captain Danhoff.

I'll inspect the post and the prisoners.

- Lieutenant Berger, lead the way. - Yes, sir.

Captain Loring, you're in charge here.

- We were expected at the border this morning. - I know.

An officer from this garrison anticipated our agreement...

and left here before my return last night to inform the SS.

His action was insubordinate.

We'll discuss responsibility later, Captain.

I'm confident your consideration will be fair, Colonel.

- Fair and cautious. - Of course.

May I suggest that you return across the border as soon as possible?

The SS will certainly reorganize and my latest reports inform me...

of substantial Russian advances.

We don't intend to vacation in Hostau, Captain.

[ Prisoners Cheering ]

[ Cheering ]

- How many are there? - A thousand, more or less.

600 Don Cossack horses, 100 of the best Arabians in all of Europe...

and over a hundred I jpizzaners.

Captain Danhoff, we're particularly interested in the Lipizzaners.

- Are you thinking of taking them back with you? - That's right.

I can help you pick them out from the rest, but it will take time.

If you had let me know last night--

- But you didmn't want to ask favors. - Not last night.

Major Hoffman...

do you come from that part of Texas where they still know how to ride a horse?

Yes, sir.

What do you say we have ourselves a roundup?

- _S. b ir? big roundup!

We haven't got time to pick out the ones we want. Let's take 'em all!

- Right, sir! - You're in charge.

Colonel 1 know these horses.

I could be of very real assistance to the American army...

not only here, but in Austria.

Captain Danhoff...

I suggest you be of very real assistance.

Then we'll discuss your future.

[ Clears Throat ]

Well, sir, this is a war story we can tell our grandchildren.

Yeah. And they'll laugh behind our backs.

And tell all their friends, “You should have heard the whopper Granddaddy told.”

[ Soldier] Cowboy, this is Schoolhouse.

Cowboy, this is Schoolhouse. Over.

[ Button Clicking, Mechanical Whirring ]

Cowboy, this is Schoolhouse. Cowboy, this is Schoolhouse. Over.

[ Button Clicks, Whirring Slows Down ]

- Why don't we hear something? - Be patient, Otto.

- You remind me of someone. - They had trouble at the border.

Maybe there's trouble at Hostau as well.

- [ Button Clicks, Whirring Starts ] - Iread you, Cowboy. Over.

[ Button Clicks, Whirring Slows Down ]

- Roger. Out. - [ Button Clicks, Whirring Stops ]

Tell the stallions I said for them to just sit tight.

Their girlfriends are on the way.

When do we reach the border? Are we close?

- Yeah, we're there. - Are you sure?

- Where are my horses? - [ Whistles ]

Is that maybe what you're looking for?

You don't suppose they crossed the Lipizzan mares with other horses?

It's been a long war.

- Major. - Hello, Colonel.

- Colonel Reed, Colonel Podhajsky. - How do you do?

- Your name is very familiar to me, Colonel. - Thank you, sir.

Yes, sir, my brother rode a horse named Podhajsky.

The, uh, captain of the American Olympic team was so impressed...

when he saw you ride in 1936 that he named a horse at Fort Riley after you.

I"m complimented.

Yeah, my brother won several jumping meets on Podhajsky.

There are your horses, Colonel.

And a few extras thrown in.

Colonel, shall we get busy?

- Any news? - Not since last night.

But we don't even know whether they reached the border.

I can't raise a living soul on this thing.

Would you like some fudge?

- I got a box from the States. - Oh, thank you.

It's stale. But it's the best stale fudge I ever tasted.

[ Whinnying ]

[ Whinnying Continues ]

[Sacha ] The stallions! The stallions! It's time!

- What? What is it? - The stallions! They're here!

Now slow down. Slow down!

- What are you trying to say? - The stallions. The mares!

[ Horses Whinnying ]

You're right.

They're here!

Heavyweight, this is Schoolhouse.

Heavyweight, this is Schoolhouse. Over.

[ Button Clicks, Whirring Stops ]

Hey! Hey!

You can forget that thing!

The stallions said to tell you to sit tight. Their girlfriends are just over the hill!

They're coming! They're coming!

[ Horses Whinnying ]

[ Whinnying ]

[ Crowd Cheering ]

[ Whinnying ]

[Indistinct Yelling ]

Why, Verena, what kind of welcome is this, with tears?

Take no notice.

I have tears left over from all the times I haven't dared cry.

You get them now on all occasions.

[ Podhajsky Narrating ] For ten long years the Spanish Riding School...

remained in exile.

Then, in 1955, occupation forces left Austria.

And on the 220th anniversary of the riding hall..

The white horses performed once more in Vienna.

[ Audience Applauding ]

[ Audience Applauding ]

[ Audience Applauding ]

If it hadn't been for me, these horses wouldn't be here today.

Yes, I saved them.

You know, I saved the Spanish Riding School during the war.

How did you do that, Grandpa?

It was at Linz, when the bombings were so heavy--

- Shh. - was facing death every day.

Shh.

[ Audience Applauding ]

[ Audience Applauding ]

[ Audience Applauding ]

[Audience Applauding ]

Bravo!