Original subtitles

THE TRUTH ON THE SAVOLTA AFFAIR

Are you Vicente Garc�a?

Yes, I am. What is it?

Last night, for the third time in a week,

one of our workers, Vicente Garc�a,

was brutally beaten

by unknown agressors the police were unable

to identify.

But we know the reason,

don't we?

Vicente Garc�a

is an anarchist and the police

are well aware of that fact.

A socialist was beaten up two nights ago,

before that another anarchist.

Extreme groups are settling accounts and leading us

to chaos by means of an atmosphere of terror.

We have always worked peacefully here

until subversive elements

appeared trying to divide us

with violence.

But I warn them,

and I warn all of you:

We shall cut the evil at the root

to guarantee our right to work.

We'll unmask the traitors, the extremists,

and deal with them.

I mean it.

They aim to force you to commit actions

which will make you lose your job.

They'll incite you to go on strike.

I warn you,

we won't go easy this time.

He's dead!

They killed him!

They've murdered my Vicente!

He died in hospital an hour ago.

They killed him!

They killed him!

Murderers!

Murderers!

Murderers!

Murderers!

Murderers!

My men can charge any time.

Take her away!

Didn't you hear me?

Hurry!

They killed my Vicente!

Let her go!

Come here, please.

I'm truly sorry, ma'am.

I understand your feelings and your situation.

This woman will pay for the mistakes of others

with her pain and a wretched life.

But she'll not be forsaken!

Vicente Garc�a,

whatever his ideas, worked in my factory.

He worked for me.

You know what that means to me.

His family,

your families,

will always have my help.

I cannot console her,

but I can take care of her most urgent needs.

Follow me.

Vicente Garc�a was a good man,

I'm the first to recognize this.

They deceived him,

just like they want to deceive you.

As if that wasn't enough,

they killed him.

And now I ask, to show our solidarity,

a minute of silence.

Put 200 pesetas in an envelope for the lady.

Thank you.

What the hell happened?

A worker was killed.

Good God!

We're one big family.

We must stay united against the enemy.

The company has raised your salaries.

Now, tell me, didn't the immigrants

from other regions

find work and bread here

and not back home?

Don't you realize

that the more we produce, the better for all of us?

All right, to work then!

We need more police protection.

What if they got hold of the weapons we manufacture?

I'll keep you informed.

Well, that's solved.

Solved, you say?

Why kill him?

Don't look at me, those brutes overdid it.

And so did you.

If I hadn't intervened, it could have become ugly.

I'm no fool, Nicolas.

- I know there's a lot at stake. - You can afford to play dumb.

Trust me.

We've been doing this 20 years

and we've done just fine.

What if this violence should backfire?

Backfire?

What do you suggest we do?

Give in to their demands?

Hiring thugs is much cheaper.

By the way,

did the woman take the money?

They've got no morals. They're like animals.

Yes, unfortunately,

that's true. And they must be treated as such.

If one dies, too bad.

We cannot compromise.

Offer them your hand,

- and they take your arm. - That's just it.

There could be reprisals.

Relax, if they plan anything

Nicolas will be hit first.

They hate you most.

Well, I'm not worried.

I already learned my lesson.

We must avoid a strike at all costs.

Lepprince cabled. The French signed a new contract.

We can't afford to waste this opportunity.

To increase production, we need a heavy hand,

isn't that right?

Lepprince is making things easy for us...

The war in Europe

only makes the plutocrats wealthier.

The people, the workers and the soldiers are dying.

Dying for nothing.

For God and country.

And for the capitalists' purses.

So businesses like Savolta's that sell weapons

get rich overnight.

I'll publish that.

They get rich by exploiting us. No safety measures,

- 14 hour days... - I know that.

But Claudedeu said you got a raise.

How do we respond?

Prices have gone up even more.

The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

A good sentence.

Come in.

- Have you heard? - It's all here.

What did you find out?

Lepprince got a new contract with the French.

They need to increase production.

They'll suck us dry.

Yeah, but with that new contract,

a strike would kill them.

They'd give in.

I need to know more

about the murder.

Let's hear it.

The work of thugs.

Claudedeu paid them.

We knew that.

They had orders not to kill, but...

Let her go.

She wants to be alone.

- She told us all she knew. - Poor woman.

She must be ashamed.

Having taken money from murderers...

- She didn't know. - Yes, she did.

She knew he was dead and she's got a kid...

who's got to eat.

- Ashamed of what? - That's true.

Don't publish that.

Savolta is clever. He acted the charitable man.

No.

It's a bad example.

The workers want justice, not charity.

Don't forget truth is always revolutionary.

What the workers saw

wasn't a bad example. It was hunger and exploitation.

I'll write an article that will move public opinion.

We don't need public opinion,

we need the workers.

Write something to prepare the strike.

Nothing too complicated.

Make it comprehensible.

Remember, some of us can't read.

All right.

To think we make the weapons that kill our comrades!

THE VOICE OF JUSTICE

THE TRUTH ABOUT SAVOLTA'S BUSINESS AND CRIMES...

BY DOMINGO "BIRDY" DE SOTO

NO TO MURDER. STRIKE!

Miranda!

Miranda!

Didn't you hear me?

Yes, Mr. Cortabanyes.

- File this. - Yes, sir.

- Is the boss in a bad mood? - Yes.

Don't worry, you'll get used to it.

What?

A worker was killed. They accuse the bosses.

- Savolta's factory. - We work with them.

Can I help you?

You're new here.

Mr. Cortabanyes is expecting me.

Excuse me.

Mr. Lepprince.

A souvenir from Paris.

- Serra... - Thank you very much.

I'm sorry, I didn't know.

That's all right.

May I?

Thank you.

Lepprince.

Things went well.

The new contract.

You've put Savolta in your pocket.

I didn't forget you.

Javier, look.

Look.

- Well? - Fiat's latest model.

Know what "Lepprince" means in French?

- The prince. - He sure lives like one.

Life is only hard for fools like us.

This Lepprince is smart.

Three years in Barcelona and the whole town's at his feet.

He's engaged

to Savolta's daughter.

Javier.

Javier.

Mr. Lepprince wishes to see you.

He's lucky! He won the jackpot.

Come in.

Miranda, you're coming with us to the Savolta factory.

Yes, sir.

Shall we?

After you.

I'll be right down.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye and thank you.

After what you have done for the company

these past weeks and before that...

I feel it is time to give you

a post as one of the directors.

From my daughter.

She's dying to see you.

Enrique...

listen to this:

"Savolta & Co., a company that has grown

thanks to the gruesome war ravaging Europe..."

Here.

"...belongs to those nouveau riche

who with their brutal ways have scandalized

the very bourgeois they wish to emulate."

"No to murder. Strike."

"The truth about Savolta's business and crimes."

How can the government tolerate this?

The government is weak.

They use the army only in extreme situations.

The August strike, for example.

They expect us to solve lesser matters.

Let me handle it.

I'll have my men beat him up.

This article

clearly shows that violence is effective.

My dear Claudedeu...

Your methods backfire against the company.

No one laughs at me!

Calm down, we're simply discussing the matter.

A liberal policy might be beneficial in the long run.

We may even avoid a possible strike.

I didn't mean to offend you, but to make things clear.

What the hell is this?

Ours is one of the leading companies

in all of Catalonia and we have to listen

to this guy clear things up?

Calm down, will you?

Enough arguing.

Let's get back to that damn article.

Aren't we giving it too much importance?

- What harm can it do? - You're wrong there.

The workers read it.

The author must be taught a lesson.

Careful.

He's a journalist.

Think about the scandal,

or the reprisals another accident

could bring about.

You know my opinion.

What do you suggest?

Let's find this "Birdy" de Soto,

but certainly not to beat him to death.

We'll bring him over to our side.

- By giving him money? - There are other ways.

May I take charge of this matter personally and speak to him

on behalf of the company?

Miranda.

Come with me, please.

That's all right, keep smoking.

Yes.

Come in.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Of course, this is a personal favor.

Do you know where he lives?

No, I'll leave that to you.

It's a delicate matter, I trust you'll be discreet.

Don't worry, I've talked to your boss.

Mr. Lepprince.

Well,

the article mentioned...

violence, a beating,

a dead worker...

Get to work!

Listen,

I want to see that man

to spare him from such "setbacks."

Do you follow?

One more thing.

Could you be present when I talk to him?

Yes, Mr. Lepprince.

Good luck, Miranda.

Sorry, wrong door.

Who are you looking for?

A journalist.

"Birdy" de Soto.

What for?

He lives here?

Who is it?

- Someone asking for you. - Let him in.

Come in.

I think Lepprince

is trying to help you.

Apparently someone suggested...

punishing you.

I wouldn't be the first.

See? What I say is true.

Did you read my article?

I was shocked.

That's why I wrote it.

It's a pity so few people read it.

And that so few know who I am.

Anyway, that's life. What can I do?

It's the price one pays for speaking the truth to power.

It's always been like that.

Excuse me, Mister...

"Birdy."

My name's Domingo de Soto, but I prefer "Birdy."

It's my war name.

Thank you.

How did you track me down?

- Does Savolta know where I live? - It took me a while.

But I finally found you...

through "Woman's Ideal."

And you found out

that Madame Lilly,

who signs that shitty "Dear Abby" column

is really Domingo "Birdy" de Soto.

A man has to eat.

This is very fulfilling,

but it doesn't pay. You understand.

Stay for supper.

We're poor, but we share what we have.

Paul Andr� Lepprince.

Domingo "Birdy" de Soto.

Javier told you I thought your article was brilliant.

But didn't you exaggerate a bit?

Could you prove what you state so strongly?

If I'm to be interrogated, take me to court.

Please, don't jump to conclusions.

I think we can reach an understanding.

That's impossible between us.

I defend the oppressed,

and you work for the oppressors.

You mean I'm a lackey.

Yes, if you prefer.

I won't ask you to recant, I know you wouldn't,

unless you yourself realized you were wrong.

Let us forget justice a moment.

Mr. De Soto,

please.

Apparently you know

as much as I do about the factory.

Maybe more, Mr. Lepprince. I know a lot more

than what I used in my article.

Good.

In that case, you're exactly the man

to ask to collaborate with me.

Collaborate?

I understand the worker's claims

you defend in your article,

but I do not approve of violence,

be it the workers or the bosses.

It doesn't help anyone.

But a realistic project could be drawn up,

leaving utopias aside,

capable of reconciling capitalism and labor.

Who better than you to draw it up?

Your knowledge,

and the fact that you represent the workers,

could be very useful.

Useful?

To whom?

Forgive my scepticism concerning such...

sudden generosity.

I'm not being generous, I'm being political.

You may call me a cynic,

but believe me,

I'm against certain methods.

You know to what and to whom I refer.

I am sure that if you and I worked together,

we could avoid tragedies like the other night.

And as this job would take up all of your time,

it would be well-renumerated.

Are you trying to buy me?

Mr. De Soto, please. Don't misunderstand me.

I've understood you very well.

You want to pay me to betray my people.

By finding out and writing the truth?

Not the truth.

Your truth, or Savolta's.

There's only one truth, no matter who says it.

- I disagree. - Why?

I guarantee you'll be free to write anything you please.

But who'll believe me if I'm on Savolta's payroll?

I cannot accept. Tell him

I'll fight my way, alone...

and that I'll destroy him even if it kills me.

When I read your article, Mr. De Soto...

I realized you prefer martyrdom to success.

You're a knight errant who needs victims...

to demand justice.

It's time to put an end to this useless interview.

I wonder why you shake my hand if you doubt

my good faith?

Not yours, those who pay you.

Yours is worthless as long as you serve Savolta.

Thank you, Javier.

I'm sorry you got mixed up in this error.

To err is human, they say.

Yes.

But in business, only idiots make mistakes.

Inform your boss.

STRIKE

The strike worries me more than a damn journalist.

If you'd listen to me, it would be solved.

Why did you have to speak to him?

You should have read that article more carefully.

Besides what it said about that worker's death,

he has very precise information about the business

that is not public knowledge.

Where did he get it?

- You're worried he might... - Exactly.

We can't afford

our business to be known.

Savolta would end up finding out

through "The Voice of Justice."

You think that "Birdy" knows something?

He boasts that he knows a lot, but I doubt it.

Still, we must be careful. He's no fool.

And he can't be bought.

That's his weak point.

You know what is worse than poverty?

No.

Slavery.

The magazine people came to see what was wrong.

If they come back tell them "Birdy" de Soto

doesn't waste his time

writing "Dear Abby" columns.

Tell them to find another Madame Lilly.

- I'm going to Valencia. - Valencia?

Have you any money left?

No.

There's nothing left.

She's upset because I'm leaving.

She doesn't care

if I help demolish capitalism in Catalonia.

Just you wait, Teresa.

We'll get them.

You're dreaming.

They're too strong. They'll destroy you.

- I'm off. - No.

You haven't had supper yet, and neither have I.

- I'm off. - No.

Teresa won't let you leave without eating first.

Today we have wine.

Remember the first day?

Have you got money?

Not really.

We have a little saved,

but Julia and I can't...

- Julia? - My wife.

She's expecting, it's to pay for the birth.

You'll get the money somehow.

I must go to Valencia immediately

with enough money to get the proof.

Don't you see? Thanks to men like us,

your son will live in a better world.

Anarchy and the Russian revolution.

Our mission is to destroy moral, religion and family.

Can I ask a favor?

Call me by my first name. I'll feel younger.

How old are you?

27 years old.

- And you? - Forty six.

I'd like us to be friends.

I bet you never thought I needed a friend, right?

Why me?

Yes, you're right. It's your choice, too.

You met Birdy at the same time and you're his friend.

It's understandable.

He seems helpless, in need of affection.

Not me. I'm one of those men

who appear self-sufficient.

What would we talk about?

That's easy. About yourself, your life.

Whatever friends talk about.

Birdy talks about workers and the future of humanity.

Always?

No. He also talks about the future of humanity and workers.

I'm sure Savolta's name comes up.

Quite often. It's like an obsession.

- What does he say? - Nothing specific.

He's ambiguous.

Listen, could you give him a piece of advice?

To stay out of trouble.

Is that friendly advice?

It certainly isn't a threat.

That man...

I don't know, I like him.

You like oysters.

Yes.

Once I saw Claudedeu eat oysters...

He doesn't use a fork.

He used his steel pincer.

I wouldn't want him to do the same with Birdy, you follow?

Tell him I said

to be very careful.

- Will you? - Sure, when he gets back.

When he gets back?

From where?

Valencia.

Anyway, Javier. We still haven't talked about you.

- Come on, out! - Why?

- You're fired! - Fired?

- Yeah, get out! - Get your hands off me!

Get out!

- No extremists! - No more arguments!

You think I can leave the factory now

and go to Valencia to knock off that Birdy?

We'd better do something or Savolta will find out.

- I'll go. - Alone?

I never travel without my driver.

This is no place to talk seriously.

I met Birdy here.

The baby's with my neighbor, I can't be too long.

- What will it be? - Two glasses of milk.

What did you want to tell Birdy?

I spoke to someone who likes him.

He told me to warn him.

He's in danger.

I was right.

I suppose...

he's used to it.

I'm worried, Javier.

Savolta's gang will stop at nothing.

Speak to Birdy.

Try to convince him.

He won't listen to me.

He acts like he's blind and deaf...

no matter what I say.

Savolta's all he cares about.

I believe in him

and what he fights for, but...

I don't know,

he's obsessed.

As if he'd gone mad, and me with him.

That man you mentioned...

Does he know what he's saying?

Certainly. It's Paul Andr� Lepprince.

- Can you trust him? - Absolutely.

He even wants to speak with him personally.

Birdy's risking too much.

Let's drop the subject.

I want to imagine I'm free, like before,

and forget I'm worrying myself...

to death.

Look at that couple. Poor things!

I should take them home

and lend them my bed.

Isn't it nice?

Has it been long since you kissed a woman?

- Well? - A useless trip.

He was there, got the proof and disappeared.

Damn spy!

He may be in Barcelona or Madrid.

He can publish it any time.

You must come back, we sacked a lot of people

and there'll be a strike.

Hurry, we're running out of time.

Here's everything.

I got it, it's a time bomb.

I can't explain now,

I've got a meeting with the workers.

I want you to keep it, but be careful.

I can't carry it around

and I can't risk leaving it at home.

There are receipts, vouchers, documents...

Very important proof, all right?

What's wrong? Don't you want to help me?

Yes, I'll keep them.

I spoke to Lepprince.

Teresa told me.

Is he sincere?

He made it very clear.

Claudedeu and Savolta want to get you out of the way.

They know you have these documents.

And that they're powerless against me.

Speak to him before publishing them.

What can you lose? You may even save your life.

All right, I'll do it for Teresa.

And for you.

Do you want me to arrange it?

Rovira will do it, don't worry.

You know Rovira?

I told you we had a friend in the factory.

It's Rovira, he put me on the trail.

For God's sake! Say no more.

I'd rather not know.

Why?

You're a comrade, too.

- Wait, give me a chance. - What?

Postpone the strike. I'll speak to Savolta

on your behalf.

If he doesn't yield, and I'm sure he will...

call the strike.

We've always trusted you but we can't wait.

Our minds are made up. There'll be

- a general strike. - There will be reprisals.

Blood will be spilled. And it won't be

the boss's.

Revolutions are not made

of ink.

We can strike but there'll be hell to pay.

Let's give him a few hours.

We have nothing to lose. But we want

an answer this afternoon.

All right.

We'll meet at my house.

It's the only one they're not watching.

I can't risk coming back here.

I need you to arrange a meeting with Lepprince.

He's away.

Then I'll speak directly with Savolta.

Mr. Savolta, Domingo "Birdy" de Soto called.

He wishes to see you.

Domingo "Birdy" de Soto?

Tell him I don't speak to his kind.

Mr. Savolta...

Yes, Rovira?

Nothing.

You did the right thing. That man's nothing

but a scoundrel or a madman.

Want one?

No, thanks.

The governor must not be kept waiting.

Aren't you coming?

No. You and Parells can represent the company.

I'll check this balance sheet. Besides,

I want to save my strength

for tonight's ball.

I see your wife finally had her way.

Careful, some day you might lose your one good hand.

I can't think about fun with the strike coming.

Won't the governor help us?

The whole of Catalonia's industry

is seeing him on December 31st.

He should realize how serious this is.

Don't you see it will be a general strike?

What are you waiting for?

I don't know, maybe I should stay here.

What for? I'm here.

Go on, then. You'll be late.

See you later.

What did that bird say?

He won't open his beak again.

If he calls back, don't bother Mr. Savolta.

He isn't feeling well.

If he dares show up here, kick him out.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Savolta, Mr. De Soto insists on seeing you.

- I told you... - He left a message.

"If you wish to avoid the strike,

you must speak to me. It's the only way.

Domingo "Birdy" de..."

Call Claudedeu.

He's left.

Mr. De Soto will call back for an answer.

Very well, tell him that I'll see him.

"If you want to avoid the strike..."

Where the hell is Lepprince?

Who is it?

Birdy isn't here.

I know.

I'm sorry.

Don't go.

Good morning, Mr. Lepprince.

Back already?

Who's in management?

Mr. Savolta and a visitor.

Domingo "Birdy" de Soto.

Rovira, take your post, please.

Don't let anyone in.

No one, is that clear?

At last!

Hello.

This... gentleman

insisted on seeing me.

Good morning.

I'll talk to him. Come with me, Mr. De Soto.

No. I want to hear what he has to say.

He says he can avoid the strike.

Sit down.

Proceed.

It concerns a report about this company.

I did the research myself...

and reached some rather extraordinary conclusions.

Did you bring it? We could discuss it.

I'm not such a fool as to carry it around.

It's in good hands.

If something were to happen to me,

rest assured it will automatically be published.

As far as I remember, you wanted to publish it.

What's the point

in coming here?

The report

makes no reference to exploitation of the workers

or their miserable salaries...

What is it about then? Speak up.

What extraordinary conclusions?

You'll soon stop mocking me,

Mr. Savolta.

The proof I have uncovered

will cause a scandal and your factory will be closed.

What proof?

Clandestine manufacturing, smuggling, tax evasion,

breach of the contract signed with the French...

What are you saying?

In the last 18 months this factory has manufactured weapons

that have been sold

to the German empire and this material

leaves the country illegally

as food-stuff from Valencia harbor.

- I'm French. How can you? - Lepprince.

He's mad.

Don't bother, I've got documents to prove it.

Perfectly acceptable proof,

with dates, amounts...

More than enough to put you in jail.

How dare you!

There's no need to raise your voice.

I'm here to negotiate.

Negotiate?

With what?

False accusations? Slander?

- Enough lies! - Please.

You know perfectly well

I'm telling the truth.

If my report reached the press, the courts

or the French ambassador, you'd be ruined

in 24 hours.

Lepprince,

throw this man out immediately.

Very well.

But prepare to face the consequences.

I hope you realize I did all I could,

Mr. Lepprince.

Allow me to intervene. Mr. De Soto.

Supposing your report could create problems for us,

what do you want in exchange?

I'm willing to destroy the report

if Savolta gives in to the workers' demands.

An increase in salary, less hours,

readmit the dismissed workers and cancel the sanctions.

Anything negotiable relevant the imminent strike.

In other words, we'd be in the workers' hands.

For once.

Nothing else?

What about you?

Well, a friend and I spent weeks working.

We have had quite a few expenses.

How much?

A worker's salary, no more.

We need 48 hours before we can give you an answer.

A truce until after New Year's.

We'll cancel all repressive measures

on condition that the strike is called off.

All right.

But don't try anything with me, I'm warning you.

If you do,

there will be a scandal.

48 hours.

There's a traitor among us.

But who?

Claudedeu?

Parells?

Why believe that madman and not your lifelong partners?

- You made a pact with him. - To gain time.

The strike will be postponed.

What he says is absurd.

In any case, shouldn't we wait until after New Year's Eve?

By the way, I've got a surprise for you.

Sarda Pujol, the banker, is coming tonight.

Not a word to anyone about this.

Tell Rovira.

No one must know.

A traitor.

20 years working together,

of friendship...

A traitor.

Don't tell me an anarchist believes in the Three Kings?

My wife likes it.

A truce, then.

Yes, and we're sure to win.

But why has Savolta given in?

How did you do it?

Thanks to Rovira,

I met him on his ground.

The threat of a scandal is better than a strike.

We're playing politics.

And we'll most likely be the losers.

Our strength is in our unity. Your dealing could destroy us.

I've won, we've all won.

How doesn't matter.

Wait a minute, I think Pablo is right.

It's foolish for you to do it alone.

We must have that report.

Do you really think you can beat Savolta?

Who could that be?

Probably Julia.

- Maybe she forgot her key. - Don't open!

Hands up!

You, out.

Move!

You and your truce be damned, traitor!

Shut up!

Nobody move.

Birdy!

Happy New Year.

What's wrong?

Julia!

Something's happened!

I heard shots!

Pedro...

Pedro!

What about me?

Of course, Godfather.

That French rascal has good taste!

- Jordi. - You look lovely.

How time flies! It seems like yesterday

when they came to tell your dad he had an heiress.

My good friend, Javier Miranda.

Mar�a Rosa, my fianc�e.

- Nice to meet you. - Likewise.

You leave without warning,

and then you want me to print

"The Voice of Justice" tonight!

But it was a massacre!

I have to confirm it.

How do you know? Who was this Rovira?

Why were they at his place?

You know it's difficult to print in secret,

especially on New Year's Eve.

The presses are noisy, the police will show up.

We must risk it.

Even if the cops don't come...

We must do it.

If the owner hears us, he'll kick me out.

He won't find out.

All right, here.

Don't give me the keys.

I'll write the article tonight.

The paper's got to be on the streets tomorrow,

no matter what.

Happy New Year.

Daddy.

This is the happiest day of my life.

What's wrong?

As if you didn't know.

Just have fun tonight.

Congratulations.

Cheer up!

Forget about business.

What a great party!

Mr. Savolta, a phone call.

Enrique, listen.

Drink up, drink up.

Drink your sorrows away.

Yes, I understand.

What is it?

The chief of police.

A group of thugs broke up an anarchist meeting.

Rovira was among them.

They killed them.

The socialists for sure, settling accounts.

That's what the papers will say.

We're businessmen.

We can't believe our own lies.

We'll have to consider these deaths a business matter.

Because that's what they are.

We must apply the same logic.

Who will benefit?

Someone who wanted to break the truce.

The same man who betrayed me.

Birdy told the truth.

I don't understand.

Supposing there is a traitor.

What does he get out of a massacre?

Wait. On the surface, you're right.

It doesn't make sense.

But let me continue.

Business is business. I should know.

Let's suppose I'm the traitor.

I'm the traitor.

I've swindled my friends, I feel cornered...

And Birdy's discovery is about to expose me.

But a truce has been made.

In that case...

if I attack first and kill the heads

of the worker movement,

it will look like a reprisal.

Another murder.

Another murder.

What do you mean?

Daddy, Paul Andr�,

it's midnight.

- Enough mystery. - Come on.

Come on.

Happy 1918!

A speech! We want a speech!

The lights!

Turn on the lights!

Lepprince...

Mr. Lepprince?

Yes?

I'm Inspector V�zquez.

I've just received orders from Madrid

to handle the case.

Could you give me a minute?

Forgive me, I'd like to get changed.

I've been helping your men for over two hours.

Can it wait?

One moment.

One question.

Do you think it's a reprisal?

I'd say more like a declaration of war.

Are you aware that anarchist workers from your company

were murdered earlier in the evening?

I prefer to disregard

your insinuations about reprisals.

I'm in no condition to consider

that my fianc�e's father who was savagely murdered

was a murderer himself.

If you'll excuse me.

That inspector just said yesterday...

I had nothing to do with it, I swear.

Then who?

Sard� Pujol, the banker.

He acts as if he owned the place.

If the government responds with a heavy hand,

Savolta won't have died in vain.

Governor, this horrible murder is not the end,

but only the beginning.

If the government doesn't react in time,

and that means now,

it could be catastrophic not just Catalonia

but for all of Spain.

We could fall, like Russia,

into anarchy and crime.

Yesterday you made a promise.

Today we demand that you take immediate action.

Inform the government.

Anyone suspected of subversion

is to be arrested on the spot.

The workers' leaders must be jailed.

They must be taught a lesson.

If there is a general strike,

we'll hold the king responsible.

Here it is.

We'll light Barcelona on fire.

We confirmed the news. People are horrified, furious.

After they've read my article, they won't go on strike.

They'll start a revolution!

We'd like to know how you knew about it.

You had contacts with Savolta's people.

He's a traitor!

He was there and they didn't touch him!

- How can you say that? - He betrayed them.

What?

Don't touch that!

I can explain everything.

I have nothing to hide. I'm not a traitor.

Police! Hands up! You're under arrest!

Let's go!

How do you explain this, traitor?

Shut up!

Get moving.

You planned it all.

It was you, wasn't it?

Yes, it was.

I had no choice.

Birdy de Soto spoke to him.

I couldn't wait around for him to find out the truth.

I had to act quickly.

There was no time

to consult you.

It's horrible.

But necessary.

What else could we do?

Don't mix me up in this.

He was my friend.

I lost my hand for him.

I'd never have agreed.

You swindled him. He'd have sent you jail

without hesitating.

I'm going to keep on speaking in plural.

Like it or not,

we're in this together.

Luckily, our interests and the banks' coincide.

I spoke to Sard� Pujol.

The extremists have been arrested.

The strike has been aborted.

The governor cooperated.

It's in everybody's interest

to blame Savolta's murder on the anarchists.

We risk nothing.

I'm sorry I ever...

It's too late for that. We have to stick together.

There are still loose ends.

Birdy de Soto got away.

He and his damn report are our only danger.

We must stop supplying the Germans right away.

It's too risky.

What do you care, anyway?

It's easier to marry the heiress.

Keep your voice down, you idiot.

Go away and let me rest.

Go on, please.

Yes, Minister, we're doing our best.

No, I can't say we have a real suspect, not yet.

I think it's a reprisal.

I see.

I see.

Yes, we know which ones to hit hardest.

Don't worry.

Yes, sir.

Show him in.

Come in.

Sit down.

You wrote this libel, didn't you?

It's not libel.

I write about injustice, scandals...

Murders. Is that a crime?

Yes, I know.

Savolta's business and crimes.

I'm curious to know what you'd write about

last night's other murder?

Who was the victim?

Savolta.

Didn't you know?

No.

Which of your anarchists took the decision?

I had no idea he was dead.

Murdered.

I think nothing could be worse

for my damn anarchists.

Over here.

Remove your glasses and tie.

Name?

Domingo "Birdy" de Soto.

- Traitor! - Silence!

I'm not a traitor.

I'm not a traitor!

- You must listen to me. - Shut up.

- Please, let me explain. - We don't want your lies.

We fight for the same ideals.

I was there to... Comrades, I'm not a traitor.

- I'm not... - Traitor!

Stop it! What's going on?

I demand to be moved to another cell.

Traitor!

Snitch!

Silence.

Traitor!

Silence!

- Traitor! - Silence!

Next.

- Name? - Domingo Birdy de Soto.

- Birdy? - Domingo de Soto.

Carlos.

De Soto? That's the guy we had to move.

The anarchists tried to kill him.

Move, will you? There are people waiting.

Next!

Goodbye, ma'am. My condolences.

Thank you for your help.

Julia.

Julia.

Tell her to go away.

- It's me, Birdy's wife. - Leave her alone.

Your husband poisoned Pedro with his ideas

and then betrayed him.

Hey, Teresa!

How does it feel to be married to Judas?

We have four anarchist suspects locked up.

One used to work here 2 years ago. Mario Estruch.

A bad man. We had to let him go.

- Lf you want... - We have his record.

His and the others.

But it won't be easy to prove they did it.

I suppose there are ways to make them confess.

That's the second time I've heard that today.

You and the Minister think alike.

He wishes to restore public order, as do you.

As for me,

I'm moved by the death of an extraordinary man.

A friend.

A father.

I can give you information on the Savolta case

proving that those 4 men who were tried are innocent.

Whom do you accuse?

Savolta's partners.

Isn't that a bit far-fetched?

I can prove it.

- I have documents that... - Don't boast.

It's not that easy.

I haven't slept in a month.

And I receive no pleasure from sending 4 men to their graves.

Especially innocent men.

You're too late.

I'm no longer in charge.

Go tell the judge.

A military judge?

- How can I trust? - Dammit!

You have to trust someone.

Speak to their lawyer.

They won't let him listen to me.

The anarchists,

my comrades,

think I'm a traitor.

They'll think it's a trick.

I don't understand you. Then what do you want?

Let me out for one day. I'll get my report

and give it to someone who can publish it.

Someone who enjoys the respect I have lost.

Help!

Help! Please...

Let him go.

Birdy, take his gun.

Get in.

Max.

I knew they'd try it.

Try what?

To kidnap you and kill you.

- I knew you were in danger. - So did I.

Just as well a police friend of mine

warned me they were letting you go.

You must be tired.

Here.

For you. Savolta may have been a capitalist pig,

but to me,

he's the man who helped me,

who trusted me,

my future wife's father.

Do you see now why I want to avenge his death?

He spoke to me before he died.

From the moment you told him about the fraud,

he never rested.

He realized there was a traitor,

and it had to be one of his partners,

his lifelong friends.

I'll never forget how destroyed he was.

He even sensed that they'd kill him.

We made a tremendous mistake.

We told Parells and Claudedeu.

They arrived just after you left.

We told them about you.

They had Rovira and the others killed

so that Savolta's death would look like a reprisal.

I reached that conclusion while in jail.

You were able to escape

because they believed your threats.

That someone would publish your report.

That strategy is the reason I'm still alive.

But it won't work twice.

I felt paralyzed with you in jail.

But now,

with your proof and what you told Savolta,

which I can confirm,

you can avenge Rovira and I can avenge Savolta.

Besides, we'll save the lives of those 4 innocent men.

Do you know who has the report?

Javier Miranda.

How could you be so irresponsible?

Giving a boy such a document!

- He can be trusted. - Yes, I know.

I'll take care of it.

Try to get some rest. We leave for Madrid tonight.

I'll be back as soon as possible.

Lepprince!

You?

Who did you expect?

Fate has chosen me, me of all people,

to bring you some bad news.

Yes.

They killed Birdy de Soto.

He's the one I was expecting.

We knew he'd been released

and we were afraid...

If you had only told me.

Who did it?

I didn't want to tell you because it would hurt you.

But you know as well as I do.

The anarchists thought him a traitor.

He isn't!

He wasn't.

I agree, but unfortunately,

he didn't have time to prove it.

Those people are just as implacable

as some of us.

That's why I'm worried about you.

Birdy wrote to me from jail

and told me you had the report.

What should...

- I do with it? - Destroy it.

It's too dangerous.

Yes.

Anyway,

I can't return it to him now.

No.

Listen, Lepprince.

I know I'm going to die, but I'm not afraid.

I, Domingo Birdy...

Birdy de Soto...

the trusting fool who you deceived...

know the truth.

Now I know you.

Don't think you're a clever killer.

You acted out of desperation.

You were scared, you panicked...

making more and more mistakes.

It was this damn city,

this rotten world full of exploiters,

that turned your mistakes into wisdom.

But you,

you're a nobody, be sure of that.

Nothing but a monster born of capitalism.

Now, let's get it over with.

I'm waiting.

Looking for Teresa?

She left last night.

I thought she was with you.

I haven't seen her.

- It's locked. - Good lord.

At last you've made it.

President of Savolta, one of Spain's richest companies.

This company, my dear Javier,

like all industry in Catalonia,

won't last long.

You don't seem worried.

Why cry over something inevitable?

Soon the war will be over

and we'll no longer be privileged suppliers.

Competition in Europe will be fierce.

Imagine the situation of a weapons factory.

Tragic.

You make it sound like I should console you.

No.

But we must be realistic, Javier.

The world is going to change drastically.

We must be ready.

There'll be a crisis.

We'll soon be unable to contain the workers.

Their movements will strengthen

and we'll have to fight them.

But Claudedeu's methods are out of date.

We need a true police force with implacable men.

It's either a revolution or a dictatorship.

There's no choice.

It's tragic but we must decide.

I've talked to Sard� Pujol.

What's wrong?

You'll work with me.

You'll be my political secretary.

- I may not be good at that. - Of course you will be.

You can do more than you think.

I know you well.

Why did you kill Birdy?

Why?

You'll never learn.

Will I ever teach you not to be so provincial?

You killed him.

Javier, even if I swore that I didn't,

you'd never believe me.

So why bother asking?

You would dare admit that you killed him

because you know perfectly well I'll keep silent.

What do you mean?

You know me.

You know I'm weak,

ambitious, manageable.

Javier, I see being with me has taught you one thing.

To be lucid.

I've learned a lot from you.

What are you doing?

I'm going to kill you.

You're nuts. Don't be childish.

Put that down. Quit fooling around.

I'm going to kill you.

If you really meant it, you wouldn't tell me.

You won't kill me.

You can't fool me.

Be honest.

You weren't sure,

but deep down, you knew.

Why kill me? To convince yourself...

you didn't betray Birdy?

You and I know it's true.

What do you want?

To be arrested? Executed?

Are you trying to become a martyr

to prove your innocence to yourself?

Leave that to men like Birdy.

You weren't born to lose, Javier.

Listen.

I like you a lot, Javier Miranda.

If you really want to,

leave Barcelona. I'll do nothing against you.

If you don't, I'll ask you for the last time...

Work with me.

After the end of World War I,

in February of 1919,

the strike that started in an electric plant

spread like fire in Barcelona and lasted 44 days.

In December of 1919,

the Owners� Federation created

the so-called Free or Yellow Unions

made up of strike-breakers, informers and thugs

whose mission was to kill

union leaders and recalcitrant workers.

These gangs were paid by the bosses.

Murders were priced

according to the dead man's importance.

In November of 1920,

Barcelona's new governor declared the CNT,

the anarchist union, illegal.

In Barcelona, between the years 1914 and 1921,

the number of workers killed by bosses

reached 523.

During those same years,

40 bosses and scabs were killed.

On November 30th, 1920, Francesc Layret,

a Catalonian labor lawyer was murdered by the Free Union

while trying to free Salvador Segu� and other unionists.

The CNT responded with violence

to the violence of the government but it was too late.

In one day, January 21st, 1921,

doctors in Barcelona performed 36 autopsies on dead workers.

On March 10th, 1923,

General Primo de Rivera established the dictatorship.

He banned the CNT and fiercely attacked it.

He favored the Free Union created by the bosses.

The repression was particularly intense in Catalonia.

"Political murders are useless, they only make matters worse.

The conscience of the people must be changed.

This is a moral and spiritual endeavor

that cannot be achieved through violence."

- Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, 1858.

"Violence only helps where violence rules."

- Bertold Brecht, 1932.