Original subtitles

- Don't be long, Predrag, it's cold. - I'm just going for cigarettes.

Predrag Simonović Professor, Engineering Faculty

Oh, Marica! See what a draft there is?

Achtung Achtung. This is a special report.

Wehrmacht Radio Group Southeast, Radio Belgrade and Führer headquarters...

6, 7, 8, 9...

Achtung Achtung. This is a special report...

46, 47, 48, 49...

Fifty. 51, 52, 53, 54...

Ninety-eight.

NEW TIME

September 17, 1942.

Just think how time flies, Vasilije.

Last year...

on this very day...

I counted the steps from my house to here.

There were exactly 89 of them.

- Know how many I counted today? - No.

Ninety-eight.

We're getting old, my friend, so our steps are getting shorter.

Your cigarettes, Mr. Professor?

I almost forgot.

- Cheers, Vasilije. - Cheers, Professor.

THE EIGHTH DOOR

In the main role

Also starring

For the first time on film

Screenplay

Cinematography

Music

Direction

Marica...

Marica!

Yes.

Marica!

Here I am...

Here I am.

Is there some gas in the house?

I doubt it. What do you need?

Then heat up some warm water.

- There must be soap in the bathroom. - Why?

For my hands!

Of course there is.

The lady is helping me... Should I tell her you're here?

Where does she keep her heart drops?

You know where, by the bed.

All right, get me a glass of water.

Save the warm water for later.

Mara told me about the coat.

Well, she always has to...

- to panic. - Did something happen?

Predrag...

Tell me...

what happened to you?

Is Vera here?

I guess she'll arrive before dark.

But day and night mean nothing anymore.

- I started heating the water. - All right, Marica.

- What are you... - Go on, Marica.

Man, what happened to your hand?

It's not mine.

It's his blood.

Whose? Predrag, whose?

The man who ran.

When I saw him...

he stood against the wall.

And they fired.

I wanted to see nothing.

To close my eyes.

Stop!

But how could I...

when that man ran straight towards us?

There was... a woman near me.

There, in black.

- She shouted. - Run! Run!

Stop! Freeze!

Predrag...

that's horrible.

Natalija, I'll explain everything to you.

Pull yourself together.

Nothing happened to me.

I just watched him.

Stop!

I turned around.

I couldn't see the blood.

And the others stood.

And no one could help him.

I was afraid...

that one of those people from the platform...

would catch him....

and turn him in.

Did they catch him?

I don't know.

I didn't see it.

I only saw what I had to.

And I was furious...

that it...

was happening to me.

The conductor was in the car...

and he... tried to pretend he didn't see anything.

And...

everyone else...

ran all the way forward...

in the car.

So...

on the platform...

we were left alone...

the four of us.

Some man with a hat...

that woman in black...

him...

and me.

What is it?

Nothing.

You were looking for...

- warm water. - Ah, yes... for the coat.

Bring that old pot too...

and cloth and bay leaf.

Come on... Here.

All right.

The master is confused all day. I don't know anything...

I don't understand at all...

where that blood is from.

That's what I want to explain to you.

If I'd gotten out of the car, it wouldn't have happened.

Like the others did when they saw what was happening.

But if you had seen...

his eyes.

How he looked at me.

Then that woman...

I waited for her to get out first, then I would.

But she stayed...

even though she must have heard the horn of the agents' car.

Stop!

He fell on top of me...

I tried to hold him...

So that's why my hand and coat...

Couldn't you get away?

I told you, it was...

Here it is.

Marica...

Marica...

Here...

This...

Get this clean.

What is that?

Blood!

You know how crowded the trams are.

So I...

scraped something...

and scratched my hands a little.

Is it coming off?

A little.

Come on, Mara...

Go to the bathroom and clean it there.

Go on.

Now she'll wash it off and you'll forget.

You won't think about it your whole life.

The pocket lining should be washed too.

All right, Mara, you know how to do it yourself.

Sure I know...

But I...

found in the pocket...

a notebook.

It's dirty too.

You must have put your hand in your pocket.

I'm surprised...

As soon as I felt blood around my pocket...

I didn't bring my hand any closer.

It's like...

Where did you get this?

Where did you find it?

In the pocket, I said.

When I turned the lining.

You couldn't find this in the pocket.

From where then?

Go, Mara, get on with your work.

Like it's my fault it got dirty.

You know how he gets when he's not well.

This... this isn't mine!

- But... - Don't touch it!

Predrag, you're not a child. Pull yourself together!

If someone gave it to you, you must remember.

Then when he staggered...

When he...

fell on me...

Stop!

I didn’t even know he put this in my pocket.

Did you see what it says?

Some initials...

numbers...

- addresses... - Maybe it's nothing important.

Why would he put it in my pocket then?

Any idea what it is?

Certainly not poetry.

What will you do now?

I don't know.

Predrag...

Try to be calm.

Because...

if your pocket hadn't been bloodied...

you wouldn't even know... that notebook is in your pocket.

That's no comfort anymore.

I know now!

But it doesn't concern you at all.

Do you realize I have to do something with this?

The one who put this in my pocket...

wants me to help him.

And... I don't even know...

what he wants... or who he is!

And if I don't do it... then I'm a spy!

Just those two alternatives.

And just because...

I happened to be...

right there!

- It's monstrous. - You must decide what to do.

- Did they catch that man? - I don't know.

Try to understand, I don't know anything and I don't want to know.

I just saw how that man...

Then they checked my papers and asked where the blood was from

and why I didn't hold him when he leaned on me.

- I said I didn't know what it's about. - Terrible.

- They almost took me away. - Terrible.

I told them thank you when they said I could go.

And it all took a few minutes.

The whole story.

Why don't you put your hand in your pocket and just throw it away?

That man didn't let me do it!

But it's a better solution for him than giving it to the police.

If the police know it's with me, is it a better solution for me too?

But...

- Yes, they wouldn't believe you. - And then...

that woman...

Why are you thinking of her again?

I told you that she...

when the fugitive jumped out...

she jumped out after him and ran...

the other way.

Why did she do that?

- Maybe she didn't have her papers. - But she had eyes!

And if she saw everything...

it'll be another person who knows that I'm an informant.

Because if I give this to the police...

I'm an informant.

Do you understand... an informant!

A wonderful end...

for a career like this.

If we knew that was our destiny...

we could have had palaces.

But I wanted to be honest.

What do you think...

would that man have jumped if...

if he hadn't put it in your pocket?

Maybe he ran away, not believing he would be saved.

Maybe he just wanted...

...to get away from this.

To save the notebook.

Predrag...

you can't turn it over to the police if that's why he died.

If he died, he knew what this means.

Should I die, someone who doesn't know?

Am I a traitor if...

I hand over a thing that means nothing to me.

Maybe the police already know you have the notebook.

Maybe.

And they took my address.

Who was that?

Did someone come in?

- Wait, I'll do it. - Put it away.

Marica...

Yes.

Who came?

No one. Some children selling a bag of coal.

What do you think, does Marica suspect anything?

She's been with us for almost 20 years.

Does that really...

mean something in a situation like this?

I don't know.

I can't believe it.

What are you doing?

Marica...

must not influence my decision.

I have to decide myself...

what to do.

- Marica! - Yes.

If the coat is ready, bring it here.

Here's the coat.

Here it is.

I think it came out.

All right...

Wait...

Marica...

Come here.

Marica, you've been with us for a long time.

So many years.

And you don't have...

any reason to complain.

What would I complain about?

We're all in the same boat.

- I'm used to it. - Wait...

Besides this notebook of mine...

you didn't find anything else in the pocket?

I mean, a note or something?

I'd give it to you.

So, just this notebook of mine.

But... it doesn't matter anyway.

These are phone numbers...

some addresses...

Thanks, Marica.

Should I set the table for dinner?

Let's wait a little longer... until Vera arrives.

Hello.

When did you get back, Daddy?

Just now...

Did I interrupt you?

Are you talking?

What can Dad and I talk about

that you can't hear?

We've been waiting for you so we can start dinner.

Vera, darken the windows.

I asked you to draw the blinds.

Mom, do you want to see what's happening with dinner?

Please, Mom.

Dad, what happened on the tram today?

I...

don't understand...

what you're talking about.

You don't want to tell me?

I have nothing to tell you.

Could you leave me alone for a while?

Dad, I noticed something.

Oh, what is it?

Your coat.

Really... it's hard to see a coat on the hanger.

With a washed pocket.

Nonsense.

You heard something, made it up.

You never got dirty on the tram?

Never stood next to someone...

who carries a pot of stew?

You always stood in the finer world!

So what if I washed my pocket?

Dad, you know no man with stew came up to you.

What then?

Tell me who it was.

The one who left blood on your coat.

Marica misinformed you.

Such things don't happen to me.

I'm not the hero of a novel.

They spill stew on me.

What was in that pocket?

And what do you think should be in it?

A notebook!

Do you know what it means, what you're saying?

Do you have it? That's the most important!

This thing with the notebook is nonsense.

But one thing is true...

I don't recognize you like this.

Who told you these fabrications?

Answer me.

Don't make me tell you that!

Then how can you ask me for the truth?

It's better for you not to know.

Am I underage?

You're an accidental participant.

And you?

I can't tell you anything more now.

We don't have time for that now.

We don't have time?

I see that we are not us,

and that we don't live in the same time.

And that is more important to me than if the notebook exists.

But, Dad...

I found out by accident.

From whom?

It doesn't matter now.

You don't know anyone anyway and...

you don't go out.

Tell me about the notebook.

What are you asking me?

You said yourself, I don't know anyone.

I'm retired.

An ex-man who allows his daughter to interrogate him.

Dad, I beg you.

Do you still have it?

I don't know what it's about!

The police can arrive any time.

Do you have the notebook?

No.

You gave it to them?

You don't know what it means.

Maybe that's why you gave it to them.

Nevertheless...

this illuminates you in a way that proves that

you led a double life in front of your parents

and that you hid the most important things from them.

But if I realized that I didn't know you...

I think you realize too...

that you don't know me.

You don't talk to me like that!

Telephone.

Who is it?

I don't know. He won't say.

It's for you.

Dad... don't say anything.

Be careful.

I'll be careful whoever it is.

Hello.

Hello.

Hello.

This is Professor Simonović.

Hello.

Are you alone?

Why?

No one can hear this.

I have no secrets.

Who is this?

I'll tell you if no one is by the phone.

Wait.

Dad, that's what the police say. I know. Watch out.

I'm not a child!

Speak.

Who is this?

This is the man who was next to you on the tram.

The man who put it in your pocket.

I don't know what you're talking about.

We don't have time to talk.

You know what I gave you.

Be at "Mostar" with it in half an hour.

But wait...

I'm wounded and hiding.

I'll send a man to take it from you.

But you're mistaken. I have no idea...

You have half an hour.

Be smart. If the police find it, it'll be worse for everyone.

We're waiting for you at "Mostar".

At "Mostar".

Understood?

Who was that?

Who was it, Dad? Say.

- I received an ultimatum. - From whom?

From the fugitive.

- Impossible. - He said he'd wait for me

in half an hour at "Mostar".

It's the police.

How can you be so sure?

Dad, you must know he didn't make the phone call.

That he can't make phone calls.

It's just a police trick to test you!

Understand, you have to give it to me or they'll find it.

But I don't have the notebook.

That's not true!

I told her...

to calm her down.

Will you go to "Mostar"?

I don't know yet.

Will you give me the notebook?

I don't know that either.

I won't serve anyone.

Neither you... nor them.

It's funny to work against my beliefs...

just because the police are coming.

You didn't pick a good time to show your firmness.

They'll be here in half an hour.

Dinner!

Thanks.

I've had enough.

Predrag, what's wrong?

Nothing! Why are you so nervous?

And that faucet!

Can't it be closed better?

It can't.

You know it's broken.

It needs to be fixed.

Dad, why do you still hesitate?

I'm insensitive to the reproaches of someone who has been dishonest with me.

You were raised by others.

You can demand something from them.

That's not true.

How?

This is what you've always wanted.

Never!

I've never been involved in politics.

I just wanted to think with my own head.

I do this because you are my father.

Your example showed me what your world looks like!

What can be achieved in your way.

I always wanted to be upright!

And that's why you became an ex-man in your best years!

Vera!

Marica...

Go see... I think that I...

left a light on there in the room.

Go on, turn it off.

Turn it off.

I'm sorry.

Daddy...

- I wanted to... - I don't care.

I just wanted to tell you...

in order to be the kind of man that you want to be...

all that's missing is the opportunity you have now.

To do something.

And what should I do to gain your and my respect?

We ask you...

to give us the notebook.

I was never just a tool.

And I won't be now.

If they pushed me from all over, at least I knew why.

But you will save many!

And... when this...

is all over...

the newspapers will write about a...

gray-haired...

senile pensioner...

who conspired with children and hid their papers.

You want them to write that he handed the papers to the police...

and that 50 people died because of that?

Did you look in the notebook?

Did you see crosses next to some names?

You know what that means? They'll be arrested tonight.

They must be notified before curfew!

I turned off all the lights.

Maybe... I should go see if they're on somewhere else.

Go Mara!

Go check, maybe they're on somewhere else.

There's still an hour and a half to notify them.

The police can come at any time.

I always thought if something like this happened,

you would act like...

like a man!

I don't admit that such a stupid coincidence...

can decide my life!

I will remain what I was!

Someone's ringing.

Should we open?

Should we open?

Don't go.

Let mom go.

Give it to me now.

Why did you wait so long?

Now they can keep me and ruin everything.

- Give me! - I won't give it to anyone.

They can only take it from me by force.

What the hell is wrong with you!

Will anyone know about it?

It's enough for me to know.

Miša is looking for you.

All this is too scary.

I don't want to interfere but...

will Vera understand your decision?

If she wanted us to understand each other...

would she hide such important things from us?

Did she tell you?

No.

But it wasn't hard to guess.

I had a feeling.

Why didn't I?

You asked me...

- how I know of the notebook. - But...

The man who fled...

stumbled into our pharmacy.

He was wounded.

He knew he could trust us.

And you knew about him?

No.

- He knew the password. - How did he know me?

We didn't have time to ask him.

He was delirious...

After a minute or two, he fainted.

Miša stayed next to him. I ran here.

So he knew me since my daughter is famous in those circles.

He told me to take his notebook from you.

He also told me what's in it.

Now you know the truth.

I think...

you shouldn't hesitate.

What I told you isn't all.

Do you know why Miša came here?

The man died not long ago.

Will you give me the notebook now?

I can't.

Not even to you.

Why!

You're already too exposed.

Dad, it doesn't matter.

It does matter.

I don't want to lose you.

Do you want them to be lost,

those people whose names are in the notebook?

You've taken on a great responsibility.

But if you won't give me the notebook...

then you take it.

Take it...

to Momina Street.

You know that big house on the corner.

Upstairs...

The eighth door...

Just ask for Ranko... I have to go myself.

I can't leave Miša alone.

Don't forget.

The eighth door, upstairs.

You know where it is.

Hurry.

Hurry.

Are you angry?

I'm not angry.

You must need some order.

No one eats anything.

Mara, you've been...

with us for a long time and...

if you have any complaints, feel free to say so.

What's the matter, Mrs. Nata?

Like we don't know each other.

I think...

now you don't have to...

if you were angry sometime...

and if the master was nervous...

you don't have to remember that right now.

I think... we're still closer to you than some.

And...

and if someone asked about the master, you wouldn't...

you wouldn't make up something against him.

You know what times are like.

And if...

if someone happened to...

if someone happened to...

come from the police...

Predrag.

Someone's looking for you.

Who is it?

I don't know. Come here.

Are you looking for me?

Yes... you.

All right.

Come in.

I won't keep you long.

I'm listening.

What did you want?

The notebook.

Do you still have it?

I saw everything.

I covered you while he put it in your pocket.

How do you know who I am and where I live?

I know you by reputation...

since before the war, from a colleague.

Why don't you ask me if he knew you?

Yes...

I thought so too, but I...

He must have been at your faculty once.

That's why he put it in your pocket.

If he really knew me, he knew that I...

never dealt with such things.

He knew you never dealt with those others either.

That you've never been...

an informant.

Such a man doesn't leave...

things like that in just anyone's pocket.

Do you still have it?

I was afraid it was too late.

I couldn't come earlier.

So, what do you want from me?

To give me that notebook!

Maybe you doubt me...

Why would I run from the police?

Do you know you're not the first to ask me for that notebook?

He certainly couldn't come here for the notebook.

But I...

I'll give it to him.

Who did you wear black for?

- For my husband. - And that man?

You don't believe me.

I know you need to trust me to give it to me.

He's my husband.

We have a photo like this at home too.

Nenadović...

You see it's him.

Nenadović... Nenadović...

But as I recall, he graduated in engineering with great success.

- He could have been... - I know.

You think he could have done something else.

But he thinks...

there's nothing more important now.

You wore black today.

Because of the police.

When he went into hiding,

I pretended he died in the bombing.

I had to take it off today.

The police know that the woman in black ran.

But since I've worn it more than six months,

no one will be suspicious.

This today...

was the first time I saw him since he left home.

He never saw the baby.

He had to leave... while I was still in the hospital giving birth.

I just want everything to go well. I'm not afraid for him.

He is smart and strong...

We'll... meet somewhere again. Quite unexpectedly.

Like today.

Because then there will be no more war.

We will always, always, always be together.

What's wrong?

You're not well.

Come here.

Do you know where Momina Street is?

It's close by.

There is a big house there...

right around the corner.

Look for the eighth door...

upstairs.

And just ask for Ranko.

Give him this notebook. He will explain all the rest...

- Give me the notebook. - That's impossible, it's the police.

- But the police don't know about me. - No matter.

Whatever happens...

when they release you, go there immediately.

Sit down.

Take off your coat!

Open up!

Coming, coming!

Please.

All set...

Mile.

Is anyone else in the house?

My wife...

the maid...

- and... - Did you take a good look?

Yes.

Wife...

Maid, eh?

And you?

- Who are you? - The lady is...

a colleague...

- of my daughter. - Shut up.

Nobody asked you anything.

I am.

I'm a colleague.

From high school.

From high school?

We'll see about that.

Take them to that room there.

Come on.

And me?

Should I...

Ah, yes. You...

stay a while.

Stay a while with us.

You didn't want to call us, even though you have a phone.

You took my address, I don't know why I would call you.

You didn't even want to come to the meeting with us.

At "Mostar".

Did you really think that it would end there?

- Did you know him? - The fugitive.

No.

Strange, isn't it, Čedo?

Very.

- What about the woman? - Did you know her?

- Didn't you talk? - No...

Like clockwork.

All complete strangers, no one says anything

and everything went like clockwork.

What did she look like?

Normal...

- I didn't stare at her. - Did you watch him?

No, I was watching the car. I didn't know what it meant...

Would you recognize that woman?

- Probably. - Did the fugitive say anything?

I don't know, I didn't hear him.

- Let him tell us why he retired. - Yes, why?

Why, eh?

Because of illness.

Well, you're still alive.

I think, not for long.

Will you give us that thing, eh?

I don't know what you mean...

That thing...

that he put in your pocket.

That's what he claims.

Maybe he lied to us.

Yours?

What's this?

Close the door.

The lining got bloody when he put it in your pocket and then you washed it.

No, he didn't put anything in my pocket.

He staggered...

and then he accidentally touched me with a bloody hand.

- Why didn't you keep him then? - Me? - Until we get there.

I'm not paid to do your job.

They pay you to help them, right?

How did he touch the outside, but the lining was bloody?

Well, I didn't even notice that...

bloody pocket.

I just...

put my hand in my pocket and...

- then it got bloody. - Really?

And who washed the pocket?

The maid.

The maid?

Come on.

Come on, come on.

Come on, mum, don't be afraid.

Close the door!

The master needs help with something.

You washed this?

Who else?

It was bloody.

- Sir... - What did you find in the pocket?

Say it, mother.

What did you find?

I don't know anything.

The master says you found it.

Should I say?

How dare you ask him? Speak!

Speak!

Say it, mum.

Don't be scared.

What did you find?

I found...

a notebook.

A notebook?

So he gave him the notebook.

Where is that notebook?

Speak, where is it?

In the desk.

Show him, show him!

I can't, the master's things...

Which one is it?

Show which one it is.

I don't know.

This one?

And this one?

Maybe it's this one?

Don't look there!

Speak!

It is.

How do you know this is it?

I recognize it, you see that... the pocket was soiled.

Nothing else was in the pocket?

Sir, you tell him if he doesn't believe me.

- Get lost! - Why are you lying?

If you know better, why ask me?

March!

Where did you hide it?

Listen...

I don't know what you want from me.

You're a respected...

honorable man.

You have a family.

I understand that you didn't want to tell us yourself.

But...

if not for us...

you would receive food from such people...

from a kettle!

Your daughter would wear pants...

She would start smoking...

She would make free love.

With them you just have to stand still...

and salute.

They don't ask who you are.

Since we know everything...

and since he confessed...

you don't have to hit your head against the wall.

You remain an honest man and go on.

You think it's easy for us to do this job.

Now...

when our best men wither in captivity.

When the occupier just tries to crush us!

So we have to be careful.

If you love...

this our tormented country...

Listen...

will you confess to us, or shall we confront you with someone?

Wait, better for me to go.

You only have one head, and you can't keep it.

Will you talk now?

All right.

Speak.

- Is that the man... - ...who was near you on the platform?

It is.

You still have time to say it yourself.

All right.

Fine.

What did he give to him?

He put something in his pocket, right?

I...

Say what you said before!

I just thought...

That woman...

stood in front of me...

just then.

I just thought.

But I said I can't swear.

You can't?

I said I just thought so.

You'll remember when we get our hands on you.

I could have kept it to myself.

He doubts.

You'll see what you didn't see on the tram.

You'll get it too if you don't speak!

Hands out of your pockets when I speak!

When I speak, you should be polite and stand still!

Understand!

What should we do now?

I'm waiting for the gentleman's last word.

All right. Tear it apart.

Don't be afraid of uncle.

Don't be afraid of uncle!

Uncle won't do anything.

Don't be afraid of uncle.

Don't be afraid of uncle. Now uncle will find something.

No, no...

Now uncle will find you something...

Now uncle will find something...

Now uncle will find something...

Now uncle... Ah, here...

Here's your cigar.

That's not what we agreed.

Look, look what uncle has. See what uncle has.

Here, here...

Here's your uncle...

What's wrong? Why all the yelling?

- He won't calm down, must be hungry. - Call the mother to calm him down.

Come on, come on!

Enough.

Enough!

Here you go.

Good luck with such a child!

Don't cry.

That's enough.

You're real pieces of work.

You didn't find anything.

How can we, if we don't know what we're looking for?

He won't play, I tried.

He doesn't know you.

Why didn't you look closer?

- I couldn't. - He doesn't know what he sees.

We're wasting time.

Is it...

What is it?

Can I...

leave now?

No!

What will we do... with him?

What are you whispering, let them hear!

He’s such a coward, he surely would've died if something really happened.

You see, he's dying of fear even now.

Boss, can I?

What's the hurry?

I'm bringing the kids lunch.

Bringing the kids lunch?

At this time?

What can I do if you keep me.

Who kept you, you catfish!

You kept yourself!

And us too!

Understand? Understand?

And you'll jump off the tram yourself next time

if you run into something like that.

I understand.

I kept myself.

For such things you need to tighten the noose.

What is it? You're still here?

What are you waiting for!

- Go on! - March!

Make sure your lunch doesn't get cold.

Where are you going?

They let us go.

I don't know anything. Wait while I ask.

Wait.

All right, they let you go. You can go.

Go on!

Why are you looking at me, get out!

- Did you check her papers? - She's all right.

I'm going now.

I didn't forget.

Upstairs.

The eighth door.

God...

what they did to our house.

What a mess.

But it's nothing.

We'll clean it up...

and forget everything.

Yes, we'll clean up...

but we won't forget.

It's Vera.

She always rings like that.

THE END

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