All language subtitles for Section Speciale (1975) BDRemux 1080i_track5_eng

What are you doing?

Are you statues?

Quick! Kneel!

Hurry!

God damn you!

Tears, protect yourselves.

Painful tears.

Cry, my country,

cry for yourself.

Evil has, unfortunately, come

and the night will fall upon you.

The day that came...

- It is a very good opera.
- Prophetic too...

Cry, poor Russia!

Cry, sore people!

You are going to die...

AUGUST 1941

VICHY, government headquarters
of Marshal Petain.

Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen

please, remain at your seats.

We will hear a message
from our Head of State.

People of France, I have something
important to tell you.

In various regions...

- George, wake up.
- What is it?

...a wind of sickness is blowing,

which has disputed the authority
of my government.

The orders are being badly executed.

This disorganization of ideas
begets chaos...

as, the cooperation offered

by the Chancellor of the Reich,
on October 1940

a very kind act, given the circumstances,

is an important achievement.

I would also like to remind
the American Republic

the reasons it should not be afraid

that the French ideal will decay.

Our parliamentary democracy has died.

The troops of the old regime
are numerous.

We shall crush them,

along with all the enemies
of the new order.

But at this point we have to stop
their actions

and decimate their leaders.

No, Pascal. We are at Vichy
and there is war.

France is destined to change
the regime...

otherwise, we are heading
towards the abyss

which nearly devoured Spain in 1936,

only to be saved by the loyalty
and sacrifice of its youth.

This is the burial of the third Republic

which committed suicide, right here,
only a year ago.

This is the policy of the new
Secretary of the Interior.

I have given him full initiative,
within my line of policy.

As soon as he became minister,
his policy is being implemented.

It's fantastic!

It's not even 24 hours since
they proposed his nomination

and already they're implementing
his policy.

And yes, it has been decided.

The activity of the party...

Did you know about this speech?

No, the decision was taken
in a closed cabinet.

In 1917, I put an end to the riots.

In 1940, I put an end to the debacle.

Now, I intend to save you
from yourselves.

We can trust our Minister of the Interior.

Did you know he fought with our army
against the Reds?

They are calling for a cabinet of
the civil justice and I don't know it.

Why would you?

I am the Minister of...

Civil justice concerns the Minister
of the Interior, not you.

Mr. Minister of Justice,
you shall be informed

in the next cabinet.

Are you worried, Minister?

Since this phony became
Minister of the Interior...

Dad!

Dear friend, come for dinner
next time you're in Paris.

It's a fight against our internal
political enemies:

the anarchists, the communists...

But soon, the Germans
will be in Moscow,

and then, the new order
will reign in Europe.

My ancestress, Marie Adelaide Brinon,

who is an Ursuline,

has been a pleader between
Leibniz and Bossuet,

to prepare the union of the churches
of France and Germany

which was a way for the political approach

of the two countries.

Mr. Minister, what do you think
on Head of State's speech?

I think that the Head of State,

is punishing those who wish
to undermine the state

and is mainly a warning to the communists,

agents of a political system
conceived in the ghettos

and realized in the steppe.

The French will see that
the soviet system is useless.

A system which is supposed to be
against capitalism

but with its painful methods
of imposing the law

turns people into slaves
or prisoners if they resist.

Let me have a report on tonight's speech...

and on the Minister of the Interior.

Mr. Admiral!

- Are you returning to Paris tonight?
- No, tomorrow.

- Goodnight, Mr. Ambassador.
- Goodnight, Mr. Vice President.

- Good morning, Mr. Ambassador.
- Good morning, Admiral.

- Are you returning to Paris?
- Yes, so long.

Good morning, dear friend.

Dear friend, good morning.

The Emergency Law will soon be published.

I have already spoken with Speedy
and Schmidt.

The Minister of the Interior
is a "normalien".

What is a "normalien"?

It means that he graduated
from the "École Normal Supérieure".

It's a typical French way
to rise to power.

The graduates, instead of teaching
history or philosophy

often wind up in financial politics.

In a few months, our Minister of Interior

has organized the state apparatus.

There must be a place for France
in European Germany.

- You think Europe will become German?
- It already has.

Let us march! Let us march!

Let impure blood

water our furrows!

What! Foreign cohorts

would make the law in our homes!

What! These mercenary phalanxes

would strike down our proud warriors!

Would strike down our proud warriors!

The Internationale...

Calm down, comrades.

We are now singing the Marseillaise.

Vile despots would have themselves.

The masters of our destinies!

To arms, citizens...

Form your battalions,

Let's march, let's march!

Disperse!

Disperse!

Bastards!

Watch out, Pierre!

The enemy has been in our country
for a year. What do we do?

We hand out leaflets

and organize strikes
and demonstrations now and then.

- That is all the party wanted.
- It is all the situations allowed for.

We were against the imperialistic war
in 1939. Rightly so.

Do not forget that bourgeois democracy
betrayed the republic of Spain.

Then we expected USSR to strengthen.

But the Nazis attacked
and everything changed.

War against imperialism, became
a popular war against fascists.

Strikes and demonstrations are
no longer enough. We have to fight.

Have you read Maupassant?

- The story of Father-Milon?
- I have.

Who is Father-Milon?

He was an old farmer during
the occupation of France by Prussians.

- What was he doing?
- Killing Germans with his scythe.

- At the end he...
- We will do the same:

Killing the enemy's soldiers.

Using what? Scythes?

Why not? It we can't find anything else.

This is terrorism, and we
always condemned that.

At least let us kill only
members of the Gestapo.

How will we recognize them?
They don't wear uniforms.

There is no option.
We target for the uniform.

Without distinction.

Without discussion.

Martine talked to you about proletarian
internationalism. You didn't answer.

There are workers among these soldiers,
anti-fascists.

They might be in their own countries,
as civilians.

But here, they are occupation forces.

Yesterday, they arrested some
of our companions.

And we know very well what
will happen to them.

There will be anti-fascists
in the Firing Squad.

They will kill them, anyway.

Samuel Tyszelman, Jew, 20 years old,

Polish, lives in Paris.
Guilty of participation

in the protest against German army.

Arm!

Fire!

Henri Gautherot, communist,
21 years old, not Jew,

Guilty of participation in the protest

and an attack against a member
of the German army.

Fire!

- So?
- We'll do what Father-Milon did.

- Kill German soldiers.
- This is terrorism.

Look.

- This is for women.
- That's all we have.

Inaccurate but manageable.
It is for point-blank shots in the back.

- In the back?
- Horrible!

This is murder.

We might kill workers, antifascists!

- We'll be killing invaders. Period.
- Then, let's do it, brothers.

You have to eat a pud
to tell if it's good.

- What on earth is this?
- This is Engels.

You are a genius.

- I'll gladly kill Nazis.
- Who else?

We need to be four.

- I'm in.
- So am I.

At the call of Maupassant,

the partisans get up.

Miss, please,

I... photo... Paris...

Day after tomorrow, at 8:00 am,
at Barbès station.

I'll show you what we have to do.

You'll be covering me.

You will only intervene
if something goes wrong.

Look.

He'll be the one to pay.

Let me speak with the sergeant.

Minister, the General Commissioner
is here.

Minister, are you aware
of the Germans' reactions?

Hello.

Yes. We just parted
with Major Beumelburg.

No, no official reaction.

German administration moves slowly.

I think we should take advantage of it.

Exactly...

Take drastic measures,
before Germans react.

My respects, Mr. Minister.

Take it.

- Legrand.
- Yes, Mr. Minister?

Call the chief of police
and the Secret Service.

I want a reaction on the attack,

and an immediate answer on the murder.

The Admiral, please.

- Will you eat with us?
- I'm coming.

- Tea or coffee?
- Tea.

Admiral, it's me again.

The German officer is dead.

It seems this was a political act.

Mom is calling.

We need to convene a Cabinet
this afternoon.

I will let you know before
the Cabinet begins.

Come on.

- Call all the ministers for a Cabinet.
- Yes, Minister.

Will you also dine with us?

- Cabinet meeting at 14:00, Minister.
- Will everyone attend?

- Yes, sir.
- Very well.

- Me too?
- It is for everyone.

There is a Cabinet meeting
this afternoon, Minister.

You need to be there too.

- At what time?
- 14:00 o' clock.

Cabinet meeting at 14:00, Minister.

- At Pavillon Sévigné.
- No, small living room at PARC Hotel.

- What?
- Excuse me.

- What now?
- Sorry, I already told you.

- Who was that?
- From the Minister of the Interior.

MINISTRY OF WAR

- Germans will soon invade Moscow.
- Beatrice!

- What?
- We're leaving.

All right.

One, two...
One, two...

- Is your dad gone, dear?
- Yes, General.

Goodbye, General.

- Is Jerome gone?
- Yes.

- Do you have a good hand, Mrs. Carcopino?
- I have a bad hand...

My chicken!

- It's not a common crime.
- I have already ruled that out.

- Who did it?
- There are three scenarios.

The Gaullists, though I doubt
they act this way.

The Jews.

Yesterday, the police in Paris
arrested some

but nearly all of them
managed to escape.

I'd be surprised If it were the Jews.

A lot of them were arrested
during the recent protests.

Third scenario: a communists' attack.

I have here the illegal "L'Humanité".

First page: on August 19,
the Germans executed

the Jew communists,
Tyszelman and Gautherot.

These martyrs, call for
the death of 20 Germans.

This one, was the first.

I gave order for the necessary measures.

The police will conduct ID checks.

Active presence of the police
on the streets, not in police stations.

The Police are under your command.

I have given you full responsibility.

Thank you, sir.

Good morning!
What do you have there?

I propose we immediately create
special courts

statutory by the emergency law.

The Minister of Justice will be
responsible for the relevant article.

We need to set an example,
to avoid future terroristic massacres.

Some death penalties could
put an end to all that.

Who shall we sentence?

We'll start with the imprisoned
leaders of communists.

The new law will not be retroactive
for imprisoned men

before it is published.

It can be done.

How is that, Mr. Minister of the Interior?

It is an exceptional law,

so it can be retroactive.

Retroactive?

You are asking the Ministry of Justice
to take part in such nonsense?

I have been against the retroactivity
of laws, ever since my dissertation!

Do not count on me.

But you, yourself have made
amendments in laws!

Didn't you do that
in order to implement them?

Mr. Vice-President,

these amendments concern major crimes!

I cannot...

The Minister of Interior proposes measures
according to the circumstances.

The circumstances, maybe...
But not according to justice.

Order, gentlemen.
You see, order is essential.

I have faith in the Minister of Interior.

We need to find a compromise
with the Minister of Justice.

Major, we have your answer.

The board in Vichy, after long
discussions yesterday and today,

took some serious decisions.

Mr. Legrand will read them to you.

The position of the French government
on the murder of the German official

is that it was committed by the communists.

It would, thus, be unfair

to hold the citizens of Paris responsible

instead of those involved
in terroristic acts.

Therefore, we decided the following:

First: the creation of a special court

as soon as the occupation forces

accept the amendment
of the law of August the 20th.

This law imposes a death penalty
for the terrorist acts

preceding the attack in Barbès.

All right.

Second: Six imprisoned terrorists, who
are communist leaders, will be tried.

Your service indicated those six persons.

All right, ambassador.

Two Parisians were executed

for pushing a soldier in a demonstration.

The Navy believes that
the murder of its officer

calls for the death of six French.

They are guilty of terrorist acts.

There is a problem.

The law has not been published yet.

It will have to be retroactive.

Will the occupation forces object to that?

Is there a legal precedent to that?

Of course not, but we can create one.

The government can decide that
the law will be retroactive.

- The state...
- Thank you, Mr. Legrand, I understood.

Third: Immediate execution
of the sentence.

Excuse me...

Mr. Ambassador, what does "Immediate
execution of the sentence" mean?

The sentences will be determined
in advance?

No, the court will be given
special orders.

By whom?

By the Minister of Justice.

- Has he done that before?
- No.

But we can decide that he will.

- Four...
- They will be executed?

- Guillotine.
- In public.

Why in public?

The executions need to set an example.

People need to watch.

We'll do it at Place de la Concorde.

During the revolution, many heads
were cut off.

We hope you are satisfied
by these measures.

The Minister and I believe

we are saving many citizens
from execution.

This would cause internal turmoil.

Turmoil?

Mr. Ambassador, I will pass this
document to the Military Commander.

You will have an answer
as soon as possible.

Public executions?

We have to oppose.

- Isn't it, Dr. Schmidt;
- I agree, General.

We will face problems with the population.

Needless and disgusting,

especially if it takes place
in Place de la Concorde.

It would be against the populations
and they would be accusing us as well.

Anyway, there is a legal issue.

A law cannot be retroactive.

But we have to let them do it.

It is, after all, a French law

created to help French justice.

What do you think, Major?

Vichy's decision is violating everything.

All French legal notions.

Retrospective legislation entails
the end of liberal principle,

"No punishment without a law".

Montesquieu had stipulated

the principle of Separation of Powers.

Thanks to the new Minister,
everything is overturned.

Do you know what this Pucheu is after?

Power.

Right now, we can count on him.

But we will judge people
irrelevant to the attack.

A problem still remains, General.

The date.

We have to set the execution date.

I propose Thursday, at 8:00 am.

A week after the attack.

FRENCH STATE

COUNCIL PRESIDENCY

Marquis has arrived.

Excuse me.

- Good morning, Marquis.
- Good morning, Admiral.

- Brignon has the German answer.
- Thank you.

- What do they say?
- They approve.

- But no public executions.
- This is wrong.

The guillotine has a revolutionary
significance.

But these generals are conservative.

We will meet after the Council for lunch.

Goodbye.

Pierre, you are now responsible
for passing this law.

Do not take too long.

The situation is crystal clear.

The proactive and loyal attitude
of our government

has been appreciated
by the occupation forces.

By the Nazis.

Of course, the Minister of Justice
will say

that I wish to enact a retrospective law.

But are formalities more important
than national integrity?

Retroactive law is just a formula.

It sets no limit in punishing
past crimes.

This is amazing. Really, amazing.

You want us to go back to the massacres
of September 1792.

You won't find a single judge
to apply this law.

Barthelemy, calm down.

We are running out of time.

The Germans want the executions to take
place on Thursday, 8:00 am.

And the law has not been published yet.

Then drop the laws.

Go ahead with the executions.

- But leave justice out of it.
- Enough!

Mr. Minister of Justice,
make a small effort.

How is that possible?

It's under the responsibilities of the
Minister of Interior. Let him take over.

Let us move on.

On the bill: Agricultural Union
of regional cooperation...

The law must be published today.

You are very pressing.

What do you mean?

What date shall we put on the law?

- During the last 15 days?
- 10, and it must be signed now.

It must be published tomorrow
in the Official Gazette.

...and of the general conditions
of the farmers.

B: The related issue of education

and vocational training
of the rural youth.

C: The issue of discipline
and professional honor.

D: The prevailing conditions under the current law

or, if needed, control of production,
sale or prices

and the entire Agricultural Economy
in general.

The provisions of this law shall
abolish all previous...

What is this?

- I do not understand.
- It's for the law we approved.

What is this gap?

Article 10 will be written
by the judges in Paris.

Is it legal to sign it like this?

It is not very normal.

Look, the Marshal has signed it.

OK, then.

- Mr. Legrand.
- Mr. Attorney General.

Public Prosecutor.
Mr. President.

Gentlemen, I called you on a Saturday
because the issue is of great importance.

The Cabinet decided to publish immediately

the law for the crackdown
of terroristic acts.

After the attack,

the occupation forced accepted

that we should impose the sentences.

We must put forward six convictions
before Thursday.

- Do you have the culprits?
- No.

A Special Court must be formed,

and conduct a trial on Wednesday.

But this is in four days!
And you don't have the culprits.

And the law is incomplete.

So, you will have to complete the articles

giving authorities to the Special Court.

Let us be clear.

The government wants this law
to be retroactive

and it's charging it to us.

But it's against our principles
of justice.

It's the only way.

The Minister wants you
to redact this addition.

Why us?

You represent the Chancellery
and we're running out of time.

In a few words, you are...

We are mobilized.

But we are judges!

So am I, but these are
the government's orders.

After all, gentlemen

we are only asking you
for a simple redaction.

This redaction is not our jurisdiction.

What do we do?

I really don't know, but...

I refuse to do it.

It is indeed something trivial.

I will do it.

Public offences will have
a limitation period

of ten years after their perpetration

even if they have been committed
before the publishment of this law.

This way, anyone can be convicted
with any sentence.

Mr. Minister.

Night journeys make me hungry.

Why did I come?

I hate the issues of the occupied zone.

Because your presence was
absolutely necessary, Mr. Minister.

We only have two days left.

Mr. de Brinon is waiting for you now.

Very well, I'll tell you what I think.

I disagree with the new law.

Pucheu wants to pass,

and I oppose it.

What does Brinon want?

He wants the agreement with
the occupation forces to be implemented.

I wonder

is he an Ambassador of France in Germany,

or of Germany in France?

But, he is not wasting any time.

Did you know that he is taking money
from the secret funds

and he has renovated his tower
in Chassagne?

We have to hurry.

It's Monday,

and the issue is up to you.

I will solve it, but perhaps
not the way you expect.

Mr. Minister, I just saw the Admiral.

The position of the government is clear...
and firm.

We only need some application details.

Humiliating justice and embarrassing
the judiciary, are called details?

You are right.

But if the Special Court does
not convict six terrorists,

the Germans will execute 50 hostages.
Maybe more.

Really?

And not just anyone...

important persons...

I'll never be able to convince
my judges.

You'll give them no option.
It will be an order.

Chesnelong said:

"The courage of justice
opposes the audacity of evil."

You are right, from a legal
and humanitarian standpoint.

But the interest of the nation
is above all.

Our relations with the occupation forces,

the position of France in
the new European order.

Compared to these, your duty
is merely details.

Six death sentences are merely details.

Is it a small number?

Six dead?

Ten thousand people, are been killed
every day in the Russian front.

But not a single judge will accept such...

I'll give you some advice:

Choose judges who used to be warriors

and have been decorated in the front.

Tell them they have been mobilized

and sent to the front line.

Even if they have conscience problems,
they will obey.

The Minister of Interior wishes to see
the Minister of Justice.

Let him in.

Hello, I'm calling from
the Ministry of Justice.

- Is your husband there?
- No.

I need him urgently.

- Thursday at 8:00.
- This Thursday?

- With all his assistants.
- All of them?

- I'll send written instructions.
- Goodbye, Mr. Secretary.

All his assistants...

There are two military courts in Serbia.

We are not in Serbia!

We are at war and we have the same enemy.

You speak like a soldier.

But I am a civil Minister
who respects the law.

And you are right, dear friend.

In addition to executing
the terrorists' leaders

we need a National Socialist policy

against the left party.

Mr. Minister... Are you sure
that convicting six men

will save the lives of many
innocent hostages?

This is certain.

But it is not only a quantitative matter.

It is also a matter of
the State's prestige.

They are social dregs, Mr. Minister.

Will you return?

Summon the Senior Officers.

Yes, Mr. Minister.

One hundred hostages!

Germans wanted to execute one hundred
hostages at Place de la Concorde.

Including Archbishop of Paris,

Andre Siegfried too.

They would strangle them.

That was a close call, I think...

Yes...

Mr. Minister, your dinner is served.

Thank you.

Gentlemen.

The Minister is waiting for you.

No, I will first have to attend
the Memorial for the dead.

Yes, folk groups.

Let me know.

Gentlemen.

I will go with the Head of State
in Gascony.

So, let us not waste any time.
I'll get straight to the point.

We need six death sentences on Thursday.

The impartiality of justice...

Gentlemen, these are government orders.

Sit down.

I remember Chesnelong said:

"The courage of evil
opposes the audacity of law."

- Or was it the other way round?
- It was, Mr. Minister.

In a few words, the President says
we need to form this Court.

We need someone trustworthy
as a president. One of us.

Indeed... it is not easy.

It is August.

Roland is on vacation.

- Daïs too?
- Not Daïs!

You are right.

- Dourne!
- No, he is too meticulous.

Maybe Cournet...

Yes, President Cournet.

- Is he energetic?
- Yes.

He is cognizant of political issues.

Darrat, call President Cournet.

Mr. Cournet.

The Minister is waiting for you.

- Good morning.
- Minister.

The Attorney-General.

Mr. President.

Mr. Public Prosecutor...

Gentlemen, thank you.

Could you leave us alone?

No, not you! You are staying.

Sit down.

Please!

Please!

Mr. Cournet,

you are aware of the situation.

You have political awareness.

You have been appointed president
to a new Special Court.

May I know the responsibilities
of this Special Court?

Listen...

It all started two months ago...

when...

Germany... attacked Russia.

The war entered a decisive phase.

I would say that the war
took its true dimensions.

Exactly.

A global conflict

between western civilization
and Asian barbarity.

I doubt this is only a matter
of geography,

since French communists
are neither barbarians, nor Asians.

They are dangerous, exactly
because they are French.

The differences between the enemies
are social and national.

But... go on, please.

Well, since June 22nd,

the communists have multiplied their acts
of sabotage and the attacks.

- And murders.
- That is logical.

Before they were bound by
the German-Soviet pact,

which allowed Kremlin to gain time.

French communists are stupid.

Their obedience in Moscow
created serious problems

to their members.

But now, since June 22nd,
Russia and France have the same enemy.

But... you were saying, Minister...

That we need six death sentences.

May I see the law for the Special Court?

Bring me the Official Gazette.

They are late.

They are late.

Judge Cournet is studying the law.

- The law?
- Yes.

That is unbelievable!

I am furious!

I am out of here!

The prosecution of terrorist, yes,
is a serious matter. We have to do it.

But sentencing people to death,

with a retroactive law,
this is abominable!

I am offended that you even
considered me for such a position.

It is indeed abominable...

Not only has he refused,
he is giving me lessons as well!

I've had it. Come in. Come!

Unbelievable!

Judges, running away!

I have always defended you!

But they need me.
You can no longer count on me.

Assume your responsibilities.

Mr. Minister, we could find someone else.

- You have another candidate?
- Maybe...

Mr. Benon.

He is the Vice President of the Chamber,
but he is reliable.

He will accept.

He was injured at war.

Notify him.

The Minister is waiting for you.

- Minister.
- Good morning, Mr. Benon.

- You already know Mr. President.
- Hello.

The Attorney-General and
the Public Prosecutor.

Leave us alone, please.

Thank you.

Sit down.

Sir, they told me you are a man of values

that has not yet been rewarded,

even though you deserved it.

His wife is niggling.

She always tells him:
"Still a counselor, at your age!"

- Now he will be rewarded.
- President of the Special Court.

- Isn't he a widower?
- She's his third wife.

Mrs. Korsch.

They say he dyes his hair.

And that he wears powder.

- No!
- Yes.

I know you are an old warrior.

You were wounded twice, in Marne?

I was at Vosges,

but mostly at Verdun.

Even better.

Well, consider yourself mobilized
once more.

We need to stop the Germans once more.

For the murder of one of their officers
they want to execute 100 hostages.

We must act in advance,

by immediately executing six saboteurs.

Can I count on you?

You can count on me, Mr. Minister.

I congratulate you.

You are the President
of the Special Court.

Congratulations.

Mr. President!

We have a president...

Now we need four judges.

They are waiting outside.

Do they agree?

I did not ask them. I appointed them.

They didn't complain?

I don't want other crazy people.

I took care of it personally.

Very well.

Dear Darrat, you are irreplaceable.

You have to talk to them.

Don't ask for their opinion. Just appeal
to their duty towards the state.

Here they are:

A veteran of Verdun, injured,
moderate judge.

It's a great promotion for him.

Second one, also an old warrior,

of humble origin, his father
was a policeman.

He is a Judge in a juvenile court.

The third one, also injured in war
a year before he retired.

He would like to retire
as a vice president.

Here is his chance.

The last one, awarded with a Medal
of the Military Cross,

an active French nationalist.

We have crimes every day, sabotages...

I am appointing you members
of a new Court

which needs to abolish them
quickly and forcefully.

From now on,

consider yourselves mobilized.

Mr. Geno interrupted his vacations
to be at your disposal.

He will be the Public Prosecutor
of the Special Court.

Mr. Geno, the Appeals' Court judge

says you are the best.

- Are you aware of the situation?
- I know my role, Mr. Minister.

Thank you.

Sit down.

Read this law.

What?

You have not communicated with Agen yet?

But I have to escort the Prime
Minister on Saturday.

Give me his secretary.

On Saturday, I will travel with
the Marshal in my region.

Yes, Minister.

Right now he is talking
with the Prosecutor.

- How are things there?
- Very well.

- Keep me posted.
- You can count on that.

Geno, we are no longer masters
in our home.

It's a fuss. What do you do?

Well, what do you think?

At least this text is clear.

What do you think about
the death penalty?

My father was a judge.

He used to say: "Criminals are
only afraid of death".

We will set an example.

You will have two deputies to help you.

But you will be the government spokesman.

I always knew my role.

Perfect.
He is perfect.

Good morning, Madame.

- You've left the boss waiting.
- The subway was late.

Excuse me, the subway was late...

- Have some coffee if you want.
- Thank you.

Well, I have orders.

Ginette, turn the radio down.

There will be six convictions.

Six!

- When?
- The day after tomorrow.

We have to sleep there.

Due to the curfew.

- And what do I say to Durand?
- We'll meet there at 10:00pm.

We will eat together and then
I'll go for the papers.

Six...

- I looked everywhere for you.
- I went for coffee.

They are asking for the names of
the accused for tomorrow's Special Court.

You haven't decided yet?

We only have prisoners with minor crimes.

The Germans will be surprised

if we sentence to death petty charlatans.

They will suspect we are condemning
third class actors.

We could choose from
those who have appealed.

You cannot do that.

People already sentenced to 5 years
and you want to try then again

and sentence them to death.
It's injustice.

- Justice... now...
- We have to act according to law.

We should only act differently
in case we reach a dead end.

We have reached a dead end.

The trial is about to start and
we do not have culprits!

Let us see the records.

I have to get ready for the Court.
Settle it.

- What shall we do?
- It's up to you.

General Secretary, this is Cavarroc.

Concerning the Special Court...
Who will be the defendants?

We have a problem.

I will make a phone call
and get back to you.

It's Darrat, Mr. Minister.

Yes, I'm listening.

The Germans will arrest

50 lawyers and 50 judges, as hostages

and hang them at Place de la Concorde.

I have to save as many as I can.

Yes?

Parinaud, help the gentlemen
find the records.

I'm listening, General Secretary.

Where do we start?

Let's choose at random.

I am here to help you.

I have an appointment.
Settle it.

What is in here?

Anarchists and communists are there,
those who have appealed are here,

one year here, more than three years there,
over four, five and above, there.

- The Jews?
- On the right.

Choose 50 communists and anarchists
and 50 Jews.

And bring them in my office.

Yes, Mr. Prosecutor.

...revenues for the Special Court
of Paris,

according to the decision
of the Ministry of Justice

this decree will be published
in the Official Gazette

and will be implemented
as a law of the state.

Ministry of Justice,
August 25th, 1941.

According to the decision
of the Head of State,

we proceed with this Special Court.

Mr. President, Consultants,
please take your seats.

You too, Mr. Jazz, welcome to our ranks.

Here are the Jews.

Thank you. You may go now.

Can you come, Mr. Prosecutor?

I made an initial selection.

Have you found anything interesting?

I have selected around 30, but
they have minor convictions.

These ones have been sentenced
to over 3 years

and here are the others,
with smaller sentences.

- Jews?
- There are plenty.

Choose six with the more serious crimes.
Four communists and two Jews.

Here.

A communist Jew.

These are only five.

We can add...

this one.

No, I'm sorry.
Better this one.

That was it.

Now choose another six
with smaller convictions.

Half communists, half Jews.

- Twelve are enough for today.
- Yes, certainly.

- Have you notified the prosecutors?
- Yes, they are waiting.

I think this may be dangerous.

Dangerous?

- You really think so?
- Why dangerous?

What could be dangerous in applying
a law of the government?

- Let us make a hypothesis.
- On what?

I'll make one.

It might be irrational, but listen.

Let's say the Germans are sinking
in the snow in Russia.

And that USA ally with England.

These are fads.

And why would this concern us?

Who will govern us if the Germans lose?

The friends and companions

of those we will sentence
to death tomorrow.

So this is what seems dangerous?

Among others...

It is indeed dangerous.

Even if you are right,
France will still exist.

Our country, our institutions remain

regardless who is governing.

Mr. General Secretary, Guenot.

Do not worry.

There is nothing dangerous about it.

He is trying to get a place
in the Supreme Court.

Tomorrow, gentlemen.

Deputy Prosecutor, Guillot.

Here are their files.

These two are minor,
but these three are very serious.

Sampaix, I know him.

- He is a journalist.
- Yes.

This is very difficult.

But we need six, to save one hundred.

I just gave three to Guenot.

The rest is up to you.

Tetaut is young and inexperienced.

We are all mobilized, Guillot.

I know, sir.

Brecher, come out.

Bastard.

Woog.

Point.

Trzebrucki.

- What's the matter?
- Come!

Friedman.

Laithier, out.

Sampaix, out.

Guyot.

What do they want?

Today you are free to talk
to one another.

The list.

Jefe, what's the matter?

I don't know, they asked for you.

And where are we going?

I know you've been surprised
that I called for you so suddenly,

and I am sorry.

The government has formed
a Special Court.

The Court will be in session
this morning.

It will try the cases

of terrorists and saboteurs.

All of them, are facing
the death penalty.

The Court will judge

according to a new retroactive law.

- Retroactive?
- Incredible!

The President asked me
to appoint advocates.

This trial is a mockery!
Why do you need advocates?

After long consideration, I thought:

We might do something useful.

Those poor people will,
at least, have some help.

It is a hard mission, I know.

I'm expecting your decision
in half an hour.

We are taking you to court.

- But I've been tried.
- Now we'll see.

I have already been tried!

Be quiet!

What does that mean?

Six convictions to murder?

This is crazy!
There is nothing in here!

Look at this law we have to apply.

Articles 8, 9, 10.

It's disgusting.

It is retroactive.

I did not know.

What does that mean?

What are you saying?

It is horrible.
But we need convictions.

Otherwise, they will take hostages.
Even judges...

- Nobody told me! It is a trap.
- Linnet.

I will not be part of that.

The situation is serious.

For me, this law does not exist.

I only recognize the 1939 decree

which provides for a maximum
sentence of 5 years.

I judge according to this law.

I will judge according to the facts
and my consciousness.

Of course, Linnet, come, calm down.

Gentlemen, the Court.

- Why are they wearing red?
- I don't know.

Silence!

Guard, bring in the accused.

Redondeau, Leon.

Name, age and profession.

Redondeau, Leon,

Head of road maintenance crew
in Malakoff, 48 years old.

Mr. President...

Taking into consideration
the nature of the case,

I propose an in camera trial.

- What?
- Formal issue.

What is the opinion of the defense?

No, Mr. President.

The Court, after discussion

and taking into consideration that
the disclosure of these opinions

can disturb public order,

decided that this will be
an in camera trial.

Please evacuate the room.

Redondeau, on July 21st 1941,

you insulted police officers

during their duty

calling them idiots.

- Do you deny that?
- No, Mr. President.

Furthermore, you had in your possession

subversive pamphlets.

Yes, Mr. President.
Anti-Nazi pamphlets.

You know the facts, very well.

Attorney-General?

According to the law
of August 14th, 1941

this is a serious violation.

I ask for ten years hard labor.

- They are crazy!
- Shut up! It's OK this way.

The defense.

Mr. President...

Octave Lamand.

- Lamand.
- Here.

I'm your lawyer.

Sit down.

I have a few questions.

- You are Octave Lamand?
- Yes.

- Age?
- 45 years old.

- Profession?
- Glazier.

Therefore,

I ask for the Court's indulgence.

The Court recesses to confer.

Is this a joke?

Ten years hard labor
for insulting the cops?

- You should be thankful.
- Thankful?

- But...
- There are death sentences.

Shit.

Gentlemen, the Court.

According to Article 224, 365
of the Criminal Procedure

and to the law of August 14th, 1941...

- Ten months.
- Years.

Ten years.

- How much?
- Ten years.

Ten?

- Next.
- Lamand, Octave!

Bring the accused in.

- Bernard Friedman.
- Friedman.

Good morning, I'm your advocate.

Sit down.

- My advocate?
- I was appointed by the court.

- Have you notified our families?
- No.

It is an in camera trial.

In camera.

Fifteen.

Next case, bring the accused in.

Friedmann, Bernard,
50 years old, hatter.

Pole, naturalized citizen of France.

You have been arrested for posting

a communist propaganda poster

and for having a fake ration card.

Attorney-General?

Mr. President,

according to Daladier law

of September 26th, 1939,
I ask for one year imprisonment.

The defense.

Mr. President, we accept the proposal
of the Attorney-General.

Your turn, Lafarge.

Trzebrucki, what kind of a catholic
are you, defending Jews?

I will become anti-Semite after the war.

Listen to this.

I defended a Jew who was posting
communist' posters.

The Attorney asked for one year
and the court gave him ten.

Ten years!

How do you pronounce your name?

Not easy.

Guards, bring the accused in.

We're having lunch after this one.

- Why are they wearing red?
- It's an important court.

- Is this good or bad for me?
- Sit down.

Who are these people, Mr. President?

Mr. President, you said it would be
in camera.

I can see that it isn't.

I demand the respect of the law.

You demand nothing,
and lower your voice.

I'm afraid you've already
reached a verdict.

But this is not justice.

Recall what you just said, or...

Or?

Or?

Abraham "Tebrouki".

Stand up.

- Is this your name?
- Trzebrucki, Mr. President.

Since you like your name
why did you change it,

living here for 20 years
with forged documents?

They were authentic, Mr. President.

Authentic?

Your real name is Adolph "Pifofski".

No, Mr. President, it is
Abraham Trzebrucki.

I had a forged ID

and the police gave me a regular one.

Yet, your brother is called
Adolph "Pifofski".

But even if he's called Abraham,
his deportation order is still valid.

You are also accused for corrupting

a civil servant.

Why did you buy forged papers?

Abraham or Adolph or whatever?

To stay in France, of course.

With your permission, Mr. President,
the thing is quite simple,

in spite of the imaginative details...

tragicomic even...

Trzebrucki.

Abraham left Poland.
He worked in the mines of Belgium.

He wanted to live with his sister,
who was married in France.

France has always been a country
giving asylum.

A nation open to the deprived.

Thus, as a Christian nation...

To the facts.

He crossed the border illegally.

He was arrested, deported
and then he returned.

He had better luck, arrived in Paris
and found a job.

In order to work here, you need papers.

If you work without papers

you get less money.
That's all.

So Abraham was legalized here

as Adolph Piwolski.

This is a euphemism.

You call an illegal settlement,
legalization?

The truth is different.

If the accused wanted
his papers to be legal

it was because he wanted
to go on unpunished

as a dangerous agent
of the Communist International.

I have all the evidence here.

This document was found
in the house of the accused.

It is a copy of his CV,
he wrote himself,

for the Soviet Consulate in Paris.

What is its date?

- What difference does it make?
- It is vital.

It is dated November 1940.

Back then there was
a Soviet Consulate in Paris.

And a Soviet Ambassador in Vichy.

- Germany had a pact with Russia.
- Let's stick to the facts.

I'm getting there.

The Russians occupy Abraham's country,
Poland, in 1939.

Germany and Russia divide the country.

The issue of documents, is thus
up to the Soviet Consulate.

Then everything changed.

We cannot accuse him
because alliances changed.

Don't start your final statement yet.
You'll have plenty of time.

So, after you bought the documents
of Pifolski,

you managed to live here for 15 years,
under a false name.

Yes, and at the end, I managed
to get married.

And you got married with forged
papers and false witnesses. Naturally.

The witnesses were real, Mr. President.

I opened up a millinery.

And while you were living your
life with your family and your millinery

you still had time for illegal activities.

I don't understand.

We found in your house aid coupons
for a subversive group

dependent on the Third International.

But the money were a token of solidarity
to help the Jews.

The money were for the Communist
International in France,

the most dangerous underground group.

The Attorney-Gereral.

For this case, I ask for a death penalty.

This person has already been judged.

He has been sentenced to five years.

And today, we are asking
for a death penalty

with a law written after his trial.

This is a judiciary scandal.

The issue is not strictly legal.

There are political reasons,
dictating this decision.

On one side, we have the hostages
we can save

lawyers and famous personalities.

On the other side, we have
a stateless person,

anonymous, a mediocrity.

He is a recidivist.

He is a mess.

Let's vote.

Death.

Death.

I disagree.

Death.

Four to one.
I'd prefer a unanimous decision.

Join us, Linnet.

Even so.

After the verdict,

we'll have a lunch break.

Save the food for later.
I'm in a hurry.

Is this Special Court so serious?

It's no longer one death sentence...

They have decided in advance
a total of six.

To be executed in 48 hours.

I'm going to Vichy to ask for a pardon.

You may take the car.

I'm calling immediately
to get you a pass.

What is going on?

I defended a poor guy

who was sentenced to death
for a misdemeanor.

I will obtain a pardon.

The Marshal would not allow it,
if he knew.

- Where is Madame?
- In the dining room.

- Are you there?
- The food is ready.

So, how was the first day?

Mr. President of the Special Court...

Tiresome day, my love.

Very tiresome...

I kept thinking of Verden all morning.

When I was behind the revetment

and I had to fight.

Was it interesting? Agreeable?

Delicate...

A real State affair.

Tell me all about it.

Lucien,

The Jew is not here.

They isolate those sentenced to death,
don't they?

14:20, time to go. Come.

Quickly.

Did you have a nice lunch?

Did you have a nice lunch?

- You're already here?
- I was ordered to.

It's too early. Don't stay here.

- Come back at 17:30.
- All of us?

- Six will be executed?
- But of course.

You confessed being responsible
for the communist' propaganda

head of the Paris section.

I confessed nothing, Mr. President.

I do not understand.

You have tried me 9 days ago.

There is a witness in this room.
The judge who tried me.

- Second on your left.
- Stick to the facts!

- We found lists in your house.
- You found nothing!

I am a communist, faithful to
my party and to my country.

- I do not believe that France...
- Shut up and sit down!

Sit down.

But that judge was in my trial.

- Why don't you have an advocate?
- I don't know.

I will defend myself.

- Do you need a postponement?
- I'd rather do it today.

You and your wife are accused
for subversive propaganda.

According to the police report.

We found proclamation paper
in your house.

Proclamation?

- It was just white paper!
- We also found three proclamations.

You can find them in all letter boxes.

- And this?
- This is normal.

I was a section secretary
before the war.

I renounced my ideas.

I ask for the maximum sentence.

Five years imprisonment.

15 months imprisonment.

Mr. Attorney General.

In this case, just as in
the previous one,

I can only ask for a death sentence.

That's impossible.

The defense.

This man is an idealist.

He is of course wrong in his beliefs,

but he believes in
the evolution of society.

He is loyal, primitive no doubt...

but naive...

Nonsense!

Naive, loyal, idealist!

You are defending an enemy of order!

- What do you think?
- Death sentence.

The attitude of this man,
has touched me...

I sensed human quality.

- I can't sentence him to death.
- Neither can I.

The Court, after discussion,

finds Andre Brecher, guilty:

First: for engaging in activities

which promote, directly or indirectly,

the Third International...

Secondly...

Many exiles...

Whenever I went to see Pauline.

...according to the law
of August 14th, 1941,

Brecher is sentenced to death,

He is also sentenced to a fine
of 5,447.21 francs,

plus 62 francs, expenses.

He will be led to the guillotine
in Santé Prison.

Next case.

Bastard, Emile!

Our turn.

With my past,

I'm in deep trouble.

You have many convictions.

I did a lot of stupid things...

but I enjoyed it...
and no one can take that away from me.

- Bring the accused in.
- Let's go.

The cap.

Do not speak too much about
your unfortunate youth.

Or your past, in general.

Emile!

Emile!

What?

Thief!

Thief!

You were sentenced to three months
with parole...

but it didn't stop you.

Nice car.

Let's have a ride.

- Shall we?
- What are you saying? Wait!

One year imprisonment.

Your first time in jail.

But you relapsed again...

Two years for pimping.

No, no! I do not agree.

A policeman set me up.

- He liked Rita...
- Shut up!

It talks about pimping here.

You served two years.

You are stubborn.

You kept coming to Paris,
despite the prohibition.

Because of Pauline.

You cannot.

You'll see.

I'll find you in Paris.

You cannot. You are not allowed there.

- You'll see.
- We'll see.

You have been arrested and convicted...
six times.

She worked in Paris...

She could not leave...
I had to come.

- What?
- Nothing.

A total of 8 convictions...

And most important...
you were arrested at your house

for illegal printing and therefore
distribution of subversive leaflets.

Mr. President, his last
arrest and conviction

was over 10 years ago.

Meanwhile, the accused married Pauline

and worked as an installer
of heat devices.

As for the leaflets...

the police found a typewriter...

You can tell us all these in
your final statement, later on,

but the facts are clear.

Mr. Attorney General.

As in the previous cases

I ask for a death sentence.

It is still too early.

We prefer to wait here.
Sitting outside is driving us crazy.

Mr. Deputy Prosecutor,
you will replace Guenot.

Sampaix is a journalist.

I cannot impose a death penalty
just for a man's ideas!

Guillot, do not back out now.

There is no other solution.

We've already discussed it.

We have no other solution.

I'm finished. You have
your three convictions.

This last one is up to them.

It won't be a problem.

He was a pimp.

The pimp of a woman named Pauline.

Do not tell me that this pimp
is also an idealist.

He is a pig.

This Bastard is a hypocrite, a loser,

but I am against capital punishment
for political crimes.

Who is in favor?

Yes.

Four in favor.

We're half way there...

but we still have three important cases.

You had an important post in
L'Humanité, Mr. Sampaix.

I was the chief executive
of the newspaper.

You were arrested, you escaped

and repeated your activities
against national reconstruction.

Will you stop this?

You represent a foreign occupation force
which has enslaved our country.

I refuse to apologize
to a court of slaves.

This man who organized this trial...

Pucheu, the new Minister of Interior...

Give him my head as he demands.

But be careful!

You, who -as you say,
are going to judge me...

Nazi Germany will be defeated

and one day, the French people
will be the judge!

Mr. Attorney Gereral.

Go on then...

I ask for a death sentence.

Of course you do.

The defense.

- Mr. President...
- Lawyer...

There's no need. The death sentences
have already been decided.

Don't waste your talent.

Let them deal with their consciousness.

The court will now convene.

There is no doubt.

- He is dangerous.
- He is a very well know journalist.

He has influence over people.

His conviction could cause
serious problems.

If you are worried about public order,
he must not die.

The general interest,
the whole situation,

everything is against
convicting Sampaix.

But he is very dangerous...

He is guiltier!
He dragged the other three!

If you condemn him,
I'm leaving the Court.

- You cannot do that! We are soldiers.
- No! We are judges!

Enough, Benon.

All right.

Let's vote.

- I vote against.
- So do I. Without hesitation.

I vote for.

Cottet?

It's hard, but no. I mean,
I will not abandon you. I vote for.

I knew that you are not a deserter.

He was certainly the most important
among the defendants...

And probably the most dangerous,
I agree.

But won't he be more dangerous dead?

I vote against his death sentence.

Three against.

Benon, enough convictions for today.

They did not dare to sentence me
to death.

Life in hard labor, is like an acquittal.

They won't dare with you, either.

It is a hoax.

You have to save the three
who were condemned.

Ask for a pardon.

- People will react.
- Don't talk like that!

This concerns you too! A lot!

You are French!

They have assigned you with the dirty job
and you're accepting it!

The court is adjourned.

- Lucien, what did you get?
- Life.

They suspended the hearing.

- The trial is over.
- But this is a victory.

- The trials have stopped.
- Great!

Don't talk!

Lucien, if something happens to me,
take care of my wife.

She is a good comrade.

You'll take care of her. You will all
get pardons. It's certain now.

You may enter now.

Thank you.

- There are only three?
- Yes.

Why did they ask me to call
all the assistants?

We will be too many tomorrow!

Too many...

After I've signed it,
it is no longer my problem.

It is the responsibility
of the chancellery.

And if you refuse to sign?

If we find a loophole in the law?

Think of the future

and of justice.

Justice acts within the law.

And the future will confirmed
that it has applied the law.

Rigidly perhaps, but legally.

Is there a time limit for the executions?

Article 7: The decisions
of the Special Court

are final and irrevocable
by the Court of Cassation,

and are executed immediately.

Immediately?

They will be executed tomorrow at dawn.

Executed?

The Head of State, of course,

can exercise his right
and give a pardon.

Who needs to learn the infamy
committed in his name.

Your colleague Lafarge is going
to Vichy, right?

He will notify the Head of State,

in case he has forgotten the measures

he himself announced on Saturday,
in the Cabinet.

In order to honor the Head of State

the better way

is to start with the text of
the great poet Paul Claudel,

"Ode to Marshal".

Mr. Marshal,

"There is a duty to the dead,
which is to resurrect them."

The Minister of Interior will decide.

But it is now and today
that we are needed

and that there still is something
to be done.

French, listen!

Minister, excuse me...

An advocate, friend of mine,
came to ask for a pardon.

A pardon?

There is no such a case.

Listen and say:

"Haven't you had enough of politics?"

There is no point to see the Marshal,
since the Minister refused.

The Marshal is a Jew.

Come stand by my side!

...countless armies,

come and share with me...

- Can I see the Marshal?
- No.

An advocate wants to ask for a pardon.

See the Minister of Justice.

The Minister of Justice...

Where is he?

A clarion is not enough
to resurrect the dead!

It is our present obligation

and the heartbreaking thought
that it must be done.

We do not have to live
because we are noble,

But because we are necessary!

When you are needed
it is absurd to die.

Look up and see the sky.

Something immense:

It is our flag

something eternally in heaven

which only represents power.

It is something

that is stronger than the night,

and that is the dawn!

This will work.

The Germans wanted six dead.

Instead of the 3 "survivors"
3 members of the Gaullist resistance.

The 3 "survivors", along with
other convicts

were either shot or died in exile.

The Special Courts operated
throughout the duration of occupation.

After the liberation
no serious sanctions

were imposed on any of their judges.

Always the National interest...

Subtitles: hobsbaum
for KG, July 2015.