Original subtitles

Negro, are we in a hurry?

Lost your voice?

He probably can't talk because his father's a jungle ape.

See what happens when an ape does it with a dollar whore.

A chocolate puff!

And your mother wasn't embarrassed, right?

What's up, are you peeing yourself?

What's that?

The long awaited returnee transport has finally arrived.

613 men and 20 women had to wait for more than 8 years after war's end.

Then they were finally re-united with their families.

LITTLE BIG VOICE

Federal President Koerner welcomed them back in Austria saying...

"Your fate was the war that wasn't your fault."

At the same time the occupying troops prepare to withdraw.

So that Austria, our home, can finally join the league of free nations.

A farewell concert of the world-famous Vienna Boys' Choir is planned.

Worldwide, the little big voices are regarded as Austria's cultural figurehead.

Their tours make our country well-known and popular all over the world.

A big tour is planned to America.

The admission exams are being held this spring.

Every year, hundreds of boys come to audition.

Maybe they'll become the youngest Austrian ambassadors.

Traveling to America and around the world.

Get your accordion out!

I'll get him down now!

Negro!

Come down now!

Negro! For God's sake. Come down!

Negro! Negro!

The girl's pregnant and doesn't know the father.

The neighbor's got a billygoat, so blame it on him.

A black billy goat!

You see, that's just the usual way!

Kiss ass, Hollodero!

Kiss ass, Hollodero!

That's just the way it is here.

Singing's in a negro's blood!

That's enough. The lad's got to sleep, he's got school tomorrow.

What does he need school for?

There you go.

What? Don't you want to pick your tips up?

Good negro. Benedictus!

The blessed one!

She couldn't think of another name. He's not a blessing but a punishment!

As if I wasn't punished enough.

Hollodero!

If Marianne had seen that.

Marianne's under the earth!

We're being punished because she went to bed with a negro.

Just as the war was over. Bloody Americans!

Marianne was a dollar whore!

It's a disgrace.

- But Benedikt is still your grandson. - No.

Someone who looks like him isn't my grandson.

Take care, Benedikt.

Negro! Get up! Get some firewood!

Where is he?

American/Russian Demarcation Line.

What's with you? Ticket!

Are you trying to make fun of me, snotnose? Ticket!

Please!

Come with me.

Not a sound till we're moving.

Where do you want to go?

To my father in America.

Silly, the train only goes to Vienna.

I know, but it's a start.

Well, that's a relief.

Spasiba...

Excuse me, how do I get to the choirboys?

Practice, practice, practice!

Listen, lad! Come here, we're going that way anyway.

Bye, take care!

Thanks, bye!

Good luck, bye.

I know you.

What did he say?

I know you from the Newsreel. You're the reason I'm here.

I want to audition.

In that outfit?

You'll get called in. What's your number?

Number?

He's not even registered. Good luck, snotnose!

Number 50!

Number 52!

I...- Is that you?

- Yes... - Then come along.

Number 52.

What's your name?

You don't need to be nervous, we won't bite.

Even if we look like it.

That's the director.

Choirmaster Brem.

Vocal coach Vogler.

Prefect Roschek.

Ms. Brandl, the director's right hand.

And I'm Max Goldberg, I'm the choirmaster of the Haydn choir.

And you're Berger, Anton. Right?

No. I'm Thaler, Benedikt.

What?

Thaler Benedikt?

I can't find you on my list.

Have you got your registration with you?

No.

Where are your parents, Benedikt? Are they waiting outside?

They're, my... I want to audition!

Well, you've come to the right place.

What've you prepared?

Which song would you like to sing?

The girl is pregnant and doesn't know the father.

Hollodero!

The neighbors got a billygoat so we'll blame it on him.

Hollodero!

You see, that's just the way it is here!

Hollodero!

Kiss ass, Hollodero!

Kiss ass, Hollodero! That's the way it is here!

Excuse me.

There must've been a mistake.

The number 52 is ours.

- What's the name? - Berger.

Toni Berger, I'm his mother.

Number 52, Berger, Anton. He's on the list.

From Krems.

I'm sorry, director, I don't know how it happened.

I must join the choirboys, please.

What's this nonsense, lad?

Are you trying to make fools of us?

What did you prepare?

"Rose on the Heath" by Franz Schubert.

Please go and get him up here again.

What?

Please, hurry!

He's got no number, so he can't audition.

Do we need numbers or voices?

Can't you hear that?

He's exceptionally talented.

Yes, but what prefect Roschek means is that we can't just break all the rules.

I want him to audition, director.

Well, prefect...

Go down, please.

Well, snotnose?

Well, that's sorted.

And? Are you satisfied?

What do you mean?

The only really talented lad today has been successfully chased out.

The "Number Lobby" can cheer.

And you think I belong to the "Number Lobby?"

I didn't notice you putting yourself out for him.

It's not my job.

No? So what is your job?

Organize lists of numbers correctly? You learnt that from the Nazis.

With respect, Mr. Goldberg, you're insulting!

Yes, it's probably my Jewish inheritance.

I'm sorry about what you and your family went through in the war.

I regret that you feel that nothing's changed.

But I assure you; Not everybody who sticks to the rules is a Nazi.

Are you sure?

Why talk to me if you know everything better?

I'm asking myself that too.

Mr. Goldberg!

Just one thing.

Don't do that again.

I know you're new here, but don't ever send me somewhere again.

I'm not your runaround.

No, if you had run, the lad wouldn't have got away.

There are certain limits, even for choirmasters.

Sorry, but the lad's gone. I don't know what's the point...

There's nothing more to say! Goodbye!

What a shmock!

Young man? One says, a door lock is only useful against decent people.

Are you a decent person?

- I want... - Breaking in isn't decent.

That's for sure. And pretty useless in any case.

There's not much left to get here.

I wanted to go to Mr. Goldbear. The Vienna Boys' choirmaster.

Max Goldbear.

I don't know a Goldbear, but I know a Goldberg. There are two of them.

I'm one, Siegfried Goldberg.

And the other one, the choirmaster, is my son Max.

That's him!

Then we've sorted it out.

- Where have I got my... - Can I go to him, your son?

Sure, if I manage to find my keys in this century. There they are!

Go on in then.

Max!

Hello, dad!

I've brought someone with me.

He says he's looking for you. One of your choirboys.

But plain-clothed.

One doesn't recognize him right away.

Don't you wear that sailor's outfit day and night?

I always wondered why.

Or do you all go to sea after singing?

Where do you come from?

I want to join the choir boys.

Okay, so why did you run away?

What? You aren't one?

Not yet, but I really want to be one!

Listen, we had hundreds of lads audition.

They all want that too.

But I must be one, please!

I see. Imagine they all did that.

Just walk in here to me and say: "I must be one!"

Not everybody's doing it. It's only me, and I won't tell anyone else.

I like the lad, I like him a lot.

You're probably hungry, right?

Then that makes two of us.

Unfortunately we've got nothing, because my son's a big artist.

He just lives off air and love of music.

I like the lad more and more.

I don't want to be a spoilsport, dad, but that's pork bacon!

So what? You know the old saying: How can a Jew live without a bit of pork?

That's enough. All day you've had a face like someone's died.

I'm just worried.

One mouth less to feed.

It's enough that he stole my best bacon and a bottle of Schnapps.

Be glad I didn't catch him.

The bed linen is supposed to be here somewhere.

We don't get many visitors.

Our chambermaid used to do all that.

- In the old flat... - Are you rich?

No! Not anymore. Hitler took care of that.

They say it's not as good with money as it's bad without it.

But I lost a lot more than money.

No, he says he's an orphan, but he doesn't say where he's from.

If he's reported missing anywhere, could you let me know? Thank you.

Max Goldberg.

You can reach me through the Vienna Boys' Choir at Augarten Palace.

Exactly, thank you inspector. Until then.

Who was that?

The police. Somebody must be missing the lad.

He's not missed.

You of all people say that.

I'm worried about you, father.

It's not good that you...

Look, you go to our old house every day.

An arrangement is an arrangement.

Yes, but the war has been over for 10 years.

It'd be a miracle if mother...

Who's talking about miracles? You can't rely on miracles.

And you can't mend a torn heart...

...with patches.

I've no certainty, Max.

I don't know what's happened to your mother.

It's alright.

Here!

You're a bit old for bedtime stories.

The nicest verses from Germany.

They took everything from us.

But the Germans can do that as well.

They write the most beautiful poetry.

I am with you, however far you go.

You're close to me.

The sun sinks and soon the stars will shine.

If only you were here!

I'm looking for someone too.

Really?

Haven't you had enough, Jerry?

One for the road.

To love!

Hey, GI!

Come on!

Keep going, boys! Just a drunk.

Don't let the uniform fool you.

Let's get you back to the barracks.

I'm just a drunk! Keep going, boys.

I really want to give him a chance, director.

The bureaucratic details are...

So we're rewarding unseemly behavior!

No, we're rewarding his passion to sing with the choirboys.

And his exceptional talent. And we're rewarding his courage.

He fought his way here alone in order to be accepted.

I'm deeply moved. You think a negro will fit in with us?

Leave it off, dear Roschek. Okay?

Perhaps we could make an exception.

Exceptions confirm the rule, right?

Alright.

If the choirmaster feels that the lad's suitable for artistic grounds.

- Yes I do... - Then let's try it.

But we're not making it a rule to circumvent our audition rules, yes?

- Naturally... - Yes.

The times are changing.

Unfortunately.

Ms. Brandl, please deal with the good Roschek so that he's not too angry.

You always manage to choose the right words, alright?

Alright, young man. Take a seat.

Silentium!

Hans, wait!

Don't look like that.

We're not in danger of losing our morality.

Your father would never have agreed to it.

He was one of the best choirmasters we ever had.

That might be true, but times change.

Don't start talking like him.

Why don't you like him?

It's good that a bit of fresh wind is blowing.

An American Jew as head of the Vienna Boys' Choir?

Not everything new is good.

He grew up here, he didn't choose to be American.

We're talking too long about the guy.

He's a good choirmaster. The lads like him.

You're lovely.

Right, rookies. I'm only going to tell you once.

Each of you gives me a toll at the beginning of the month so that...

Good morning!

Morning!

Listen! The rehearsal starts in a moment.

First I have to look at something with the director.

So sit down and be quiet.

Right...

We'll sing from here. Can you see?

Start, please.

What?

D, C.

Can't you read notes?

I'd have been surprised with a half-ape.

I don't need notes.

Perhaps he should start with the beginners.

I really don't need notes.

You're an exceptional singer.

That's exactly what we're looking for.

But the director feels that regarding technique...

I really don't need notes! I can sing anything I've ever heard.

For example, what he sang in the Newsreel.

He sings well.

I mean, for a half-ape.

From whom did you inherit that voice?

From my father.

He composed the song I sang in front of the window yesterday.

My mother told me that before she died.

Is your father a composer or a musician?

I don't know, I never met him.

You don't find a voice like that every day.

I know that myself.

He's an exceptional talent!

I heard. You don't need to work to convince me anymore.

Alright, then we'll try it for God's sake.

I'll give the appropriate instructions to Ms. Brandl and prefect Roschek.

Fine, wonderful! Then let's get started.

Mr. Director?

I've got a bit more bacon if you'd like it.

As a thank you.

Well, you're really...

Exceptional!

What did the teacher want?

He wanted to know when the lad's back at school.

What did you tell him?

The truth.

Like a decent Christian should.

How should I know when he's back when I don't know where he is?

We'll put you with a few other boys from the Haydn choir.

You'll sleep together in the 2nd hall.

Reveille's at 6.30 am, breakfast at 7. Afterwards lessons and choral tests.

Then it's lunchtime.

But I can't pay.

What do you mean?

For room and board.

You don't have to. The school and the boarding school are free.

- So are the trips... - To America too?

Yes, that as well. Why?

Just asking.

The bed between Herman and Adolf is free.

And that's your locker.

Always make your bed after you get up, alright?

And there's a locker inspection at least once a week.

Prefect Roschek takes that very seriously.

He doesn't like it if it's untidy.

I don't either. Things must be kept a bit tidy, understand?

Yes.

Is that all you've got with you?

That's everything I've got.

I'll hang that up.

Why are they all so quiet?

In silence. It's important for the voice and the concentration.

You don't always have to talk.

Have you got money on you?

We have to pay for the food?

No, but Kurt will want some, if he's to protect you.

Who from?

From him.

I'm not afraid of him.

You should be. I'm only trying to help.

Kurt is the oldest in the choir and he's got no sense of humor.

Silence, Mayrhofer.

Or you'll get another portion of keeping your trap shut.

Is today a feast?

No, why?

So much food!

Can I have another one?

How long am I supposed to wait?

I've got nothing left, Kurt.

But I'm sure to have something after next weekend.

Final warning.

Final warning for what?

Nothing, Miss Brandl. Just a joke.

Lights out in a moment, you should already be in bed.

Benedikt! Your welcoming present. I'll put it in your locker, alright?

Is that what we got for Christmas, Miss Brandl?

Exactly, Kurt. Because Benedikt wasn't with us for Christmas, he gets it now.

He needs it, the way he looks.

Eyes shut and sweet dreams. Good night!

What've we got there?

Nothing.

- Show me... - Why?

Because I say so.

I know guys like you. Always looking for trouble.

Rubbish! I just want my toll.

And what you're hiding.

If you make a noise, Roschek will come.

He doesn't like you anyway.

He'd throw you out of the school faster than you came.

Alright, your father's an American.

Quiet!

Excuse me, I didn't want to disturb.

You didn't.

I'm already gone.

As soon as you've collected your lists, right?

Sorry.

That's alright.

Don't let me keep you from your work, choirmaster.

No... Ms. Brandl, wait.

I...

I'd like your opinion on a piece of music. Come here.

Is that from the opera?

Yes, I modernized it a bit for the American performance.

As a sign that things are changing.

What do you think?

I think you should discuss it with the director.

I don't want to interfere.

Don't always be so correct.

I'm asking you to interfere.

I don't know.

You know what, come to a rehearsal, alright?

Good, I'll think about it.

Interference is explicitly requested.

Alright.

Ms. Brandl, see you soon.

- Say hello when you enter a room... - Hello.

Check yourself in the mirror. Well?

Smart, isn't it?

Wide open, the voice out!

Alright, we'll take it from the same place.

It's Benedikt!

Is this outfit a punishment for something?

Stand next to Kurt.

We'll start with the choir at the part before Peter's solo.

Why have I got an understudy choirmaster?

And then him of all people?

Your voice was a bit off last week.

You're unburdened, no need to strain yourself.

And Benedikt can learn from you.

I'd prefer to sing without these silly pigtails.

You don't seriously think you're going to sing my solo?

Why not? If I'm better?

Please! This is a choir, not a kindergarten!

Peter!

And Kurt!

Very good, and now by turns and faster.

That's impossible! Everybody will laugh at us with a Gretel like that!

Why? His intonation was perfectly correct.

That's not what I mean, choirmaster!

I meant that no Gretel looks like that!

He can only play the Negro in the Three Wise Men, not Gretel.

She's not a Negro! She's got a white skin, not like him!

He's just... Foreign!

What have you all got against me?

Why are you all picking on me?

Grandfather, teacher and everybody!

All the time till now!

I've done nothing to you and I don't want anything from you!

Do I talk differently? Do I smell differently?

I can't wash it off, so leave me alone!

Now listen, lads.

Every one of you has something special. Everyone.

It doesn't matter if he's big or small, has blond or brown hair.

It's irrelevant!

Kurt, nobody's foreign if we don't want them to be.

Just imagine we were all the same.

If there were only soprano voices or only altos.

Would we be a good choir? No!

I just remember, for the next concert we'll do something new.

We'll take two totally different styles and combine them into one.

Watch me!

You know that.

But now pay attention!

You're foreign everywhere.

Not in America.

- Come on. - No.

No, please.

Morning.

And you really want to perform that in a concert?

Yes! The American officers will like it.

And I'm sure the other guests will too.

I think we should discuss that with the director first.

Yes, all in good time.

Who knows where this type of music comes from?

Yes, Hermann?

From America.

From America, right. And opera? It's from Europe.

Two very different styles, but they understand each other well.

Right, Kurt?

Where's my vest?

Were you at rehearsals?

You were in the rehearsal room.

Yes, the choirmaster wanted to know something organizational.

I see.

About the costumes, I'm sure the details won't interest you.

I've got sport next, let's go in the park, we'll be undisturbed there.

Alright.

Form a line now!

Totally straight.

Rules create order, order creates security.

And security keeps up the feeling of a united choir.

Mens sana in corpore sano!

A healthy body means a healthy mind, understand?

Yes!

- Pardon? - Yes!

- Pardon? - Yes!

Attention! Now we'll do knee bends.

Stretch your arms and... 1, 2, 1, 2...

Down, up! Arms down!

Arms down, stand still!

We're going to form 4 teams!

And on my signal, run!

Run!

Are we supposed to become choirboys or soldiers?

That's just the start, wait and see what's coming.

Run in a circle! Don't give up.

Run, keep running!

Hey! Come back!

Keep going!

Benedikt! Are you asleep?

Not anymore.

I just wanted to say, Kurt's planning to get you somehow.

What?

Don't know, but I overheard him say you won't be here much longer.

Kurt's just got a big mouth. I've got a plan too.

Which is?

America.

What?

Nothing, go to sleep.

Alright, Jerry. Get out of here.

You've always been a good soldier. Don't blow it at the last minute.

Yes, sir!

Thaler, good morning!

- I've actually made my bed... - Not one of your priorities.

Your locker's clearly not one either.

- I already... - Yes, sure.

- Prefect Roschek, he... - What?

If you don't think it's worth doing it punctually like everyone else...

...then you'll have enough time while the others are at breakfast. Move it!

Make your bed!

I'm sure there are some jobs for you here.

The floor's not been cleaned for a while, right Thaler.

Benedikt, please come punctually to rehearsals.

Sorry, but prefect Roschek...

I don't care, stand here. Let's work!

We'll start where we left off, with Erwin's solo.

Can we do the Rock'n Roll again, choirmaster.

Yes, but first Gaudete has to be right.

My dancing partner, that's nice.

Alright, then we'll jump in tempo from the 1820s to the 1950s.

Yes!

With the children?

Yes.

What exactly are you doing?

Practice, practice, practice!

We wanted to surprise you, director.

Yes, when?

At the big Gala-Concert in front of all the guests?

God save us! I can do without surprises like that, thank you.

I was only trying to get some of the dust out of the program.

If the choirmaster feels Schubert, Haydn, Mozart and Bruckner...

...are dusty, then perhaps this isn't the right place for him.

May I say something?

No! I can do it on my own! And you keep your comments to yourself!

Gentlemen, please...

This fight is totally unnecessary.

Elsa, please. Your father wouldn't agree with you.

Director, what I wanted to say is that Ms. Brandl's father would never agree.

As choirmaster of the Haydn choir, he'd never have allowed negro music!

It's nothing to do with the Vienna Boys' Choir!

Is this about the negro music or the little negro?

That's enough, gentlemen. This unpleasant debate is over.

I don't doubt that your intentions were possibly good, choirmaster.

But I suggest you present the tried and tested version of the opera.

- Exactly. - Yes?

That's all! If you'll please excuse me now.

Perhaps you're right. Perhaps this is really the wrong place for me.

Do you know what this is? A letter from Dimitri Mitropoulos.

Means nothing to you? He's the musical director of the New York Philharmonics.

He wants me as his assistant, I can start any time.

Congratulations, what's keeping you?

Well, that's a good question.

Give me one reason why I shouldn't accept!

You disappeared once to America already, so you know the way.

Do you know what a shmock is, Roschek?

It's someone who has about as much understanding and heart...

...as a Jew has pigs in a stable.

That was unnecessary.

I think so too.

I mean that you told the director beforehand...

Why didn't you discuss it with me?

You're a fine one to say that. Did you talk to me?

It was about costumes? He danced with you!

We tried something!

Tried something? He had you...

Why don't you tell me what's going on?

You tell me what's going on! You tell me!

We should stop fighting.

Leave me alone!

The numbers party triumphed again.

You should be satisfied, you and your list-keeper!

- Can I just... - I congratulate you!

Your father would've liked such a union.

- Could you just let me... - No!

Why didn't you tell me that you and this Roschek...

Because it's basically none of your business.

Right.

Quite right, it's not.

What are you doing here? Rehearsals are finished.

When are you going, choirmaster?

Pardon?

To America, to the Philharmonics.

How do you know?

We heard you talking to the prefect.

Really? Yes, somebody's always listening here without permission.

Is that it? It wasn't meant for your ears.

We know, but we heard it anyway.

I don't know.

Hello, father.

Hello.

So why did you stay here back then?

Why did you send me alone to America?

What can I say, Max? Every answer will be followed by a new question.

If the lion sleeps, don't wake him up.

Always your sayings, always some wisdom from the Talmud.

Can't you just tell me the reason?

What was the reason you stayed?

Your mother and I...

We just couldn't imagine it.

When we were able to go, we didn't want to.

And when we wanted to go, we couldn't anymore.

It's that simple?

No, no. It's not that simple.

But love is never simple.

Neither loving your country, nor...

A person.

Fritz!

Hello, Jerry.

Haven't seen you for a while!

I was busy.

I understand. The usual?

Thank you.

I just came to say goodbye.

Take care, buddy. Thanks.

You're one of the few Austrians that I'll actually miss. You get it.

Going back to America?

Yep, it's about time.

What's that?

Adequate tip.

Back home, in Alabama...

Someone like me won't get a drink in a bar like this.

What do you call it? Separate but equal.

Thanks!

Hello, soot-face!

Nobody picks you up at weekend's, right?

Leave me in peace.

Where's your American father?

Doesn't fancy his occupation kid.

There's nowhere you can hide it that I can't find.

Give that back!

What's going on?

He's gone mad!

Have you gone crazy?

You'll be okay.

Look at that. Kurt's nose is probably broken.

It's doubtful if he'll be able to sing for a while.

What in heaven's name were you thinking?

Answer, Thaler!

Nothing, I thought nothing.

Pardon?

I just hit him as hard as I could.

- He stole something of mine... - What did he steal?

Something from my mother.

- Lying won't make it better... - I'm not lying!

What's going on?

It's about a photo.

Kurt didn't steal it, he only wanted to look. He assured me.

Benedikt, what really happened?

Why did you do it?

It doesn't matter, he won't believe me anyway.

That's enough, Thaler. How dare you!

The prefect's right.

I won't tolerate fighting and unjustified accusations...

...against other pupils.

With all due respect...

It's about his position in the choir. I saw this coming, about the solo.

Now he got rid of his competitor. The stupid photo's only an excuse.

Benedikt!

Watch it, rascal!

Benedikt, what's wrong?

I ran away.

I guessed you weren't sitting in front of our door as decoration.

I don't know what to do, Mr. Goldberg.

Don't call me Mr. Goldberg.

Just say Siegfried, agreed?

Siegfried the dragon-slayer.

You can't get more German and heroic than that for a son of Abraham.

But we'll leave that. What can we do for you?

- Mr. Goldberg... - That's really dumb.

I thought I'd collect my stuff at the weekend beause nobody's here.

- Nobody will see how I give up here... - But we must...

But you miss nothing.

You don't want to miss my dishonorable ignominious retreat...

Mr. Goldberg, there's no time.

I'm just going to New York to make a big career.

That may be, Ms. Brandl. But at least I'm gone.

And I'll not see you marry that fool Roschek and throw your life away.

Have you finally finished?

Benedikt Thaler's gone. Help me look for him!

Your mother and father?

A beautiful woman. An elegant man.

No wonder a smart lad like you came into the world.

I thought if I joined the choirboys, I'd go to America with them.

Then I could look for my father there.

A good plan.

I imagine it could be a bit difficult.

There are a few there with the same healthy skin color that you've got.

But otherwise it's a good plan.

What's his name?

Jerry.

And further?

I don't know.

I've got an idea. We'll start our search here, okay?

There's still an America here with us.

Are you sure he'll be at your place?

No, I'm not certain.

Where's my key?

By the way, I'm not planning to throw my life away.

Are we talking about Roschek?

You understood me.

Shall we look now?

What's up, why are we waiting?

Without a family name or unit, it'll be looking for a needle in a haystack.

After the war there were 40,000 Gis in the country, there are still 15,000.

I'll keep the print, alright?

- But... - We'll look after it.

All the Gis leaving the country come here first.

We'll see what we can do. Alright?

You'll let us know if you find anything out?

Okay.

- Thank you... - Thank you too.

What now?

No idea.

Either he's in the coffee house or...

Come on!

Now you.

What do you mean?

You're looking for someone too. Now I'll help you.

We used to live up there when Max was as old as you.

The whole 2nd floor. A very nice flat.

We saw each other for the last time here in this park.

My Maja and I.

On that day I was going to someone to procure money and papers.

For our escape.

Maja wanted to wait in the flat.

The Nazis caught me shortly afterwards.

Yes.

We arranged that if we were separated, we would meet again in this flat.

I'm here every day, you know, but...

Somebody has to know what happened to her.

No, you don't need to ask anybody.

They knew nothing back then, and it won't be any different today.

What are you doing, Benedikt? Where are you going?

Come on!

I'm looking for a Mrs. Goldberg.

They lived on the 2nd floor in number 12.

Thank you very much.

What's up, lad? Where are you going?

Mr. Goldberg?

Hello, we've got a question. It's about Mrs. Goldberg.

Mr. Goldberg, this is a surprise!

Yes...

You're surprised I'm still alive, right?

I'm surprised myself.

Come, Benedikt. We're leaving.

We're looking for Mrs. Goldberg. Do you know what happened to her?

I know nothing. We're always the last to know.

Naturally, and you certainly won't know how you got hold of our flat.

- I got the flat legally... - Naturally!

You disappeared from one day to the next. Into thin air as it were.

Into thin air. And nobody knew about it. Am I right?

Listen, Mr. Goldberg...

I'm practically a victim myself.

The whole war, and at the end...

But I've been cleared as a Nazi, only a misdemeanor!

You only stood there next to us.

While we polished the sidewalk.

With a toothbrush.

Hell is by far not as bad as the way in which one ends up in it.

God may forgive you. But I can't. Come.

You know. You're just like my grandfather.

He doesn't know what to do with all his badness either.

Liesl, come here for a moment, you've got to hear this!

An old Jew and a little Negro are standing here.

And trying to talk clever.

Come along.

No! We're not leaving till he's told us what happened to Mrs. Goldberg.

They shot her. Down in the backyard.

Because she didn't want to go with the Gestapo.

Thank you.

My Mensch.

Without you I'd have never set foot in this house again.

It was high time to be honest.

I know now.

She's not coming back, Max.

Like all the others.

I want to say Kaddish, to her grave in the air. Let's go.

Benedikt!

Why did you run away?

Get home safe!

Thank you!

Excuse me, Sergeant!

Sir?

May I have a word with you? Your first name is Jerry?

Yes, sir. First Sergeant Jerry Delgado.

Jesus, that's nothing short of a miracle.

I talked to a boy in my office a few hours ago and he gave me that.

He's looking for his family!

Thanks.

My father thinks the lad's a Mensch, a good human.

That's how it is with us.

We believe that one meets almost entirely only people in life.

Only very seldom a Mensch.

1 or 2 at the most.

I don't know how to explain it.

I think I understand.

Maybe you're my Mensch.

Hello, boys. Excuse me. I'm looking for someone, a lad.

My son. About your age.

Dark skin like me.

We don't have anyone like that.

Are you sure?

That's weird.

Somebody told me...

Thank you.

Why did you...

- None of your business. - None of my business?

It was a nice evening.

Yes.

Alois, go to bed. Alois, hey!

Jesus!

Where is Marianne?

Where is my son?

I can remember when we were kids.

I was in the Schubert choir and you were the daughter of the choirmaster.

Every time I sang and you were in the audience I hoped...

...that you would eventually see that I was only singing for you.

Look!

This is for you!

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry too.

I only became prefect here so that I could be near you, always!

Always Elsa, see?

Now...

Now I have to watch how you kiss someone else.

A Jew!

You're scaring me, Hans.

Ms. Brandl?

What?

I can't do it.

What's wrong, Kurt?

What happened to all my letters?

Did she get them?

- Marianne had... - Shut your face!

Not another word!

No, you shut up!

You shut up, old man! Understand?

You let her talk!

Marianne thought you'd left her. That broke her heart.

She...

She was ill, and then she died.

I was transferred.

We didn't know.

But I wrote.

I wrote all those letters.

I wanted to marry her.

I wanted to be with her, here in Austria, in America, wherever.

I've written all those letters.

I wrote over and over again, but no answer.

Eventually I thought; No answer is also an answer.

You took my letters!

You took my letters, right?

Why?

Why?!

He was different before the war. When he was still healthy.

A grenade got him. An American one.

And he couldn't handle his daughter getting a baby from an American.

It's not good if you're different from us here.

Where is he?

I don't know, he ran away.

I'm sorry. I'm really sorry!

It needs to stop.

It must stop.

In here.

The war's over.

Why did you do it, Kurt?

At home, my father is always shouting.

And he can't find any decent work.

My mother said he's changed since he was released from captivity.

Maybe he just needs a bit of time. Till he's come home properly.

Maybe it's better not to have a father.

At least, not one like that.

And that's why you lied when the soldier came.

No, I didn't want him to take away my solo.

That you and the choirmaster like him more than me.

Have you thought about what you can do to make up for it?

I should have looked for you before.

I'll find him!

The two lads have convinced me that they're truly sorry it happened.

And it won't happen again.

What am I to do with the two of you?

Alright, then shake hands and make up.

Now it counts!

Hey, Delgado! What's up?

Why aren't you packed? We're shipping off soon!

I know.

Let's get a move on!

Now we'll have to work hard. There's little time left till the concert.

Please go and tell the others I'll beat the rehearsal in a minute, alright?

As far as I know, Roschek the prefect resigned this morning.

Yes. He'll find someone else, who suits him better.

Yes.

Does that mean that there's nothing standing between you and me?

That's how it looks, yes.

It's odd somehow.

You'll be late for rehearsals, choirmaster.

Yes of course, Miss Brandl. You're right, arts first.

As a rule. We'll talk about the exceptions later.

Agreed!

He's our daughter's lad.

I've kept quiet long enough.

I've stood by long enough, watching you infect us all with your hatred.

I'm going now, whether you like it or not.

There. Far right, 4th row, is that him?

That's not him.

Well? Did you see him?

Not yet.

There were some there but...

Do you think he's there at all?

I told Ms. Brandl.

Good!

Come quick, director.

What's going on again?

Kurt?

I don't know.

I've suddenly lost my voice.

Holy Mother Mary, how could it happen?

Half the government is out there.

The entire allied command including the international press.

And Gretel loses her voice from one moment to the next!

I'm not doing it on purpose!

That would be even worse, right?

Well, then Thaler will have to take over your solo!

Benedikt?

Can you do it?

You'll do it!

Please.

Yes, director.

Hallelujah! Then get ready quickly! And you pray it all goes well.

Otherwise I'll be ruined.

Benedikt, get changed fast! Good luck!

What's up?

I don't know. When we went to the Americans they wouldn't say anything.

- Maybe it's useless that I... - I'm telling you as choir elder.

You'll go out there and sing! That's an order, alright?

I'll announce you!

My very...

What's going on?

- I don't know... - No improvisations!

- My honorable ladies and gentlemen... - I'm getting a heart attack.

I've a brief announcement.

Normally Kurt's solo would come now. He's the oldest in the choir.

But his voice is breaking, and he says he won't sing till they know...

...if he's a soprano, a tenor or a bass, or something.

Anyway, Benedikt Thaler's going to sing now.

Good luck, Benedikt.

Why no Gretel costume? What's he doing?

What now? That's not been agreed with him!

Please!

For my mother, she always sang this song to me.

My lad sang that.

Your lad, he's mine too.

He's my Mensch.

Great, Benedikt!

You did that really well.

You are unique! A triumph, Goldberg!

- You sang beautifully... - A triumph!

It was wonderful!

There he is!

Grandma!

I'm so proud of you!

- What are you doing here? - I'm so proud of you, Benedikt.

Times change!

You've such a beautiful voice!

I'm Jerry.

And I'm Benedikt.

Hello, Benedikt.

You look like your mother.

And you look exactly like you do on the picture.

Want one?

Yes! Thanks.

I'm sorry, boy.

I'm so sorry for missing your first ten years.

I didn't know I had a son. Do you understand?

I didn't know.

Your grandma told me you ran away.

I wanted to go to you, to America.

Okay!

But now...

I don't know what I want anymore.

Children, please don't throw your caps around.

I think so.

What?

I think you know what you want.

You've got a family here too.

How do you know?

I'm your father, boy. I always will be.

You're always welcome.

Let's go.

Everything alright?

Benedikt!