Original subtitles

Downloaded from YTS.MX

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

STUDIO 1 PRESENTS A HUNGARIAN-AMERICAN CO-PRODUCTION

THE BOYS OF PAUL STREET

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY FERENC MOLNÁR

SCREENPLAY BY

MUSIC BY

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

DIRECTED BY

...the bluish, colourless flame of the Bunsen burner turned yellow

on the effect of sodium compounds, violet on potassium compounds.

We came to the conclusion that, even though the two substances

produce the same phenomenon visible to the naked eye

upon contact with an open flame;

the two substances are not necessarily identical.

For example, the flame of the Bunsen burner turned yellow

on the effect of both sodium and sodium chloride...

Nemecsek!

We place the barium sulphate crystal on a thin platinum bar...

Nemecsek!

We heat it for a short time over the flame

and subsequently we pour on it a drop of concentrated hydrochloric acid.

An intense green stripe instantly flashes up in the hitherto...

Pass it on to Boka.

...colourless flame.

Boka!

...actually a simple process of reduction

in which barium sulphide is formed...

What is this restlessness?

Class is not over yet.

Csengey! Go shut the window.

What is it?

It's from Geréb.

Today at the Grund, 3 o'clock...

Nemecsek!

Step over here.

Repeat and explain the experiment.

Presidential elections at 3 o'clock at the Grund!

- Why? What's up? - Boka called for it?

Yes! Tell everyone. There was no time to announce it.

Csónakos!

Csónakos!

Csónakos!

Csónakos!

Csónakos! - What's all that noise, buddy?

What did Geréb tell you?

Why does he want it? - How should I know?

- Because of the museum business? - Maybe.

- Boka and the boys left already? - Ages ago.

Coming? I'm going to tell the others.

- Doesn't Boka know yet? - Nope.

Of course I'm coming!

Let's run, buddy.

Someone called "dibs" again?

Scandalous. Who were they?

The Pásztor boys. The two Pásztors.

Mean scoundrels.

I've been telling you we should do something about it,

but Boka always pulls such sour faces...

We must do something about it!

Let's do something. Now.

Hey, don't split my eardrums.

Wasn't Geréb just saying that something ought to be done?

What happened?

Yesterday after lunch we went out to the Museum Gardens.

Me, Weisz, Leszik, Richter and Barabás...

And we started to play marbles.

We took turns rolling, and there were already some 20 marbles by the wall,

at least 3 of them were glass.

Then all of a sudden Leszik said:

We're done for.

Here come the Pásztors.

They advanced so slowly that we were scared out of our wits.

Even if there were five of us,

those two are strong enough to beat up ten of us.

The Pásztors are the fastest runners at the Museum Gardens.

There's no way to run away from them. They'd catch up with anybody.

Say, Nemecsek. Let's quit.

Quit, my foot! Now that you just rolled and missed.

It's my turn. If I win we can quit.

Dibs!

You haven't got the right.

Didn't you hear what I said?

Dibs!

Gather them up and hand them over.

And I had to gather them up and hand them over.

By then there were seven glass marbles among them.

Bloody bastards.

What's the time, Csele?

Good God, I'd better hurry. It's almost 2.

3 o'clock at the Grund. We'll discuss everything there.

Wait, buddy, don't hurry.

You just don't run away from a tobacco factory.

Let me show you something.

Some snuff, buddy, some snuff.

It's marvellous, Csónakos.

Fantastic.

Snuff is great. It makes you sneeze.

I pinch some, I sniff some,

My nose is hot, I hesitate not...

Afternoon, Janó!

Afternoon, young sir!

Hello, Hector. Hello, doggie.

What's up, Hector? What d'you want?

Do you want something, Hector?

What is it, Hector?

Who's up there?

Who's there?

Why don't you answer?

Don't be a fool. I saw you.

Now don't get scared, Hector. It's all right.

Don't get scared, Nemecsek!

Don't get scared, Nemecsek!

Don't be scared, Nemecsek!

Don't be scared, Nemecsek!

Don't be scared, Nemecsek!

Did he shout at you? What did he shout?

He shouted: Are you scared, Nemecsek?

And were you?

No. I stopped right under the fort.

He climbed down the other side and was gone. He ran off.

You're lying! Áts never runs from anyone. He's no coward.

How you defend him!

I'm not defending him at all, but that's the truth.

It's not very likely that Áts was scared of Nemecsek.

Today's election is being held based on a motion by Geréb.

If there's anything you want to say, speak up now before we start voting.

There's nothing more to be said. The events speak for themselves.

Yesterday the Pásztors in the Museum Gardens...

Then Áts today, here.

Who knows what they'll do tomorrow?

We can't let them get away with this. It's disgusting. That's my opinion.

We need a president, we have no choice.

A president with unlimited authority. One who knows what he wants.

Then he'll teach them a lesson.

Kolnay, give me your hat. We want a hat to collect the votes.

Kolnay's hat? That's a joke. It's dripping with grease.

What do you mean, dripping with grease?

Anybody can have a look.

Disgusting. Here, take my hat instead.

Show me! I won't accept this.

Your hat is a thousand times greasier than mine!

You can throw your own rotten, stinking, greasy hat on the ground!

János Boka...

Dezső Geréb...

János Boka...

Dezső Geréb...

and János Boka.

That's all. No more.

There are 29 votes for János Boka

and 3 for Geréb.

So it is János Boka we have elected president.

Well, what do they usually do at this point?

Congratulate the new president, of course!

Of course. Three cheers for Boka!

Hurray for the president!

Congratulations!

Another point! Another point!

Three votes were yours, you know.

Yeah.

Let's talk after gym class today.

About what?

About what action we should take. I've already got something in mind.

You think about it too, will you?

Right. I'll think about it.

Boka. What did you say your plan was for tonight?

I'll go to the Botanical Gardens with two volunteers.

We'll sneak onto the island and leave a note that we were there.

That'll be fairly dangerous, Boka.

The Redshirts are there every evening.

I know. That's why I want to go there at night.

We should put some choice words on that note.

No. We'll just to show them we're not afraid of them.

Geréb didn't say anything to you?

No. Why?

Just why he didn't come to gym class.

No, he didn't breathe a word to me.

Who are you taking with you, Boka?

I don't know yet.

I really want to go with you.

You'll take me along, right, Boka?

Stop kidding, Nemecsek. You of all people!

This is a dangerous mission. You're too small.

Oh really, you always say the same thing.

Will you come with me, Csele?

Well... I can't.

You know, Mother keeps track of when gym class is supposed to end,

if I'm not at home at the right time, then...

Oh no, I left my track shoes there!

You go ahead. I'll catch up later.

Do you have to go home, too, Csónakos?

You joking, buddy? You can always count on me.

And on me too, Boka! Really, you could do that much.

I don't want to remain a private all my life either!

Everyone else is an officer!

I'm the only private.

There have to be privates, too.

What would an army be without privates?

Yes, I know.

But why me? And why only me?

It's not fair!

This would be a great opportunity for me to do something

and be promoted.

And you won't even give me the chance to do that!

See what you're like? In a moment, you'll burst into tears.

Bawl, buddy. He'll soon bawl.

Shut up! It's not true. I'm not bawling.

That's how it is when you deal with snotnoses.

He deserves to be demoted. Yes, demoted.

How on earth do you demote a private?

How he begged us to take him along.

Take it easy, it's only just 8 o'clock.

We won't wait any longer. We'll go without him.

Come on buddy, wait.

Boka, here I am!

Where have you been?

On my way here, not far off, they were putting glass into a shop-window.

I couldn't pass up the chance. Look at this wonderful fresh putty.

I'm fascinated.

Look! It's much better than the society's. That isn't as soft any more.

I'm fed up with your stupid society. You're ridiculous.

Why isn't the Grund enough for you?

Why do you need a stupid little society within that?

A Putty Society. What a laugh.

And you risked the whole mission because of it.

What did I risk? I was here at 8 sharp.

Csónakos, you tell him. Have I ever risked any...

Aaah! What's that?

Quiet! Stop it! Csonakos, are you out of your mind?

And why do you have to howl like a jackal?

Do you want to sneak up on them howling?

This is the tree.

We can give it a try.

Come on.

Here I'm afraid we'll have to crawl for a while. No bushes.

We'll have to get across here somehow.

- They've spotted us. - Down!

It seems it was nothing...

What was that?

It must have been the changing of the guards on the bridge.

Come on.

Boka! Both of you! Don't leave me behind.

Boka! Don't run so fast.

Boka!

Boka!

Boka! - Stop whining, will you?

- What's that? - That's the ruins.

They come here when it rains.

Are they real ruins?

No. They're fake.

Fake ruins?

Yes, they were built as ruins. On purpose.

So when they started building them, they were ruins straight away?

Just shut up, will you? You're always blabbering!

- Look at their smart hats! - And their gear! Swell!

- They have more people than we do. - That's right.

Marvellous! Where did you get them?

From Csele's sister.

It looks like they're preparing for something.

Or maybe they're having an evening drill. Or...

Good heavens!

What is it? What did you see?

- The one on the right... - Which one?

He's gone.

But who was it? Did you see someone?

Who did you see? Tell me!

You half-brained idiot! You keep scaring this kid.

Come on, I've found us a boat.

Keep as far from the bridge as you can. And quiet with the oars.

- Come on, buddy. - I'm coming, buddy.

- Had a drink, buddy? - No. No, I didn't.

The Grund consists of two parts.

The bigger one is a huge empty lot with nothing on it.

We can play games there or something.

The sawmill is on the other part.

Janó is guarding it but he's only interested in the lumber.

So there's access to it from two sides.

Don't be scared, Ernő.

There's an entrance on the Paul Street side, a direct entrance,

but it's hard to go in there, because there's a rule

that anyone who goes in has to bolt the door behind him.

The other entrance is on the Mária Street side.

The steamsaw gate there is always wide open.

Among the woodpiles you can get to the Grund.

But that's hard too because there are forts on top of the woodpiles.

- I know. - Of course.

You were there yesterday. There can be guards in the forts,

so I wouldn't recommend going that way.

It would be best if we agreed on a time for you to come.

Then I'll make sure to be the last one in,

and I'll leave the Paul Street gate open for you.

Right. I want to occupy the Grund when they're all there.

We'll fight for it. - Right! Hear! Hear!

If they can defend it, it'll remain theirs.

If not, we'll set up our flag and the Grund will be ours.

And that's of vital importance, as you know.

Right. We need the Grund as territory for ball games.

It's no joke.

Don't sigh so loud.

So we're agreed on this matter. Can we count on you?

- Yes. - That's all for tonight.

Tomorrow I'll let you know the military plans. Take up arms!

Ernő, what you just saw... Not a word to anybody.

Not even to Csonakos.

- Got it? - Got it.

- On your honour? - On my honour.

Wait here. Don't budge.

Run after me as fast as you can.

The Paul Street boys! The Paul Street boys were here!

Guards! Here, to me!

Reporting, sir! No one could have come over the bridge.

They put out the lantern. You didn't notice?

They must have got here by boat.

Silence!

Wendauer, up the tree. Survey the area and report.

Pásztors, down to the bridge.

Surround the lake on both sides. Everyone after them!

They're running across the bridge.

The boat's landed on the other side. There are three of them.

They must be captured.

How wonderfully warm.

How nice...

Can't you be careful?

Hold it, I'll strike a match.

- Are you out of your mind? - Surround them from the other sides.

Hide!

Boka, where can I hide?

Get down into the pool, you're wet anyway.

Pásztors, through this door!

Szebenics and I will go through the other. Move!

They can't have slipped out here.

Look under every single shelf. Search every corner.

- There! - What's there, Szebenics?

There! I thought I saw someone go out.

- Here, by the door? - Yes, I saw him clearly.

Let's go after them.

You can come out, Ernő.

Damn him. That bastard threw a flowerpot at my head.

Oh, Boka, that water was cold.

Awfully cold.

I want to know how you dared to found a society when I clearly told you

that I would not tolerate any such thing!

Who founded it?

I did, sir.

Weisz.

Of course. I should've known.

Now then. Let's start at the beginning.

First of all, tell me this: what do you mean by putty?

This is putty.

What's that?

It's the stuff glaziers use when they frame window panes.

The glaziers smear it on and we scrape it off with our fingernails.

And you scraped this out yourself?

No, sir. This is society putty. It was collected by the members.

It was in my keeping because the board entrusted it to my care.

Before me, Kolnay was guarding it, but he let it dry out.

Because he never chewed it.

It has to be chewed?

Yes. Otherwise it goes hard and then you can't squeeze it any more.

Why would you want to squeeze it?

That's the only way to tell whether it's still good.

I chewed it every day.

But why you?

Because...

I'm the secretary general.

I see. And why is it the secretary general who has to chew it?

Because...

That's what it says in the bylaws.

He has to chew it. At least once a day. So it always stays soft.

So it stays soft! Colossal!

A putty society!

They chew the putty so it stays soft.

Splendid.

Do you have a treasurer?

Kolnay.

Lay out on the desk all the assets of the society.

Empty your pockets!

Where did this money come from?

Membership dues.

Members have to pay six kreutzers a week.

And what do you need the money for?

So that the dues should be paid up.

I see.

And all this?

The card was Barabás's contribution.

The document stamp Richter's...

his father's namely... he is an attorney-at-law.

And this?!

You've even got a seal!

You kept quiet about that. Where's the seal?

Um... Barabás is the seal keeper.

Putty Collecting Society, Budapest, 1902.

"We will be free, we will be free, we'll shake the bonds of slavery."

Incredible.

Scoundrels!

And now what shall I do with you?

What?!

What was all that about?

The Putty Society. Someone snitched on it.

- The Grund wasn't mentioned? - No.

- Are you sure? - Yes.

He didn't ask about that.

I was afraid it was that.

Did he ban it? - He did.

- That makes you happy, doesn't it? - You know I always hated it.

- It's all over now. The putty, the money, the seal, all gone.

Yes, that's just it. If only we had some. If only we had a bit of stinking putty...

- We do. - Look at that!

Damn! What a beautiful piece! Lovely fresh putty.

- Bye. I'm off before I get sick. - Where did you get it?

In the lab behind the skeleton, there was a new windowpane.

Show me!

Incredibly soft. You're great.

Thanks to you, the society is saved. If there's putty, there's a society.

I propose we convene an extraordinary general assembly.

- 2:30 on the Grund. - Hurray!

I propose a modification of the bylaws. We should all vote for it.

Hereafter the duty of daily putty chewing shouldn't fall on the secretary general

but on the treasurer.

Why the treasurer?

- Why the secretary general? - Why the treasurer?

Why not the keeper of the seal?

Like hell I'll do the chewing.

What's chewing got to do with the keeper of the seal?

We haven't even got a seal, since Mr Treasurer chose to snitch on it.

- I didn't snitch on it. - You did.

- I didn't. - He didn't.

Who will chew it then?

What if the caretaker would do the chewing?

Great! Let him chew it. That would be the best solution.

Our caretaker asks for the floor. It's yours.

Honorable General assembly! It's not that I wouldn't gladly accept

the chewing of the putty, if the meeting has assigned it to me.

It is an honour and a duty, and all that...

and of course I wouldn't dream of...

Janó!

Janó!

Hello, Geréb. Won't you join in?

Maybe a little later.

Janó!

Janó! Geréb is looking for you.

I hearing him,

only Janó no can fly.

Master Geréb wait little bit.

Not hurry.

He's on his way!

Well, Mr. Caretaker, go on, please.

Good afternoon, Janó.

Good afternoon, young sir. Your command?

Don't joke with me, Janó, I don't want to command.

At the most I'm asking for a favour.

What I can do, I will do.

You like a good cigar, don't you, Janó?

You a funny fellow, Master Geréb.

Who not like good cigar?

Because I have some for you.

- For me? - Yes. Here you are.

Last time Janó smoke whole cigar was on a military exercise.

Herr Lieutenant give it when exercise was finish.

You can even get more cigars, if you do something.

What must I do?

Find a way to chase these boys out of here. Off the Grund.

Chase out these boys?

That's it. But you mustn't say a word to them about it.

But why chase out boys, young sir?

Because there are others who want to come here instead.

All rich boys.

You'll have lots of cigars, all the cigars you want.

And money, too.

Boka!

Boka!

Where's Boka?

He isn't here yet buddy. What's the matter? Your house on fire?

Caretaker! Private, halt!

Yes, Lieutenant.

- Why are you running about? - Private, come here.

We've just decided that from today the Putty Society will be a secret one.

If you, Mr. Caretaker, want to retain your position,

you will now join us in taking the oath of secrecy.

Because if Professor Rácz finds out... - Excuse me, General Secretary,

I have no time for that now.

- Mr. Caretaker! - Private! - Nemecsek! Private, halt!

The Honourable Society has witnessed Ernő Nemecsek's despicable conduct.

I hereby declare Ernő Nemecsek a coward.

And a traitor!

Have you ever see anything like this? Incredible.

I propose that this traitor be banned from our society

and his name be entered in the secret minute-book

all in small letters.

In small letters?

Is it possible that the General Secretary

is unable to take the upper hand with a traitor?

All in favour of the motion, raise their hands!

Notary, make an entry in small letters. And that he's a traitor.

ernő nemecsek TRAITOR!

...better talk to him alone, the boys shouldn't know.

Everything depends on whether you can talk to him now...

What's the matter with you, Ernő?

It hurts so much when I cough!

It's ridiculous.

There he goes.

Geréb!

He's going there again. To them...

To them...

He'll bring them here. They'll take the Grund from us. They're stronger.

What shall we do now?

What will happen to the Grund?

I don't know.

You don't know?

You must know.

Hear that, Boka? If you don't know, then who on earth does?

Attention!

- Are they all here? - Yes, captain.

- Geréb, too? - He was the first, captain.

I wish to report, sir, that the red and green flag

that you captured from the Paul Street boys is missing from the arsenal.

Any footprints?

Yes, sir. As I do every night, I scattered fine sand inside the ruins.

When I checked there today, I discovered a tiny footprint.

The footprint was even smaller than Wendauer's,

and he has the smallest feet of any of us.

They commissioned somebody to steal their flag back.

Know anything, Geréb?

No, nothing.

Give your report.

I thought maybe we could...

On your feet when you report.

Give your report.

I just wanted to say that maybe we could... maybe...

get the Grund without a fight.

What I thought was...

What do you mean without a fight? I don't understand.

So I... I've bribed the guard.

The one who guards the lot.

He'll throw them out.

It looks like you don't know us Redshirts well enough.

We never bribe anybody, we never bargain. That's not how we work.

We'll go there openly and take it for ourselves.

You clever little boy. Where do you wear your head?

In your pants?

He's an imbecile.

You think we're cowardly worms? Like you?

Get out of here if you're coward.

I'm not a coward. You know I'm with you.

And I'll pledge my loyalty to you.

Before we break up tonight, you'll do so. Now sit down.

The attack will be the day after tomorrow.

We'll all start from here.

Half the troops enter the Mária Street gate and take the forts by storm.

Geréb will let the rest in through the little gate on Paul Street.

This unexpected attack will confuse them.

They'll either run away, or we'll catch them

among the woodpiles and pound them into dust.

We'll show them no mercy.

We'll grab them by their little nuts and crush them!

A fine plan, captain.

- Great. - On both sides, that's it!

- Long live the boss! - Long live the captain!

- Long live Feri Áts!

Geréb...

Don't you think those Paul Street boys suspect that you're siding with us?

I don't think so. I was there with them today.

And even if they suspect something, no one would dare to speak up.

There isn't a really brave one among them.

Of all the rotten cheek!

Who was that?

Me!

Nemecsek!

Yes, it's me.

One of the cowardly boys of Paul Street.

I'm the one with the little feet,

smaller than Wendauers'.

I'm the one who recaptured our flag.

Here it is. See, here! Go ahead...

You can do whatever you want with me.

Beat me to death or twist the flag out of my hand.

I'm not handing it over to you.

Hold it, boys! Leave him alone.

I rather like this kid.

You're a daring boy, Nemecsek.

What if I invited you to join us?

As a lieutenant right away. What do you say?

Let's shake on it.

Thank you...

But no.

As you wish. No it is then.

What now?

Take the flag away from him.

Done.

Ordnance Officer, take it back.

He's too puny to be beaten up. Give him a bit of a ducking.

That'll be a great show.

Forget the cabaret, this will be fun! Give him a bath!

A great idea! Make him swim.

You're biting, you little wretch?

Hold his legs.

1-2-3.

Liked it?

O, yes.

A lot more than being the one standing out there laughing my head off.

I'd rather sit till New Year's up to my neck in water

than be hand and glove with the enemies of my friends.

You easily have the upper hand with me. Whoever is stronger, wins.

The Pásztors too had an easy job when they stole my marbles

in the Museum Gardens because they were stronger.

There must be 30 of you against me alone,

you can beat me to death if you want to.

But I don't mind even if you drown me or beat me to death.

I'll never become a traitor like somebody standing right here.

See... there...

May I go now?

Aren't you going to beat me? May I go?

May I go?

Attention!

Present arms!

You see Feri, it would be good if you told me what to do before the battle.

Please...

I hope you didn't take much notice of all the stuff the kid was...

Boys, I guess...

I may as well leave, too.

Was it you who took the marbles from this kid in the Museum Gardens?

Yes.

Was your brother there, too?

Yes.

You called "dibs"?

Yes.

Didn't I forbid all the Redshirts to steal marbles from weak children?

Go and take a bath.

Didn't you hear me?

Go as you are, with your clothes on.

Go and take a bath.

And anyone who laughs at them can go and take a bath, too.

About face. No gaping!

Go on, take a bath! Go for it! Neck deep!

ATTENTION! The Grund is in danger! The Redshirts are planning an attack.

But we shall be there to defend our realm with our lives.

Every man must do his duty! THE PRESIDENT.

When is the attack supposed to be?

Tomorrow.

- So soon? - Yes.

Lieutenant Csele! What about the caps?

Five officer caps and one private cap are ready and have been distributed.

Here is yours, Mr. President.

The rest will be ready by morning. It's just...

My sister doesn't have enough money for gold braid, so the insignia of rank...

All right. We can discuss that later. Thank you so much.

On this day I'm forced to declare a state of siege.

I relinquish my office of president and assume the rank of general.

We must use this afternoon to our best advantage.

This is the one and only opportunity to prepare ourselves for the battle.

First, however, we'll all make a solemn pledge.

On your feet!

I'm sorry.

Repeat after me:

- I hereby solemnly promise - I hereby solemnly promise

- to fight the enemy... - to fight the enemy...

- ...with all my might... - ...with all my might...

- for the Grund. - for the Grund.

Thank you.

Anyone who doesn't show up is a dishonest traitor

and won't be allowed to set foot on the Grund again.

- I have a question, sir. - Go on.

General, as you can see, all of us are here only...

Geréb is missing. What about him?

Geréb has committed treason.

He's gone over to the Redshirts.

He's gone over? But how?

It's not a nice story. I'll give you the details later.

We have some important business.

Private, give me the plan.

Thank you.

For the duration of the battle my adjutant will be always beside me.

Through him I'll relay my orders and he'll signal for bugle calls.

The messages I send though him should be accepted as coming from me.

- Who is your adjutant? - Nemecsek.

Nemecsek?

Csele, I'll need your watch.

And stay here by me to take the minutes of the meeting.

Barabás, speak! This is simply crazy.

Like hell I will!

Why me? You talk if you want to.

You talk, Weisz. Or you, Richter. We can't possibly let it go at that.

What is it, Kolnay, is anything the matter?

You see, at the last Putty Society meeting when...

I know. You entered his name in the records

with all small letters as a traitor.

It was just as idiotic as the whole Putty Society is.

Excuse me, but instead of hurling insults in our faces

perhaps it would be better if you'd inquire into the reason why.

Boys!

This afternoon we'll hold tactical exercises

and do a lot of building, too. No time for discussions.

I suspend the activities of the Putty Society for the duration of the war!

- What do you mean? - Suspend it?

As of today, I requisition its capital for war expenses.

- That's outrageous. - That's abuse of military power.

I'm off. I won't tolerate such a thing.

- Nor will I! - Wait for me!

I warn the members of the Putty Society that they are under oath.

Subversives will be court martialled!

Now you've got me really frightened.

And what's that court martial going to do to me? - Wait and see.

Castration, buddy, at the very least.

A professional painless castration.

I summon Lieutenant Kolnay to return on pain of loss of rank

and hand over the Society's secret capital of 2 Forints and 97 kreutzers.

How do you know that it's 2 forints and 97 kreutzers?

I just know.

Don't be an idiot, Kolnay, we have lots of war expenses.

What is the Secretary General's position?

Hand it over. You're under oath.

I maintain my objection, regardless.

And now let me show you the war plan.

Gather round me, please.

The enemy, according to our spies, will attack simultaneously

from two sides, Paul Street and Mária Street.

The woodpiles are all fortified and well stocked with sand bombs.

1, 2, 3 are principal forts. Fort 3/A is a reserve principal fort

which we are going to build of oil barrels to cover Janó's shack.

What are these red squares between the woodpiles?

New woodpiles which also have to be constructed...

Put the scarf back round your neck, Ernő.

You sure caught a bad cold.

It's nothing. It'll pass.

They don't know that we've got you to thank for everything.

I'll announce it after the battle with due ceremony

with the news of your promotion.

But Boka, what do you think?

You don't think I did it because...

Of course not, but that's the least you deserve.

- I report, sir, ready. - Thank you.

Well then, go now, Ernő.

Relay the command that the two lines of forts in the rear,

everyone must climb over into the front line of forts.

I want to time this maneuver.

Yes, sir.

Well done, that was fairly good.

I want to speak to you.

There's nothing to speak to me about.

It would be best if you left the way you came.

János, I came here as a friend.

It's not possible for you to come here as a friend. Ever.

I've brought your flag back.

The one Feri Áts took with him

and Nemecsek stole back last night

but the Pásztors wrenched it out of his hands.

Well, well! He was there last night too! Fantastic.

Did you hear, he went there again! It boggles the mind.

He had a fight with the Pásztors!

Who would have thought?

Nemecsek!

God, he isn't going to forgive him, is he?

Put the flag down on the stone.

I'll return it to them.

We'll take it back from them ourselves. If we can.

We don't want the flag from you. We don't want you, either.

János.

I know I've committed a terrible wrong against you,

but even so, I ask for your forgiveness.

- I've already forgiven you. - And you'll take me back?

No. Not that.

Under no condition?

Under no condition.

Don't cry Geréb. I don't want you to cry in front of me.

You should have thought about this a bit earlier.

Why don't you let me undo the wrong I've committed?

Betrayal cannot be undone.

It's not wrong. It's a lot more than that.

Now go home and leave us in peace, please.

And it's no use if I ask you again to take me back?

No use.

All right, then I won't ask you.

- Long live the general! - Long live the president!

- You're a tough guy, buddy. - Long live Boka!

- Hurray! Long live the general! - Long live Boka! Hurray!

Nemecsek...

Who are you greeting? There's not a living soul anywhere to be seen.

I was greeting Professor Rácz.

Halt! Who are you?

- Envoys. - Can't you see the white flag, you dolt?

Envoys have arrived.

Now you see?

We've come to give back the flag you took from us.

We got it back, but we don't want it that way.

Bring it with you tomorrow to the battle.

If we can take it from you, we will.

If not, it remains yours.

This is the message sent by my general.

- Ordnance Officer, Szebenics! - At your orders.

- Take over the flag from the envoys. - Yes, sir.

On the day after tomorrow, in the battle,

Szebenics will be carrying the flag. That's my answer.

The day after tomorrow? I don't understand.

According to the reports from our spies, it was to be tomorrow.

Before our plans were completely worked out,

all sorts of plans had been envisaged.

Can I take this as an official communication?

Yes. This is formal notice. At 3 p.m., the day after tomorrow.

Thank you.

But I have one more mission.

Our general wants us to agree with you on the rules of combat.

What does he suggest?

Sand bombs, wrestling and fencing with spears.

Right. Once someone's shoulders touch the ground

he can't fight any more. Agreed?

Yes. And spears are only for fencing, not for hitting or stabbing.

All right.

And two can't fight against one, unless the other side broket the rules.

- Right. But troops may attack troops. - Naturally.

- Regardless of the size of the troops. - Regardless.

- We accept the conditions. - Thank you.

One more question. I suppose it was Geréb who took the flag back.

I'm sorry. I have no authority to discuss this.

About face!

Forward march!

Hello, do you know if a boy called Nemecsek lives here?

That door to the right.

We've come to see Ernő Nemecsek.

He's very sick.

He's got a very high temperature.

But do come in.

Perhaps he'll be pleased.

- Good afternoon. - Good afternoon.

Ernő, your friends.

I haven't got the flag here.

That's not why we came.

Why then?

Feri Áts sends his best regards and wishes you a speedy recovery.

He really said that? Feri Áts?

Yes, he did.

Please tell him thanks from me.

I'll tell him.

Boka told me that...

you've postponed the war until tomorrow. ls that true?

Yes.

Good. Tomorrow I can be there too.

I'll be better, right, Mummy?

If you really want to get better you must get under the covers.

I've...

...brought these back to you.

Please don't be mad at us.

I was never mad at you.

Never. Really.

I was just a little scared.

You're such fine, good boys, all of you

to be so kind to my son.

Thank you.

In return, each of you will get a cup of hot chocolate.

Thank you very much, but we don't deserve any chocolate.

Let's go.

There three boys from the senior form, they'd like to...

Listen, I'm Szabó from the 7th form. We'd like to join you...

- Did you manage to get enough rope? - Enough to truss up a small army!

This is my brother and this is a friend of mine.

As I said, we'd like very much to... - It's very kind of you, but no.

Boka! Boka! The beam works marvellously.

- Have you learnt how to work it? - You bet I have.

Don't muffle it. It mustn't get stuck. That's very important.

I'll be careful, don't worry.

Many others have volunteered, too. But we can't take you.

You see, the Grund is our business. We must defend it ourselves.

Csónakos! Barabás!

The two Pásztors will be your special responsibility.

Buddy...

Everything depends on sticking exactly to the plan.

You fake a terror-stricken retreat. - Right.

But when do we start running? - As soon as you get the bugle call.

We've already talked this over.

All you have to do is wait for the bugle call and go!

What happened? It's already after 3 o'clock.

You have to mix the bombs with honey water.

It makes the sand stick better.

The secret of a good bomb is honey water.

Let me have one.

Now, you see. That will be 6 kreutzers.

Others may apply, I have a few bottles left.

They're coming.

Here they are!

It will be an exciting afternoon.

I can see Feri Áts.

Troops, stop!

Right face!

Áts... Szebenics beside him.

He's carrying our flag.

The Pásztors are going on towards Mária Street!

It was said they were going to attack from two sides.

Look at that trench there! It's terrific.

Fantastic! The Redshirts can't see them in there.

I can't see where it ends.

There, among the drums.

But I mean the other end.

That bends round there at the back.

As if it went right under the building.

- You're right!

Come! The Pásztors are coming.

They look great, don't they?

They're all set for the showdown.

Stop. Right turn!

Go ahead!

How long do we do nothing, young master?

What is it? What's going on here?

They're playing on the nerves of the defenders.

A beastly good idea.

Hurray! Hurray!

Good Lord!

Rush them! Rush them! Charge!

Come on, buddies, come on!

Charge! Take no notice.

Bravo!

What's this? Áts and his gang aren't coming?

What they want is to get all our army engaged with the Pásztor group

then they'll catch us in cross fire. At least that's what they think.

Sound the signal, Csele!

Retreat! Retreat!

You stay here.

When Áts's group gets moving, sound that alarm immediately.

Csónakos! Stand back! Get them head on!

Let them have it!

All right, Csengey.

Ready, Csengey.

I think we should get ready now. We'll get the signal in a moment.

The Pásztor group pushed them back among the woodpiles.

They'll make a nice goulash out of them there.

They're sitting so quietly.

I don't get it.

Look! They're coming back! That's phenomenal!

Would you have given Boka credit for that?

We're to charge further back, it's a strong door. Again.

What was that?

That was great.

It'll be your turn soon.

- Why did you lock it?

Dispose of them quickly and come out. Can you hear?

Only let one through at a time. Only one at a time!

Idiots!

The flag! Let's capture their flag! Charge the fort for the flag!

Watch out, Kemenes!

If you behave yourself, it won't hurt, see?

To hell with you!

Wendauer!

Wendauer!

Yes, sir.

Sound the signal!

Kemenes!

- One more, Kemenes! - Pásztor...

Boka..

When you're done with him, just drop him. We'll catch him.

Can you hear me, Boka?

Turn him over.

Watch out, Csónakos.

Csónakos, the flag, look! The flag, can't you see?

Is it the flag you want, buddy? Now, you see...

- Do you admit you're defeated? - Yes.

Take him away.

Watch it, Csónakos, don't get rough.

What's up, Kemenes?

Hey, one at a time!

You scoundrel! You already had both shoulders on the ground.

Do you want to start again?

Let him have it, Csónakos!

- Hold him down! - Go for it, Csónakos!

His shoulders are nearly down!

Boka, catch it!

Boo, Pásztor, that was illegal. Foul! Bastard!

Boka, watch out!

Feri Áts! Behind you!

Ernő, my little one... Go back to bed!

Come... come...

Why, Mummy! How did you get to the Grund?

Come, get back to bed.

You silly boy.

Your cold will get worse.

It's hot in here, Mummy!

This is good.

This is very good.

I've made a bit of caraway soup for the little boy.

Would you come over for it, Mrs. Nemecsek?

I'm coming.

Maybe he'll sleep now.

He didn't sleep all night.

He's delirious all the time.

Boka, didn't I tell you...

Boka...

Won't you ever listen to me?

Well done, Kolnay!

If only I knew where the Pásztors were hidden!

They're retreating! Sound the assembly!

Thank you, Janó!

Boys! See that Áts is let out.

Blow the bugle!

Charge! Forward!

Charge!

Come on, buddy! Come on!

Let him have it, Csónakos! Up and at him!

Let him have it, Csónakos! Push him down on both shoulders.

Press him down!

Watch out for the flag!

You've done in Feri Áts! You've saved the flag!

He's alive!

Feri Áts, open up! Feri Áts, open up!

Boys! Everyone to the shack!

To the shack! Let's get them out of there!

Feri Áts! What are you doing?

Are you trying to cheat?

Bring some water!

Victory! Victory!

Now, now, buddy, now, now.

Leave all your weapons there in the shack. You may leave one by one.

What happened?

Feeling better?

Yes.

Feel any pain?

No.

We won?

We won.

Once again thanks to you.

If you hadn't rushed Feri Áts,

well, then...

- Adjutant! - At your service!

Call assembly!

My God! And these here...

Attention, troops!

The entire Paul Street Army wishes to express its sincere thanks

to Private Ernő Nemecsek.

Salute!

Let's give three resounding cheers for Captain Ernő Nemecsek!

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!

I, captain?

Boka,

you can't be serious.

It's just a laugh, Boka.

He doesn't mean it seriously, fellows.

I, a captain?

How is he doing?

He's unconscious.

What's the time?

Almost ten.

Is he very unwell?

Very.

The doctor's coming once more to see him.

We're also waiting for him.

Did you promise it to Mr. Csetneki for today?

What time did he say he was coming?

In the evening.

Snuff is great, it makes you sneeze...

Listen,

he's singing.

Perhaps he's better.

He's singing in his sleep.

Boka,

are you still here?

Still? I've only just arrived.

I see.

Did you see the barrel organ?

What barrel organ?

Then you didn't see it.

It you had, you'd know.

It's a beautiful barrel organ.

Professor Rácz was quite crazy about it.

It was so gorgeous.

Snuff...

That must be the doctor.

Thanks for bringing me the gold braid.

Well, of course. That's your due. You're a captain now.

The Putty Society...

How they'll protest!

You know it wasn't very nice of them

to enter my name in small letters as a traitor.

They'll apologise.

I'll believe it when I see it.

I want to go to the Grund.

- Now? - Now!

They think I'm sick

but I'm feeling quite well already.

I want to go to the Grund.

You'll have to wait a bit, Ernő.

I want to blow the bugle.

Now don't overdo it.

You'd better take care for a while...

Boka...

All those heavy stones. Couldn't you get them off me?

What stones?

Can't you see them? Hundreds of them...

They always pile them on top of me. They bring them all day...

Every night there's a whole mountain on top of me.

Boka, they're so heavy! Would you get them off me?

Would you? - I will. I'll be right back.

I must leave you for a bit. The doctor's here.

- But you'll come back? - Of course.

- Promise? - Promise.

All right then. So I can be sure you'll come back.

No, why should I go? Let Barabás go in first.

But why Barabás? You're the leader of the delegation.

Yes, so I am. It's me, of course. Well, in that case?

What do you want?

The whole Putty Society is here.

We've got a scroll of honour for him.

We've written it all out in red ink

and it contains our apology.

His name has been written in capital letters in the minute-book.

Here is the minute-book, too.

- Why didn't you come earlier? - Why?

- Because the doctor is with him now. - We'll wait till he's gone.

We took a long time deciding on the spokesman of the delegation.

It took us half an hour before we agreed upon Weisz.

- Couldn't you budge up a bit, Barabás? - Sorry, but I'm sitting here.

- But I could sit there too. - Leave me alone.

A kitchen stool can't hold more than one.

- It can hold two easily. - Not this one.

I bet it can.

- It can't. - Yes, it can.

Shut up, you two!

I'm dreadfully sorry, Mr. Nemecsek.

I'm awfully sorry and you have all my sympathy.

I did all that was humanly possible but...

there was no way out, as you know yourself.

It's been more or less inevitable since yesterday...

Yes, I know.

Yes.

CERTIFICATE OF MERIT The Putty Society's Minutes

bear the entry: "ernő nemecsek is a TRAITOR!"

This entry is declared null and void. The Society expresses its apologies.

ERNŐ NEMECSEK IS THE HERO OF THE GRUND!

Was it because he got wet?

He got soaked three times.

The day Áts forced him to bathe, he was already sick.

Yes, he already had a dreadful cough then.

It's crazy.

Isn't it crazy?

Yes, it is.

Look, doesn't the old doc walk funny!

He really does walk like that.

Look. Wendauer's bugle.

Csónakos stuffed it all up with sand. How stupid.

But maybe it'll still be all right.

We beat them, we did! Threw them out.

We chased them away.

Yes.

Do you know, Janó, what happened?

What?

Nemecsek died.

Which one was he?

The little fair one.

Now will be good for a little while.

What will we do with these, my young sir?

We'll take care of them later.

Whatever is this stuff, Janó?

This? It's the engineer's.

What engineer?

Architect engineer.

Architect, you said?

What does he want here, Janó?

They come build.

Monday will come many men, dig up the Grund.

They make basement, foundations... Big house.

Big house of four stories they make here.

I'm dreadfully sorry, Boka,

but I really must go now.

If I'm not at home at the right time, then...

Fine. Go then.

Wait, I'm going the same way.

Bye, all of you. - Bye.

- We should go too, shouldn't we? - Yes, we should.

Won't you come, Boka?

Yes, of course, I'm coming.

You go on ahead. I'll be coming.

Let's go.

Gosh, we've got tons to do for Latin tomorrow.

Yeah. Simply tons.

It's easy for you, you were questioned yesterday.

He can still question me again

- He never calls on you. - What, he always asks you?

- Of course. - Like hell he does.

Why do you always have to rile me?

Me, rile you?