Original subtitles

I don't know if the story I want to tell you

is entirely true.

Some of it I only know by hearsay.

After so many years, a lot of it's still obscure

and many questions remain unanswered

but I think I have to tell you about the strange events

that occurred in our village.

Perhaps they could

clarify some things that happened in this country.

It all began, I think, with the doctor's riding accident.

After his dressage session on the baron's estate

he was heading home

to see if any patients had arrived.

Entering the garden

his horse tripped on a wire

strung between two trees.

His daughter saw the accident from a window

and informed their neighbor

who informed the estate's steward

so that the agonized doctor

could be transported to the district hospital

over 30 km away.

The neighbor, a single woman of around 40

was the village midwife.

Since the death of the doctor's wife in childbirth

she'd become invaluable for him as a housekeeper and receptionist.

After tending the doctor's two children

she went to the school to get her own son, Karl.

- Have you seen Anni? - Aren't you saying hello?

Hello, Mrs Wagner. Forgive him.

Hi, Klara.

We've been so worried that Martin's forgotten his manners.

That's all right.

How's the doctor?

Not very well.

- Does he have to stay in hospital? - I don't know.

We'll go and see Anna and help her out.

Good!

- Did you enjoy the choir? - Yes.

Show us how well you sang.

Good-bye, teacher.

The last one's a rotten egg!

If I remember correctly

it seemed odd to me that the kids around Klara

headed together for the exit from the village

instead of scattering to their homes after school.

I could cut out some animals for you

like last week.

Would you like that?

We can color them in together

or cut them out of the lovely colored paper...

The golden one that I got for Easter?

Come on...

Well, I'll make us something to eat.

What if he never comes back?

What?

Come on!

Don't be silly!

It'll heal, just like the flu.

Remember last winter?

You were very sick, weren't you?

And then...

Hi, Anni!

How are you?

Can we help you?

How did the wire get there? Did the doctor say?

He wasn't in any mood to talk.

His collarbone was stuck in his neck.

I asked his daughter. She has no idea.

He rides through there every day.

- Did you look at the wire? - Sure.

It's thin but strong

almost invisible.

Sorry, madam. You play too well for me.

Don't apologize. Concentrate. It'll help us both.

You play too fast for me, madam. I'm not Frederick the Great.

How could he have played Schubert?

Let's do the variation again.

Darling, if you like the music, sit beside me and turn the pages.

If you're bored, go to your room

or stay out of my sight.

I get nervous when you wander around.

What time is it? Where's the nanny?

With the twins, I presume.

- It's 20 to 9. - 20 to 9?

Way past your bedtime!

Has he done his homework?

Of course, madam.

Do you want to turn the pages for me or not?

Yes.

Then come here.

Let's go back to the theme.

Practice the variations or it won't be any fun.

I'll do my best, Baroness.

So from Bar 9...

Please forgive us, Father.

Forgive us.

No one here has eaten tonight.

When night fell and you hadn't returned

your mother searched the village in tears.

How could we have enjoyed our meal while we were afraid for you?

How can we enjoy our meal now

after hearing your lying excuses?

I don't know what's worse:

you being away or coming back!

Tonight we'll all go to bed hungry.

You surely must agree

that I can't leave your offense unpunished

if we want to keep on living with respect for each other.

So tomorrow evening at this time

I'll give each of you 10 strokes of the cane

in front of your brothers and sisters.

Until then you can think about your offense.

Do you agree with me?

Yes, Father.

All right then. Go to bed now, all of you.

Don't touch me!

Your mother and I won't sleep well.

I have to beat you and the strokes will cause us more pain than you.

Leave us alone and go to bed!

When you were little

your mother sometimes tied a ribbon

in your hair or around your arm.

Its white color was to remind you of innocence and purity.

I thought you were well-mannered enough now

to get by without such reminders.

I was wrong.

Tomorrow, once your punishment has purified you

your mother will tie a ribbon on you once more

and you'll wear it

until we can trust you again.

Where's the wire now?

Who removed it?

I don't know.

Weren't you here?

Were you in town with your father?

No.

- Then you were here. - I was at school.

When you left was the wire still here?

I didn't check.

- When did you get back? - At noon.

I make lunch for the doctor and the kids.

I've helped him since his wife died.

Since when?

Since Rudolf's birth, 5 years ago.

I'm the midwife here. We work together.

- Didn't you see something? - No.

How long was the wire there?

I never saw it.

Nobody saw it before or afterwards.

It wound itself around two trees and vanished all by itself!

Right?

Mom!

What is it?

Excuse me.

The day after the doctor's accident

brought no solution to the mystery.

Then a second, far more tragic incident

almost made people forget the previous one.

The wife of a tenant farmer died in a work-accident.

The woman, who had an injured arm

had been released from harvesting chores by the steward

and assigned to lighter work in the sawmill.

Stay outside. I'm not finished.

You get out.

On the same day I had a strange encounter.

The weather was beautiful and hot

so I decided to improve my meager menu with some brown trout

which are plentiful in the river.

The baron allowed me to fish there.

Martin!

Martin, be careful!

Are you crazy?

Do you want to break your neck?

Hello, sir.

What's going on? Have you gone mad?

Do you know how high that is?

Didn't you hear me call out to you?

Yes, I did.

Well?

Well?

Did you see me and want to impress me?

So why...

I gave God a chance to kill me.

He didn't do it so he's pleased with me.

What do you mean?

He doesn't want me to die.

Who doesn't want you to die?

God.

Why would God want you to die?

Promise me you won't do it again.

Look at me.

Promise!

You don't trust me, do you?

Yes, I do, sir.

All right.

Go home. I'll talk to your dad tomorrow after your piano lesson.

No, please, don't tell him!

It's there.

Careful. It's all rotten.

Who sent her up here?

I've no idea.

We had to collect some loose ends. She fell through.

Did you see it?

Not really.

You know how it works.

The foremen send the weaker harvesters up here.

Who sent her?

On my way home, after that strange encounter with Martin

was when I first met Eva.

Hello!

Excuse me.

Sorry for coming up to you like this.

Aren't you the new nanny on the estate?

Why?

They say you're from Treglitz.

Who say that?

People.

So what?

Nothing...

I don't know...

I'm the schoolteacher here.

I just thought...

When I saw you, I thought...

I'm the tailor's son from Vasendorf.

- I know. - What?

The baroness told me.

What?

That the teacher's from the village next to mine.

I see, yes

well, I thought

You look like you're going there

Where?

Back home, to Treglitz.

Yes?

- Are you going there? - Yes, I am.

I thought

since you'll be going through our village, you could

say hello to my dad and give him a fish.

What?

He'd love that

especially over the weekend.

How...

I don't know.

I'm afraid, I have nothing to wrap...

Neither do I.

I'm afraid

We could tie them on with some fishing line.

Just like that, on the bike?

That's not a very good idea.

Right. It was just an idea.

Yes.

Is it your bike?

No, the estate's.

Is this your first day off?

You must be glad to be going home.

I can imagine.

Well, I've still got a long way to go.

Well

Good-bye.

Good-bye.

If you see my father in Vasendorf

say hello to him from me.

I don't know your father.

That's true.

It's my first time on a bike!

You're doing fine!

But be careful!

That woman today... what was wrong with her?

Which woman?

Oh yes. She was dead.

What's that?

What?

Dead.

What's "dead"?

Quite a question!

It's when one doesn't live any more

when one has stopped living.

When does one stop living?

When one is very old or very ill.

What about the woman?

She had an accident.

"An accident"?

Yes. It's when you're badly hurt.

Like Dad?

Yes, but much worse than that.

So bad that your body can't take it any more.

And then you're dead?

Yes.

But most people don't have any accident.

- So they're not dead. - No. They die much later.

When?

Well, later, when they're really old.

Does everyone die?

Yes.

Everyone, really?

Yes, everyone has to die.

But not you, Anni?

Me too.

Everyone.

But not Dad?

Dad too.

Me too?

You too but not for a very long time.

All of us, only in a very long time.

Can't you fight it? Does it have to happen?

Yes, but not for a very long time.

And Mom?

She didn't go on a trip, did she?

Is she dead too?

Yes.

She's dead too.

But that was a long time ago.

Klara!

Martin, are you coming?

Karly?

You can come in.

What is it?

- What do you think? - I don't know.

It's a boy.

What? Don't you want a brother?

It's lucky your father didn't hear you!

I'm sorry.

They knew it was dangerous for her.

What do you want?

Do you want to sue the baron

or murder the steward?

Go and cut his head off with your scythe.

It won't bring your mother back to life.

Father, you loved our mother.

Shut up!

After those 2 days in July

life in the village got back to normal.

Everyone was exhausted with the daily harvesting chores.

Most of the kids pitched in to help their parents.

I took up the steward's offer

to be his secretary during the harvesting

as I hoped it would enable me

to see the young girl again.

I couldn't get her out of my mind after our meeting

but she rarely came out of the manor house.

The doctor was still in the hospital.

Anna and Rudolf, his two children

were cared for meanwhile by the midwife.

After the funeral of the farmer's wife

which the whole village attended

both accidents were forgotten

until the end of the summer

when the harvest feast reunited the whole village

first in a joyful mood

then in horror and perplexity.

My thanks to all of you.

You've worked well.

The heavens were kind and the barns are full.

So the beer can flow

and you won't starve today!

Long live the baron!

Long may he live!

Most honorable Baron

and Baroness

dear merrymakers...

let us hear on this festive occasion

Psalm 145, Verse 15:

"The eyes of all wait upon Thee, Lord"

"And Thou givest them their meat in due season."

In the name of the Father

the Son

and the Holy Ghost.

Amen.

Now enjoy your meal.

Eat and drink to your fill! You've earned it!

You promised us a chorale by your pupils.

Ask the pastor, Baroness.

We're still practicing for the confirmation feast.

That's in spring! Now it's the fall.

Our little singers aren't all very musical. Sorry!

Well, you two "mothers"?

Not taking part in the festivities?

It's so nice here in the shade.

Our son seems to be enjoying that!

Yes.

I can imagine.

Who wouldn't like it.

George!

What about you?

Aren't you bored, caring for other people's children

with all the young lads over there?

No, sir. I like being with the children.

How old are you anyway?

17, sir.

17!

Wouldn't you rather hold a boy

than the baroness's kids?

- Leave her alone, George! - What did I do?

Won't you get us something to eat, Emma?

If you'll mind the children a moment, I'll go.

He was drunk but they couldn't stop him.

Leave Frieda alone!

Shove it!

I'm the rooster on the tower.

Someone cut off the baron's cabbages.

What?

Someone cut off the baron's cabbages!

- I never learned. - Neither did I.

You have to count out loud.

One, two, three.

Your pupils will laugh when they see us dancing, sir!

They'd better not!

And stop being so formal with me. Am I that old?

It's coming along!

Well...

you can't look at your feet.

Quite a job, huh?

It's disgusting!

It's an old custom: "Harvest's done. Pay everyone."

"If we don't get our due, your cabbage will be sliced for you."

Well, they sure slurped enough down!

Come in.

What do you want?

A favor, Father.

Yes?

Yes?

I found it. It's wounded.

And?

May I keep it?

How will you manage that?

We'll heal it.

And when it's healed?

Won't you be attached to it then?

Will you let it fly away?

Piepsi still lives in a cage.

Yes, but it grew up in captivity.

This one's used to freedom.

Will you set it free, once it's healed?

Have you asked Mother?

Yes.

What did she say?

That it was for you to decide, Father.

Really?

That's what she said.

You'll really take care of it?

Yes.

You realize, that's a heavy responsibility?

You'll be its father and mother.

We'll have to find a cage for your patient.

Did you do it, or didn't you?

- It seems somebody saw you. - So what?

They're lucky they still have their heads!

I have to tell you, Father: I'm proud of it!

Sit down!

What did you mean to do?

Tell me.

Come on. Tell me.

You know why, Father.

Because of your mother?

Do you think they caused her death?

Do you think that?

That I'm not man enough to settle it?

Do you know what your act may do to all of us?

If Frieda loses her job

which keeps us alive year by year?

If we can't work here in the summer?

Do you want to get married and run the farm in 2 years?

Will you feed everyone without the help of the estate?

How do you know they're responsible?

How do you know they're innocent?

I don't know

but I don't know the opposite either!

What do you mean, "not there"?

He's disappeared. I looked all over.

He hasn't disappeared. When did you last see him?

Around 2 o'clock.

Around 2?

- Do you know what time it is? - I know, Baron.

What does my wife say?

She sent me to you. She's terrified.

I can imagine. You're an idiot, Huber.

Why do you think, you're here?

To take care of one child! Is that so hard?

I'm so sorry, Baron.

You can shove your excuses!

Where did you last see my son?

Here. He left to play with the other kids.

- Where? - He didn't say.

Didn't my wife notice anything either?

The cabbage heads thing upset her.

She retired, indisposed.

Indisposed?

Yes, a terrible migraine attack.

This is a madhouse!

Have you seen my son?

No.

Ask your sons. Sigi's disappeared with some other kids.

- What do you mean? - That he's disappeared, damn it!

The steward's kids said they'd only seen Sigi

very briefly

that he'd gone off with other kids.

They didn't pay much attention to it.

The search began shortly after midnight.

The searchers, tired, some still drunk

were divided into 2 groups.

One searched all the estate's buildings.

The other combed the countryside.

Around 2.30 a.m. the siren sounded again

calling the men back to the estate.

Sigi had been found.

He was in the sawmill, tied upside down.

His trousers were pulled down

his buttocks bleeding from cane strokes.

He was in a state of shock, unable to walk.

He was carried home

lying on his belly on a makeshift stretcher.

Next Sunday, after the service the baron asked the pastor

to let him speak.

City policemen questioned many of you this week

to no avail.

First I thought my child was tortured

by those who cut off my cabbages

to get even!

For what?

Supposedly it was my fault, their mother died in the sawmill

which is absurd.

At least young Felder

told the police that was his motive for his "mowing prowess".

I've always helped the Felder family

but people aren't always grateful.

It takes character.

Don't run away, Felder!

It's your honor I want to save!

It turns out the "valiant" Max Felder

boasted of his feat to his fiancée. Then the coward

hid among his family

so he didn't have time to torture my son.

As for his father, he'd bite off his tongue

rather than cover for his wayward son.

I'll remind you of a fact that most of you may have forgotten.

2 months ago, our doctor had a riding accident

and still isn't back from the hospital.

This accident was caused

by a wire strung in his garden

with the obvious intent of bringing him down.

There too nobody knows

saw or heard anything.

We all know those who injured my son

and the doctor

are here

sitting among us

in this room.

I won't let such crimes go unpunished

and hope nothing like that

happens to any of your children.

That's why I call upon you all:

help me find the culprit or culprits.

If we fail to find out the truth

the peace of our community will be lost.

The landowner's speech frightened the locals.

The baron wasn't popular

but as a powerful authority figure and employer of half the village

he was respected.

His statement on the community's peace

was ominous

and the mysterious character of these criminal deeds

awakened the old mistrust of the farmers.

Come in!

Eva!

May I come in?

What a question! Of course, come in.

What's it about?

What's wrong?

They've kicked me out.

What do you mean?

Nothing. They just kicked me out.

The tutor got kicked out too.

I don't know where to go.

I'm afraid on the road alone.

Don't worry. Calm down.

Come and sit here.

Calm down and tell me what happened.

Well?

What happened?

The baron's son isn't well at all.

His parents are desperate and angry.

Now they say the tutor and I are to blame

because we didn't pay enough attention to him.

But I'm only there for the twins.

I've always taken care of them very well.

When you and I were dancing

the baroness had given me permission.

I haven't done anything wrong.

I know. Come on. Stop crying.

Where can I go now?

My family needs my earnings.

You'll find something else.

You know, the baron's quick-tempered

but his bark's worse than his bite.

No. It's all over now. I know it is.

The baroness doesn't want to see anyone.

She wants to take the kids to town with her

or to her parents' estate.

I'll try and talk to her.

We used to play the piano together, four-handed

but I wasn't very good.

Now she has the tutor, who studied the flute in town.

He doesn't play that well.

That's true.

Who does things like that?

What?

Beating a child like that.

I don't know.

Can I stay here tonight?

Don't send me away, sir, please.

How could you think that?

I'll just wait for daybreak, here in the classroom.

Then I'll leave.

People at home won't understand.

They'll think I did something wrong.

Want me to come with you?

What?

Tomorrow after school?

I'll get a carriage. I'll be back by evening.

Why would you do that, sir?

Stop being so formal.

Why would you do that?

Come here. I'll play something for you

if you want.

Good morning, Father.

I'm back again.

They set me free.

I can see that. So what?

Can you forgive me, Father?

Forgive you for what?

That the estate won't give me any work?

That Frieda was fired in disgrace?

That your brothers and sisters have nothing to eat?

Or what?

The next day, after school I went to the estate

to inquire about Sigi's health

and to intercede for Eva's reinstatement.

I was told

the baroness had left that morning with her children.

Reluctantly, the steward lent me a carriage to take Eva home.

As we left the village we came cross the doctor.

A few days after the Thanksgiving feast

Rudolf, his 4-year-old son, had suddenly disappeared.

This upset everyone in view of the previous events.

The boy was finally found on the main road

scantily dressed for a trip

walking eagerly toward the town.

When asked where he was going

he said he wanted to visit his father.

He fought tooth and nail against being taken home.

The doctor was told about this

and, due to be released soon anyway

he decided to cut short his stay at the hospital.

Rudi?

He was in the living room.

What do I owe?

3.50 marks.

Thanks.

Good day.

Rudi, where are you?

Hello, Rudi.

Won't you say hello to your father?

No?

I heard

you wanted to visit me at the hospital.

And are you locking yourself in now?

All right.

Then I don't want to see you.

I'm going away now.

Stay in the toilet, if you want.

Keep well, Rudi.

Your office is ready. Mrs Wagner did it all.

- Why are you telling me that? - I don't know.

I thought you'd like to know.

- Did she take good care of you? - Yes.

How old are you now?

14.

It's amazing.

You look so much like your mother.

Your mother and I are very worried about you.

Think carefully. Do you sleep badly?

Are you over-tired?

No.

Have you got problems at school I don't know about?

No, Father.

You don't understand why we worry.

I'll explain it to you.

As you know, I'm also the pastor for Birkenbrunn.

One day, a mother came to see me

as her son, about the same age as you

had the same symptoms

you've shown for some time.

The boy suddenly seemed extremely weary.

His eyes had rings around them. He was depressed and joyless.

He avoided looking his parents in the eye

and soon he was also caught telling big lies.

This lasted about half a year.

Then everything went very fast.

He lost his appetite

and couldn't sleep any more. His hands started to shake.

His memory started to fail.

His face became covered with pustules

then his whole body

and finally he died.

The body, that I had to bless, looked like an old man's body.

Do you understand now why I'm worried?

What do you think caused those changes

that led to that boy's miserable end?

I don't know.

I think you know very well.

Won't you tell me?

No?

Then I'll give you the answer.

The boy had seen someone

who was harming the finest nerves of his body

in the area where God has erected sacred barriers.

The boy imitated this action.

He couldn't stop doing it.

In the end he destroyed all his nerves, and died of it.

I just want to help you.

I love you with all my heart.

Be sincere, Martin.

Why did you blush, listening to the story of that poor boy?

Blush?

I don't know. I felt sorry for him.

Is that all?

I think there's another reason.

It's written on your face.

Be honest.

Martin!

Why are you crying?

Shall I spare you that confession?

Have you been doing what that wretched boy did?

Yes.

My arm!

I'm glad, you're back. It's about time.

You could say that. Yes.

It was hard with the children, without you.

I know.

He doesn't like me.

- Who? - Rudi.

He's at a difficult age.

Actually he's not.

They're always at a difficult age.

Yes.

You didn't miss me.

What does that mean?

Nothing. I said it because it's true.

There's nothing like a nice dose of self-hate!

What?

Nothing. Forget it.

Winter came early that year.

For Reformation Day, on the first Sunday of November

a blanket of snow covered the village.

Quite unusually, the baron, whose family had not yet come back

didn't attend God's service.

The villagers took that as a sign of his anger.

Indeed, no leads had been found

to a plausible culprit

although the baron's appeal

had led to a flood of mutual suspicions

and even to some attempts at denunciation

that had all turned out to be untenable.

Well, it's not pneumonia

but you must be careful.

If his temperature rises, call me again.

Give him these drops every 2 hours

and hang some wet sheets over the oven.

That helps the breathing.

- Good night to you. - Good-bye, Doctor.

How long was the window open?

It's hard to say. My wife nursed him around 1 a.m..

She came back around 2:30 a.m..

By then the room was icy cold.

And the baby didn't cry?

No. The children didn't hear anything.

He's doing all right. We have to wait.

But it looks fairly good.

A drink to warm you up?

Or stay for supper.

No, thanks. I'm overloaded, I was away so long.

How's your arm doing?

It's all right.

It'll be fine in 2 or 3 weeks.

Thank you.

That must be terrible, I'd imagine.

One must be so helpless with just one arm.

Quod erat demonstrandum.

Well, good night, children.

Good night, Doctor.

If your wife thinks the baby's fever's risen again

let me know.

Good.

What do you mean, "Good"?

I mean, that's fine.

When did you go and see Father?

Down in his office.

Why?

Just asking.

In mid-December I finally got a letter from Eva.

Her father had found her a job in town

that she'd be starting early in the New Year.

Since the night she came to shelter in the school

when until dawn

we told each other the story of our short lives

her pale face

her shy but frank personality

were constantly on my mind.

The school holidays lasted until January 2nd

but on the day after Christmas

in the cold but sunny weather

I was already heading for Treglitz

to visit Eva and her parents.

What about Sigi?

I don't know. The baroness isn't back yet.

And the baron?

We hardly ever see him. He doesn't talk to any one.

I don't know. Some say they went to Italy.

Italy?

The steward says they'll tear down the sawmill, because it's...

Good morning.

Good morning, young man.

Please be seated. We're not very formal here.

Get out.

Care for a drink?

No, thanks. That's very kind.

- Really? - No. Thanks a lot.

So you're a schoolteacher...

Can you afford to have a wife?

My father's a tailor at Vasendorf. I've learned the trade.

I earn money on the side.

It would have been smarter to take over his business.

And why are you so focused on Eva?

She's still a child. You could be her father.

I'm 31.

Well, you're not far off.

Father!

Have you asked her if she's interested?

She's a child. She knows nothing about life.

Speak up. Do you want him?

Come on. Say something.

He came all this way in the cold.

Leave her alone. Of course she wants him. Can't you tell?

How can I, if she clams up!

Sit down again.

Women!

Don't take them too seriously.

Listen. I'm not a big talker.

On one hand, it suits me if she leaves the house.

There are lots of mouths to feed, as you can see.

On the other hand

it's all moving too fast for me.

I don't know you.

I don't dislike you, but I need to know more about you.

The town hairdresser's agreed to take her on as an apprentice.

She'll get to meet people.

She can decide if she really wants this.

If in a year she's still in favor of it

we'll talk about it again.

You can make up your mind too.

All right?

- I actually thought I - Yes, I know

but it's either that or nothing.

If you insist

Yes, I do.

Delighted.

So, my work's waiting for me.

Even on holidays.

Don't get up.

I'll send the kid back in

so that you can say good-bye.

A year goes by fast. The world won't collapse.

You can come and visit her.

Did your father tell you...

Is that all right with you?

And is it with you, sir?

Don't call me "sir".

Adi! Are you awake?

Adi!

What is it?

Look.

What's happening?

Look. Go and see what's happening.

My God! What do you want?

Over there. Look out of the window.

It's burning... the estate!

Untie me!

Come on, untie me!

I don't know if...

Untie me, I said!

What is it?

Be quiet!

Gustl, come and untie me!

What's going on?

Untie me, damn it! There's a fire!

What fire?

A fire!

Yes, a fire! Now untie me, damn it!

Father's forbidden it.

It's an emergency! Somebody has to warn them!

Father!

Stop shouting! I'll do it!

Shall I call Mom?

- What is it? - A fire!

I know. Your father's already gone.

What are you doing here?

Go to bed now! It's nothing.

There's a fire on the estate. Don't be afraid.

Go to bed and sleep.

Go on! You'll catch a cold.

What's all the noise about? You've woken them all up!

I thought there was danger.

I had to untie him.

Now everything's fine again.

Tomorrow Father will tell you about the fire.

You all go back to bed.

I'll wait till you're in bed.

It's cold here.

Good night, then.

Sleep tight.

Good night, Mom!

Will you stop doing that?

What's all the fuss?

Don't look so dumbfounded.

You're not without talent.

I just can't do it with you any more.

To tell the truth, you disgust me.

Can't you finish your work?

I don't want you to spend the night here.

What did I do to you?

My God! You haven't done anything to me!

You're ugly, messy

flabby and you've got bad breath. Will that do?

The cover has to be sterilized.

Don't sit there looking like death warmed up.

The world won't collapse, not on you

or on me.

I can't go on with this. That's all.

I've really tried

to think of another woman while I make love to you

one who smells good

is young, less decrepit than you

but my imagination can't accomplish it.

In the end, it's you again

and then I feel like puking

and I'm embarrassed with myself.

So what's your point?

Are you finished?

I have been for ages.

You must be very unhappy to be so mean.

Please, not that routine!

I know, I'm not much to look at.

My bad breath comes from my ulcer. You know that.

It didn't bother you in the past.

I had it when your wife was alive.

Spare me these sordid details.

Let me reassure you: it's always disgusted me.

After Julie's death, I wanted to ease my pain

with anyone. I could have screwed a cow!

Whores are too far from here

and once every 2 months isn't enough for me

even though I am getting on

so skip acting like a martyr, and get lost.

How come you're only noticing this now?

When should I have noticed it?

At the hospital I forgot how tiresome you are.

One grows sentimental when in pain.

Get out! Don't you have any pride?

There's no room for any one with you.

That's true.

What if I do something silly?

Go ahead.

It'd surprise me. But be careful:

it may be painful.

I know, I'm ridiculous.

You wouldn't care anyway.

Well...

Why do you despise me?

For helping raise the boy?

For watching you finger your daughter

and saying nothing?

For helping you deceive yourself?

For listening to you claim how you loved Julie

when everyone knew you treated her as badly as me?

For loving you, when I know you can't stand

being loved?

That's it.

Now get up. I have work to do.

You can't afford to get rid of me.

Who'd do the dirty work for you?

Who'd help you with the kids and your practice?

You don't mean what you're saying.

I want to see how far you can go:

"Will she take it? Can I drag her even lower?"

I'm tired too.

I've got two retarded kids: Karly and you.

You're the most troublesome one.

My God! Why don't you just die?

The year ended with fine weather.

The snowy landscape sparkled so brightly

that it hurt your eyes.

None of us suspected

it'd be our last New Year in an era of peace

and that this year would bring a radical change

of a magnitude we couldn't foresee.

Despite the strange events that had unsettled the village

we thought of ourselves as united in the belief

that life in our community was God's will and worth living.

Christ's body as bread and as wine.

May the period of preparation for your confirmation

be one of happiness

and enrichment.

You, Martin

will now be free not only of that ribbon

but of those nightly ties

that kept you from yielding to the temptations of your young body.

I trust you, my beloved children

and wish you a profitable and happy new year.

Shortly after Easter, in the last week of April

the baroness came back with the children.

She was accompanied by a new nanny.

My secret hope that Eva could come back here

was definitely dashed.

The new nanny was an Italian woman

who came from the area on the Mediterranean coast

where the baroness had spent the winter.

Sigi!

Hi, Ferdinand!

Hold on!

I'll come down!

Stay here, Sigi! You can see the boys later.

Let him go, Madam.

He's so happy to be back home!

All right. Go, but don't be too long.

Marie-Louise?

Where are you?

Sigi!

Won't you come and say hello to your father?

Watch out. He's coming!

Be quiet!

For God's sake! Be quiet!

Quiet!

What's going on here?

Why are you still here?

There's a divinity class now!

Get going!

How about a good-bye?

Good-bye, sir!

Good-bye, Pastor!

I'm sorry, Pastor. It won't happen again.

Good-bye, Pastor.

Good-bye.

Let us pray.

Our Father, Who art in heaven

hallowed by Thy name

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil

for Thine is the kingdom, the power

and the glory

for ever and ever.

Amen.

Sit down.

This is a very sad day for me.

In a few weeks, we all want to celebrate your confirmation.

For months I've tried to bring God's word closer to you

and make responsible human beings out of you.

Who do I face today?

Yelling monkeys

undisciplined, as childish as your 7-year-old classmates!

But to me

what is even sadder

is that my own daughter's

playing the leading role in this pitiful display.

Last year

I tied a white ribbon in her hair.

White, as you all know

is the color of innocence.

The ribbon was meant to help Klara avoid sin

selfishness

envy

indecency, lies and sloth.

At the start of the year

I naïvely believed

that she was now mature enough

not to need that ribbon any more

that she'd become responsible enough

as the daughter of the spiritual leader of...

Anni?

Anni? Where are you?

Anni?

Rudi? What are you doing here?

Why aren't you in bed?

I can't go to sleep.

Is that why you're wandering around?

I woke up and you weren't there.

Dad's pierced my earlobes.

Does it hurt?

Yes, a bit.

Is that why you're crying?

I'm not crying any more.

Beauty has to suffer.

That's what they say.

Go back to bed.

Anni's coming.

I haven't worn earrings in ages, so the holes had closed up.

For Whitsun

I'm getting Mom's

the pretty ones

you know?

A few days after Klara's fainting fit

that frightened us all

and left her feverish and weakened

I went to see the steward on the eve of Whitsun

to borrow the carriage again.

Since my marriage proposal, Eva wrote to me once a week.

I felt she was alone and lost in the city

and was hinting for me to come and see her as soon as I could.

I wanted to spend Saturday with her

and be back on Sunday

to prepare the confirmation ceremony with the pastor.

The steward had gone to the saw mill

but was due back any minute.

Good morning, sir.

Hello, Erna.

He's cute.

Do you like him?

Yes. Very much.

He was quite sick last winter, I was told.

Yes, very sick

but the doctor cured him, thank God!

I might come back this evening.

I'm sure Father will come for coffee

at four.

Then I'll sit down again.

Can I get you something? A coffee?

It must be ready.

No, thanks. I'll just sit and wait.

Sir!

Can dreams come true?

That depends.

On what?

What does it depend on?

If you dream of being first in your class, and study hard

your dream may come true.

- I didn't mean that. - What then?

I meant, if you dream of something

really dream it in your sleep

can it come true?

Why? What did you dream?

Tell me.

You've got something on your mind

so tell me.

I dreamt that Karly...

- the odd little boy from the - I know.

Something terrible would happen to him.

Something terrible?

Like what?

I don't know.

Like what happened to Sigi

but even worse.

But he's so sweet. He doesn't harm any one.

Come on...

It was only a dream. Don't take it so seriously.

Dreams don't come true, let alone that kind.

But sometimes my dreams do come true.

What do you mean?

Last winter

before Gustl got sick

I dreamt my brother opened his window

so that he'd die

and his window was opened. He caught a chill and almost died.

What are you talking about?

That's nonsense!

We arranged to meet at the railway station

as Eva wanted to avoid being seen with me.

She was living with some distant cousins

who gave her parents

regular reports on her behavior.

She had become thinner, which made her even prettier.

I was ravished again by her mixture of shyness

and almost childlike outspokenness.

So it's not really so awful?

No but sweeping hair up all day...

The twins were more fun

but it's all right. I really can't complain.

No?

No.

Really.

Aside from the twins, don't you miss anything?

Come on, you!

How's the nanny? Does she only speak Italian?

That's what the steward says.

I see.

Where are you going?

There's a nice little pond in the wood.

We can picnic there. I've brought some food.

- I'd rather not. - Why?

What is it?

Nothing.

Please.

I had no improper intentions.

I just wanted you to enjoy the picnic.

Please.

How could I disgrace my future wife?

All right then.

I'll turn around.

Thanks.

Accept it and drink!

This is the blood of the New Testament

shed for you

to forgive your sins.

Here! He's here!

Out of the way!

"For I, the Lord, your God"

"am a jealous God"

"visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children"

"unto the third and fourth generation."

After the atrocities committed on the retarded boy

the baron was finally convinced, it was smarter

to enlist the help of the county's police force.

So a few days later

two plain-clothes policemen arrived

who, after visiting several of the crime scenes

inquired if anyone had noticed anything suspicious.

When I learnt of Karly's torture

I didn't think of what Erna had told me.

When I remembered, I hesitated to tell the authorities.

Such an absurd coincidence might jeopardize

the reputation and inner peace of the steward's family.

But when I heard that Karly might lose his eyesight

I made Erna come to the school

and tell the policemen about her dream.

We're not as stupid as you think.

But I really did dream it!

Watch out!

I'll give you one last chance:

tell us who told you about the plan to torture the boy

and we won't tell anyone else.

All right?

She's already had dreams that came true.

Is that so?

What about, may I ask?

It was a family matter.

I see! "A family matter".

Did you check if it was true?

No.

Well

it may be true.

Maybe she's an authentic clairvoyant

and we're luckier than we think.

Stop crying!

Your deceitful whining won't work with me.

I've got other ways to make you talk.

I don't believe in witches and sorcerers

and even less in the hallucinations of a brat like you

so make up your mind and tell me the truth.

I won't let go till you come clean. Got that?

Now let's go and see what your parents think

of your version of the story.

Can you come with us?

Of course.

Hello, there!

Who do we have here?

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, sir.

What are you eaves-dropping for?

We saw the teacher had visitors. We didn't want to intrude.

We were waiting to talk to him.

What do you want?

To ask you about Karly.

Like what?

We heard he isn't well.

We wondered if we could help.

You'll be all right...

I know, it hurts.

Be patient...

Everything will be fine again.

It'll be fine.

I have to go now, Karly.

Don't worry.

I'll be back tomorrow.

You'll be all right. Don't be afraid.

The doctor will be back.

Come in!

Yes?

What is it?

To replace Piepsi.

Because you're so sad.

Thank you.

You're welcome, Father.

- Give me the whistle. - Sorry?

The whistle!

What whistle?

Give it to me!

What whistle?

Give it to me, or I'll kill you.

I don't have any whistle.

You bastard!

You wretch!

For God's sake!

What's gotten into you?

What's he done?

For the last time, give it to me!

Give you what, Father?

What is it?

What are you talking about?

You know what I mean!

But if he says so! What's going on?

Please hold on!

What did the boy do?

Calm down.

Stay out of it! I have to go back to the baron.

George! Please, don't!

You'll kill him!

With the birch-trees in Retenow, it'll be 6,000 cubic meters.

It'll take them around 3 weeks.

And now we have 80 extra Poles.

They've been put up in the annex.

We're all out of bedding.

It takes time.

There are lots of kids with them.

In spite of it

I won't stay here.

What?

I won't stay here.

What do you mean?

I'm leaving with the children.

What do you mean?

Armin! That's not so hard to understand.

How do you plan to do that?

I don't know yet

but in any case, we're leaving this place.

"We?"

Yes.

That'll be all, thank you.

Good night, Baroness and Baron.

I only came back out of fairness to you

to give us a chance.

You gave me a chance?

Wonderful! And I missed my chance?

Will that help us to solve the problem?

What?

Your sarcasm.

What is the problem we have to solve?

You stay here!

You'll only leave when I say so.

Fine.

I was hoping to spare you this.

At Uncle Edoardo's I fell in love with a man.

He's from Lombardy

and is a banker who advised Uncle Edoardo financially.

He courted me assiduously

and was very fond of the children.

It was thanks to him that Sigi has blossomed.

Despite this, we came back

because I felt committed to you

but I can't stand this place any longer

not so much personally

though life with you

isn't thrilling for a woman of my age.

I'm leaving so that the children don't grow up in surroundings

that are dominated by malice

envy

apathy and brutality.

Sigi's whistle was the last straw.

I'm sick and tired of persecutions

threats and perverse acts of revenge.

Did you sleep with him?

You don't understand anything.

Did you sleep with him?

No. I didn't sleep with him.

You're lying, right?

Come in!

Good evening.

Good evening, Baroness.

- Can I talk to you? - Can't it wait?

No, or I wouldn't have disturbed you so late.

What is it?

They've assassinated Archduke Ferdinand in Sarajevo.

The news spread around the village like wildfire.

What would the consequences be?

The first who said "war", was severely contradicted

but once the word had been uttered

it remained stubbornly at the center of all our thoughts.

I wanted to go to town quickly to discuss with Eva

what we should do if war broke out.

Maybe her father would now agree to an earlier marriage.

I asked the baroness for the bicycle

that Eva had borrowed previously.

I planned to use it to visit her on Sunday.

On Friday, when I went to pick the bicycle up

I had a strange encounter.

What is it, Mrs Wagner?

Can I borrow your bicycle?

- It's not mine. - Can I borrow it anyway?

I've just borrowed it myself, to visit my fiancÈe.

Please!

Where do you want to go?

- To town. - What for?

The stubborn steward won't lend me a carriage.

Please lend it to me.

Why? What for?

To go to the police. I know who committed those crimes.

Who?

Can I have the bicycle?

Why not tell me?

I'll only talk to the police. I'm sick of insults.

What about the doctor's horse?

I don't know how to ride.

Please! Believe me!

My son told me who did it to him.

He may lose his eyesight.

Lend it to me!

Thanks!

I was so sorry that I gave in

but the state of that woman

usually so level headed, upset me.

What had she found out that she didn't dare tell?

Back in the village I decided to investigate.

Hello, sir.

Hello, Klara.

What are you doing here?

We wanted to see how Karly was.

Can't you see, it's closed up?

Yes. We were worried.

We saw Mrs Wagner cycling off.

We wondered what had happened to Karly.

Go home. You don't belong in here.

Go on home.

Good-bye, teacher.

I wondered why the midwife had closed the shutters.

Nobody in the village locked their house.

Why had the midwife locked her son in?

Karly, can you hear me?

I thought of Erna's dream again.

What if Erna hadn't dreamt it

but knew that Karly would be tortured!

Who had told her?

Who wouldn't she denounce?

The kids' interest in Karly seemed strange to me.

Usually, because of his disability

they had no contact with him or treated him disdainfully.

When the midwife couldn't take care of him

she entrusted him to me or the doctor

but since his mishap, I hadn't seen him again.

Worried, I decided to ask the doctor.

OFFICE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

- Wasn't his daughter in school? - Yes, she was.

And didn't she say anything?

I have a request...

Could I talk to Klara and Martin?

Won't you wait for my husband?

He's at church. The service is almost over

but if you insist, please come in.

Be seated.

I'll fetch them for you.

Good evening, sir.

Won't you sit down?

Yes. Perhaps. With pleasure.

Can I offer you something?

A coffee, like during the piano lessons?

Yes, with pleasure. Very kind of you.

I'll be right back.

Did you know the doctor was leaving Eichwald?

You're not surprised by my question?

Our mother just told us.

Anna didn't tell you?

Not a word?

It's odd not to say you're going away on a trip.

Anna doesn't say much.

But this was completely different.

You're hiding something from me.

What?

I'm waiting for you to tell me.

When you looked for Karly

what did you want from him?

We were worried. He's ill.

I'm asking Martin.

Yes. He isn't well

and since his mother was leaving

we thought we'd pay him a visit.

Did you ever wonder who mistreated Karly

and Sigi

who tied the wire to trip the doctor

Who set fire to the barn?

No?

Of course, we wondered.

Well?

Father said it must be a sick person.

Sigi was with you at Thanksgiving and Karly always went along.

I don't understand.

No?

What did they do wrong?

- Who? - Sigi and Karly.

Why?

They were obviously being punished. What for?

I don't know.

Erna foresaw that Karly would be punished. What for?

I don't know!

Why ask us?

You're a smart girl, Klara. Don't play dumb.

I don't understand.

Talk about this with Father or Mother.

Shall I get them?

Martin, will you go?

Stay here, Martin.

I'll see them later. Now, I'm talking to you.

Tell me the truth.

- Where were you when Karly was - Here.

I mean, after the confirmation?

The coffee's coming.

Could the children help you?

I'm afraid not. They don't know anything.

Didn't his daughter say anything at school?

No.

Sorry I disturbed you.

Stay here. My husband's coming and the coffee is almost ready.

Thanks, but I'm worried about the midwife's son.

- Didn't she say when she'd be back? - I didn't ask her.

She caught me off guard. She was panicking.

Hold on. I can hear my husband.

Good evening.

The teacher was waiting for you.

Yes. I'd like a word with you.

Please. Let's go to my study. It's quieter.

What's this about?

I've spoken to the midwife.

She said she knew who tortured her son.

She'd only tell the police, and went to town.

Well?

She left the boy behind alone and locked the house.

Locked it?

I went to ask the doctor

if he was caring for the child, but...

there was a paper saying the office was closed.

He and his kids have disappeared.

What does that mean?

I don't know.

I thought you might know. That's why I'm here.

I have no idea.

Please be seated.

Wasn't his daughter in school?

Yes. She didn't mention anything.

I asked Klara and Martin. They don't know anything either.

Why should they?

I don't know...

I went to Mrs Wagner's place. They and some others were there.

To do what?

They were looking for the boy.

Why?

They wanted to help him.

So what?

I don't know how to say it...

I think they're hiding something.

What?

I don't know.

When the doctor had his accident

last year

they appeared in his garden, supposedly to help Anna.

Yes... and?

Nothing. I'd forgotten it.

I just remembered today.

I don't understand.

When the baron's son was found

he'd been with the children just before.

What are you getting at?

The steward's daughter

predicted that Karly would be beaten.

She says she dreamt it.

The police think she's lying.

Who did she find out from? Who told her?

You're saying that your pupils, my children included

committed these crimes. Is that right?

Do you realize what you're saying?

Do you really know...

I assume I'm the first person

to hear of these monstrosities.

If you ever dare

to bother others with this

if you ever accuse

respectable families and their children

and denounce them publicly

I'll make sure, take my word for it

that you go to prison.

I've seen a lot during my work as a pastor

but never anything so repulsive!

You can tell you don't have any children!

Or you wouldn't stoop to such depravity.

You have a sick mind.

How did they let you loose among those poor creatures!

I'll speak to the authorities about this.

Now get out of my house!

I don't want to see you here again.

The midwife didn't come back.

I waited until morning, 2 days later.

Then I went to the manor house

to inform the baron.

He told the steward and said to open the house

and take care of the disabled boy.

I'll look upstairs.

I'd never been in the midwife's house

and felt uncomfortable

barging into somebody else's place without asking.

It was strange

but while we still searched and called out Karly's name

I already knew our search was in vain.

Anyone who knew how devoted the midwife was to her son

knew she'd never have abandoned her wounded Karly.

During the next few weeks

the village gossips worked overtime.

Some claimed the doctor was Karly's father.

He and the midwife had tried to abort the child

so that their relationship wouldn't be found out

and that's how the child was disabled.

Some even claimed

that the death of the doctor's wife was suspect

and the two might very well be responsible for it.

Better still, the doctor and the midwife

as potential murderers

had also perpetrated all the other crimes.

Wanting to spare his legitimate children and himself

from public disclosure of his guilt

the doctor had fled with them.

On July 28th, Austria declared war on Serbia.

On Saturday, August 1st, Germany declared war on Russia

and on France the following Monday.

The solemn service next Sunday was attended by the whole village.

A feeling of expectation and departure was in the air.

Now everything was going to change.

Eva's father, in the face of the coming war

had taken his daughter back home

and, at her pleading, had come to Eichwald

where his future son-in-law lived and worked, to look it over.

The prospect of soon calling this beloved creature my wife

also made that a festive day for me.

The pastor never mentioned our conversation again

and apparently never went through with his threat to denounce me.

I was drafted at the start of 1917.

After the war, as my father had died meanwhile

I sold his house in Vasendorf

and with the money opened a tailor's shop in town.

I never saw any of the villagers again.