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Starring

COLONEL REDL

Written by István Szabó and Péter Dobai

Music

Director of Photography

Directed by

This story is not based on authentic documents.

Actions of the characters are entirely fabricated.

This film was inspired by John Osborne's play A Patriot for Me

and by historical events of our century.

Your grandfather was a friend of his majesty, the Emperor.

The Emperor once asked him:

"Well, my friend, what's new?"

"Dedicated to our King.

May the heavens lavish Him with blessings.

May strength and wisdom inspire His soul.

In all lands

and amongst his faithful subjects may his glory shine.

He orders peace and those who dare resist

will be destroyed by his righteous wrath.

Brave like a lion and merciful too

laurels will adorn his brow."

Very nice, young Redl.

Sit down.

Maybe you'll become a great poet of our Motherland.

I haven't heard such a glorious poem

about His Majesty in a long time.

Sir, this is the boy, Alfréd Redl.

I humbly ask for your support to help him enter

the Imperial and Royal Cadet School.

Always remember to keep a straight posture, my son.

We will be so proud of you.

And we shall never forget what the Emperor has done for us.

How wonderful it would be if you returned as an officer.

What an honor it would be.

Your grandpa was just a poor peasant.

And suddenly, you're afforded this honor...

Never forget that the Emperor made this possible.

Always be grateful.

Up, down, up, down...

Up, down, up, down...

Up, down, up, down...

Hands behind your head! Squat!

Hopping to the left!

One, two, one, two, to the right.

One, two, one, two, to the left.

Right!

Left!

Right!

Left!

Right!

Left!

Right!

Left!

Right!

Left!

Right!

Stand up!

Go!

Go!

Go!

Go!

Redl, Kubinyi! Attention!

You'll get a caning for breaking your weapons.

Third grade! Stop the drill!

Line up in two ranks for the punishment!

Redl, Kubinyi, shirts off!

See, Redl? It's snowing.

Thank you.

Kristóf Kubinyi reporting to Grandmother!

All present, with a plus one, a friend in attendance.

Harry!

Come here, Harry!

Come!

Don't worry, he just wants to make friends. Good dog.

Tell me, son...

The Monarchy is so vast, I have a hard time telling

which of the many peoples of our Majesty you belong to.

I was born in Galicia.

- Are you Polish? - No.

My father is Ruthenian, partly of German descent.

My mother's grandfather...

was Hungarian, as far as I know.

They were Hungarians.

It was a family of nobles. They lost everything.

They lost all of their wealth.

But later His Majesty helped them

and gave them a position in the Civil Service.

Fine...

Then you certainly have Hungarian blood in you.

My mother would always sing a Hungarian song:

"At the foot of the mountains of Csitár."

At the foot of the mountains of Csitár,

the snow had long since fallen.

I've heard, my angel,

that the horse had fallen while you were riding it.

With your broken hand

how will you now embrace me?

Thus, my sweet little angel,

I cannot be yours.

Come on up, Kristóf! It's a good view.

I won't climb the tree for that.

You smell good, soldier, like a foal.

Are you ticklish? Let's see.

One, two, three...

four, five, six...

seven, eight, nine...

ten, eleven, twelve...

Could you please help me?

Katalin!

What can we expect from civilians,

if soldiers act like animals?

All rise!

- Are you the orderly on duty? - Yes, Colonel.

Who was it? I want a report with names.

I'm sorry, Colonel, I don't know who it was.

But I do, Cadet Redl.

I know the name:

Kristóf Kubinyi.

Colonel, I'm sure it wasn't him.

- Who then? - I don't know, sir.

I was singing.

Redl, is it the usual gentlemen?

Von Freyberg, Galiena, von Gencsy, von Kubinyi?

No, it wasn't Kubinyi, Colonel.

Who then? Redl, I'm losing my patience. You are on duty.

Then I am forced to expel

all four of these rogues, starting with Baron Kubinyi.

Colonel, I think it was von Gencsy.

Very good, Redl. You'll be a loyal soldier to His Majesty.

You are a bright peasant boy.

Dismissed.

Judas!

I am a Judas. I am not a soldier.

Those over there are the real soldiers.

I am just a treacherous peasant.

Kris!

- Yes? - Can I walk with you?

Are you mad?

I have a feeling you don't like to spend time with me.

- What's wrong with you? - Are you ashamed of our friendship?

- Are you insane? - You're with other people all the time.

- For example? - It doesn't matter.

Who did you mean?

Freyberg for instance. He's got you all to himself.

Do you still consider yourself my friend?

Or do you rather keep to your own kind?

Are you calling me to account?

- Clausewitz says... - Soldierly friendship is forever.

- How did you know...? - I know your favorite quotes.

Please tell me if I embarrass you, if I am a nuisance.

Tell me frankly if you don't want our friendship. If you are ashamed of me.

Redl, you can have my oath of allegiance.

Colonel Feldhauer wants to see Cadet Redl in his office.

At ease.

I'll make it short.

Cadet Redl...

Your father has died. Here's the telegram.

Take it.

You'll get furlough, of course.

Should you need anything...

money for the journey or a wreath for the grave,

please tell me.

You can count on me, son.

Colonel, may I ask for permission to stay here.

I want to take part in His Majesty's celebration.

Now that your godfather,

Franz Joseph the First has been crowned Emperor,

by the bond

of our Holy Church

you have become the sons

of our Father, Franz Joseph.

This word

is yours to use from this day forward

with humble pride and justly so.

Because His Majesty

by the sacrament of confirmation

accepted you as his sons.

This will make even more unbreakable

the bond binding you,

the army and His Majesty together.

May your filial gratitude,

your filial loyalty

preserve forever

this unbreakable bond that unites you

with the Lord,

with your Motherland, and your Emperor.

Detachment D hasn't regrouped with the main troops.

We've been waiting for the order for 2 minutes.

Lt. Schorm! Send an adjutant to find out the reason.

I want a report.

The medical staff is still in the valley.

Lieutenant Beatz! Deploy the reservists

against section QX of the enemy lines.

Leave immediately!

QX, yes, sir!

Gentlemen?

Colonel, I report that

the target has been reached and taken.

Good, Redl.

You have executed this tactical exercise perfectly.

One remark, however. This is a command post, not the Officers' Club...

where you smoke, disheveled, with your hands in your pockets

and watch friends play pool.

Lieutenant Schorm!

Those soldiers down there may not smoke while climbing rocks.

Smoking is forbidden on maneuvers. Carry on!

Give the order to finish.

Yes, Captain!

Colonel, I respectfully inform you that

I gave Lieutenant Schorm permission to smoke.

That was a mistake, Captain Redl.

Self-control always and everywhere.

His Majesty shouldn't have compromised with the Hungarians in 1867.

Why not take the whole Puszta,

as the English did Ireland?

Without that compromise, Austria wouldn't be an empire now.

Vienna's power comes from the cowardice of our politicians.

Our lieutenant is lamenting the fate of oppressed Hungarians again.

But he forgets... that Hungary, too, oppresses its neighboring peoples.

Everything has its price... This is it.

What about Arad? And Haynau?

- Generals executed like criminals! - Come on, Kubinyi!

You know the Compromise was His Majesty's greatest deed.

- Redl, you look so sad. - Perhaps because of you.

Don't be sad because of me. Let's drink!

- To Captain Redl! - To his health!

- Do you like the Captain? - Yes, he's very nice...

You hear it? She likes you! Be happy!

You need any help?

This Redl...

He was born in Lemberg, wasn't he?

Yes, and you in Pomerania...

- You think it's all the same? - It damn well is!

Oh, you are a cosmopolitan?

No, Hungarian. An officer and Redl's friend.

As His Majesty said...

"My beloved nation of Hungarians, always generous!"

Are you trying to offend me?

No.

No, why should I?

Let's go!

- Baron, are you being unfaithful to me? - Indeed.

That I do.

Jealous?

I don't know you yet...

But it can soon be arranged.

Have you already slept with me? Or do you prefer to stare?

Have you ever done it with a girl?

Or is your biggest thrill to shout at your soldiers?

What's special about Kubinyi that makes you all crazy?

He not only knows how to do it...

- ...he likes doing it. - What?

Everything.

- Then teach me, too. - You can't teach that.

- You have it or you don't. - He has a nice body, right?

A wonderful body!

What's so nice about it?

- His hairy behind? - Yes.

He has a round little rock-hard bottom...

And muscular thighs...

Just like a little boy.

You can hardly hold on to it.

- Is there still a scar on his knee? - Yes, there is a nice little scar.

How does he like it? Fast?

Slow?

Rough?

- Or gentle? - Gentle?

No, he comes in, grabs hold of me...

He grabs my breasts and he bites.

And I bite him, too.

So, he bites...

And you?

How do you want to do it?

Are you really related?

Then watch your big brother and learn from him.

What's wrong?

- Nothing. - Are you sick?

No. I'll deal with it, don't worry.

At the grand parade,

I'll ride out in front of the regiment

led by His Excellency, Colonel von Roden,

and I shall report to him.

One:

my mother's parents were Jewish.

Two: my father was a Jew from Budapest.

Can you imagine the scene?

The expression on von Roden's face?

At a parade,

with all sorts of distinguished people present.

Consuls, attachés, and the Goszleth girls.

Dominika and Danielle.

Alfréd, I'll tell them, I'll be straight with them one day.

Don't you think they know you're a Jew?

I'm not just a Jew. I'm a Hungarian Jew.

That's different.

We can talk about it, not just in whispers.

My father was expelled after the uprising in '48-49.

Mine spent most of his time playing cards with the Rabbi of Lemberg.

They were good friends.

Redl! What if you became a Jew too?

That would make everything so much simpler.

All right, I'm a Jew then, starting today.

It's all the same, right?

You know...

I think your holidays are beautiful.

Yom Kippur, Passover!

Redl, I'm very fond of you.

You're so wildly ambitious.

Let's go and conquer the Goszleth girls!

Would you please look at these drawings?

Who do they show in your opinion?

Or is it hard to identify?

You're famous for your observation skills.

How about this one? Lieutenant Beatz?

- No, Captain. - Who then?

- Captain Tannhoffer. - And this handsome face?

- Kubinyi. - And him?

That's myself.

- Continue, Captain. - Dr. Sonnenschein.

- Jaromil Schorm. - Schorm? Jaromil?

Tell me, Captain...

Is this lieutenant here not a lady?

- Excuse me? - I mean homosexual...

Not that I know of.

A Czech?

A Jew?

Major, I suggest you ask him yourself.

A straight question will get a straight answer.

You're an idealist.

"Debt-ridden uniforms."

"Who will protect the army in the event of war?"

This hatchet job appeared in a Prague periodical,

under the pseudonym Senior.

Do you know who hides behind this name?

Your direct inferior, Lieutenant Jaromil Schorm.

He states that the army and the officers of which he is one

are so corrupt, in so much debt - cards, booze, whores -

that in the event of war, the army would need protection.

Schorm!

Senior!

Senior?!

Tell me,

Captain, do you still play the piano?

At the cadet school I took lessons with Lieutenant Ruzek, yes.

Alright.

Keep an eye on Schorm.

In due time, I want a report.

Tell me...

can you make me a list, by this afternoon,

of the officers' local contacts?

This Schorm! Keep him out of my sight!

He is an agitator. He will be fired!

Disgusting scum!

Last time I met him in front of the Officers' Club.

That shifty look in his eyes!

And you stood up for him!

It's me he provokes in front of my regiment,

and the General Staff finds out about it first! They are opening an inquiry.

We absolutely cannot afford...

to be exposed to attacks like this! It's absurd!

I detest traitors, Captain.

To hell with them!

Kick him out!

Or let him go voluntarily.

Just get him out of here!

That's your job.

And one more thing, Redl.

Tell your friend Kubinyi

to stop his '48 tirades.

I don't want any criticism of the Compromise, alright?

He always mentions Haynau when he drinks himself silly.

Haynau's been dead for years.

Haynau is not the Monarchy. For God sakes!

We are the Monarchy!

And Baron Kubinyi!

What could be objected to the articles if they were true?

Nothing! But they are slander.

I'm ashamed that an officer who is a graduate of the Monarchy's Academy

expresses himself in this way.

He lives among us, accepts the privileges of uniform and rank,

laughs and swears with us,

and then it turns out

that he's not one of us.

He spies on us, instead of talking to us, he interrogates us, takes notes

and betrays his brothers in arms under a false name.

I believe Lieutenant Schorm needs to draw his conclusions

and leave those he's betrayed and traduced.

Taking notes, Schorm?

I can dictate it for you.

Gentlemen, on my own behalf and on behalf of the officer corps,

I suggest that Lieutenant Schorm,

at his own request,

should leave the regiment and the army.

Schorm!

I...

Lieutenant Schorm, you can state the reasons yourself.

Yes.

Gentlemen, is this a big moment or a small one,

I can't tell.

This is not a cabaret!

You're right, doctor.

We should stay brief and soldierly.

What's going on? Has the silly Czech gone mad?

Schorm, you're mistaken if you expect me, the regiment's doctor,

to issue a certificate saying that you've gone insane,

even though I believe you have. No!

Lieutenant!

Name your seconds!

I consider the desecration of His Majesty's uniform

a personal insult.

I therefore challenge you to a duel!

Should it be a gun duel?

Sorry, you're near-sighted. You prefer to fence?

But don't confuse in front of everyone

fencing with an appendectomy in front of everyone here.

Don't take this personally, but I know that

doctors who join the army aren't the best ones.

Summa cum laude, you jerk!

Gentlemen, if two of you would volunteer to be my seconds!

I'm not fighting you.

I'm the third best shooter in the regiment.

Allow me to send for my civilian clothes.

The duel takes place at dawn.

I'll choose my seconds. Alfréd!

I told you Sonnenschein,

there won't be a duel.

Even though I have taken off my uniform,

I can't duel with a Jewish doctor.

Nonsense.

Gusztáv, you're unfit for a duel.

What about me, Schorm?

You think I'm unfit too?

Baron Kubinyi?

Yes, you are.

But gentlemen, this is really...

Done! Tomorrow at dawn. With a pistol, since you're such a fine shooter!

30 steps, 3 exchanges. Redl, you're my second.

You know... I hate early rising.

I'd prefer noon or afternoon...

But honor comes first.

Pistols at dawn, then!

Those articles, Schorm...

You were such an excellent soldier.

The duel is nonsense.

You must desist.

I didn't force it.

- Then I'll lock you up. - It's too late, Captain.

I'll be dueling as one of His Majesty's civilian subjects

with Baron Kubinyi.

- Lock him up, if you fear for his life. - Look, Schorm...

The army is not dismissing you.

You are leaving the army.

You can join again in a couple of years.

A couple of years? Where will this army be then?

It will be where it belongs, I can assure you.

And so will I.

Do you know what I hate most about this army?

Getting up so damned early!

Who's there? Who is it?

Redl!

Is it you, Schorm?

I thought it was you. Sorry.

- You're here early. - Yes.

I couldn't sleep. Could you?

I never sleep well.

Kubinyi must have gotten a good night's sleep.

Don't underestimate him.

- Want a cigarette? - No, thanks.

He overestimates himself.

You are full of force and energy.

And you?

I don't belong with you.

What do you mean?

I want to remain Jaromil Schorm.

I don't understand.

I cannot bear leading a double life.

Everyone playing their part perfectly.

Sickening.

All of it...

I still don't understand you.

Tell me, Schorm...

Are you really an antisemite?

My grandmother is Jewish. Is that sufficient for you?

You are right. I shouldn't have insulted Sonnenschein.

I actually got a thrill out of calling him a Jew.

You are being reckless.

It's not really my style.

You're toying with people.

Unlike you...

Me?

What do you mean?

You're demanding too much of yourself.

I don't have a choice.

Yes, surely.

You might be right.

We've never really talked much.

Why couldn't you sleep?

I don't know.

I think I had a dream.

- You don't believe in dreams? - No.

However...

It is cold.

Yes.

- The weapons? - All good.

- Redl was telling me his dream. - There's no time for that.

- There is. - Stop it.

- Gentlemen... - Please!

I ask you once again

to discuss your disagreement

and use your weapons symbolically.

There are officers on guard outside, I guarantee complete secrecy.

I shall now leave the gymnasium.

Redl, stay!

Gentlemen... I am ready.

We must get a doctor.

Yes?

Was Schorm your friend?

No, Colonel.

You know that if your part in this incident is found out,

it will harm your career.

I'm aware of my role in this, Colonel.

We have decided to act discreetly.

Thank you, Colonel.

With Kubinyi, it's a different story.

He's been in trouble before.

However, he survives such incidents more easily.

Redl, Redl, I must say,

you were only a second, but that was a grave error.

Never get involved in anything like this again.

Yes, Colonel.

Do you think an officer of modest origins

and without connections remains unnoticed?

Is that your opinion, Redl?

I'm convinced the army

seldom allows merit to go unacknowledged.

Correct, Redl.

And for obvious reasons:

the future of the Monarchy and probably of Europe

depends on the army.

I've noticed that officers who complain about privilege

are of average ability, mostly below that.

Exactly. A good soldier always recognizes another.

That's the basis of camaraderie.

Redl, as Commander,

it's my duty to inform the Ministry of War

about officers of outstanding merit.

Your merits have surpassed your present rank. And that's a fact.

Here's my report on you.

And here's your order to report to Vienna.

Your promotion to Major and appointment as second-in-command of a garrison

has been confirmed by His Majesty.

It's a pity it had to arrive on this unfortunate day...

Nevertheless, congratulations.

Thank you, Colonel.

It means a great deal to me.

After all, I trained you.

Well...

That's all.

This is for you.

A wallet and a briefcase.

I had them made in Vienna.

A. R.

I have grown very fond of you, my son.

Dismissed!

Colonel.

Yes?

I'd like to take Lieutenant Kubinyi with me.

He's a good soldier.

An odd team, you two.

I'm not sure it will help you...

Very well.

It can be arranged through his family connections if they agree to the plan...

Katalin!

Did you see him?

The Emperor!

Standing there admiring the view.

The castle is nearby. He comes here quite frequently.

The Emperor!

Unbelievable!

What if we'd stopped to greet him?

What would you say?

"Major Redl awaiting orders!"

I would wish him good health and a long life.

Driver!

Turn in to the Inn.

I'm tired, Major.

We'll take a room.

I can't believe I saw the Emperor today! How lucky!

Alfréd.

Horses and saddles...

A fine soldierly smell.

Kristóf never smells like a soldier.

Or can you smell it on him?

Me?

Here you are, madam.

Soldier,

uncork the champagne.

I've made a lovely, big bridal bed for us. See?

What will your husband say if you don't go home?

I'll tell him I spent the night at my mother's.

You're my witness.

I am not one of those prissy ladies

who know how to entertain people.

I like riding, eating, drinking.

Why don't you have any children?

Why?

Because I can't stand my husband anymore.

Shall I marry you?

Do you want a pretty Kubinyi?

You deserve it.

Let's drink.

Do you know who my first lover was?

A stableboy. In Kubiny.

One day in the stable, he touched my breast.

And I hit him with my riding whip.

He grabbed my thigh with all he had.

He held me so tight in his arms,

the memory of it still gives me shivers.

We made love in secret, it lasted a year.

Sometimes it was so good that when I was running back home across the park,

I could have shouted with joy.

And do I remind you of this stableboy?

Don't be afraid, Alfréd.

I am very fond of you.

I liked you when we were children, back in Kubiny.

Your eyes...

They are so willful and hard...

full of adoration.

I like the way you are getting bald.

Is your stableboy getting bald too?

He ceased to exist for me a long time ago.

Why do you close your eyes?

I don't know.

Are you thinking of someone else?

Yes.

Kristóf?

Yes.

- You thought of him the whole time? - No.

Whom do you love more?

Whom?

I'm very fond of you both.

- And now? - I'm feeling very well.

But I don't know for how long.

You know, Kristóf...

and I...

we're...

I think I'm afraid of him.

But now you've overcome your fear?

No.

You're beautiful, Katalin.

I like touching you.

I have nobody I can embrace, only you.

Don't forget, you're here at the Russian border

in Galicia, not by the Adriatic.

We have many Poles, Jews,

Gypsies, thieves and whores.

You must stay vigilant.

Many of them smuggle vodka across the border.

We are right at the border,

not Bad Ischl or Alt-Ausee, where you know

there's so little to do, the officers go hunting for chamois.

You get my meaning?

Lieutenant Ehrlich reporting.

Maneuvers proceeding according to plan.

Reporting to Lieutenant Mészáros, everything's going to plan.

Throw grenades!

Throw grenades!

Stop!

Lieutenant! These infantrymen have not been given grenade training.

What should be done when a grenade didn't explode?

Assemble the platoon!

Platoon, forward!

Throw away your cigarette.

Tell me the rules.

I'm sorry, I don't know them all off the top of my head, Major.

Not all of them? What about point one?

Point two? Three...

Point five?

Your order, officer?

A schnapps, please.

Coming right up, Major.

You get many officers here, don't you?

How did you guess?

You knew my rank.

You recognize ranks when you're as old as me.

But you never recognize people.

- Do you serve vodka? - No.

- That's contraband. - Maybe a glass of aquavit?

We're serving His Majesty and the Monarchy here.

On the Galician border, not anywhere else.

We're not here to have a good time or chase women,

to court, play pool and cards,

and get drunk every single evening.

On duty or on maneuvers, where because of some of the officers,

I'm referring to Lieutenant Schohinsky,

our men blow themselves up,

due to a lack of grenade instruction.

Concerning Lieutenant Mészáros,

if he falls off his horse at 11 am,

it's because he has already absorbed 8 vodkas,

contraband vodka, drunk at the roadside inn,

where the officers go to keep warm

while their soldiers train outside.

The officers can only stay in their saddles

until noon thanks to their mount or to their orderly.

We are not here to exploit our rank and His Majesty's uniform

to get loans from local civilians and usurers.

Like Kferrer and Halmi.

They can blackmail us if we owe them.

We're not here to seduce a different girl every week,

raping her like some no-name grunt.

Like a poor servant-girl yesterday.

Who dares not say a word,

for everyone would believe the almighty lieutenant.

But what exactly does it mean to be an almighty lieutenant?

We are officers of the Monarchy.

We must set a good example so the people trust us,

and know the Emperor will protect them.

My question is: does the Monarchy need you?

Each one of you, personally?

Here in this garrison, in this position?

Answer the question yourselves.

I'm waiting.

If you think your vocation and presence here has a meaning

then you should know that with your rights

come certain obligations.

Only after owning these can you claim privileges.

No one forces you to be an officer of the Monarchy.

There are other occupations, at the post office or the railways...

which also guarantee an imperial pension.

Why do you make enemies?

The Emperor is senile, if there is a war,

the Monarchy will fall to pieces.

What you say is tantamount to high treason.

Can't you see that they are afraid of you?

- Ruzitska, too. - He is corrupt, Ruzitska.

A cynic. He is Commander of the garrison,

yet he betrays the idea of the Monarchy in every other sentence.

Actually, the others are no better.

They do nothing but get drunk and tell stupid military jokes.

No wonder everything is falling to pieces.

This is exactly why I am here, to put a stop to it,

and I am going to show them how we can restore order fast.

They should be afraid of me! That's good.

Let the gentlemen hate me.

At least I know that I am doing my duty.

He is sixty and a Colonel in Galicia.

At his age, he should be on the General Staff in Vienna!

I am going to clean this stable.

There are some young ones left who still have ideals.

Like Ehrlich.

Can't you see that everybody has had enough?

They're waiting for it to end.

Naturally, those who haven't achieved anything. And why haven't they?

Because they get completely drunk every day.

Why should an officer get drunk every day?

Has he no rank? No honor?

No prospects?

No means to make a living?

Why does an officer feel the need to get drunk every day?

This is my question.

Maybe he knows that there is no sense in what he's doing.

Did you fuck my sister?

Did you or did you not?

Kubinyi...

I won't stand for a question like this, not even from you.

Major, Colonel Ruzitska wishes to see you in the conservatory.

Colonel?

I have bad news for you, Redl.

When did you last see Mészáros?

This afternoon, after the maneuvers at the border.

He has deserted.

Really?

He switched over to the Russian side.

At 6 o'clock, he appeared on the other side of the barrier.

He approached the gate and shouted to our soldiers:

"This is for Ruzitska and Redl!"

And then he did this with his hand.

I've had enough of the Russian border.

I will be applying for retirement.

I'd like to recommend you as District Commandant.

You have a great future ahead of you.

I have been a troop commander my whole life.

That's fate.

One doesn't necessarily have to be on the General Staff.

Fucking Habsburgs!

I hate the Habsburgs, do you hear?

I hate them!

And you, what do you think?

Maybe you like them.

But I am drunk right now,

so I'm being honest with you.

It's a gift. I hate them!

It's impressive when Hungarians are being this crude.

His Majesty's favorite people, his privileged children!

Whom he embraced with the magnum opus that is the Compromise.

The real favorites were executed first.

Franz Ferdinand will follow on his donkey called Hungary.

He really adores the Hungarians who are already gathering around him.

Those who have anything to do with him are traitors.

Would good old Hungary collapse if it gave some rights to ethnic minorities?

If Galicia and Cracow were given the chance,

they would join Greater Poland so fast, Vienna would be left gasping.

What would remain of the Monarchy then?

It would vanish from the map of Europe in an instant.

This Empire can only be saved by war.

For this, however, after so many lost battles and victorious maneuvers,

the old guy should go down to the Capuchin Crypt.

Are you crazy?

What do you want, you switchman?

I'm obliged to place you on strict duty for a period of one week

starting at midnight tonight, Lieutenant.

- Who is it? - It's Alfréd.

Are you busy?

What do you want?

- To talk. - I don't have time.

I'm expecting someone who wouldn't like to see you.

Duty inspection.

- Password, please. - Harvester. At ease.

Who is the duty officer?

Lieutenant Kubinyi, sir.

Where is he?

Where is he?

He fell asleep in the cafeteria.

Why didn't you wake him?

- I did. - Why isn't he here then?

- With respect, sir, he said... - What?

- What did he tell you? - He told me to go fuck myself.

I'll take over.

A serious breach of duty. At war, you would be court-martialed.

Understood, Lieutenant?

Yes, Colonel.

I'm now forced to transfer you.

Within 24 hours, you'll report

to Colonel Helmut Heynert to be heard at the Ministry of War.

He already knows.

Your future will be decided in Vienna.

Oh, you fools. Dismissed.

I almost feel sorry for you.

I wonder if our friend Redl's a Jew,

but instead of a caftan, he wears His Majesty's uniform.

He is very good at hiding it then.

Redl will soon be on the General Staff.

A Jew on the General Staff?

The old guy at the top is already in the hands of the Rothschild family.

I didn't thank Redl for this trip to Vienna.

Watch him, he may yet be of use to us.

Back up!

Get lost!

Get out of here!

Go away!

Get lost!

What do you want from me?

To hell with you!

Is it true, Major, that you are a Jew

on your mother's side?

Several people have said so.

I've also heard that you don't like to mention it.

Maybe you're right.

I won't tell anyone. My heart's just overjoyed.

- May I sit down, Major? - Please.

My wife would like

to invite you to our home, Major.

For the Friday night supper.

Lieutenant Ehrlich feels quite at home with us, too.

I have a large family and beautiful children.

Leave me alone! Go away!

For various reasons, I have to warn you,

Lieutenant Ehrlich and all other gentlemen,

including our doctor,

that close contact with the Jews is to be avoided.

The Imperial Army, including the General Staff

is accessible for Jewish soldiers for the moment.

But everyone has to choose his side.

If you're most comfortable amongst rabbit hair merchants with a sidelock,

you shouldn't want to wear a uniform.

There's something else.

Some of the Jews here,

or let's say most of the Jews here,

have close connections and trade

with coreligionists across the border.

Vodka, fabrics, God knows what else is being smuggled.

We suspect that information is traded as well.

Including information gathered from some officer

during the Friday night supper over some stuffed fish.

Each of you must decide

whether you consider yourselves an officer of the Imperial Army,

or a Slovak,

a Ruthenian

or a Jew.

"Dear Sonnenschein, old doctor.

I haven't heard from you for a while..."

Major, a woman wants to see you.

She says she's your sister.

What does she look like?

She is... elderly.

- Tell her I'm busy. - Yes, sir.

Hold on!

Send her in.

Alfréd!

Zsófi, what are you doing here?

We've heard you were here. Mother sends her love.

Who told you?

A soldier told us about you. Schilhanek's son.

Yes, Mother sends her love.

Ilse and the children, too.

Magda, you know, has moved far away with her husband.

Are there any problems?

Something's wrong?

Nothing out of the ordinary.

Something important to tell me?

No.

Please. You need money?

- No. - Yes, you do.

I can send you some every month.

- No need. - Here.

Or I'll bring it myself.

Here.

Please don't ever come here again. How dare you?

This is a barracks after all!

You can't just waltz in here like it is a post office.

And you definitely shouldn't use my name to do so.

- But... - No.

I am busy, as you can see.

Take it...

Put it away...

Kristóf is really hurt. You know?

I'm the one that's hurt.

He said and did things I couldn't accept as an officer or his friend.

Alfréd, don't be ridiculous.

Stop lying to me.

To me...

At least stop deceiving yourself.

The concept of the Monarchy is good.

I can't imagine

anything much better in its stead.

Sure, the Emperor's old and makes mistakes. I concede that.

Some reforms are due. I am aware of that.

But I must show that from where I stand,

the Monarchy isn't crumbling, it is strong. And if others...

felt like me,

things wouldn't depend on the Emperor's health alone.

We could still make everything right.

Everything I can do,

I shall do.

And what do you want to do?

And you wonder why people hate you?

I know everything about them.

Every last thing.

And when the time comes, I'll strike them down.

Gentlemen,

will you please line up according to rank.

You can step forward if you hold a strong position.

I assume you know your relationship with Vienna.

Although that can change.

The lower ranks should line up according to height.

Short people first. There's no disgrace.

The Heir-Apparent isn't tall, neither am I, so obviously no disadvantage here.

When the Archduke enters,

we stand to attention, if the gentlemen still remember how to do it.

When you receive your decoration, you look him in the eyes.

When he shakes your hand, bow your head.

You won't lose it just yet.

Line up now according to your rank and position

at a right angle to the door.

They're coming.

I'm glad I managed to have you moved here, son.

I really trust you.

The decisive factor was you not belonging to any faction.

Our duty is to preserve what we have, regardless of others,

because the future is frail.

Your task is

to modernize military intelligence.

You've done excellent work, but largely as an amateur.

From now on, you're becoming the number one specialist on the subject.

If you have any problem, come to me and I'll help.

And when you become Minister of War,

I'll remind you of this to have my pension raised.

Just one more piece of advice.

Make sure you only have subordinates

who admire you.

Do you understand?

Men who are grateful to you, because you selected them.

If you are equal to the task, you may even become a Baron.

In Hungary, every other Jewish factory owner is a Baron.

The most loyal subjects of His Majesty,

the "Juda-Pesters".

Yes.

The Ministry of War also recommends a couple of people every year.

I have a very high opinion of you.

I welcome you as members of this newly formed office.

Please get to know each other.

Don't be surprised that you speak different tongues almost to a man.

Your task will be in the provinces and with the people

whose language and customs you know.

Our mutual task

is to preserve the safety and strength of the Monarchy.

Whatever we say or don't say in order to reach our goal

is not a lie, but our task. Our mission.

We must know everything about everyone.

The smallest town holds people we need.

It's up to us entirely to find them.

Suitable types abound everywhere.

We just have to arouse their interest.

Every detail of our work, it goes without saying,

is strictly confidential.

If you are successful,

you'll be praised by nobody but me.

As for mistakes, nobody will defend you.

The same goes for me.

But we belong to a group

whose hand is on the pulse of the Monarchy

and which can make useful decisions

in the interest of the Monarchy if necessary.

This trust was lent to you

after long and careful consideration.

As hard as it was to gain this trust,

it is just as easy to lose it.

To lose everything...

This is power.

Note everything about every officer. Absolutely everything.

Who was he with? Where? What did they talk about?

How much they spend, what they like, their passions.

Which officers are regular customers.

Name, rank and garrison.

Redl, Alfréd.

"According to some: career driven,

concerned only with his own interests.

Would like to appear as an aristocrat.

Admires power and often stresses

his gratitude to the Habsburgs.

No contact with his family,

nor with his sister residing in Lemberg."

Look at these poses.

Poses...

Insincere.

Oh! Lieutenant Colonel Redl!

Come with me!

Ambassador, may I present to you

Lieutenant Colonel Redl from the Ministry of War.

Don't you recognize me?

My name is Saviola.

Italian artillery. Fiume, Trattoria "la Mamma"!

Yes, I remember.

Are you stationed in Vienna?

I am working for the military attaché.

And you are the new guy.

- Congratulations. - Thank you. Excuse me...

Käthe! May I introduce you to the Lieutenant Colonel?

Thank you, Marie, but the Lieutenant Colonel

is a childhood acquaintance of mine.

Gentlemen, may I? My husband, Alfréd Redl.

Alfréd and Kristóf went to school together,

and when he was a little boy, he used to visit us in Kubiny. Right?

Right.

- I hear you're the one to be afraid of. - True.

It's not pleasant for me

to ask you this question,

but Marshall Conrad von Hötzendorf asked me

if you're homosexual.

He heard about it, he says, from people from the upper crust,

even the Archduke has made inquiries.

What do you say?

They're plotting against you already.

Unless it's a plot against me.

They don't dare touch me, so they are starting with you,

because they know that I'm backing you.

That's the world around you.

You'd better get used to it right now.

I don't know why, but I've got the impression

you make enemies easily.

Avoid that whenever possible...

For my sake, too.

You should marry, Alfréd. That would calm people down.

I'll introduce you to a girl from a good Viennese family.

Or we'll pack our bags and go to America.

Should we?

We should perhaps go on the offensive in the Balkans.

The Emperor wants peace, not because of his age, but because he knows

what war would do to the Monarchy.

He makes mistakes by putting officers in key positions

who represent a trend he fears

and which disrupts the army.

The Archduke works openly against him with the General Staff

and he pretends not to notice.

When the Emperor dies,

Austria-Hungary will fall apart.

Look at this here, from an earlier empire.

What will remain of ours?

Stop that!

That civilian suit is the greatest lie in your life.

I know.

Are you coming inside?

Of course.

Alfréd.

Yes?

I'm coming.

Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel.

May I check your uniform, as is my duty?

Lieutenant Colonel,

your sword, please.

- Colonel. - Thank you.

Kindly wait a moment.

- Kubinyi. - Hello, Redl.

I thought you were in St. Petersburg.

I was recently called back.

I'm on the General Staff, in charge of Hungarian affairs.

If you need anything in that field, please come to me first.

I see.

And if I can do anything...

I don't snoop on my brothers in arms.

Goodbye.

Lt. Colonel, His Imperial Highness is expecting you.

Your Imperial Highness, Colonel Redl begs to report.

Lieutenant Colonel Redl. I'm glad we can finally have a talk.

I've heard so much about you.

How do you like your position?

Thank you, Your Imperial Highness.

I have a lot to do.

I like to work.

And what does the power in your hands

feel like?

Do you enjoy it?

Sometimes...

What I feel is rather the weight of my task,

Your Imperial Highness.

Of course... They say your loyalty is unshakable

as it is based on gratitude.

You want to serve and prove yourself, am I right?

I am deeply honored if that is said about me.

You're a good toll-collector, then.

You won't side with those

who've gained their position by their noble blood.

Are you a Catholic?

Yes.

Good... We'll understand each other well.

I've read some of your reports.

You write very well, Redl.

Or rather, convincingly.

You like to work fast, like in Galicia,

where you proved your ability.

We'll see whether you are just as talented here.

We have to focus on the interests of our Monarchy.

Because the world around us...

has become dangerous. Army morale is low.

The Imperial Army has begun to resemble a casino,

playing pool, drinking and chasing women, right?

Yes, unfortunately, Your Highness.

The spirit of liberalism undermines everything. It's terrible!

Please, sit down.

You know...

In such a situation

one has to... one has to make a clean sweep to restore order.

Don't stand there, sit down.

The army must be

as ice on a frozen lake.

Your Highness, fish swim under the ice.

Listen, Lieutenant Colonel, we must make lasting examples

as your previous activity proved.

We must arrange some actions

that will shake the army,

to make clear to all that liberalism must end...

once and for all.

Is that clear?

The Emperor must see that an effective army needs a new spirit.

We have to draw the image of the enemy.

Our peoples must see it.

We must show them in no uncertain terms what the enemy is like.

We have to create the picture of a common enemy

who threatens them and who is visible.

They have to feel the danger, do you understand?

Feeling threatened hardens the army.

Think it over, Lieutenant Colonel.

Check your files and submit a suggestion to me.

Relate it to the Balkans, if possible.

Imply Russian machinations...

Or possibly French.

You have full authority of course.

How long have you known Lieutenant Colonel Komjáthy?

Since I was in the 32nd Regiment,

"Maria Theresa".

Cognac? Grappa? Liqueur?

- What would you like? - Cognac, please, if I may.

Who are the confidants of Lieutenant Colonel Komjáthy?

Komjáthy...

I'm sorry, I can't remember.

You are a bright peasant boy.

Think it over.

Will one afternoon be sufficient

to give me an accurate list of officers' relations

in your garrison?

It's Ullmann who signed the contract regarding the transport

of the building materials for the Przemyśl fortress.

The engineer responsible was Worowka.

To whom did you pass on the material?

I asked, to whom did you hand over the material?

Where?

And how?

Your Imperial Highness, there are five cases at our disposal,

unfortunately each case amounts to high treason.

Here are the files.

I suggest we depart in one of these cases

from the court martial's usual way of proceeding and make it public.

With special emphasis given to the equally culpable entourage.

We do it so spectacularly that it creates tension

throughout the army and among the civilian population of the Monarchy.

I suggest a public trial

with many witnesses and press coverage.

The idea is excellent, Redl, but it all depends

on the person accused, you know.

I suggest either the case of Captain von Dornheim,

or the case of...

Lieutenant Colonel Komjáthy, from the 32nd Regiment of Budapest.

Your Highness?

Look, Lieutenant Colonel.

This trial must show the army and the officers

that the enemy's in our ranks,

and that we strike down ruthlessly anyone

who neglects his duty.

At the same time, we must show our people and the whole world

a united and strong imperial army.

That's a question of politics.

So the accused cannot be Austrian,

certainly not an Austrian aristocrat.

It'd weaken trust in the leadership.

He cannot be Hungarian

since we live in a dual Monarchy.

We don't want to irritate the Hungarians.

Also cannot be a Czech.

They keep demonstrating and instigating scandals in Parliament.

They constantly claim independence...

They would see this as a provocation.

It certainly can't be a Jew...

Think about the Dreyfus affair, which whipped Europe into a frenzy.

We'd stir up an international storm of indignation

and upset the Emperor's links

with the Rothschild bank. No, it's out of the question.

It is of vital importance to the Monarchy.

And finally...

It can't be a Serb or a Croat.

That zone is too hot and must be tackled otherwise.

You too have...

- ...Hungarian blood in you, right? - I am Ruthenian.

That's what we need, a Ruthenian.

Look for a doppelgänger of yourself, Redl.

I'd have to search in Galicia.

Then look there! Similar background,

career and connections. He would be our man!

That can't be a problem for you.

You did do a good job.

You have files on everyone with your wide network of agents.

What has happened?

I may be involved in the Archdukes' schemes.

The bullets are whistling past my ears...

Lieutenant Colonel, we have the answer for you.

Dismissed.

Salapska! Salapska!

Did you fall asleep or what?

Prepare the Ministry's steam train

and cable the Lemberg garrison's commander

so that he puts Ullmann under surveillance.

But take no open action before my arrival. That's all, hurry up!

Good evening.

- Are you Victor Ullmann? - Yes. How may I help you?

Where can we talk in private?

- Why? - Please come with me.

- This way, please. - Go ahead.

- Excuse me. - This way.

- Salapska! - András!

Give me the keys to the safe and your desk.

May I have an explanation?

I am searching the premises!

I could fabricate evidence

and nobody would ever know.

But I don't want to. Give me the keys.

- This is a grave insult! - The keys!

Captain! Escort Mr. Ullmann to the room next door.

Where's your friend, engineer Worowka?

I don't know. In Vienna, I presume.

András!

Take him away.

Przemyśl.

Salapska!

Make a list of all contractors, all engineers

and their army partners,

including private contacts.

But first

send a telegram to the Vienna police

so that they file an arrest warrant for Worowka.

- Put it back, please. - Leave me alone.

I'll handcuff you if you don't put it down.

Stop! Don't move!

Get a doctor, quick!

"Heir-Apparent. Kristóf von Kubinyi.

St. Petersburg."

Turn right, please. Right, I said!

Announce me to the General. It's urgent.

The General is retired since yesterday. He won't be in today.

The chief of the General Staff handles all open cases.

I see.

Thank you.

Please allow me, Your Imperial Highness, to question...

- ...Major Kristóf Kubinyi. - What about?

I'm sure that an engineer by the name of Worowka

and an army supplier from Lemberg, Victor Ullmann,

together handed over the blueprints of the Przemyśl fortress to the enemy.

Galicia again, where all that is nasty happens. Are they in your custody?

No. Ullmann committed suicide during the search

and Worowka was murdered after coming to Vienna.

Once you go into action, death follows. Przemyśl...

What do you want to learn from Kubinyi?

If Victor Ullmann had any military diplomatic contacts.

Tell me, Redl...

are you an evil man?

Your Highness, I...

- I am doing my duty. - What faith?

As I told you, I'm Catholic.

Evasive answer. Why no children?

We don't have any children because my wife is gravely ill.

Forgive me for the invasiveness, I just never understood

why von Roden always backed you, even with the Emperor.

Because you graduated with honors

and you're a good mathematician?

I see no point in you interrogating members of the General Staff

or gratuitously harassing

our most reliable men, Redl.

But Your Highness, this is about high treason, after all!

I shall decide who the traitors are!

Przemyśl is of minor military importance.

The guilty have sentenced themselves. Case closed.

It would appear that this time

you did not succeed, Redl. Your doppelgänger is dead.

Spin your web better.

Be faster.

Or would you rather it be Baron Kubinyi instead of a Ruthenian?

- Kubinyi is not your doppelgänger. - Your Highness...

- You misunderstood me. - I misunderstand no one!

Open your eyes when you look for a picture of the enemy!

Don't make me think you're as senile

as Roden with his ever misty eyes.

Whom we have finally managed,

after much struggle,

to retire.

You were a big fan of his.

Right?

He was indeed...

a bit emotional.

Look, Redl.

The time for waltzing is over.

War is coming.

It's inevitable for the Monarchy.

The Monarchy needs a spectacular, easy case.

A bit of a fright that has an impact.

A few days of threat and fear,

then a quick victory.

War, then?

An assassination attempt somewhere, to be followed by retaliation.

Then

a small, local war for a couple of weeks,

to save...

that which can be saved.

Redl... This profile!

An extremely ruthless type.

But something about it suggests sensuality.

A Slavic face.

Yes, the cheekbones.

Looking at this photo, clearly a brutal personality.

Colonel Redl...

First we'll promote him.

The whole thing is monstrous treason.

The Archduke is planning a military coup,

to seize power himself.

He doesn't believe in the old Monarchy.

The only one who does is the Emperor.

I hate politics! I hate politicians!

My world, yes, it's my world...

Yet now I'd like it to collapse as quickly as possible.

A quick hero's death. Done.

Then we're even, the Monarchy and I.

I'm forty years old.

How does a forty-year-old admit that he's been on the wrong side all along,

when all other possibilities are just as miserable?

Nothing matters, only life itself.

To breathe this wonderful morning air.

"It's no sin to be involved. It's a sin to remain involved."

Montaigne.

I learned it in my French class.

Why do you keep this here?

I want to know what he thinks.

Of you?

I can't prevent what's brewing.

What I swore to defend...

doesn't exist.

I dreamt that my father sat on my shoulders pushing me down ever further.

You know more about me than anyone else.

If you ever abuse this fact,

I'll shoot you.

Colonel, wearing a mask is obligatory.

Even for me?

Yes, for everybody until midnight.

Colonel Redl, whom we all fear.

And your wife?

- At the sanitarium, sadly. - How long has she been ill?

She's had frail lungs since childhood.

What a pity! We wish her a speedy recovery.

- Good evening. - Good evening.

If there were an explosion in this room now,

that would solve all of Europe's problems.

And us? Would we be inside or outside?

Trieste will fall to the Italians.

I'm certain of it. Don't buy that villa.

Every battalion's safe has a sealed envelope

with the secret mobilization order.

Colonel!

What do you make of this?

I've just heard that it's not aligning with the Hungarians,

but with the Germans that will save the Habsburgs.

Katalin, dear...

Excuse me.

Would you introduce that charming Esterházy boy to my daughter?

See you later.

There are Germans in Silesia. Don't forget that.

I think the Ruthenians will join the Russians in a heartbeat.

They prefer the Tsar as their daddy.

It's only a question of time.

I didn't know you knew him.

I met him at that ball. Charming man.

Long live the Emperor, long live Habsburgs, my friend!

And our united army!

It is midnight. Masks may be removed.

Alfréd, may I introduce you to a new guest: Lieutenant Velocchio.

Alfredo Velocchio.

Redl.

All I'm asking is that you love me.

That you protect and trust me.

I am...

I am very weak. I need your support.

Tell me what to do.

How should I be?

Cynical?

- I'll try. - Why cynical?

You said you didn't believe in the whole thing, yet you go on.

You said war is coming, but you'll lose it anyway.

Am I supposed to seize power?

There are officers who share my views.

Should we support the Emperor, who is old,

and may be dying?

It's the war we should prevent.

Or...

a bullet from this pistol

might be the solution.

No, there is a much better way.

Who sent you?

Excuse me?

Who sent you?

The Italians? The Russians?

The French? The English?

Answer me!

I don't know who.

- I'm being paid 12,000 crowns for it. - For what?

I'm supposed to learn military secrets from you.

They're most interested in plans relating to Russia.

It's over.

The code letter for war with Russia is "R".

R.

On the Northern front

there are 788 battalions,

377 cavalry squadrons,

379 batteries

with 2,222 guns.

69 technical companies,

6 companies of cyclists,

1,234 machine guns.

Understood?

In the fortresses of Lemberg, Cracow, Przemyśl... 22 batallions,

7 cavalry regiments,

80 artillery regiments,

with 6 guns per battery.

Ready for action.

And now get lost.

Where did you meet Alfredo Velocchio?

I didn't.

I met him that night in October.

Who introduced him to you?

- I forgot. - Think.

Who was it?

Who told you to introduce him to me?

- Excuse me? - Who had you do it?

No one.

- He asked me to introduce him. - Did he say why?

- No. - You're lying.

- I'm not. - You're lying!

I swear!

He mentioned Kristóf.

Why don't they arrest me?

What are they waiting for?

They found their Ruthenian...

Our Father, who art in Heaven...

Hallowed be thy name.

Perhaps I should have started this earlier.

Salapska! Colonel, we must speak to you.

Come in.

Colonel! We have orders to disarm you.

Which is Colonel Redl's room?

First floor, number 7.

He has officers visiting already.

Captain Salapska reporting. This way.

Redl!

You'll be court-martialed

for passing military secrets to our enemies.

The court-martial will decide your fate in an open hearing.

Do you understand?

I was provoked.

We are the ones being provoked here.

Since you were assigned to the Adriatic,

you have been performing your vile treacherous activity.

The Archduke chose me because of our childhood friendship

and your relations with my sister make you part of our family.

He asked me privately to deliver his message to you personally.

Behave properly in court and concede the charges,

then the sentence will be light.

But if you contest, you'll be sentenced

for high treason based on the charges.

Betrayal...

is a national virtue nowadays.

I'm sorry we're seeing each other under these circumstances.

If it's any consolation, some people know

and I've told them,

there has never been an officer more reliable than you in this army.

I would like to have a child with you.

Do everything what the Heir-Apparent asks you to do,

and nothing will happen to you.

You have no one left on your side...

Nobody but me.

Children?

I...

I don't like children anymore.

They telegraphed me to come here from Fiume.

May I?

How do they know we were friends?

They know everything.

- Did you really pass on secrets? - Not the way you heard.

Then stand up in court

and defend yourself!

The court only accepts evidence that can be proved.

The Emperor would never allow an unjust verdict.

If the charge is false,

they can't take the uniform away.

They'll take yours, too, if it suits them.

They might need a better scapegoat soon.

Then it'll be your turn. The Jews.

The simplest solution. Popular, too.

None of us will be wearing this uniform much longer.

I converted to Christianity, you know that.

And what about me?

And what shall I do?

My grandfather,

Doctor Ignác Sonnenschein always said,

"Lord, you didn't make me Rabbi Moses

or an Emperor.

So you can only hold me accountable...

for having been Doctor Ignác Sonnenschein

all my life."

Tell them what they want to hear.

It will only be a year or two.

I dreamt about you.

We were walking in darkness

and you showed me the way out.

We should live together.

We're talking about the head of military intelligence.

He was the head, Captain. Do you understand?

Yes, sir. I understand.

But Colonel Redl was my superior.

Didn't you ever notice anything about his behavior?

Yes, Colonel.

His unrelenting work morale.

He rarely slept or ate, just kept working.

Gentlemen!

Remain seated. How are the trial preparations?

He won't cooperate, Your Highness.

I'd have this traitor shot.

The papers could call it an accident.

He was run over in Zagreb or fell out of a hotel window drunk.

Followed by a military funeral.

I'm not sure yet what's best for the Monarchy.

No other aspect matters.

Well, gentlemen.

Solution 1: an open hearing.

But you're saying Redl will not cooperate with us on this.

- Correct? - Yes, Your Highness.

Not to mention that Redl has a lot of information

that he might disclose at the trial,

which can have, in my opinion, unpleasant consequences.

Solution 2: a closed hearing.

After the trial we can make the affair public,

with just enough details to create tension...

- Please, sit down! -

...not only within the Officer Corps,

but also in the civilian populace.

Do you agree?

Whoever agrees with the second solution should raise his hand.

Lieutenant Colonel Kubinyi,

you don't agree?

Your Highness, respectfully, no.

What do you suggest?

Redl should have the chance to decide his own fate.

You were his fellow cadet, you are thus prejudiced.

In principle, you're right. Gentlemen, what do you think?

How can Redl decide his own fate?

He won't even agree to a public trial.

Gentlemen, we're speaking of a traitor.

One can only deal with a traitor when he's dead.

Gentlemen, I won't inquire

how this man managed to get into the Ministry.

Who backed him,

or whom he deceived.

These questions will be answered later.

In any case,

for the people of the Monarchy,

we're dealing once again with an officer in the Imperial War Ministry.

As a consequence,

I suggest that he be allowed

to end it himself.

A third solution.

What is the public told in this case?

He picked up a letter at the post office,

two detectives saw him, then he was captured trying to escape,

and committed suicide.

Speak up.

I would like to respectfully signal that

in this case, the press will insist on details.

Maybe...

he might tear the envelope and mislay the pieces,

or leave part of it in a car,

or his penknife he used to open the envelope,

or the penknife case.

Perfect. It should be published like this.

I suggest it not be published.

It should be leaked...

But not in Vienna.

In Lemberg, Budapest, or maybe Prague.

Let some bright reporter uncover it.

We just plant the clues.

We should check a list of all journalists in Prague.

Any counter-suggestions, gentlemen?

I also think this is the best solution.

Lieutenant Colonel Kubinyi,

your opposition to the previous proposal led to this solution.

You'll visit Redl, as an old comrade,

and hand him your revolver.

That's all.

Your Highness, I can't perform this task.

An officer cannot take action against a superior. The rules forbid me to do so.

By the grace of the Emperor and by the power vested in me,

I promote Lieutenant Colonel Baron Kubinyi

to Colonel of the Austro-Hungarian Army.

My orders take effect today.

Dismissed.

Colonel...

You have to do it. You know how to use the weapon.

You were told we should give you 10 minutes before you do it.

This way, there is no trial.

Is there anyone you wish to say goodbye to?

Move along! Get it on!

A briefcase and matching wallet, leather,

with the monogram A. R.,

80 crowns.

80 going once. 80 going twice.

- 90! - 100!

- 110! - 110 going once.

- 120! - 120 going once.

Going twice, sold.

Up next is a child's poem, handwritten.

"Dedicated to our King.

May the heavens lavish Him with blessings.

May strength and wisdom inspire His soul.

In all lands

and amongst his faithful subjects may his glory shine.

Alfréd Redl, elementary school pupil."