Arvéd

So you are that Plaček?

Yes.

I hear you know all about Smíchovský.

You were recommended to me.

He's a very peculiar character, isn't he?

I haven't met a more intelligent person.

That doesn't mean he isn't a crook.

- What are you taking to him? - He asked for a couple of old books.

Of course. His little books.

Put them on the table.

He might show up later.

You think he's sleeping off a hangover?

Smíchovský's been arrested. For exceeding his authority.

And abusing Jews to his benefit.

Actually, I'm waiting for you, Plaček.

You are a pretty curious Jew.

The others have already packed, but here you are, all cozy like.

While the fine sons of the Reich bleed on all fronts,

the two of you are out stealing.

Mainly books.

Junk from synagogues or the property of Jewish families.

But that's beside the point.

Everything, absolutely everything is kept in order here.

These days, Jews are not allowed into the library,

let alone steal from it, Plaček.

I don't steal.

I know you're only doing what he tells you.

There's a way to save your life.

Why did he choose you?

- Are you having an affair? - I'm married.

So is Smíchovský.

You can tell me.

Whether a Jew, a fag or both,

these days it's all the same.

We've known each other a long time.

See, I was right.

Tell me what I need to know,

and I might go easy on you.

Have you had any homosexual experiences?

Me? No.

And could you imagine yourself having an affair with a man?

Not really.

Well, it would be better for us if you could.

You're good-looking. Got any girlfriends?

Most curious. How old are you?

Nineteen.

Nineteen?

Have you ever met such a man?

Could you recognise one? They often look feminine.

You would be perfect.

Did anyone say come in?

I'm in a rush, Štěpán, I'm sorry.

May I?

- I need something from you. - Right, but we're busy.

Care to introduce us?

Comrade Josef Šábe, from the party's records department.

And this is Vlastík. My new colleague.

We are rather busy, here.

I sent you some ideas for cooperation through the secretariat.

- But you're too busy to read them. - Well, there's a lot of work to do.

You could use a better office girl.

Or an office boy?

What did you write to me about?

The same thing again. Smíchovský.

He's busy right now.

He isn't in Pankrác anymore.

- Where's the collaborator at, then? - That's classified.

- And who decided that? - I did.

Do you own the man? I desperately need him for a case.

As if it were only up to me.

See the secretariat and ask whose work is more important.

- So you won't lend him to me? - I'd like to, but I can't. Sorry.

What will Slánský say about this intrigue?

Just ask around. You'll be surprised.

Ignorance.

That'll be our downfall, Vlastík.

Well, at least Šábe helped us get to the heart of the matter.

I'm sure you've heard of Jiří Arvéd Smíchovský, Vlastík.

I've read something in the papers.

We have no better material witness.

But for Šábe, he's just a monster that eats other monsters. Understand?

Smíchovský...

requires special treatment.

But should Šábe get his hands on him...

We all have our guilty pleasures.

It's just that Smíchovský's isn't exactly kosher. Get it?

Yes.

I didn't choose you for nothing.

Maybe there's something inside of you that you don't yet know about.

We need him.

New trials are underway. Without him, it'll be tricky.

- But I'm really not... - You know what an order is, right?

Yes. But I really am not... that type.

I believe you.

But would you admit it if you were?

How far you let him go is up to you.

Act the part. Pretend.

You must have seen Oldřich Nový in the film Christian?

Let him be Christian. And you will be Mandlová.

That's how it is in his world.

Let him seduce you. String him along.

I've read he's been summoning the devil.

You don't believe that, do you?

Well?

Arvéd! You asleep in there?

On the contrary.

I was having a great time.

- What do you think of him? - Why are you doing this?

Did I surprise you?

That makes me happy. For once you failed to read my mind.

I don't reckon you're giving him to me as a plaything.

Why wouldn't I?

How sweet.

Sweet?

Funny.

Such is the nature of our work.

I'm still getting used to the fact that you can do anything.

I, Jiří Arvéd Smíchovský, put a spell on thee,

spirit of the fire who decides all things,

to banish all malevolent spirits,

so they do no harm unto us.

God bless this spirit of the fire.

Sanctify it, make it blessed.

In the honour of thy sacred name, protect those who carry it.

Oh, Jesus,

light of the earth!

Oh, Christ,

light of the heavens!

Oh, Redeemer,

the light that shines in darkness!

Lend thy blessing to this flame.

Oh, Jesus,

bless this flame thyself,

so it cannot be rendered harmless and extinguished by evil spirits.

Oh, Jesus,

may thy holy name watch over the flame,

so it is blessed for eternity.

Amen.

We've been here before.

This has happened before, hasn't it?

Smíchovský.

I've been looking forward to this.

Do I surprise you? What's the matter?

Take a deep breath. It'll wear off soon.

I take it you're missing Plaček?

You're putting on a great show.

How many times has it been?

And now to the finale!

But repetition jogs the memory.

And with every rerun, the show plays out ever better.

Štěpán! Come on, show yourself.

Don't bother.

I think he's finally where he always belonged.

Do you know what déjà-vu is?

It works great.

I agree.

So, where is he?

In custody. He's facing formal charges, a trial, prison.

Who knows? Others will decide.

We mustn't forget this has happened once before.

Have you gone mad?

Times change, people change, but the plot remains the same.

You must respect the rules. Come out, Štěpán! Come out!

You hear me? We've played this all out before.

Sit down!

You promised! Will you give it to me, or do I have to take it myself?

What are you... Do something, damn it!

Help the doctor onto the chair.

Give him a handkerchief.

You know Plaček well, don't you?

You know what a bastard he is.

I've never had a problem with him.

Zionists have infiltrated the departments like rats.

Speak. Did he spy for the German information service?

To call attention to himself? Why?

After all, you're German, too.

You enrolled with them.

Did he not work for you?

Did you know he's collaborating with Tito?

What of his acts against the state?

- Your life is at stake here. - Sort it out in that place of yours.

That book is mine.

- Oh, come on! - He was supposed to give it to me.

Why would he do that?

He promised it to me for helping him... For helping you!

Should I feel moved by the gesture?

You too might need me someday.

Fancy prison is over, Smíchovský.

We shall cooperate on different terms.

I have something special for you. They will take care of you there.

Still don't believe me?

Are you serious?

In the name of the Father,

in the name of Jesus, son of God, our Lord,

by the power of the Holy Spirit, I, Jiří Arvéd Smíchovský,

invoke you, the four kings of the world.

King Uriens, from the east. King Amaymon, from the west.

King Samael...

King of the Wind...

You, the Duke of Water...