General della Rovere (Generale della Rovere, Il)

THE FILM THAT TRIUMPHED

AT THE 20TH VENICE FILM FESTIVAL

AND WON THE GOLDEN LION

and THE PRIX DE L'OFFICE CATHOLIQUE INTERNATIONAL DU CINEMATOGRAPHE

Our women love us no more

Because we wear black shirts

DESERTERS AND THOSE EVADING CONSCRIPTION WILL BE EXECUTED

THERE AREN'T ENOUGH RUINS TO BURY ALL THE BRAVE

ANYONE CAUGHT CARRYING UNAUTHORIZED FIREARMS...

WILL BE EXECUTED ON THE SPOT

- Is the curfew over? - Yes, it's 6:10.

We're lucky it's cloudy again today.

They can't bomb us so easily when it's cloudy.

It's our turn.

WE WILL WIN

Come here! Didn't you hear us?

There's no point shouting.

If he doesn't speak German, he can't understand.

Excuse me, sir. Is there a phone nearby?

All the bars are closed now. Do you have a flat?

For the fourth time. We have no more spares.

There's a tire shop just around the corner.

Really? Thank you.

He says there's a tire shop just around the corner.

Another nail planted by the partisans?

Get the spare tire.

Cigarette? - Thanks.

Thanks.

Turn right

at the first corner. Recht.

Thanks.

Thanks.

- From Genoa? - Naples.

Ah, Naples.

This time last year I was in Naples, at the Hotel Vesuvio.

I'd open my windows and have the sea before me,

with Mergellina and Posillipo on one side, Capri and Sorrento on the other.

- And Auntie Teresa down below. - Right.

We were sorry to leave Naples. We'd come to really love it.

Your fellow townspeople, on the other hand,

were pleased to see us leave.

They started shooting at us out of sheer joy.

Actually, I'm from Sora,

between Naples and Rome.

So in actual fact, I feel more Roman than Neapolitan.

The Romans don't care for us much either.

- Are you based in Rome? - Not anymore. I'm in Milan now.

- Do you like it? - Not at all.

The weather's awful, and the people are hostile and rebellious.

You Italians don't like this war much.

We don't like wars in general.

This is a just and therefore necessary war. Don't you agree?

Yes, but not everyone shares my view.

Exactly. And that creates some very awkward situations.

- May I be of help? - No, thanks.

I should be getting to work now.

Thank you, Mr...

Grimaldi. I’m an engineer.

Colonel Müller. I hope we meet again.

I hope so too.

- What time is it? - It's only 6:00. Go back to sleep.

Were you out gambling again?

Don't worry. We'll talk later.

Did anyone call?

- Did you lose again? - I asked you a question.

How would I know? Ask Maria.

- Maria. - Who is it?

It's me. Did anyone call?

Yes. That lawyer, Mr. Borghesio, called twice.

- No one else? - No.

- Oh, yes - Mrs. Camelli. - Cantelli. What did she want?

She said, "Tell the colonel that my brother's been released."

She sends her regards and thanks. - Released? Are you sure?

Yes, she said he's back home.

Released! I don't understand these Germans.

- Shall I make some coffee? - No, go back to sleep.

Oh, and a package arrived. I put it in the dining room.

THIS PACKAGE IS FOR MY FATHER. I HOPE YOU'LL GET IT TO HIM.

Salami again.

They already cut off the electricity.

Valeria, I’m in trouble. You have to help me.

What do you want?

Give me something I can pawn. Just for a few days.

You had a wad of big bills Iast night.

I’m an unlucky bastard.

Borghesio gave me 100,000 lira for his son,

and I gambled it all.

I wanted to round up the 50,000 I was owed,

and it was supposed to be my night.

I'd lost the night before,

so last night I should've won.

That damn bastard jinxed me and won the whole thing.

It was an awful night.

Only God knows what I've been through!

I'm taking these risks for you too.

You think I don't feel responsible having a woman Iike you?

That I don't feel bad not giving you the life you deserve?

You've said that for three months. I know it by heart.

You can't charm me anymore.

Hello?

My dear Mr. Borghesio.

No, you're not disturbing me. I’m an early bird.

News?

Things are Iooking up.

What was that?

Did the order come through?

No, not yet.

But everything will be sorted out this morning.

I know.

I understand your concern.

But don't despair. Go ahead and tell your wife.

Tell the poor woman everything will be all right.

You have to trust me.

I've taken this matter to heart. I don't even sleep nights.

I've spoken to him.

It will be resolved today, come what may.

Don't worry.

Don't worry.

Valeria, this is a matter of Iife and death.

I must give that stingy German the 50,000 I owe him before noon

or he'll send Mr. Borghesio's son to Germany.

What's that to me?

Give me something I can pawn just for two days -

You already made off with my emerald earrings.

I’ll get them back, I swear. Don't you believe me?

- No. - Don't be so cruel.

I swear I won't gamble anymore. - Do what you Iike.

I’m leaving anyway. - Where are you going?

Turin. I got a job at a radio station.

- Doing what? - Singing, you fool!

Dancing and acting. I'll start living at last!

You don't realize that these are wretched times,

full of danger.

But I'll do anything. I've got some irons in the fire.

I'm organizing some shows for the armed forces.

When the war ends, I’ll put you on stage in revues.

All your friends will envy you.

You've made lots of promises.

Can I help it if all my assets are down south?

"Down south" again! I’m not sure the south even exists anymore.

Well?

Well, what?

If you'd just lend me your necklace and bracelet -

And my ring and brooch too?

I said no! It's no use insisting.

Why don't you pawn this ring you gave me?

The one with the oriental sapphire.

Take it.

Try pawning that.

Think I didn't know it was fake? Idiot!

The man who can trick Valeria hasn't been born yet.

I never said a word

because I'm a lady.

Doria? You can go in.

- Is Sergeant Major Hageman in? - He's busy, but you can go in.

- May I? - Come in.

But give me just a moment.

He was arrested three weeks ago outside San Giorgio.

The prison in Marassi sent me here.

- His name? - Canevari, Alberto.

- Check on that, please. - Right away.

Canevari, Alberto.

He's the communist who was executed last week.

No, he's not a communist. My husband's not involved in politics.

I swear on my little girl's life.

She said he was arrested with communists.

But if he's honest and not involved in politics, he'll be released.

- But when? - That's not my decision.

May I visit him and take him some clean clothes?

You'll have to ask the warden.

Thank you.

- Excuse me, please. - Wait. I’m busy.

- Ladies first. - Well?

We're looking for Lieutenant Michele Fassio.

He was arrested in Savona last Thursday.

- Are you family? - I’m his wife.

I’m his mother.

My son's never been involved in politics.

He fought in Africa and Albania and received a silver medal.

You said Michele Fassio?

Please, Miss Sieglinde.

Lieutenant Michele Fassio, son of Angelo and Matilde Masuero,

born in Varigotti on the June 8, 1916?

Yes.

Lieutenant Fassio was arrested

for being a member of the armed brigades that attack our troops

and oppose the legitimate government of the Italian Social Republic.

That's not true!

He stayed at his father's villa after the 8th of September.

When he was supposed to report for military service.

An Italian officer doesn't need to be told his duty.

Calm down, Carla.

The gentleman was simply saying that Michele should have reported.

You must understand : They're just boys.

So much has happened.

He was upset by it all.

These are difficult times for everyone.

It calls for understanding on both sides.

The propaganda of hate maddens the soul.

But don't lose hope.