Action of the Tiger (1957)

[bunniefuu]

Excuse me. Captain Carson?

- In the café.

- Thank you.

Carson. Is that your name?

They tell me

you're something of a pirate.

And you'll do anything

at a price.

Anything.

I need some help, Carson.

Would that be enough to buy it?

It might.

We must have a talk sometime.

All right. Now?

You don't mind if I finish

this hand, do you?

Attero.

Oh!

Pass.

Thanks, boys.

I'll see you around, Mike.

- I'll stay here, Skipper.

- But lay off the sauce.

Thanks for the temporary loan.

You want any interest

on your money?

No, just to talk to you.

Follow me.

Been in Athens long?

Twenty-four hours.

Enough to find out

quite a lot about you.

You mean you started right in

doing a biography on Carson?

I'd say it came more under

the heading of, of libel.

You're described as a sort

of dishonest Robin Hood.

People just don't know me.

Though they all agree

on one thing.

You will do anything for money.

They know me.

Where are you taking me?

Relax. Imagine you're driving


with Robin Hood.

Yeah.

Mm, I'm glad

you brought me here.

Is this where you discuss

all your business?

Sure, not everybody can have

the Acropolis for an office.

- How much?


- Eight drachma.

No, let me. It's my party.

Then give him ten.

You seem to be rich.

I have to be to afford you.

Then give him 20.

- Cigarette?

- No, thank you.

Okay, what's your pitch?

For a job, sweetheart,


what's it worth?

Name your price.

Tell me what I do first.

You have a very fast boat,

don't you?

You wouldn't be sitting here

otherwise.

I want you to smuggle me


into Albania.

Albania? Who'd wanna go there

of all places?

What do you care?

Just tell me what it costs.

- Where in Albania?

- A place called Vosjev.

It's only a few miles inland.

Do you know it?

I might. I also know Albania.

It's a Communist country

filled half with people

and half with secret police,

and they don't like visitors.

Not poor visitors.

But I understand, with

enough money one can manage.

Oh, sure. Like the visitors

to Siberia manage.

You look like a smart dame,

smart enough to go somewhere

where they don't use g*ns

for costume jewelry.

Look, Carson, I have to go.

I have to see somebody.

- A man?

- Yes, a man.

It figures,

well, take some advice from me

and save your dough,

you won't always be young.

When I want something,

I can afford it.

Look, I could drop you off there

in Albania, it'll be a cinch.

But for the first time

in my life, I'm turning down

good money

because I've a conscience.

- Huh!

- Don't laugh. A conscience.

You'd never

get out of there alive.

For the money I'm paying you

you don't need a conscience.

Put me ashore, that's all.

- The rest is my problem.

- No dice.

And it's still your problem.

Mike! Mike!

Ah!

Stop it!

They're in there!

Run fast! Come on.

Come on.

Hey, let me go!

Bonjour, monsieur.

All right, as long as you're here,

you're gonna work your passage.

Go on, get up there.

Sorry, boys!

It's all Greek to me!

- Well, well..

- I have my uses, you know?

You don't have

to say that twice.

Did you give Mike

anything to eat?

Mike? The dirty man

who needs to shave? Poo.

Passengers have no right

to complain

about the mate's kisser.

I fed the mate, don't worry.

- Uh.

- Uh..

But he gives me the creeps

even when he's sober.

What, do you want a bet you don't

have the same effect on him?

Here, take the wheel.

Keep an eye on the compass.

Thanks.

Tell me, my cabin

I find it very luxurious

for a boat like this.

Well,

the guy that owned it before me

was a Brazilian millionaire.

And full of fun.

And I suppose you're going

to change the policy.

Your passage ends tomorrow

morning on the Greek coast.

What else do I have to do

to make you take me?

You're off course

in more ways than one.

Look, Vosjev is nearly 15 miles

from where I'm going.

It would take me 24 hours

to get you there

even if I can arrange it.

You're asking me to lie off a

country thick with patrol boats

and maybe aircraft

and wait for you? Oh, no.

The cargo I'm bringing back

is too perishable.

What is your precious cargo?

You tell me something first.

Who are you?

And you know something?

I've seen that face before.

Newspapers, maybe.

Impossible.

Yeah, when the cops

were after Mike and me

you seemed to have no objection

to leaving, too.

That's because

tomorrow I'm going to Albania

and going ashore,

and nobody is going to stop me.

- Nobody.

- Well, what do you know.

All I want from you is to do

a job at a price. Nothing more.

We never even discussed that,

come to think of it.

How much?

And if you can't wait for me,

pick me up on another trip.

The usual fee is 5,000 dollars,

but for you...

Five you'll get,

I don't want any favors

from a good-price Galahad.

You never let me finish.

I'm charging you ten.

Bonjour!

First mermaid I ever saw.

- But I have legs.

- Seem to remember.

They're not bad ones at that.

Mm-mm. I've seen worse.

Will you give me my towel?

Venus rising from the sea.

Hah! But I have arms, too.

You're much too kind, anyway.

Not as kind as you think.

I still wanna know your name

and who you're gonna see

in Vosjev.

You're being paid well,

that's enough, no?

You heard me, sweetheart.

Tracy.

- Tracy what?

- Mallambert.

That's funny,

I've heard that name.

What difference does it make?

Never mind,

I'll check with you later.

- Where are you going?

- Up to the monastery.

Before I start

on these pleasure cruises

I usually go up on the hill and

ask my friends for a blessing.

- May I go, too?

- You?

Why do you think those guys

retired to a monastery?

But I don't want to stay here

alone with Mike.

Oh, you'll be all right.

- He's sleeping off yesterday.

- Ooh.

Carson!

Tell Kol Stendho I'll be waiting

for him when he gets there.

- Go away!

- Give me a little...

Carson is coming.

He will be angry with you.

A little drink, eh?

Come on. Open, eh?

- Come on, young...

- Allez-vous en. Go away!

Come on.

Phew!

A little drink, huh?

Go away!

Allez-vous en. Go away!

Oh!

Carson, help me!

- Carson, make him stop!

- Oh!

- Oh!

- Carson, take him away!

Aw, you can handle it.

This should be nothing

for a dame

who's going to Albania.

Please!

Ah!

If Mike left anything, you can

have it to settle your nerves.

- Oh! That mirror.

- Brazilian, remember?

And full of fun.

That's how he used to win girls

and influence women.

You broke

the last of his perfume.

Ah, but Mike never smelled

this good before.

- You better sit down.

- Oui.

All right, now be honest with me.

We're both workin'

the same side of the street.

All right,

but I'm not a communist.

But your husband is.

My brother.

You're sure you're coming back

from this trip?

I don't know.

But first I have to see him.

More passengers, more money.

I expected that.

But then you must come with me

to Vosjev.

Do I look stupid?

Don't answer that.

I said

I'd put you off in Albania.

But they say you can bribe

anyone there.

Well, nearly anyone.

But cigarettes and soap

are a lot better than money.

And when you get up

into the hills

they say all the people are

against the present government.

They're against any government,

and always have been.

- They're bandits.

- I think I like bandits.

Real ones.

- How did you get started?

- Natural talent.

I was born wanting my own way.

Oh, captain,

what did I do this time?

Nothing.

Just made us some extra dough.

- Now, go on. Beat it.

- All right, captain.

Oh, wait.

- Apologize to the lady.

- Oui.

- Sorry, lady.

- Okay, but no more.

You better change to pants

and sweater and boots.

You'll be going

into rough country.

- Carson.

- Yeah?

I realize I'm a trouble to you,

and I'm grateful.

Lady, for 10,000 dollars

I'd say gratitude's

a little out of place.

Mallambert...

Oh, no. Not him.

Oh, no.

- Then you remember.

- You'll never get him out.

All right, then maybe I will stay.

- You know what you're saying?

- What do you care?

As long as you get paid.

That's right,

it's your funeral, sweetheart.

When the police came yesterday

you said I looked glad to go.

Why not?

If they knew who I was, they would be

more interested in me than in you.

Do you realize what I've been

through the last three years?

Could be.

And Albania could not be

a lot worse.

What do you want me to do?

Bring down my violin for this?

No.

But Henri and I were so close.

He's still my brother.

Do you need to carry a g*n?

It's like a landing card

when you're getting off

an ocean liner.

You still wanna go ahead?

We have come too far

to turn back now.

But I will feel better

if you come with me.

And I'll feel better at sea.

You can count on me

for tomorrow night here

if you're not doing

anything else.

Right.

Stand by to cast off,

and start the engines.

- In a hurry.

- Aye-aye, captain.

Well, welcome to Albania.

- This is Kol Stendho.

- Delighted. This way.

Hey, wait a minute. You didn't

mention her on the radio.

It's nothing. She's a tourist.

Where does she think

she's going?

To Vosjev.

You can arrange it, can't you?

Carson... are you crazy?

- Who is that woman?

- Her name is Mallambert.

You mean, she goes to see

Henri Mallambert?

- Why not?

- Impossible.

I thought

nothing was impossible for you.

You're wrong,

this man is too dangerous

to have any dealings with.

I don't want to put my neck

in a rope.

She only wants to see him.

I tell you, I'll take her off

tomorrow night.

No, and I mean no.

Oh!

- Well, go on, eat it.

- So this is your cargo.

- Perishable goods.

- They're Greek kids.

The Albanians have been

keeping 'em here as hostages.

We take 'em home.

I think I may have said too much

already.

But I'm sorry

for a lot of things I did say.

Look, between you and me,

I hate kids, but they pay well.

Only four?

It gets more difficult

over time.

Kol Stendho was telling me

your brother's too hot.

- No go.

- I cannot accept that.

Go and ask him.

Tell me something,

what makes him so warm?

I can't tell you.

But it is not possible.

We're talkin' about

a lot of money, Kol.

You know I'll cut you in.

No.

By the way,

how did you know he's in Vosjev?

Why do you have to go now?

And don't waltz with me,

sweetheart.

Until six months ago

he was in Moscow.

You read the newspapers.

"Mallambert the diplomat

who went over to them.“

Then something happened.

And we discovered

they'd sent him away.

Since then, silence.

Now I must know what happened.

I must talk to him.

There's not a chance

of taking him out

even if he wants to leave.

You'd better get used

to the idea.

If it's necessary, I will stay.

That also is not possible.

Why don't you forget

the whole thing?

- You've had a nice cruise.

- No.

You have your truck?

I would like to help, but

I repeat it, it is not possible.

Kol, it's only 15 miles. It would

take you no time at all.

Nobody would have to know

about it.

If she is his sister,

at least let him see her.

What is it?

You know something?

Now she just has to see him.

Don't worry, kids. I'll be back.

- Boom-boom.

- That's right.

You look after the rest.

You mean,

you mean you're coming?

It's gonna cost you plenty.

Do we have to walk?

Carson, you are forcing me

to do something that I...

We're partners, remember?

I'll be a good boy.

And mademoiselle

will be a good girl.

The children, getting them out...

Yes, that is business.

But this Mallambert...

I told you, I'd leave him there.

That's a promise.

I wouldn't bring him out.

If it is otherwise,

you will be sorry.

Okay, partner.

I'll tell Mike to bring the boat

in again tomorrow night.

- What is it?

- Shh-shh.

It's okay.

None of these men can read.

But suppose

they search in the truck?

Oh.

Another checkpoint.

It happens all the time.

Was that necessary?

I told you

this was dangerous country.

Oh, yes!

But those children back there...

I still don't quite understand.

Some of 'em were carted off

during the civil wars.

Others were children of Greeks

who lived here

before their politics changed.

Lots of those men have fled

the country since and...

And they could not take

their children.

And you...

Good-price Galahad.

- Isn't that what I called you?

- Don't get me wrong.

This is one shipping company

that's never shown a loss.

This is where you start walkin'.

From here you must walk a

distance, perhaps, of two miles.

Vosjev you can see

when you're over that hill.

Remember, I cannot

associate myself with this.

- Sure. Sure. Any guards?

- No guards.

Yeah, no need for 'em I guess.

I will return today at midday.

- Carson, again I must warn you.

- Sure, partner.

You've already asked me

for too much.

I get you. I get you.

Why should you have understood

there weren't any guards there?

I was beginning to hope you were

different from other women.

- Oh?

- That you didn't ask questions.

Sorry, I'll try to be

more like your ideal.

I'm sorry, too.

Oh, I've been pushing my luck

with... with Kol Stendho.

I blackmailed him into doing

something he didn't want to.

I blackmailed you

into coming with me

knowing you wouldn't leave me

here alone.

It's a nice racket, blackmail

if you've got the right build

for it. Come on.

Looks dead. No smoke, nothing.

I think you'll find

there's someone there.

Why so jumpy?

You've had less trouble

getting here

then you would

going from London to Paris.

And far less trouble than tryin'

to take the subway to Brooklyn.

I am not afraid for myself,

Carson.

Did you hear?

Henri.

Henri?

- Ç'est toi?

- Take it easy.

Henri. Henri...

Oh.

Who's there?

Who is it?

Who is it?

Monsieur Mallambert

I have your sister with me here.

Your sister Tracy.

Tracy.

- Oui, Tracy's here, as always.

- Oh, Tracy!

- Oh, Henri!

- Tracy!

I don't know who you are,

monsieur,

to have brought Tracy here.

But whoever you are,

I'm grateful and...

All you need to know is that

Mr. Carson is a very brave man.

And I can't stop crying

because I found you.

And he's going to help me

to take you home.

- Home?

- Oui.

How wonderful.

How did you get permission

to take me out of Albania?

Is it possible

they agreed to that?

Well, well...

So it's like that?

But we are going

to take you away.

- We are!

- It's not quite that simple.

Did you know about this?

Yes.

I heard someone say something

last night.

Oh, please!

Do you realize

what you're asking me?

- I promised Kol Stendho.

- I will pay! I will pay!

There are some things

you can't buy.

In my business, a double cross...

Anything goes,

tender ones, anything.

Sweetheart, you can put

that rope around our necks.

Maybe you have already.

I think I know you better now.

Have you the heart to refuse me?

Please. Please.

What is this?

I do not understand.

Please...

We got a long way to go.

Let's move.

Ah, we're going home, Henri.

Ah, we're going home!

That will be very nice.

Tracy, I have to say this

to somebody.

This was a coward's deed.

I changed my mind.

And where I was,

you cannot change your mind

or tell them that you have.

I tried to escape

the only way I could...

and brought myself darkness.

But, you know,

the doctors are very clever

with an attempted suicide

especially if he may be

of further use to them

and knows too much.

Afterwards they brought me

to stay here

so that I could

no longer attract attention

or until

they might need me again.

But I'm lucky.

It might have been Siberia.

I understand.

But it doesn't matter now.

No. Not now.

First, certain favors

are necessary.

Abdyll.

This is

senior organ pumper Abdyll.

Say how do you do, Abdyll.

Hey, how do you do?

And in French.

- Bonjour, madame.

- Bonjour, monsieur.

Not bad, huh?

We taught them a“.

- How many is all?

- Abdyll.

His mother

who keeps house for us,

the countess

who once owned them...

- Countess?

- Of Valona.

She's a little crazy,

but has great dignity.

This countess,

she will come with us?

There's not a chance

she'd leave this place.

She feels

she was betraying her people.

She is the last

of the old Albania.

The land of goats and bandits.

I'd say

she is a little of both.

Welcome to Vosjev.

May I present to you

her excellency

the countess of Valona.

Contessa, this is my sister,

Tracy, from Paris.

And this is Mr. Carson from

the United States of America.

I trust

you both had pleasant journeys.

Ah, I'm happy

to meet an American again.

There were several of your

young men here during the w*r.

Very efficient K*llers of Nazis.

OSS.

Are you one of them, sir,

back to free our country

and set the old regime

on its throne again?

- No, madam.

- Oh, this is my granddaughter.

Her name is Mara.

I hope your journey

was not too tiring.

Perhaps you would like

some refreshment.

You'll forgive us, countess.

We haven't got a lot of time.

You are wrong,

Mr. Carson, in Albania

there is nothing left for us

but time.

I give you now a toast

to the freedom of our country,

a health to the man

who will set us free,

a health to the sound

of his trumpets.

And that, to the death of his enemies.

I guess that's to the death of mine.

And now to business.

You have come

to take away Henri.

I am his sister.

Is it wrong for me

to go with them, contessa?

They will not say, but I'm sure

they're taking me out illegally.

They'll have all the Albanian

security after them.

Without you,

they would still be shot

in just the same way

if they were caught.

Surely it would be impolite

to refuse their invitation.

So much to save a traitor.

No, no. Don't be so stupid.

Maybe for the best intentions,

but a traitor, nevertheless.

Still I cannot complain.

I have learned a lot

here in my... my dark world.

No only my mistakes

but perhaps even

other reasons for living.

Mr. Carson, will you do

an old woman a very great favor?

I'll always do you one,

even when you are old.

Thank you.

Will you take my granddaughter

away with you?

No, grandmother excellency,

I cannot leave you.

She will help you

on your journey

and later

she will still be needed.

Will you take her?

For you, madam, but no one else.

- Thank you. Mara.

- Grandmother I...

I'm very grateful.

Thank you, Mr. Carson.

- Thank you.

- You're all welcome.

And now let's go.

Abdyll has already saddled

four horses.

I'll have him bring them 'round.

You knew there'd be four needed, madam.

I am an old woman, Mr. Carson,

but I'm still a woman.

I think I hear a car coming.

You most certainly do.

What shall we say

to Kol Stendho now?

You'll think of something. You

thought of all the rest of this.

Suppose he can't be brought?

Then I'll have to persuade him.

I don't like the way

you say that.

At your suggestion, sweetheart,

I've double crossed

the only friend

I have in Albania.

From now on

we're playing it for keeps.

Make up your mind to that.

- Henri, Henri..

- Yes?

That engine,

not a big truck, is it?

The compensations of blindness.

- It's a jeep!

- Keep out of sight.

Get down!

State security police.

- I must be crazy.

- What is it?

I thought I saw Kol Stendho.

- Kol Stendho?

- Go on, get going.

Wait, someone's coming after us.

All of you, stay where you are.

Shh!

Please, sir,

can you take me with you, too?

- Ah, Abdyll.

- Abdyll.

Well, what well-equipped boat

doesn't have an organ pumper?

Come on.

Madam, once more.

Where is the blind man?

The American, the French girl.

I'm afraid

I must ask you to leave.

I shall not answer

your questions.

They have gone?

Answer my question.

They're gone?

My friends in the mountains

will not forget this.

You're asking

for a b*llet... or a knife.

What's the matter?

I told you I'd be back.

You, I suppose, are Mr. Carson?

It's a pleasure

to meet you at last.

Speak for yourself.

Come on in, Tracy,

there's plenty of room.

Please, Mr. Carson,

you cannot catch me

with an old trick like that.

Who is he calling

an old trick?

No, no.

- Did I...

- With your eyes closed.

Forget it.

Go on, kids, get out, beat it.

Boom, boom.

Come on, come on.

Fresh air is what you need.

The children say Kol Stendho

went away with the police

earlier this afternoon.

That explains the reception

committee here, then.

I knew this racket

couldn't last forever.

Poor, Kol. I hope he can

bribe his way out of this one.

What now, Carson?

We try to hang around here

till night comes

and hope that no more cops

show up.

What's that?

Sounds like another jeep,

Mr. Carson.

- Here, kids.

- Hurry!

Get them on the horses.

Keep going,

I'll be along in a minute.

- I'll help you.

- Oh, no, please.

I'm handicapped

but not infirm.

- Right.

- Abdyll.

Go on! Go on!

Oh. We heard sh**ting.

No kidding.

Well, we're cooked now.

We'll never get back

to the boat.

Those security guards

are wise to us.

- But what do we do?

- Well, we can't keep the horses.

They'll stand out like

sore thumbs on these hilltops.

- Then what?

- It's pretty simple, I guess.

Here we are with a blind man

and five kids

and the Greek border

is 50 miles away.

Over the worst stretch

of country in Europe.

And that's where

we've got to get to.

You mean, with the children?

Didn't I tell you

they were perishable?

- But what can we do?

- We can walk, sweetheart.

- We can walk.

- Oh.

You don't keep up,

you little creeps

I'll leave you all behind,

do you hear that?

You know something?

I believe you would.

Stick around, you'll see.

- What are they laughing at?

- They say you're so funny.

But so nice.

Boom. Boom.

- What's the matter with him?

- He's a little boy and he's tired.

- Okay.

- Is there another bridge?

- No, not for miles.

We could climb up

these rocks

- and get down the other side.

- No.

Well, don't worry

about the children.

They can climb anything.

No I said.

Go and talk to him.

Seems to be all right.

- Do you understand Albanian?

- A little.

I think it's all right for us to

pass, too. Have you any papers?

Who would be doing this

if we had papers?

Any papers,

as long as they're in print.

Yeah, I have a bill. A receipt

from Galerie Lafayette.

Very impressive. Keep pointing

to the rubber stamp.

I'll tell them we're a distinguished group

of Bulgarian Communists.

You know something,

we're beginning to look it.

Come on, kids.

Mara, tell him

not to answer the phone!

Quick, off the road!

Run for the hills!

This will do fine.

I'll get the children to...

- Boom, boom!

- Shut him up.

- Boom, boom!

- Strangle him or anything,

- but shut him up.

- Leave him alone.

Don't you know he's hungry?

So am I. I'll go see

if I can steal some food.

That will not be necessary.

My wife and I,

we did see you coming.

She will have food ready

in one or two minutes.

Oh...

Twenty years, between Piccadilly

and Cambridge Circus.

You sure you've never seen

my restaurant?

Sure, sure,

whenever I go to London

I always make a point

of eating there.

Uh-huh? Now, Malandros,

that was my partner,

he and I draw coin

when Mussolini invade Greece.

One to come back to Greek army,

one to mind the business.

- Carson.

- Malandros, he mind the business.

Carson, the children.

They won't go to sleep

until you say goodnight.

Oh, they won't, huh?

Well, we'll see about that.

These children,

he's the father of all of them?

Well, goodnight.

- That's what you say.

- Oh. Uh..

And not another peep out of you,

if you know what's good for you.

Uh... all right.

Break it up. Break it up.

Uh, I don't fool anybody, do I?

No, you certainly

don't fool them.

Tomorrow when you go,

I have a good cart

that you can use

on your journey.

And a mule.

I thought it wasn't safe

on the roads.

You keep to the woods,

the gentlemen cart on the road.

Besides, nearly all the people

around here

are of origin of Greek blood

or else in sympathy with them

or else they're bandits.

They all hate the Communists.

- You're sure we'll be safe?

- Oh, I'm sure.

I'm sure as if my own sons

were going with you.

Well, we'll think it over.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Don't put it out.

I need a light.

Didn't your mother ever warn you

about smoking in bed?

Mm. She warned me

about many things.

Especially hay.

- Does she know you're here?

- Mm..

A friend of mine

sends her a post card

each day from Venice.

"X marks my hotel room."

That sort of thing?

"X marks my load of hay,"

you mean?

Venice, is that where

you gave them the slip?

The police who were tailing you?

No.

- Switzerland.

- Oh.

Sometimes I almost wish

they'd put the arm on you.

I know, there's no way out now

but I want to say I'm sorry.

You'd be back in Greece

but for me.

Oh, I don't know. We both could

have hit a rock or anything.

I had no right to play poker

with other people's lives.

You don't think I was

really bluffed into it, do you?

Mm.

I don't think the money

had much to do with it.

You don't buy that easily.

Try me, you'll see how easy.

Perhaps it was from my childhood

that I got the idea

that there is nothing

you can't buy with money.

Perhaps that was the trouble

with Henri.

He had too much

from the beginning.

I'd like to have that trouble

for a while.

Just to try it out.

The way you get money

seems to be the hard way.

There's another method?

Yeah, you can marry it.

Too tough. Too, too tough.

Besides, a man on the move

has to travel light.

I don't weigh too much,

50 kilo, 110 pounds.

Stripped. I guessed

it was about that at that time.

And many people say

I look all right, too.

I must look you over properly

in the morning.

- Remind me.

- You could do worse than me.

- You think so?

- And I'm quite a catch, really.

With all your money, sure.

Mr. Carson. Mr. Carson.

Oh, what does he want now?

What do you think he wants

at this time of night?

Mr. Carson, Mr. Carson.

See what I meant

about marriage being tough?

Just as it gets interesting...

Yes, these are the people

we want.

They have only one place

to go now.

To the Greek border

and to us.

It's only a matter of time.

I'm very grateful.

Just drop into my restaurant

once in a while.

See if you can find me there.

I hope to come soon.

Thank you.

All aboard, kids, alley-oop.

Let's get a move on.

Wait a minute.

- Oh, no.

- Oh, yes.

All right, get aboard.

March! On your way!

♪ La-la la-la la-la-la

la-la la-la la-la ♪

♪ La-la la-la la-la-la

la-la la-la la-la ♪

- Boom.

- Boom, boom.

Oh. Oh. Good boy.

♪ La-la la-la la-la ♪

You wanna say something funny?

Not a thing. I mean,

now you're angry with me.

I keep forgetting

dames are like children, too.

- Carson!

- Yeah?

Carson!

It's the mule! It's gone lame!

So what?

You want me to carry him, too?

- Ah!

- Get 'em all out.

Mr. Carson.

- Shepherds.

- Uh-huh.

You think they'll be all right?

Oh, yes. Shepherds

are quite used to travelers.

Until tonight I always thought

Albanian cooking was distinctive

the worst in Europe, but now...

I'd like to give them something.

If he won't take any money

ask him if he'd like some cigarettes.

He says he's a Muslim.

It's against his religion.

Tell him we love him.

Tell him he's a great man.

Don't do that.

Mara, tell him not to sh**t.

It's a pleasure again,

Mr. Carson.

Only this time

it's going to be different.

Take them away.

Take this man away

and sh**t him.

No, no. You cannot do that.

It is not his fault!

- Get out of here!

- Mara!

Take him in there.

The shepherd is proud

that they will sh**t him.

It will show his friends that they

were not the ones who betrayed us.

My side pocket, cigarettes.

Show 'em

what you're doing first.

No matter who they are, as long

as they're men you win 'em over.

I don't think he can help much.

It's the man in black

who seems to be in charge.

Don't think

this is the only country.

I suppose I was never meant

to be a heroine.

Any idea what

they're going to do with us?

No.

And I'm responsible...

not just for you, but for

the lives of all these children.

You've had too much sun.

No. It's the children.

I know how much they mean to you

even if you won't admit it.

Oh, forget it, Tracy.

It's first time you called

me by my name. You know that?

Oh, I've called you

lots of names.

Tell me. And you can tell me

'cause it's too late now.

If we'd have got away,

would you ever have called me

"Mrs. Carson"?

Look, do I look like

the marrying...

Pretty bloody good ambush, huh?

Jolly much on the ball, what?

Trifon is here.

- Glad to meet

- Glad to meet.

You speak English.

Uh, yes, I speak a little

English, a little American,

a little French,

little German, little Italian.

- How you do?

- Fine.

Tracy, Tracy!

Is everybody all right?

Everybody dead, very nice,

what?

- This one a English, too?

- He's my brother.

Ah. And this one, spouse-ito?

Husband?

Oh, no, no.

Can somebody find the key?

A guy in a black suit has it.

The man called you captain.

Is this the army or what?

My army. Pretty fine army.

Pretty fine captain, too, huh?

Captain Trifon.

You like the way I look, huh?

Hm, I have not seen many

quite like you, I admit.

You quite like me?

I quite like you.

Yes, I can see you do.

Jolly much on the ball, what?

My sergeant, he say we go now.

- Better now, what?

- Jolly much on the ball.

- You ride with me on horse.

- No, thank you.

Yes, please. You on horse.

No, no.

This is father of Trifon. Zante.

He pretty big chief.

You think, yes?

- Well, I think yes.

- Ah, Katina. My schwester.

Uh, sister.

She pretty big sister, huh?

She will find for you

costume more, uh, suitable.

Here, they're kinda sensitive

who wears

the pants around here,

that's all.

I'd love to see you in a skirt...

- Mademoiselle.

- Pardon, you say?

Uh, this is for you to sleep.

Hey, just a minute.

This isn't where you live,

by any chance?

No, no, no, no, this is

residency of chief, my father.

House of honor.

I sleep this way

this house with all other men.

- All other men.

- Sure, suits me fine.

It'll be good

having somebody else

playing nurse-maid for a change.

Hey, when you're quite finished

with Ms. Albania of 1960

do you think you could spare

the boy to look after me?

Sure, and it looks like

you're gonna need

a little looking after, too.

Trifon is here.

Listen, Trifon, I don't know

the Italian for "go away, “

but you must understand

what I mean some of the time.

Oh, yes, I understand,

uh, a little English,

a little German,

little French, little Italian.

Little women, too.

Tres jolie is French.

- You French, huh?

- Oui.

- Warm kiss, you like...

- No like!

I liked.

What was all that about?

I tell her to keep friendly

with, uh, your brother

not with the big man.

Then we can all live here

happily after ever

uh, ever after.

We do what?

♪ In my arms I hold you ♪

In your arms you do not!

Listen, Trifon,

will you go away like a good boy

before I call for help?

Why you want, uh, help?

Trifon is here for your help.

Look, now, if a lady

should ever ask an officer...

Ah! An officer! Si, sí, sí.

Like we have at here

many during wars.

- English, Americano, yes.

- Yes, yes, but...

You like my uniform, huh?

Britches Italian officer.

Glass eye, German officer,

Helmun Schmidt, I strangled him.

Jacket-o, American officer.

Captain Gregory, my friend

of mine, belonging to him

but one day,

bang, he was dead.

So, need no uniform.

Now, your Captain Gregory,

if I had asked him, an officer,

to leave...

Ah, you want for to undress.

Oui! Yes! Si!

Ah, sí, sí, sí. Yeah.

But you need not

for worry at all.

Trifon is not shy.

No.

Ah! No! No! Come, sit down.

Oh. Bed time for you, Andreas.

Why do you men

always stick together?

- The woman is always the heavy.

- Some heavy.

Don't you want to dance with me?

Ah, the music doesn't send me.

Probably later.

It's lucky I can sit down.

I'm black and blue.

Not Trifon, that well-known

officer and gentleman.

I make sure.

I hold his hand all the time.

Always so much trouble

in the world.

Oh, that's from Carson?

Carson, the peacemaker.

Anything for the quiet life,

that's me.

He only wants to say goodnight.

At least he has good manners.

Ah!

Trifon is here.

You very happy, I know.

Have some more wine, huh?

No, and I think

you've had enough, too.

No, no, Trifon is never enough.

You like,

we make some more dance.

Once bitten, twice shy.

Oh, you're shy. Why?

- Trifon is never shy.

- No, you're not.

Look at my sister.

She never shy also.

She all over your brother

very much.

Quite a family,

but you better tell her

my brother is spoken for.

Oui?

Never mind, capitan,

let it ride.

Oh, I'm glad

you liking riding of horses.

Here we will also ride

when we are married together.

Trifon, a joke's a joke, but...

Why Will you always joke for me

whenever I could be

more serious?

This is why I'm now here.

Pardonne moi.

- How many goats, huh?

- Goats?

How many goats or sheep

your father has?

Huh?

My father has 2,000 sheep

and many, many goats.

All will be mine.

And what is mine is yours.

Ah, you mean my dowry.

Oh, listen, Trifon, for once

in your life, be your age!

It's not possible for you

to love me.

But I love you.

I love you very much.

But don't be such a fool.

I don't love you...

- Ah!

- Nice warm kiss.

But not from you.

You help next time, huh?

There's no next time.

Oh, Carson, help me.

Do something. Oh!

Oh, with all his army

standing around? Oh, no, not me.

All right, all the boy needs

is a little cooperation.

- Ah.

- Nice warm kiss, huh?

- This time she help, huh?

- You want to try again?

- Get away from her!

- Oh...

- Nice warm kiss.

- Uh...

Trifon.

You are lucky.

Father says

you are guest in our house.

Otherwise I k*ll you.

Without your head?

What did I say?

Carson, the peacemaker.

Father say no more kissing,

only, uh..,

dancing.

Glad to meet.

Yes, I know, I know.

Trifon is here.

- Last night, uh, too bad, uh?

- Too bad.

You like Carson better,

not me, uh?

Why do you ask?

His g*n taken away, mine not.

What are you trying to say?

You sure want your brother

in Greece, safe,

and children safe also?

Very much I do.

Then you stay with me, no?

Oh, no.

Then nobody go.

Too bad.

But even if I say yes,

Carson would never agree.

Carson, he do not know.

You do not tell him.

You come with all to border

and on border you say

you... you stay with Trifon,

you want Trifon.

You will find Trifon

very loving.

You think I would do this?

If you give word of honor

like... like officer, yes.

- It is finality.

- Finality.

That is the word, yes.

Otherwise nobody go.

All right, Trifon, I will stay.

You swear like officer?

I swear like officer.

I trust you... almost.

Understand?

Oui.

I understand.

Expected soldiers, maybe,

but not 40 to 50 member.

- Where are we, anyway?

- No man's land.

Here, normal crossing place

to Greek border.

Greek border

may be one mile that way.

Only, we've got no passports.

Ah! With Trifon,

nobody need no passport.

Higher up mountain

is once small frontier post.

Three to four men likely

to, uh, sleeping there.

Bang! They continue

to sleeping. Ah.

All right, you give me

a few of your men

I'll take care

of the frontier post up there

and get our party through.

You and the rest make

a surprise diversion down here

the minute we start sh**ting.

Pretty good plan.

Only one thing wrong.

- I coming with your party.

- You're the doctor.

No, no, I'm the captain.

Only where you all go,

uh, I go also.

You said

there'd be only three or four.

How do we get past them?

Did not expect.

Up by the ledge.

One man might climb,

but not blind man, two women

and several of children.

And the Greek frontier?

Still a half mile

so as not to have

sh**ting always

between Greek and Albanians.

Makes crossing

much difficult also.

They'll be changing sentries

pretty soon.

While they're doing that,

we can open up

and take care of most of them.

Pretty good officer, huh?

Never give up.

Like my friend of mine,

Captain Gregory.

Long as you don't end up

wearing my clothes, too.

I thought you told them

not to start sh**ting until after we did.

And look what it's done there.

What is going on?

Isn't that your surprise party?

Sure,

and they surprised me fine.

What do they think they're at,

in charge of the light brigade?

- Looks like they've been waiting for us.

- Maybe.

And we haven't got all night

to stand around.

Trifon...

any of your men,

a good mountaineer maybe,

do you think

he could crawl along on top

and drop

some grenades among them?

And for why?

Because there are six of us here

and ten of them there

and they're attacking

with a couple of machine g*ns

that's about why.

I think we go home instead.

I think we don't.

So got anymore

funny suggestions?

You want for me to go

climbing these mountains

to breaking my neck, huh?

Trifon, perhaps, not good

with reading of books

but, uh, stupido,

no, no, no, no.

Will you give me some grenades

and let me do it?

Pretty good idea.

Oh, no, no, don't, Carson,

you are not a mountaineer.

What do we do then? Stay here?

We can go home.

You, you are not an officer.

You said when I promised

that you would...

What did you promise?

What did she promise?

She promised

she go home with Trifon.

You and the others

cross border to Greece.

Oh, you idiot.

Another night, you will go.

Trifon keep promise.

You too, I trust you.

Gimme the rest of the grenades.

No.

Don't, Carson.

Don't even try.

I tell you it's no good, please.

Please.

Anybody who can make

a crazy gesture like that,

what else can I do now?

So, all I have to remember

is to not look down.

Trifon, if you ever

see me again, and you will,

you'd better duck.

- Carson?

- Uh-huh?

You know you are being

blackmailed into this, don't...

Sure, sure,

like you blackmailed me

into coming along for the ride?

Only, I like the way

you do business better.

Check that for me, will you?

You don't need a ticket

for that.

You think you'll remember

my face?

I think I'll remember.

But why doesn't he go on?

What happened?

Has the battle stopped

down there?

Lots of fires.

Men running about.

But no sh**ting.

No more trouble now.

Soon, no more machine g*ns also.

Makes crossing easy possible.

Now you come home with me.

Go home with you?

A man who breaks his word

and pretends to be an officer?

He leaves a brave man

to die alone.

You have to k*ll me first.

You say that to me?

I am better man.

More brave, better officer.

Then prove it to me.

Trifon prove, you'll see.

What's that?

Careful!

Oh, Trifon.

Machine g*n knock me.

- Don't talk.

- But I knock him back.

- No more machine g*n, huh?

- Shh, be quiet.

Also, no more Trifon.

Get him some water, Mara.

My glass eye, please.

No, no.

He mustn't drink anything.

Thanks, Trifon,

for what you did.

- Pretty good officer, yes?

- The best.

No.

It's no good, huh?

Uh, Trifon no good no more.

She stay, she not to leave me.

I don't leave you.

I stay as long as you want.

Give me some water, Mara.

- No joke?

- No joke.

For you.

That's quite a gesture.

That machine g*n, I knock him.

- You knocked him.

- What?

- Pretty bloody good ambush.

- Sure, sure.

I knock him. Bang, I...

Oh...

Mara...

tell his men

to take care of him.

This they will do.

And they're to tell his father

that his son

was a very brave man.

- This they will also do.

- An officer.

Come on, we've got to get across

before it's daylight.

Just a few more seconds and then

you're a free man once again.

You make it sound like

a divorce lawyer

consoling his client.

You seem surprised, Mr. Carson.

Well,

this is just a small deception

which has been very profitable

for us.

Come with me.

There, for your information,

is the Greek frontier.

All this here

is no man's land.

For my own part,

I would sh**t you here now,

for you have caused severe trouble

for my men.

But we have orders to take you

to our superior officer.

So.

Please.

I should have guessed.

Name?

Brown.

Your name is Carson.

Nationality?

- Hot 'n' tot.

- You are an American.

What are you doing in Albania?

Tourist passing through.

Now answer my question

more politely, please.

Time is short.

Your boat will be back here soon

as it has been each day

at this time

awaiting your signal.

- Now you will give it.

- I'm not in the mood, pal.

- I shall put you in the mood.

- I've been beaten up before.

The children have not.

Mike won't bring that boat in

unless he sees

all of us waiting.

This has been arranged already.

Shondaw, go outside and see

if there are any signs

of the boat.

- The men are already watching.

- I want no mistakes.

- Watch with them.

- Yes, comrade commandant.

Quite the NKVD boy, aren't you?

You have forced me to be.

I warned you

this Mallambert was dangerous

yet you bring him away.

But if I'm all you want,

why can't you keep me and...

Ah, it's no use anyway.

I'll confess anything you want.

- The usual thing.

- It is too late.

You and your friends

have attracted

too much attention.

Too many men have died.

But to dispose of all of us

and the children...

Who said I intend

to dispose of the children

or you for that matter?

There is still a chance

and I am still your friend.

It will be dangerous.

But I think you have met danger

several times already.

Outside are ten men

and my officer.

We have to convince them

that I'm not helping you

that I have never helped you.

Sure. We'd be delighted

to save your job for you.

Look outside. Your family

seems to have grown.

That's the way

families usually are, I guess.

There's a couple of kids there I never...

You mean they're yours?

Their mother died

five years ago.

And I would like them

to have another life than this.

All right. Now we do this.

Go down on the beach

as if you were be calling the boat in.

I shall be covering you

with this.

And at the last minute I jump ya.

How much time will that give us?

My men would be

a little way away.

That's why there will be

a vital few moments

of confusion, after that...

Well, it sounds okay on paper.

But what if there's a hitch?

There must be no hitch.

Come on.

Well, you think your people

are gonna be far enough away

not to see what's going on?

We should have 20,

may be 30 seconds

before they understand.

Keep your hands up!

Put them on the rail!

Keep them there.

And you, too, please,

comrade commandant.

- So drop that g*n.

- Have you gone mad?

Drop that g*n.

What do you think you're doing?

I am in command here.

No, I am in command here now.

So drop that g*n.

My superior officer will be

pleased to confirm the promotion

when I report the conversation

I've just overheard.

Ah. Now we'll be able to proceed

as you originally planned.

But this time

there'll be no hitch.

Drop your hands and turn around.

Turn around.

But the children,

what will happen to them?

That depends on your behavior.

Ah. May I say something to them?

- You have exactly 60 seconds.

- Ah.

I wish I could say what I want,

if only goodbye.

Will someone tell me

the word for goodbye?

Try and tell 'em antic.

Antío.

Listen, children.

I know it's difficult

for you to understand

what I'm trying to say.

You see, the only word

I know is antic.

Antío.

Yes. Antío.

In a few moments

we have to go away.

But one day

you will be safe home again.

Try to believe that,

try to understand.

I, Abdyll

will tell them.

Oh, yes.

I forgot you spoke English.

You tell them, huh?

Now antic.

Children.

- Boom, boom.

- Oh.

Andreas.

That is the nicest present

I ever had.

Goodbye to you, my darling.

Captain, are you all right?

No, Mike,

he's got us all covered!

The kids, too!

That was intelligent of you.

The rest of you keep still

while I get my men down.

I wouldn't move

if I were you either.

- You'll never succeed.

- You don't mind if I try, do you?

Just keep that g*n lowered.

Kol, get the kids on board.

- Yes.

- Hey.

Get the machine g*n ready for me

and keep your engines running.

Aye-aye, captain.

Just take it easy, buster,

for another half a minute.

Kol, you take over.

Throw me down a machine g*n.

Get away, Mike, get away!

Turn.

- More comfortable now?

- Yes, very much.

Kol, your kids

are asking for you.

You better show 'em

you're all right.

I will. Thank you, mademoiselle.

I thought I told you

to change your clothes.

After all you've been through

do you want to die

from pneumonia?

Look, why don't you relax,

Florence Nightingale?

Yeah, now we both get pneumonia.

It's wonderful.

- Carson?

- Oui?

Are you sure you're still

the man on the move?

- Still travelling light?

- Uh-huh.

But it's getting heavier

all the time.

Oh, no.

You see, marriage,

families, trouble.

But, you know, I like trouble.

Well, that's with

just one of them.

Guess what it'll be like

with a large family?

- Mm. But I like large families.

- You do?

Hm, very large.

You know something?

You might easily end up

with one.