- You stand on the side and you keep your hands on your head. - Why haven't the prisoners been evacuated yet? - We have no news of the trucks, who are to come and collect them, Colonel. - Well, find some more! Instead of waiting for it to fall on you everything cooked in the beak. - Yes, sir! - Call General Georges from the staff We shoved them. We must continue. - The General gave the order to defend positions, Colonel. - Well me, to defend, I attack! If Gorges gets us air support and infantry, we can make the connection with his sixth army. The Boches will be cut in two. But General, since I'm telling you they're backing down. I lost the tanks, but I have enough left to continue. I can push towards Laon and join you! Attempt a breakthrough towards Dunkirk. Good, General! At your command, General. It's no ! No infantry, no air force. We are ordered to camp on our positions. So, in a few hours, we're going to take the panzers in the face. Ah, the c***s! You'll see that to calm me down, they won't find nothing better than giving me two stars. June 6. Everywhere the German forces are pushing our lines and those of our allies. Our soldiers suffer a deluge of fire from the enemy aviation much greater in number. The English Expeditionary Force, with the remnants of our first army, retreated to Dunkirk and attempts to re-embark for Great Britain. 70,000 dead, 180 planes, 75,000 vehicles and nearly 500,000 tons of ships. What a terrible mess! - We have no reserves, no relief possible. In the East, the news is not better. Von Rundstedt's offensive extended to the Somme. The Panzers darken on Reins and on the Marne. As you can see, it's not won. - And it's not over ! Up there, the Boches have already reached the ramp south of Le Treport. Closer, they set foot on the heights which dominate the Aisne. They mass their forces in front of Vitry le François. Not to mention the half-dozen panzer divisions who prance behind. As you say, it is not won. You are not unaware that President Reynaud has just appointed me Secretary of State for War. So that makes me your new boss! Let things be very clear. I need people determined to continue the fight. We do not negotiate with the Nazis! If any of you have doubts, I will facilitate their transfer. Good ! Everything suggests that the Battle of France is lost. The only question that arises is: Where and how to continue the war? Marshal Pétain wants to withdraw the government in Bordeaux. Generalissimo Weygand agrees. I do not agree with this option. For me, we must regroup the forces that we have left in Brittany and withdraw the government to Quimper. If everything fails, we can always board for England and North Africa and continue the fight from our empire. We will work together on this hypothesis and I will go to the general staff to explain it to General Weygand. Questions ? Very well. Gentlemen, get to work! Where's your DCA, Corporal? - There is none, General. - We've already lowered our pants, Courcel. - Withdraw to Brittany. You are delirious my old man! How do you want to regroup what's left of our armies and hold a front for more than 200 km? - The defense of Paris will delay the German thrust. This will give us time to organize ourselves. - Ah ah, defend Paris! Wake up, the war is lost. A soldier like you should understand that. The Boches have just spent the sum. - Yes and then ? - Afterwards, it's Seine-et-Marne. - And after ? After ? After that, it's over. - How does it end? It's a world war, General! It will continue with other means, other nations. Hitler will not succeed in invading England. As soon as he's done with us, it will attack the Soviet Union. The United States will eventually join the dance and Germany will be beaten. - Nonsense! I can tell you that when I've been beaten here, the English will not wait eight days, to negotiate with the Reich. Take that away from me! Every day that passes brings only deaths and unnecessary suffering. We have no more equipment, no more material. Our soldiers fight one against three, we are losing more than 3,000 men a day. - I don't do statistics, General, a war is a war. - Oh yes ? And the suffering of the civilian population. Have you thought about that, General? - It's not the soldier, but the minister who tells you that you have to continue the fight. - Are you giving me orders? You ! I don't have time to discuss politics with you, Mr. Under-Secretary of State. Return to your ministry and tell our Chairman of the Board that the time is no longer for strategy, but to disaster management. I have the honor. This old mutt plays it to us with feelings and the reality is very difficult to bear. The exodus of civilian populations is on the roads. Has transformed, after the collapse of our front to the East and to the North, in a veritable tidal wave. These unfortunates walk without knowing where they are going. Pass through burning villages in the midst of corpses by the thousands. The German air force strafed and bombed them in defiance of the laws of war. But to capitulate to Hitler, it is to deliver this same people to sufferings and even more atrocious humiliations. More dishonour. We must fight. There is no other recourse than the fight. - Hello ! My respects Mr. President. At the presidential apartment. Alright, I'm coming, Mr. President. Mr President. - You are welcome. Do you know everyone? - Mr Marshal. - Then De Gaulle. There you are General, I do not congratulate you. What promotion in defeat! - The same as for you in fourteen, Mr Marshal. And remember a few weeks later, we win the victory of the Marne. - If that's what you're hoping for today, you are dreaming my poor friend! - Let's say rather that I am determined to fight. - Good ! Beaudoin, put him on the scent. - The Germans crossed the Seine west of Paris. They are already in the North and in the East. The capital will soon be surrounded. - We must evacuate the government. - Two questions arise: in what city ? And what are we doing for Paris? - We must defend the capital. - The general staff is hostile to it. - Let's call Delattre, he will know how to fight. - You are a child! Do you measure the suffering what are you going to do to the population? Paris will be transformed into a field of ruins. - And in the cemetery. - Oh, aren't you sleeping? - How do you want? Gentlemen! Mr Marshal. - My respects, ma'am. - Colonel! General, I saw your picture in the paper. You were on the front page. Cheer ! Get me something to drink, please. I'm going to put myself in a corner, I'll make myself very small. Don't look surprised, General. The fate of France concerns as much men than women. - Hélène is full of common sense, you'll see. - Thank you honey. To your health, gentlemen! To France! And especially at the end of all these horrors. - Margerie, your opinion on what De Gaulle is proposing? - I share it. We must defend Paris and continue to fight. - This is madness. - Defend Paris? What a funny idea ! Parisians on barricades. - The countess is right. If we let the people take up arms, the communists are in danger of seizing power and Hitler will let them. He is capable of it. He is allied with Stalin. Do not forget it ! - In all cases, the government cannot stay in Paris. We must find a solution ! Declare Paris an open city and flee to Bordeaux, it is to accept in advance the idea of defeat leaving the field open to the German army. - But why are you opposed to Bordeaux? - Bordeaux is indefensible. - You're not going to sing us yet your refrain from the Breton reduced? It doesn't stand up. - A withdrawal to Brittany is not viable that if Churchill supports us with his air force and sends us back the units that he repatriates to Dunkirk. - After all, if De Gaulle believes in it. So let him go and ask directly the question to Churchill! - We wish you a lot of fun, Mr Undersecretary. - Gentlemen. - See the positive side, General. If Reynaud sends you to sound out the English, is that he is ready to consider your solution. - What worries me, is that the proposal comes from Pétain. The wise old man tries to mumble at me. He's taking me away from Paris the better to circumvent Reynaud. Will Churchill help us? Can he afford it? Britain must face the return of the 350,000 British and French soldiers re-embarked at Dunkirk. Added to this are 200,000 refugees from countries invaded by the German army. In London, the population and the military increase the construction of air-raid shelters and civilians submit to drills, with the phlegm that we know them. I have never met this Churchill before. He is said to be intelligent, manipulative and unpredictable. And what's more, he's an Englishman, as Courcel would say. It is not won ! - The Constable of France! - Do you think I look like Duguesclin? - Oh no, the other one! The Duke of Montmorency! You have a long nose like him or not. It's a sign of power, you know! - I'm missing the collar. - Hmm ! - Rest assured, Prime Minister, that there is in the French government and in his army men who want to fight. I'm part of. We are ready to continue the fight in Paris and on all fronts. Prime Minister, France needs your infantry and your air force. If you agree to throw all your strength in battle, the situation can still be saved. - Impossible aviation! I will need her very much to respond to the attack that Mr. Hitler will soon throw at our heads. But for the British regiments, I agree. But I send as soon as I can, immediately a division that is ready. For the rest, on June 22, it is possible. - The French army will not be able to stand alone until then. - You surprise me General. The French army is the strongest in Europe. - On paper, yes! - I can't any faster. All England works, men, women, children. It takes time to craft weapons. Our regiments returned from France completely naked. More machine guns, more cannons, nothing... De Gaulle must be held! Absolutely hold on! There is another problem... - Our greatest fear General, is that the French fleet passed into German hands. If the French government asks for an armistice. - Margery! - Admiral Darlan who commands our fleet is a feudal. The fleet is his stronghold. He will never cede it to the Germans. - I am part of the government, Prime Minister. Darlan is a soldier. The military must comply with government orders. - Good idea, that! I have the same problem here. Very well, gentlemen. I'll tell Roosevelt, that there is a splendid young General in France, ready to fight until the end. - Take away from our soldiers the power to count, so that their hearts are not afraid of the opponent's number. Shakespeare, no doubt? - Yes, well done. Mister de Margerie. - He says that of you two, it's you who looks like english and he rather French. - What do you think of Churchill? Do you really think we can trust him? - I can give you at least three reasons for this. The first is that we don't really have the choice since it is the only support we have. - And the other two? - The first reason removes all interest from the other two! - The situation is dramatic! There are 6 to 8 million people on the roads, constantly bombarded by the German air force. Hospitals are overwhelmed not enough firefighters to put out the fires. The police and the gendarmerie can do nothing more against abuses and looting. - Meanwhile, the rats are leaving the ship! Mr President. Why this rout? - The Germans are at the gates of the capital, we have to go! - So what have you decided? - The evacuation of the government in Touraine. - First stage before Bordeaux? I guess ! - Stop with that. I haven't made a decision yet. If you look at a map, Tower is halfway from Bordeaux and Quimper. - And for the defense of the capital, what have you decided? - I have not made my decision yet. - Let me pass, come on! Mr President. - What's going on Weygand? - Mr. President, everything is collapsing! Our lines creak one after another and the massacre of our troops becomes unbearable. I urge you to sign this armistice request that Marshal Pétain and myself have prepared. - An armistice is unacceptable, Mr. President. - You came back! So, Churchill, he sends us his regiments? - He can send us for the moment only one division. The others will be operational from the 25th. - Why not ! At Christmas ! And what do we do until then? - We're holding on ! - And with what? And his planes, what does he do with them? - He keeps them! It is his last defense. - Parbleu! - In his place, we would do the same. - Well then, what do you propose now? - The government does not propose, he gives orders. Tear up this paper, Mr. President, and order the defense of the capital. - This is bullshit! Finally, you're still not going to listen to it? - Unbelievable ! - You can't let this go, Mr. President, we have to get him out. - Impossible for the moment, the French still have confidence in him. - It's a flag. - A flag at half mast, yes. - All ministries have started to withdraw. We will be the last to leave tonight. You will accompany us! - Good, Mr. President. June 10. Italy has just declared war on us, through Mussolini. On the front of the Alps, we have only 150,000 soldiers to oppose to the 500,000 Italian soldiers. France remains today the only continental power to resist the German army. - It's blocked there! You have to go through it. On the roads, millions of refugees pile up in unprecedented chaos. Civilians now mingle with detachments wandering soldiers and a crowd of disarmed prisoners, returned by the adversary without their officers. - We're not going to let it go! - It's President Reynaud! - Mr. President, don't open the door! - Hey! We are with you, Mr. President. - Long live France ! - And they all eat their meals, Mr. President. - We count on you. - Must hold Paris! Long live France ! - Too bad Weygand doesn't hear that! - You will see, Mr. President, that I am not the only one who wants to defend Paris. - It's easy for them since they are no longer there. Helen arrived safely? Yes, around midnight, she must be sleeping. We await the arrival of Winston Churchill and the English delegation from time to time. -Churchill? Started Churchill! - I thought you knew about it? General Weygand asked him to come urgently. - That's insane! What does it mean ? He takes himself for the head of government, my word. - No, Mr. President, he just wants to talk to the English the possibility of signing a separate armistice. - Just that ! And without telling me? - You couldn't warn me, you, Baudouin. Do you take me for a potiche or what? - I'm sorry. I thought you were aware. - I told you, they want to force you to stand for the armistice! - It won't be like that. You'll see ! - I hate to say this, but you have to! We signed an agreement on March 28. Neither of us two countries can deal a separate armistice with the enemy. - So, what do you offer under these conditions? - well, you have to hold on. Hold ! Keep fighting everywhere. All over ! Slow down the progress of the gangster and his... - Panzers! - Yes, that's it! Panzers! Stop that! Tear it down! When it's done, I get there with brand new regiments. - All our lines are down. Our soldiers are exhausted. They fight all day and fall back to new positions during the night. They fall asleep as soon as they stop. You have to shake them so that they go back to the fire. It is total dislocation. - Britain manufactures weapons as fast as she can. As soon as she is ready, she comes. I assure you! - How long ? - One or two weeks. - Then it will be too late. We will all be dead. - Mr. Marshal, during the last war, we were, very close! Close to a disaster. - Yes ! And in 1918, the French army supported the English army as much as it could. Today, France is asking aid to England. How can you deny it to him? All right, if you're defending Paris. I have enough time to arrive with my divisions equipped. - Turning Paris into ruins won't change anything after the battle. The destruction of a city is a terrible thing, is it not, Marshal? But offering it in the mouth of the enemy is worse. What will become of your Paris, in the thinking crow of the nazi! And then, if you sign an armistice with Herr Hitler, England will be your enemy. She will be forced to bombard you, to blockade with his ships, to starve your population! Horrible ! - De Gaulle, your opinion? - I agree with the Prime Minister. We must defend Paris street by street, house by house. You can't negotiate with Hitler! - Congratulations General! - The decision you are asking me to make is terrible. I need to think about it with my collaborators. - I understand, Mr. President. I'm going to do a little pose with mine. In the garden! - What do you think of Churchill? We can count on him ? - Of course, Mr. President, he loves France and hates Hitler. - The English are coming back, Mr. President. - Mr. President, do not let yourself be dictated the armistice by the military. A soldier tells you that. - The only decision that matters to me today, it is to defend or not Paris. Prime Minister, I need more specific assurances regarding your country's commitment. England's resolve does not change and will never change. - Yes ! It's victory or death! - Easy to tell when your country has not yet received a single bomb. - Do not be too impatient, Mr. Marshal, but be sure that England is ready to endure the same suffering as France. My friends, we will bring Germany to its knees, together. Kaputt! Herr Hitler! - Colonel! Your attention, gentlemen, please. This is what Hitler just did with Rotterdam, as he did from Warsaw. The same cold determination. Nothing stops it! And this is what awaits Paris. - If he tries to do that to us, It's a good idea. I shoot at his planes, I sink his boats in the canal and if there are still Germans on the beach, I hit them like that on the head, to get them into the sand. - I appreciate in advance your future exploits, Prime Minister. But until then, England cannot impose on France to suffer without reacting the massacre of his armies and its civilian population. - The March 28 agreement therefore seems to me to be null and void. And France reserves the right to negotiate an armistice alone. - I remind the military gentlemen, that the decision on whether to continue the war is the responsibility exclusive to the government. The question of a separate armistice request is not on the agenda. The discussion on this topic is closed. June 10, the government declares Paris an open city. June 14, German troops enter the capital. They parade on the Champs Élysées and take possession of our monuments the most symbolic. Parisians begin to flee the city to join the stream of refugees. That same day, our government, always in contradiction with the defensive projects that I had proposed, left Tours for Bordeaux. - Leave us alone! So ? - So we decided to give up your resistance plan for Brittany. It seems too random to us. But we don't give up on the idea to continue the struggle in the empire. Bordeaux is backed by the Atlantic. We can perfectly get on board our troops for North Africa, as well as in Brest or Lorient. - In this case, the government must win Algiers as quickly as possible. Have you decided, yes or no? Sign me a mission order instructing me to organize transporting our troops to North Africa. - Good ! You will leave immediately for London and you will see with Churchill, what assistance the English can bring to transport of our troops in North Africa. Is that okay for you ? - Yes, Mr. President! But I will have to assure Churchill, that Admiral Darlan will engage our fleet well in this fight. - It is the head of government who gives orders to the fleet, not his admiral. - It's obvious. - Good, Mr. President. - Tell me, Mandel... This time, I think it's won, my old man! We eat a bite and we go. - And with all the children? - The five ! The five children, yes. - Five children, yes, that's right, I remember now. - Yes. - That one, as soon as we fire him from the government, he will understand what firewood I am using. - Unable to find a plane to take us to London. Looks like we gave orders. - The old man must have soaped our boards! - We are with you ! - Cheers ! - The plane, who cares. We'll leave by car after dinner and we will find a boat in Brittany to go to England. Yes, we were stuck near the toilet! But enjoy the bright side of things, Courcel. - Because there is one? - We can't go much lower. And when we get there, tac, a good kick and we go back up. Oh fuck! Definitely. Sorry Courcel, excuse me. - How are you, Courcel? I have to make a small detour before reaching Brest. Would you like to take the wheel? My legs are full. - Very well. - We won't be long. - Elizabeth, mom! - Lieutenant Courcel, my son, Philippe. - Lieutenant! - Delighted. - Hello Elizabeth. Oh, but who is it? My dear ! - Mrs. - Come ! - Hello. - Hello. - I imagine that you are not staying very long? - Unfortunately no. So, do you have any friends here? - Yes, two friends, Laure and Louise. Very well. - My neighbors. - Did you receive the books I sent you? - Yes, I was just going to write to thank you. - Don't misplace them. I got them from dad! - Sure. - I think Anne really wants to show you her room. - I'm coming my darling. I'm going to talk a little bit with mom first. - Yes. - See you soon. - You didn't have too much trouble getting to us? - The situation is more catastrophic than what the newspapers or the radio report. It's a debacle, like our country has never known. - Oh yes ! I had the feeling of it by your letters. - I have to leave for London. We may have to continue the fight in Africa. I will be far. You will be alone with the children. - Do not worry ! - Even here, you won't be safe soon. I will make arrangements so that you leave France as soon as possible. The Germans might be using you to force me to surrender. - But do not worry, I'll manage. - I trust in your strength. My darling, without you, nothing would be possible. - He says there's a bathtub in that one. The other has only a shower. I prefer showers anyway. - That's good, then. Good night Courcel. - Oh, thank you very much sir, good night! - Good night! Courcel? It is in the bathtubs that we reflect best. Britain now seems to me our only recourse and our only support. Churchill had repatriated to his soil all aircraft and pilots of the Royal Air Force engaged on the continent. It is urgent that the decisive battle against the Nazis will take place in heaven and I believe it too. Anti-aircraft batteries are deployed and strengthened around the country's hotspots. Churchill galvanizes his people with speeches for a total and merciless war. Here is one who knows how to give courage to his people. - My general ! - What is that ? - It's Jean Monnet, my General. I am with the French ambassador, Charles Gordon. - A merger of England and France in one state! Well, you don't doubt anything. And what would your thing be called? - The Franco-British union, General. - Franco-British union. That's not a state name, Monsieur Monnet. It might be fine for a football club or bridge, or a pétanque association, but not for a nation. - The name, we will always have time to find one. What matters is creating the entity. - What would this mess look like? - Well, there would be only one kind of citizens. The two institutions would merge together, the armies too and the military command would be unique. - If France and England no longer constitute only one state. This puts an end to any idea of a separate armistice. - Of course yes. But Mr. Ambassador, it's not up to you that I will learn that all our traditions, our history, not to mention our two regimes, a royalty, a republic... - Without doubt my General, but it is certainly the last chance to allow the head of government of, how to say... - To legally tear off the seals of the Republic on the soil of the occupied homeland! - Franco-British union. - It's a big piece! One country, you and I? We will not have enough in our whole life to succeed. - This is precisely the interest of this project, since it is impossible. - What do you mean De Gaulle? - What counts is the immediate effect of this announcement. We must maintain our alliance, it is the most important. This union will seal it! - You spoke about it with Reynaud? - This morning on the phone. - What did he say ? - Did you discuss this with Churchill? - All and more, I think it's a very good idea. My friends, I will defend this idea in front of my cabinet. There is a chance. A small chance, but a chance! Smoking helps concentration, doesn't it? My wife says I smoke Cohiba too much. It's like whiskey, very good for the brain. Go on ! - Thank you! - It's okay, De Gaulle! Everything is all right! The cabinet gave the consent. You are no longer a Frenchman, I am no longer an Englishman! We are... Unionists! And our ships, to evacuate your army, I... Oh no, no, excuse me! Our army, I give them to you. Since there will be one commandment, I appoint you commander-in-chief! Now we have to announce the good news to friend Reynaud. - Absolutely, Mr. President. A text is already ready. I read it to you! Now France and Great Britain will no longer constitute two distinct nations, but one nation, which will be the indissoluble Franco-British union. No, Mr. President, This is not me saying it, he is the British Prime Minister. He's next to me, I'll pass him to you! - Hello Reynaud? De Gaulle is right. My firm has given the consent, one country, yes! One must keep. - Yes ? Good, Mr. President. Pass it to me, then! I will dictate the text to him. From now on, France and Great Britain no longer constitute two distinct nations. But only one nation which will be the indissoluble Franco-British union. Indissoluble! Renault will urgently convene the Council of Ministers to support the project. - Reynaud is a sad man. He has bad morals there is no support! - He should avoid bad company. - I'm afraid he abuses it, day and night. - You must return very quickly to Bordeaux, to get him out of bed. This woman is a danger! - I have no way to get home quickly. - No problem. I give you my plane and my pilot too. It's the best, the best! Keep it until tomorrow. We never know. - What is happening ? - The Council of Ministers rejected the union project. Renault resigned. - Oh the c***s! And who is appointed in his place? - Petain. And it was Reynaud himself who suggested it. - Reynaud? He told the President of the Republic, if it's an armistice you want, take Pétain to carry out this policy, not me. Pétain had this charming word for the English. You don't marry a corpse. - The hospital that doesn't care about charity. - Not to mention France will not change in a British dominion, you might as well become a Nazi province. At least we will know what awaits us. - What about Mandel? - He fought as hard as he could. Reynaud defended the project, but without conviction. It felt like he had already decided to hand over. - Reynaud believes himself in a simple ministerial crisis. He thinks that Pétain will not be able to accept Hitler's conditions and that he will resign. - He still has to form a government. - Do not have any illusions my little old man, he must have been planning his move for a long time and shit eaters that's not what's missing. - Ah DeGaulle! Pétain formed a government. - Well, it wouldn't have taken long. He had his list in his pocket, the old crab. Weygand is on his list, Minister of Defense. - And I'm fired, I imagine! - Like me ! - That way it's complete. - No, not quite ! He just officially asked Hitler its armistice terms. He is preparing a speech to announce it to the French. - Does Churchill know? - Of course not. - Is Reynaud still there? - He's packing. - Beware De Gaulle! Rumor has it that the marshal wants to stop all his opponents. - Thank you, Mandel! - DeGaulle? Here you are. He was missing more than you. It's all your fault, huh? Paul should have changed his policy, not resigned. - What are you talking about, ma'am? - I told him not to listen to you. with your union project. It was stupid! They'll all be half dead already, your English. The military should never get involved in politics. - Tell that to the Marshal and Weygand instead. Mrs ! Nothing is lost yet. You can form an opposition government and continue the fight from the outside with the support of London. - We must let Pétain fail. He will resign and that's when, that everything will be possible again. - You are wrong Mr. President, we are no longer in the Republic. Pétain will not relinquish power. We must leave immediately for London, with those who are loyal to you like Mr. Mandel and me and call for resistance. - The truth is that I no longer have the strength. I'm exhausted De Gaulle! - Another must do it for you, then! - I will support him, as much as I can. I still have secret funds, until the handover. I can unlock part of it to initiate an action. - Mr. President, the permanent envoy of the government English asks to be received. - Let him in. - Gentlemen! My mission to your government no longer has any reason to exist. Winston Churchill asking me to come back to London, as soon as possible. If you allow General, I will use the plane that lent you. - And when do you plan to leave? - Tomorrow morning ! - De Gaulle you will accompany General Spears at the airport! Gentlemen. - Thank you. I would like to eat a small piece. - Impossible, General. The kitchens are closed. The leader has long since gone to bed. - There must be something left I'll make do with what you find. - No, the chef always takes the keys refrigerated cabinets. - Well, wake him up! What at the end? - He doesn't have a phone. - Listen to my little father, you'll quickly give me something to eat. - I'll see if I can wake up the director. - There you have it ! Otherwise, I'll go pull him out of his sack myself with great blows of pump in the bottom. Ah! What is that ? - Your meal, General - Come in ! I don't know what decision to make. - What decision, my child? - Do I have to obey orders, even if I think they are not right? - You are a soldier! That's what a soldier is supposed to do. You had, oh... 12, 13 years old! You were convinced that you would save France if she was threatened. You even saw yourself already high General. At the head of 200,000 men, defeating the enemy, saving the country. You lined up your little toy soldiers there, well in line. - Yes. But everything was simpler then. A child sees no conflict between right and duty. - It is the duty that created the right and not the right which created the duty. My little ! You always knew how to draw very well your own way. I'm sure you'll do the right thing. - Your papers please ! Thank you so much. You can go ! - Farewell from Gaul and good luck. - Have a good trip. Stop there, Courcel! - Well done! Well done General. - Admit that you would have preferred to bring a bigger fish in London? - I did not find it. When Reynaud refused to leave, I proposed to Georges Mandel to come. He also refused. However, he is determined to continue the fight. - He's Jewish. He feared that his departure would be interpreted like a flight due to panic. - We'll finally be able to get started. I will gather around me those who want to fight. And there are! - I am very happy that you allowed me to accompany you. - And I thank you. - We will do everything to help you. Churchill will never back down. - He says the Boche must have been blind. - We will not complain. It would still have been a shame that everything ends before it begins. From now on, the future of France will be played here. The English continue to deploy captive balloons over London in anticipation of the imminent Luftwaffe air attack. They are connected to the ground by metal wires, so as to make it difficult to fly over the capital. Churchill pursues his steps to President Roosevelt, to engage in conflict. But the truth is that the great American cousin is not ready to send his men to die for old Europe. Churchill is alone, quite alone. - I came alone with my orderly. - Well, we welcome you alone with your orderly. The marshal made a speech on the radio at 12:30 p.m. You heard ? - No, we were on the plane. I give France the gift of my person to alleviate his misfortune. Which gift ! The body of an 89-year-old man. It is with a heavy heart that I tell you today that the fight must be stopped. - I spoke last night to the adversary, to ask him if he is ready to search with me. Between soldiers, after the fight and in honor, ways to end hostilities. Let all French people unite around the government that I preside during these hard trials, and silence their anguish to listen only to their Faith in the destiny of the Fatherland. - You have to answer very quickly, show that our path is possible. Give me permission to speak to the BBC, this evening, I would like to address the French. - What exactly are you going to say? - That if their government has failed, our strength of resistance remains great, that we have allies, an empire, a fleet. I'll call them to join me and put themselves under my orders, to continue the struggle wherever possible. I think we should wait a bit before speaking. - Expect ? Wait for what ? - Mister Hitler has not yet set his conditions. Until the Marshal answers. The military alliance between our two countries continues. - You are dreaming! Marshal Pétain has rocked already on the losing side. - I do not agree. You will create unnecessary divisions, if you make your appeal now, it will be perceived as an act of hostility on our part towards your government. And the Marshal can use it as a pretext to break the covenant with us. - Sorry De Gaulle, but I agree with Lord Halifax. Patience ! Anyway, ... - You are the man of destiny in this crucial hour. - More Shakespeare? No, Churchill! - Are you sure this is the right floor? - Yes. - There's no electricity? - What is happening ? It does not work ? - It's a coin counter. You have to put in a shilling. - You know it ? - No, I only have French money. Candy ! - I'll take the couch, General. - You will be thanked for it, my little old man. You see, Courcel, we think we are at the bottom of the hole, but not at all. If you stir a little, you can dig even deeper. - Come on, General! You still got their agreement in principle. - Talking to the BBC, yes. But when ? And what will they let me say? So Courcel, in their eyes, I am nothing at all. A little Brigadier General, nobody knows me. - Churchill supports you, him at least. - Maybe yes ! Unless he threw a bar of soap at me. Either way, he doesn't have a free hand. And then it's a politician. Politicians are like weather vanes, it changes with the wind. Good. Is there anything to prepare us at least a snack? - No, it's empty. Appart a packet of sugar and another of tea, I don't see anything. - You're going to find us something! Hold Courcel! You don't forget the coffee. - I'm taking care of it. Don't delay your dinner too long, at Monsieur Monnet's is at 6 p.m. - What a fucking mania for having dinner in the middle of the afternoon. Well, it's a day of celebration, it looks like my little old man! - In war as in war, General. So, this dinner? - A test rather than a dinner. Monnet's British Guests clearly took me for a smoker. Do you know what Monnet told me before leaving? - I'm listening to you. - You are well aware that you place as you do outside the legal government will be judged as an act of desertion, textual. - And what did you answer? - Oh, I'm going to brag! I said Yes, Mr Monnet, it's a blow to finish with twelve bullets in the skin. Go to bed ! Tomorrow is another day, as they say. - Good night, General. - Good night ! By the way, I need someone who knows how to type for tomorrow. - I have a friend who can do that. - Very well. Makes you want it, huh? Good luck my old man! - Thank you. I have to go, Courcel, you'll make me a coffee. - Read me the beginning, please! - Chefs who, for many years, are at the head of the French armies formed a government. This government, alleging the defeat of our armies, decided to capitulate. - Capitulate? - It's too early for tonight. - This government alleging the defeat of our armies, contacted the enemy to stop the fight. Surely we've been, we're overwhelmed by mechanical force, enemy land and air forces, etc. - For me it's fine! But my opinion will not be enough. Churchill will agree with us, but... - But there is also Lord Halifax. - You know, Lord Halifax lost his arm. during the last war, fighting alongside Pétain and Weygand. He has respect for them. - I too have respect for the man who was Pétain. But that man has been dead since 1926. - Why 26? - This is the year he accepted construction of the Maginot line and refused to equip our army in battle tanks. It is because of this mechanical inferiority that we lost the battle of France. - In any case, Halifax requests that your paper be released to them. - To censor me, I suppose? And Churchill will be there at least? - No Unfortunately. He has a very important speech to prepare for the House of Commons. - He lets me down, in short? - You know very well that you have his full confidence. - General. The cabinet still does not agree so that you speak without anyone knowing if the French government accepts Hitler's conditions or not. - I have to speak as soon as possible. An alternative must be offered to the French people before Pétain made his decision. It might even change his attitude. If I only speak after he accepts defeat, I would have much more trouble making myself heard. - Yes, I only see Churchill who can allow you to speak tonight. - Well let's find him! But he spent the whole day preparing his speech. There he takes a nap. - We'll wake him up! - Yes, but it's tricky. See, he's taking a nap? Yes, we can't arrive like that! - If he is taking a nap or will wake him up from his nap. - You never rest De Gaulle? - Sorry, Prime Minister, but it is absolutely necessary let me read you the text of my call. - No need, I know all that. - Lord Halifax, has he ever spoken to you about this? - I don't need Lord Halifax's advice. I know all this, because I know who you are. Do you like my bouquet? - I didn't know you had a talent too for painting. It's... very successful. Beautiful peony! - Of course, they are roses. - Roses, yes! Sure. - You have to make a hobby De Gaulle. Everyone should have a hobby, if he wants to renew his little gray cells there. To be in good health, you need a change of mind. Especially for men like us. Me, I have the painting. How old are you ? - Soon 50. - After 50, you have to take a nap every day, otherwise, you won't last a whole war like that. Oh, that's bad, 50! We are always tired. You have to watch the bran, the sugar, the fat. We always have trouble with that. Sorry, but I have to pee first! - Beautiful nature. - I have to tell you my speech on the radio after the House of Commons. I call it the finest speech. The most beautiful hour is when I tap on Mr. Hitler's head, like that. Like that and like that! And then I'm going to finish like that with my foot. Why are you in such a rush to talk? Can you talk tomorrow or even the day after tomorrow? - Exactly not. If I speak after Pétain has capitulated, it will cost me no more. - I agree with De Gaulle! - Well, you will speak tonight after me. Come on, quick to the BBC, I'll give the orders. But beware, in your call, you must not call Pétain a traitor. That, Lord Halifax, he does not want. And he's right. Is that okay? - I had my father on the phone... - General, I present to you a childhood friend, Elisabeth de Miribel. She agreed to serve as our secretary. - Hello miss. - Hello. I will also find a typewriter. - Good. Do you know how to use it at least? - No, finally, with one finger, I almost get there. - So you're not a secretary? - No, I am a documentalist, attached to the economic mission in London. Geoffroy didn't tell you? - Ah that, Geoffroy does not tell me everything. Well, you'll do that with one finger. But you will have to wait a bit. My text is not ready. Thank you, miss. Ah Courcel, pull me the phone line to the bedroom and find me some cigarettes! Preferably French. - You didn't tell me it was a bear! - Here, bring it to him. - No, no, go ahead. Let's see Babeth, he's not going to eat you. Come on ! - What ? - General, this is... - I said I wasn't ready! - Go ahead. - It's for the cigarettes! - Go ahead ! - Well. What are you waiting for to enter? You don't want me to carry you too. - Shall I make you a coffee? - No thanks. But if you have tea. - No, it's not the kind of house. - Courcel, you know my fly paws. You will help him to decipher me! We leave as soon as it's ready. - Very well ! - The studio is free for half an hour only. You need to know if this is enough for you? - Widely. - Your speech will be announced in the French program at 8:15 p.m., then broadcast in the next one at 10 p.m. In the meantime, Churchill must redo his speech this afternoon in the House of Commons. - Thank you! - Good! - Please, General. I need a few words. You speak, for the sound! - France ! France which for many years. - It's good, very good! You can talk whenever you want. Chefs who for many years are at the head of the French armies, formed a government. This government, alleging the defeat of our armies, contacted the enemy to end the fight. Surely we've been, we're overwhelmed by mechanical, land and air force of the enemy. - It was magnificent, General. - Thank you. Look who's there! - Halifax! - It smells bad, Courcel. - I'm sorry General. It's a very good speech. but I can't accept it as it is. - Your Prime Minister himself authorized it. - He read it? - No, he trusts me. - In this case, it is to him that it is necessary to ask. He will be there around 8 p.m., but I say no. - He's kidding me, that one. If Spears had been there, he would have supported you. - Halifax is plotting behind our backs, maybe even in Churchill's. In truth, he agrees with Pétain! He wants the break. That France signs an armistice, that suits him. - These are guesses, sir. - Oh sure, he doesn't talk openly about peace with Germany. His end is a policy of appeasement. I would not agree with these euphemisms. - Your speech speaks for you! - My speech, as they say in the south, verbal words. Might as well plow the sea! - Ha! My general. - It is unworthy Mr. Prime Minister, your secretary at the Foreign Office has just refused to broadcast my appeal to the French. With you, therefore, a minister with complete freedom to reconsider the decisions of his boss. - No, we don't light the cigar with a De Gaulle lighter. But, if I have nothing else. Thank you ! Lord Halifax read me the text, your appeal, on the phone, it's a very good text, but there are faults and small problems. My dear De Gaulle, I am 66 and you are 50. - 49. - 49, all right! With these 17 years of difference, I learned that things are never simple in politics, it is often necessary, how you say already, mixed. Mix ? - Compound. - Composed, yes, that's right, like music. You have to deal with opponents to arrive at the result. I mean, good result. Painting is the same. You have to compose the colors. Several sets, you understand? Lord Halifax is a great patriot, like me, like you. But we can all be patriots and yet not have the same ideas. Well Lord Halifax disagrees with two points, including your call. - It is out of the question that I submit my text to any censorship. - End this military stiffness. - You are wrong to get angry. - Why? - Because you turn all red and that after 50 years, you have to be careful. - No, but seriously De Gaulle. We need to be more flexible, more political. - I'm not a politician. - Well you will have to learn. And in politics, the first lesson, you have to know how to dance. Like that ! Light. Come, please good old Lord Halifax, he's a brave boy. He would be happy if you make a short sentence. Something like the French government will not accept dishonorable terms. He still believes in Pétain. What does it change for you, huh? - It doesn't change anything for me, it is for France. - You are not France, De Gaulle? - Oh good ? Then why are you arguing with me? - Just for now! Call only the military to join you. Just for the moment, you understand. It will reassure everyone. France is not made only of soldiers. - Fortunately. But civilians, that's for later! You will have time to introduce yourself as the leader of France. Come on my friend, what is most important, what are you talking about, right? - I'm just trying to be honest. It's a beautiful thing to be honest. But it's even a nicer thing to be right. - The French government has requested to the enemy on what honorable terms he could stop the fight. He further stated, that the struggle must continue if these conditions were contrary to honor, to the dignity and independence of France. We were surprised and overwhelmed by the mechanical force, enemy tactics. But there are still reasons for hope. Believe me ! Nothing is lost for France. The same means that defeated us can bring us victory. France is not alone. France is not alone! France is not alone. ! She can unite with Great Britain and have huge reserves. The war is not decided by the Battle of France. All the faults that have been committed, will not prevent the enemy from being crushed one day. This can be done through to an even higher mechanical force. The fate of the world is here. Me, General De Gaulle, currently in London. I invite French officers and soldiers who are currently in Great Britain. To get in touch with me. This also applies to engineers and workers specializing in armaments who are already in Great Britain, or who would happen to be there. Whatever happens, the flame of the French Resistance must not go out and will not go out. Tomorrow, like today, I'll be speaking on London radio - Thank you, that's very good! That day, everything changed... Free France was born. Sentenced to death by the Pétain regime, De Gaulle will return to Paris as a victorious leader, alongside General Leclerc, August 25, 1944. Pétain will be sentenced to death in 1945 after a trial for treason. De Gaulle will sign his pardon and commute his sentence to life imprisonment. Churchill, after the victory over the Nazis, will remain the head of the English government until July 1945, when he was defeated in the elections and returned to the opposition. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953. and died in 1965, at the age of 91.
