April 1939 saw the end of the Spanish Civil War
and the beginning of Franco 's dictatorship
and the new National Catholic regime.
I(had been 3 long years of horror and death.
The end of the war brought neither peace nor reconciliation.
This film wishes to pay tribute to all the women
who wept in silence at cemetery gates,
who sacrificed themselves for the imprisoned and persecuted,
and to those who died in police stations, in jails and in front of firing squads.
"Give me Spain and I assure you my hand will not tremble,
it will remain firm. "
Francisco Franco, the Caudillo
Madrid, November 1940 2nd Year of Victory
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death, Amen.
They're coming.
They're coming!
I don't believe it!
Attention, inmates!
The following, get dressed and come out, quickly.
Juliana Carbonell Vidal.
Teresa Blanco Martin.
Angeles Dominguez Tapia.
Ramona Marin Diaz.
Was that my name?
Did she say my name?
But I didn't do anything.
I didn't do anything.
I just went to the club house to dance.
I've said it 1,000 times. I didn't do anything.
My boyfriend was a member.
I just went there to dance
because I like dancing!
Believe me, I didn't do anything!
I can't.
Hortensia, I can't move.
I've wet myself.
I've wet myself!
It's all right, Ana, we'll help you.
Get up, sweetheart.
My mother...
My poor mother.
She's losing all her children!
Someone tell her,
and tell her I love her very much.
I feel so sorry for my mother!
Angeles, don't cry.
Don't cry, sweetheart.
Don't let them see you crying.
Don't give them that satisfaction.
Be strong.
- Sole! - Don't cry.
Hold your head up.
Firing squad.
Load your weapons!
Down with fascism!
Franco is a murderer!
Aim!
Fascists!
Long live the ONT!
Fire!
Twelve.
I counted twelve too.
- Fascists! - Down with fascism, murderers!
Murderers!
Elvira, get down, they might shoot this way.
Tomasa, ricochet bullets can kill too.
Tomasa, sit down!
Reme, leave me alone.
- Who is it? - Celia?
Yes.
I'm Pepita Rodriguez, Hortensia's sister.
I'm so glad to see you.
Come in, dear.
Have you news of my sister?
- How is she? - Fine.
Considering where she is.
I haven't seen her for almost two years.
You know she's 7 months pregnant?
She told me in her last letter. I cried so much.
Imagine having a baby while you're in prison.
Any word about the trial?
Nothing yet.
Hortensia was staying here when she was arrested.
She and my daughter became good friends.
Is your daughter in prison too?
My Almudena never got to any jail.
One day some Fantasists took her and I never saw her again.
I'm so sorry.
Hortensia told me you've worked in another house.
Yes, ma'am, I was 11 when I entered service
and at 14 I could run a house on my own.
Someone I know is looking for a maid.
They don't want a live-in, but they'll pay well.
I can offer you lodgings but little more.
Don't worry, I won't be a burden for you.
You can leave your things here.
Here.
With yours, they'll think you're a beggar.
These were my daughter's.
Try them on.
They're lovely, ma'am, thank you.
Are they a bit too big?
That's OK. I'll just stuff cloth into the tips.
I'll bring you some water so you can wash.
Shall I make some bread soup?
It's all I can offer you.
Thank you very much. God bless you.
That's it.
Say you're going to see Don Fernando.
- You're not coming up? - No, it's best if I don't.
One bit of advice. In Madrid be careful about what you say.
Don't trust anyone. Try to be invisible.
You know what I mean?
Everything's going to be fine. Goon
Dona Celia said you can cook.
A little, and I can learn. I can sew too.
And the wages?
Whatever you say is fine.
That way it's impossible not to agree.
Dona Celia told me you have a sister in Ventas jail.
- Yes, but she did nothing. - You don't have to explain.
What I mean is
my wife needn't know about that.
Nor that Dona Celia sent you. All right?
Yes, sir, whatever you say.
Amparo, this is Pepita. She's replacing Dolores.
Who are you mourning, Pepita?
My father, ma'am.
How did he die?
- They shot him, ma'am. - Who did?
Ours, or the reds?
Ours, ma'am.
Pepita can read and write too.
Just a little, and I know my numbers too.
No more problems with the shopping list.
- Are you Andalusian? - Yes, ma'am, lam.
Why did you come to Madrid?
To help my sister.
What's wrong with her?
Please, Pepita, answer.
She's pregnant.
And she's in jail
You're a communist.
No, and I never will be!
- Your sister and father were. - My father wasn't a communist.
And he never harmed anyone.
They killed him because they couldn't find her.
Do you know why I'm in mourning?
- No, ma'am. - Because the reds
killed my two younger brothers.
I'm very sorry, ma'am.
I mean that.
The war was awful for everyone.
But I say
now that it's over it's time to forgive
and to live in peace.
You're a good Christian.
I try to be, ma'am.
With God's help.
I go to Mass on Sundays, I confess and take communion.
Very well.
You have a week's trial.
Come at 9:00 for breakfast
and you can leave when supper is ready.
- You'll start today. - Thank you.
No one must know about your sister, or I'll have to dismiss you.
Whatever you say.
Do you need anything?
Come on! In order!
Pepi?
Pepi, I'm here!
- Tensi! - Sister!
- How are you? - I'm fine, we're fine.
I'm so happy to see you.
Tensi, you look sick.
No, I'm fine, don't worry.
You won't have milk!
Yes, I will. Don't cry, silly, I'm fine.
I'm not crying, I'm just happy to see you.
But I haven't brought much.
It's OK, the others take good care of me.
Reme, this is my sister.
Hello, sweetheart.
What about your trial?
Still no news.
- How are you? - I'm fine.
I've got a job. Celia got it for me.
It's with someone she knows, Don Fernando.
- And how's Dona Celia? - She's very well.
She sends her love. She's so kind.
Look! She gave me her daughter's new shoes!
Put on your shoe.
Do everything I say, with Don Fernando too.
Do you know Don Fernando?
Tell me about our house.
Our cousin Rocio will look after it.
Sister,
I need a favor.
Whatever you want.
Can you bring me some soap? I've got head lice.
A favor like you did for me in Cordoba.
Remember?
Don't ask me to do that.
There's no one else I can ask.
You have to get a letter to Felipe.
You know I don't have the nerve for those things.
If I'm caught, I'll tell them everything.
I'm desperate.
I haven't heard from him in two months.
We couldn't contact them until a few days ago.
Please...
My God, what's that?
You're the only one who can help them. We've got no one else.
Please, it's very important. Tell me you'll do it.
Come on! Hurry up!
Hello, Pepita, how are you?
Walk with me, as if we were friends.
- Who are you? - I'm your sister's friend.
- Where are we going? - For a walk.
I'm Amalia, my mother is Sole.
If anyone asks, we met each other here.
You understand?
The papers and money are sewn inside.
My sister said it was just a letter.
They're false I.D. papers and travel permits.
Without this, they can never leave the mountains.
Put it on.
Why not someone else? I can't do this.
Look,
we told your brother-in-law you'd be coming.
They wouldn't trust a stranger.
Put it on!
- Can you read? - Yes, of course.
This tells you where to go and how to get there.
Memorize it and then eat the paper or bum it,
but never carry it on you. Understood?
Why don't you go?
They don't know me, and the Party gave me another mission.
The damn Party can find someone else!
I've suffered enough because of it!
I won't argue with you.
Give me the belt.
We'll tell your sister you wouldn't go.
Give me the damned belt!
I'll go, but get this straight.
This is the first and last time!
Wear this somewhere visible.
Put on your best clothes.
And lipstick. They never think a pretty girl has political ideas.
I don't have political ideas.
The jails and ditches
are full of people who never had political ideas.
Never forget that. Never!
Wait five minutes before you leave.
Bigger.
Remedies, pay attention, please!
I can't fucking do it! No matter how I try...
I'm quitting.
Listen, Reme, nobody quits here.
If you do, Elvirita won't read your letters for you.
It's up to you.
What's wrong with Carmenchu?
She's got a fever.
Your sister's going to the mountains.
Lord, the poor thing will be so scared.
- There's something else. - What?
The Civil Guard attacked in the mountains last night.
A lot of comrades died.
Who were they?
- Is my husband all right? - We don't know.
Father, is this the town?
Yes, child, you get off here.
Thank you, father.
Silence!
- What's going on? - They're guerrillas.
Silence, everyone!
Is this him?
No, sir.
Look carefully. Is this him?
No, I swear, sir.
Anyone know this man?
We're looking for three very dangerous killers.
One is El Toledano,
another is El Cordobes
and another, Black Jacket
That bastard, Black Jacket,
is the most dangerous.
If anyone knows anything
or can give us a clue, they'll be well rewarded.
Anyone who helps them
will face the consequences.
Hurrah for Spain!
Long live Franco!
We'll take a photo.
Don't be scared!
I'm with your brother-in-law. We're expecting you.
You're Pepita, right?
Felipe sent me.
Why didn't he come?
- Come out and I'll tell you. - I have to go.
Cutie, don't go.
- I'm a friend of Felipe. - I don't know any Felipe.
You've just asked about him.
I don't know any Felipe and I don't know you.
Felipe lost the only photo he had of Tensi.
In it, she was wearing the earrings you liked.
He'd given them to her
and you loved wearing them.
He says you're very sweet girl.
He said that?
And that you've got the prettiest eyes in Cordoba.
Tell him I never said he could talk about me. You hear?
- And I'm not a girl. - Yes, I hear you.
- But don't be angry. - I'll be angry if I want.
Now, tum round.
- What? - I told you to tum round.
And don't look.
Don't look. You communists...
You're all so cheeky.
Here.
This is what I brought.
- First I want to see him. - You can't.
- Why didn't he come? - He's wounded.
What happened him?
He was shot.
He needs a doctor. You work for one.
You're wrong, he's not a doctor.
He's an accountant.
That's his job now, but he's a doctor.
If we don't get the bullet out, Felipe will die.
Lord, my poor, sweet sister!
What do you want me to do?
Bring him here?
Not here.
It isn't safe. We'll come down tonight.
He could report me.
He won't.
Say I sent you, I'm Pauline Gonzalez.
Bring him to this address, it's a boarding house.
Ask for Maria.
Say I sent you,
and that you want two rooms for tonight.
She'll say: "I've only got one double".
If she says she's got none, leave immediately. Got that?
Of course.
Good.
Now, give me that.
- I want to see my brother-in-law. - You'll see him tonight.
Don't talk to anyone about this.
Don't worry, I won't even talk to my shadow.
Go on, cutie.
Your bus is in half an hour.
I'm going, I still haven't got over the fright.
I was about to leave.
Come in.
Is it very cold?
Yes, sir.
- I'm sorry I'm late. - Dona Celia informed me.
- Is she here? - No, she's at mass.
What is it?
I have to tell you something.
Child, you're about to collapse. Sit down.
I've got a message from Pauline Gonzalez.
Is it true you're a doctor?
No.
I was, not any more.
Pauline Gonzalez sent me to ask you for help.
Felipe, my sister's husband,
has to have a bullet removed or he'll die.
You're the doctor my sister's husband needs.
She's a prisoner and pregnant
and she'll die if anything happens to Felipe.
And Pauline says your wife mustn't find out.
I don't know why, but your wife mustn't find out.
And he also said that you're not going to report me.
No, of course not.
- Good afternoon, ma'am. - Good afternoon, sister.
Excuse me, ma'am.
I need to go to the sick bay, I've got a terrible earache.
Please, my head is going to explode.
- I'll speak to Mother Superior. - Thank you.
What's happened?
Your sister made the delivery.
That's a relief!
Any word of my husband?
He and some others managed to escape.
They're coming down tonight but they can't stay in Madrid.
There are police infiltrators They're after Black Jacket.
I think it's best if they go to France.
- Good evening. - I'd like to speak to Maria.
That's me.
I've been sent by Pauline Gonzalez.
Don't you have to ask me something?
Yes, I have to ask if you've got two rooms for tonight,
and you have to say...
I've only got one double.
- That's it. - Come in.
Go ahead.
Fernando, thanks for coming.
It's good to see you.
Where is he?
She'll take you.
I'm sorry, cutie, you can't go In.
- Why? - Because you can't.
Wait here. When the doctor's finished, you can see him.
I'm sorry I shut you in.
It's best if you're not seen.
- How's my brother-in-law? - Fine, El Cordobes is tough.
Here, this letter is for your sister.
If you give it to Celia, she can pass it on.
Put this in the next parcel you bring her, it's allowed.
Did my brother-in-law make this?
He thinks about her every day.
F and T. Felipe and Tensi.
How is Tensi?
Fine.
She doesn't complain,
but I felt awful when I saw her in there,
so thin with that belly.
Mind if I smoke?
I'm used to it.
My father smoked like a chimney.
Smoke if you want, sir.
Don't call me sir. I'm not that old.
Fine, I don't care.
Didn't you teach Tensi to read and write?
Yes.
80 are you Black Jacket?
Don't ask questions. The less you know the better.
Don't ask questions!
It's a bit late for that!
Shush, everyone will hear.
Keep your voices down!
Why do you always call me "cutie"?
In my town we call all the girls that,
especially when they're pretty like you.
Hey!
Don't take liberties.
Who do you think you are?
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to offend you.
I thought you were a lot older and taller.
My sister told me you were the best boss she'd ever had.
You're almost the same as me.
- You're mistaken. - What?
I'm sorry to disappoint you.
You can see your brother-in law, but we don't have much time.
Excuse me.
- It's a bad wound. - Yes, pretty bad.
There's a lot of damage.
How are you?
Fine.
I'll make it.
How's Tensi?
As well as she could be,
and with that belly she looks even prettier.
I've brought a photo of her.
It's the only one I have, from before the war.
It seems so long ago.
Thank you.
I wish I could be in her place.
Why not give up this madness?
Tensi needs you, and with the baby, even more.
It's not so easy, the war's over but not the struggle.
Forget about the damn struggle!
When Tensi gets out we'll all go to Cordoba.
It's cold and dangerous in Madrid.
Come on, cutie, you have to go.
When I was wounded, I thought a lot about Tensi.
I didn't want to die without seeing her again.
She's my life.
I know that.
And my Tensi loves you too.
She mustn't find out I'm wounded.
She's got enough on her plate.
She won't.
Come on.
A kiss.
Take care of yourself. And rest.
It's a present from my husband!
He's so clever.
With a knife and a bit of wood he makes lovely things.
Isn't it beautiful?
My mother's dress!
I asked my grandma to bring it.
Tomasa,
this is for you.
For me?
No, thanks, I don't need it.
This one is fine. Give it to someone else.
Tomasa, you can be stubborn and proud
but you can't be ungrateful.
I didn't ask her for anything, I don't want anything.
Here they are.
Let's see.
All right, Elvirita, give this to Trini.
Help her make copies and hand them out.
Give this to Sole.
What's this? It's a letter...
It's from my husband!
- Read it, please! - No.
- Read it! - No!
I'll read it to myself and then I'll see.
Reme, separate the ones for the mothers' block.
My Felipe didn't write this.
Pauline wrote it.
My poor Felipe can't write.
But the feelings are his.
The words aren't,
but the feelings are.
- It's the new warder! - Give me the documents.
Me too.
This is revolting!
Lots of pretty words but they taste awful.
Hortensia Rodriguez Garcia.
That's me.
Come with me.
Where, ma'am?
To see the judge.
All here, your Honor.
Thank you.
I'm the judge dealing with your cases.
To keep this brief, I'll get to the point.
You are all accused, among other crimes,
of helping and supporting the rebellion
and of various crimes.
In accordance with the Military Code of Justice
the prosecutor is asking for
- the death penalty. - What? That's impossible!
Silence! Silence!
Your Honor, I never joined any rebellion!
Be quiet.
Speak only when you're asked a question.
Which of you is
Hortensia Rodriguez.
- I am. - "I am, your Honor."
I am, your Honor.
- For when? - The end of January, your Honor.
We'll have to see about this,
because you're undoubtedly the worst of all.
In addition to rebellious and immoral behavior,
and acting mercilessly against Nationalists,
you're accused of belonging to a group of murderers
and participating in crimes.
- I committed no crime, your Honor. - What?
- I committed no... - Shut up!
Excuse me, sister.
The hearing will take place on December 20.
The defense lawyer assigned to you is
Infantry Captain Juan Francisco del Moral.
Your Honor, with all respect, Mother,
when will the lawyer come and see us?
He can't see you here.
You'll see him the day of the trial. Your name?
I have witnesses who can state
that I didn't kill anyone and wasn't at the front.
I'm innocent!
No more witnesses are allowed. You can speak at your trial!
You, your name.
Rafaela Perez Granado, your Honor.
Sign here that you've been informed.
I can't write, your Honor.
Give me your hand... The right one!
They can't condemn me to death.
Silence, Rafaela! Didn't you hear the judge?
- But, sister... - I said, silence!
Now you.
I'd like to read it first, your Honor.
- Can you read? - Enough, your Honor.
Excuse me, your Honor.
I'm a school teacher, with a history degree.
I too would like to read the document first.
It's my right.
So that's how it is.
You're not reading anything, I don't have time.
It doesn't matter if you don't sign
because the sister will sign that you've all been informed.
No one's going to sign?
Very well, we're through. You can take them away.
About tum and single file.
Rafaela! Are you deaf?
Come on!
Excuse me.
- How much? - Four pesetas.
Four pesetas! That's a lot.
Hello, cutie.
Shall we go?
Take my arm.
Act like my girlfriend.
Are you crazy?
Why were you looking in the store windows?
Don't talk to me like that. I'm not in the Party.
Calm down, we'll attract attention.
First of all,
I'm called Jaime Salas now and I'm from Belchite.
We've been dating since
last August, we met at the local fair.
That's impossible, in August I still wasn't in Madrid.
Then we met in Cordoba, OK?
Well, as it's a fib I'll accept that.
Good.
What happened to Black Jacket?
Never say that name again.
Black Jacket died, in the mountains.
You never heard of him.
- Understand? - Of course I do.
- Here's the medicine for... - No, not here.
We'll go into that church.
We haven't heard mass together in ages.
And a smart alec as well. Just my luck.
You can spend all that money on candles?
I can do as I please with my money, so be quiet.
What a temper.
Take this.
I have to go before my mistress misses me.
Wait, we still haven't prayed together.
We're going to France.
To Toulouse, when we get the safe-conducts.
Isn't France very far away?
Not that far,
but it's like the other end of the world.
Can Felipe travel that far?
He'll have to, cutie.
It's very dangerous here.
Pepita
I'd like to ask you something.
Do you have a boyfriend?
Yes, I'm talking to someone in Cordoba.
My information is that you haven't.
If you're so well informed, why ask?
I want you to tell me,
to know if I can hope.
You can hope all you want, hope keeps people alive.
- So? - So, what?
Can I hope or not?
That's not how it's done back home.
How is it done?
Well,
if the boy is serious,
he courts the girl for a year or two,
and then...
I don't have that much time. I wish I had.
I'd better go.
They could call the police.
I'll tell you something tonight.
Don't go tonight, you've risked enough.
I want to see Felipe.
You can't, cutie.
We have to move.
Tell Fernando,
and thank him for everything.
Will you offer it for me?
What should I ask for?
You know what I want, cutie.
Wait five minutes before you leave.
Don't worry, Hortensia.
It'll all tum out well at the trial.
I'm scared for my baby.
I'm scared they'll shoot me with my baby inside.
Don't say that!
How could they?
This would be a heartless world,
we wouldn't be human.
Do you think they've got a heart?
Don't you hear what happens every night?
They're murderers and they want to kill all of us!
If you don't see that you're stupid!
Be quiet, Tomasa.
Be quiet, for God's sake.
Let's go to sleep, we have to get up soon.
Come on, Reme.
Let's go to sleep.
Lie down beside me, I'm cold.
The work of shaping the new Spain
begins by getting rid of the rotten apples.
All these individuals who appear before us
are not true Spaniards.
They are puppets
at the service of international communism,
whose sole objective
was to destroy the purest values of our homeland.
There is not, nor can there be, a place for them
under the sky of the new Spain!
Every one of the facts mentioned today
is a crime in support of the rebellion,
according to Paragraph 2 of Article 238
of the Military Code.
Therefore, your Honor,
what we are asking for each and every one of the accused
is the maximum sentence,
what they deserve.
The death sentence.
The defense has the ?oor.
With the court's permission.
The defense fully shares the principle
that there is no room for traitors in our homeland,
for those who wanted to sell it as a slave
to Soviet communism.
Nevertheless, it appeals to the mercy of the court,
requesting it reduces the imposed penalty,
asking for each and every one of the accused
life imprisonment.
Special consideration is requested
for the accused Hortensia Rodriguez,
given her condition,
as her crime, equally serious,
cannot fall on an innocent child
who can still be redeemed for the cause of the new Spain.
I will now give the last word to the accused.
Maria Ferrer.
Stand up.
Do you have anything to say in your defense?
With all respect, your Honor,
I can assure you that my daughter and I
did not take part in any rebellion,
and we have never harmed anyone.
I am being judged for belonging to the teachers' GUT,
which was a legal union then.
They don't care!
This isn't a trial! It's a farce!
- This is fascist justice! - Silence!
What the hell do you think this is, a Marxist meeting?
I warned you. Take them all to the cells this minute!
The hearing is over.
This tribunal will withdraw.
Clear the room.
Get moving!
As the facts mentioned constitute the crime of supporting rebellion,
and in accordance with Paragraph 2, Article 238 of the Military Code,
and with the decree of January 10, 1937,
and the law of February 9, 1939,
we hereby sentence
the accused, Isabel Puig Ferrer
and Maria Ferrer Camin,
for the crime of supporting rebellion,
to the death penalty.
We hereby sentence the accused,
Paloma Castro Romero,
Eugenia Nunez Vidal
and Rafaela Perez Granado,
for the crime of supporting rebellion,
to the death penalty.
We hereby sentence
the accused, Hortensia Rodriguez Garcia,
for the crime of supporting rebellion,
to the death penalty.
However, this court has taken into account the defense's request
and we consider
that the child she is carrying
is innocent of its mother's crimes.
Therefore, the execution of the prisoner,
Hortensia Rodriguez Garcia,
will be postponed until after the birth
and the time which the prison authorities consider fitting.
We hereby sentence the accused,
Francisco Quesada Lopez,
and Fernando Catalan Rubia
for the crime of supporting rebellion
to the death penalty.
They sentenced her to death.
They're going to kill her.
So quickly, in one morning?
Yes, sir.
Please, you must know important people.
Speak to someone, I beg you.
I've got no friends any more who want to help me
and I'm in no position to ask for favors.
Sir, your father is a friend of Franco.
He was his doctor during the war. Please, talk to him.
My father and I barely speak to each other.
Your wife said he and your mother are dining here on Christmas Eve.
Here?
I didn't know.
Sir, please, talk to him, to your mother, try to do it.
It would be of no use.
My father only thinks of his position.
He would never help a communist.
I'll bring your tea now, ma'am.
My husband told the truth.
Neither he nor his father can help your sister. I'm sorry.
Each must pay for the crimes he has committed.
My sister didn't commit
Ma .am'
for Our Lord Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins,
help me, please, help me so that they don't kill her.
They can send her to prison but they can't kill her.
She's the only family I have left.
I'll ask the Bishop to receive you.
He's a charitable man, he can counsel you.
Thank you, ma'am.
Stand up.
Bring the tea to the sitting room, please.
Get up.
Stand in line.
Who is it?
Take her away.
His Lordship has spoken to Dona Amparo,
he is aware of the case but today
he can't see you.
Come back tomorrow.
Father,
as we supposed His Lordship would be very busy,
we have brought this letter.
It explains the case and gives the file number.
A very good idea.
I'll give it to His Lordship, don't worry.
Thank you, father.
Let's go.
Get back!
When the hell will you accept that things have changed?
Why not think of your family, your wife?
They killed her two brothers.
Father, she knows how sorry I am about that
but I won't change how I think.
And you say it so calmly,
without thinking about the problems you cause us.
I don't think you have many problems.
I'd say things are going very well for you.
I risked my life for Spain, we won the war,
and now we're gathering the fruits of victory.
An office 30 miles from the front wasn't exactly a dangerous posting.
What are you saying?
- That I'm a coward? - Alberto!
Fernando, can't we even have this day in peace?
Son, don't just think of yourself.
Think of your wife. Don't you see that she's suffering?
- Isabel, please. - No, Amparo.
You married a doctor, not a lousy accountant.
Shame on you, living off your wife.
Gonzalo!
Son, others have done it and nothing's happened.
They admitted their errors and now they're where they should be.
Father can't protect you much longer.
Some people want to expose that incident.
I had nothing to do with all that.
What happened in Paracuellos was unfortunate.
No, it was a massacre committed by your communist friends.
- You did nothing to stop it. - What could I do? I was a doctor!
That's enough, Fernando!
You have to decide.
Swear loyalty to the regime and go back to medicine
or leave Spain.
You're complicating all our lives.
- The uniform suits you, Pepita. - Thank you, ma'am.
She altered it herself.
She's a very good worker.
Gonzalo, give Pepita her Christmas box. She's earned it.
Pepita's very clever, she can read and write.
That's good. A very well prepared girl.
Here you are.
Don Gonzalo, forgive me,
but my sister is in jail and sentenced to death.
How dare you! Go and clear the table.
Leave her be, let her speak.
Thank you, Don Gonzalo.
My sister didn't do the things the judge said she did. I swear.
She's pregnant, her child shouldn't lose its mother so soon.
My sister is called Hortensia Rodriguez.
This is the letter I've written to General Franco.
I'd like you to give it to him and do all you can to help her.
Aren't you a friend of the Caudillo?
I'll see what I can do, but I promise nothing.
Thank you, sir, may God bless you.
- Go into the dining room. - Yes, ma'am.
Gonzalo, I'm sorry.
Don't worry, but make sure no one knows
you've got a communist's sister working in your house.
Not again!
Stop pinching yourself, you'll get a bruise.
Reme, sweetheart, what's wrong?
What's wrong?
Reme?
I've got a knot here...
Why? You're going to see your first grandchild.
That's why.
I won't be able to touch him.
I won't be able to cuddle him or anything.
They've cut off the water again!
When the whole gallery will be having visits.
Give her a cup of ours.
What's wrong with our ray of sunshine?
She's crying because she's going to see her first grandchild.
We have to go out together.
- Why? - You're getting a special visit.
Look closely at my daughter's husband.
Your daughter's husband?
But her husband...
Is he who I think he is?
My God, he's crazy!
Don't call him by his name.
He's got a new identity.
He's called Mathias Bejarano.
Everyone out of their cells!
- Now what does she want? - Quickly!
Topele's coming. I'll see you later!
Go down to the central gallery.
Quickly!
Come along, everyone, out!
There 'll he laughter again in the springtime
that we are waiting for in the sky, on tend and sea.
Arise, squadrons, and conquer,
dawn is starting to break in Spain.
Hurrah for Spain!
Long live Franco!
Look, the witch dressed as a saint.
Be quiet.
Christmas is when the Christian family
celebrates the birth of God made man.
We celebrate that Jesus came to redeem us,
to reopen the gates of Paradise
that were closed since the Original Sin.
At mass this morning, many of you refused the Eucharist.
Don't you know that worship is part of your re-education
and what you did was an insult to Jesus on the day of his birth?
Very well.
To make amends,
you are all going to kiss his little foot,
as a sign of love and submission.
Whoever refuses will have no visits for a month.
Never
They can't force us to do it.
For God's sake, do it or you'll have no visits.
- I can't. - Silence!
I don't want to hear a sound!
I want to see my grandson.
Do what you want. No one will say anything.
I can't.
What are you doing, Tomasa?
The rules say nothing about kissing images.
You're illiterate, you wretch.
What do you know about what the rules say?
I'm not a believer
and I won't kiss the foot of any doll.
How dare you say the Baby Jesus is a doll!
You'll kiss his foot because I say so.
Red scum, you don't deserve the air you breathe!
You'll learn respect!
Whore!
Communist!
You'll bum in hell forever
with the rest of your sort!
Take her away!
Get her out of my sight!
Come on!
You're all filth, there's no redemption for you.
In this country, there will be no peace
and God will not forgive us
until all the reds are in jail
or dead!
Get into line, in order and in silence!
Anyone who disobeys will have no visits!
Don't you feel well?
Don't worry.
It's the cold, it gets inside and you can't get rid of it.
Hello, Pepita.
This is my husband, Mathias Bejarano.
- He's come from Caceres. - A pleasure.
How are you?
Are you crazy?
I have to see Tensi. I need to see her.
- They could kill you! - I don't care!
Slop!
You'll attract attention.
He's my husband, he's coming with me.
If anything happens, keep out of it.
Understood?
Excuse me.
Do you mind if we join her? We have to go in together.
- Go ahead. - Thank you.
Come along, keep moving.
Tensi!
Over here!
Sister!
My love!
You're crazy!
- I'm going crazy thinking... - What?
I can't hear you.
Don Fernando's father told me
he's going to talk to Franco himself about you.
Are you OK? And how's the baby?
Fine.
It keeps kicking me.
I want it to be a girl, and we'll call it Tensi.
If you want a girl, that's what it'll be.
It can't be born yet...
It'll come when it has to come
and it'll be the prettiest girl in the world.
I love you with all my heart,
I'm always thinking of you.
I'm the same, my love.
I know, darling.
But if anything happens to me you must be strong
and look after our child...
Nothing will happen to you. We'll gel rid of these bastards...!
Are you crazy?
The dress I made you is in the parcel.
It's got lots of colors, to bring you joy and luck
- Come on, time's up! - Everyone in single file!
Already?
We have to go?
There's no time for anything!
Don't attract attention.
- Move, quickly! - Time's up.
I'll make you another dress for after the birth.
And a colored one for me too.
Come on! Everyone back to your cells!
Let's hurry, we've pushed our luck.
What's he doing here?
You'll scare me to death.
How is she?
Fine, better than me. She was always braver.
You can talk later. We have to get out of here.
Where are you going?
To Dona Celia's house.
- Can I walk with you? - Layout like...
You can't, we're expected.
- Just to the bus shop. - It's not safe.
You'll put her in danger.
Don't worry.
No one will suspect a couple out on Christmas Day.
- Right, cutie? - It's just 5 minutes.
I'll try to send money and letters to you for Tensi.
I'll take care of her.
If he steps out of line, tell me.
I'll sort him out.
Get the car, pick me up at the bus stop.
Shall we?
You look serious.
Are you angry?
I can't live with all these frights.
You all disappear and don't even write to say you're well.
What is it? ls the Party more important than people?
No, cutie,
but the police have infiltrators in the Part";
And we have to move constantly.
That's why I couldn't see you.
And writing is dangerous.
- I trust nobody. - And Amalia?
We contacted her last night to see Tensi.
She's got problems too.
Her husband got the death sentence too.
The other day you asked me for an answer. Do you want it
or aren't you interested?
Of course I am,
but first I want to tell you something important.
And after, if you want nothing to do with me, I'll understand.
Goon
You know I'm a communist.
But I follow the Party's orders
and I'll never abandon the struggle.
Is that all?
- Yes. - It's nothing new.
I thought you'd say you were married or had a child somewhere.
What an idea!
Well, you're off at war with lots of girls.
This is more serious.
I'm on the run.
At any time they could put me in jail,
or kill me.
- Do you understand? - What is there to understand?
The fate of the woman who's with me maybe very dark.
I knew that.
My father said politics is a black spider that always traps us.
Politics isn't a black spider.
It's people who become scavengers
and we end up devouring each other
and we need politics so that doesn't happen.
I'm sure you're right
but you didn't come with me to make a speech, did you?
I didn't come for that.
For once we agree.
- I have to go. - Don't you want my answer?
Think it over.
Do you want it or not?
More than anything in the world.
Come on, forget the Party for once.
Go on, ask me again.
Your bus is here.
I can get the next one. Goon
- I don't know if it's fair. - Come on!
Do you want to be my girl?
Please, think about what I said.
I'm not afraid for me
but one tear of yours
would break my heart.
If you don't want me to fall in love with you
don't do what you're doing now.
What am I doing?
Looking at me like that, talking to me like that.
I can't help it.
And I can't help
loving you.
You're doing great.
Push, I can feel the head.
Come on, Hortensia, push, it's almost there.
Miss Mercedes,
give him to my sister, they're not to take my baby.
Don't think about that now. Push!
Push, we can see its head.
Miss Mercedes...
Give it to my sister!
Push, push harder. It's here!
- It's a girl! - A beautiful girl!
What my husband wanted.
My God!
Is she all right?
Yes, and she's got all her finger and toes
And she'll be even prettier than her mother.
Let me see her.
Hello, my love.
Hello.
She's so beautiful.
Ma'am, may I get the baby's things
and clean clothes for the mother?
Go to the kitchen for milk and food for the mother.
She has to get her strength back.
And black coffee for me. Say it's for the doctor.
Yes, doctor.
If I may, ma'am.
What's her name?
Tensi.
That's what her father wants.
No, what name will she be baptized?
I won't baptize her, I'm not a believer.
The full name for the registry.
Hortensia Vargas Rodriguez.
OK, you're not a believer,
but baptize her.
It'll save her lots of problems.
That's my advice.
May I have her?
I'll wash her before the water gets cold.
I'll bring her right back so you can feed her.
Come on, little one.
- Sister... - Tensi!
Look!
I can't see her.
What did you say?
She's tiny, but lovely.
She's got blue eyes, like you and mother.
I got you some powdered milk.
Thank you.
Look! Look how nice it is on me.
You're a wonder.
You look so pretty, Tensi.
Tomorrow, I'm moving to the mothers' block.
Ask about the visiting hours.
You have to do me a favor.
What is it?
Find your brother-in-law.
But Tensi, I don't even know where they're staying.
I've heard nothing from them since Christmas.
Please, Pepi, find him, tell him not to stay in Madrid.
He's to go to France.
My child can't lose her father too.
What do you mean?
You'll be all right.
You'll get out of here
and you'll raise your baby.
You'll see.
Listen to me. Tell Pauline
he's to go too,
even if you'll miss him.
I don't see him anyway,
he may as well go.
What a time to get a boyfriend.
What can I do? We don't choose these things.
He's a good boy for you.
I don't know.
I'm not from his class.
He studied, he's from a good family.
So what? For us, we're all equal.
He's a good comrade
and the best man I've ever met,
apart from my Felipe.
But my Pauline is better looking.
And my Felipe is tougher.
My little dark haired girl,
don 1' be scared by my troubles.
The tears that are ?owing
will fall on the mint.
Sleep, my little girl, sleep,
the moon is looking down at you
and your sister loves you.
Don't cry.
Are you crazy?
Come in.
What are you doing here?
Forgive me, Dona Maria,
I have to see my brother-in-law and his companion.
Since they left, I've heard nothing.
Don't lie to me, I have to see them.
I swear I'm not lying.
They have to save my Tensi!
Don't lie to me.
I'm not lying.
I'm going to go crazy!
What's the Party going to do?
Whatsit it do for my sister?
The Party can't do anything.
In Madrid alone, 3,000 comrades have been sentenced to death.
They've shot two of my sons,
and a nephew.
And my husband is missing.
I can't sit back and do nothing.
I tried everything.
All I got was a beating
and six months in jail.
My advice is don't attract attention,
or you'll end badly.
And then who'll help your sister and your niece?
- Come in. - Excuse me, sister.
Come in.
I've brought a new one.
- She won't baptize the child? - That's right.
Very well, leave the things there.
Thank you, Florencia. You can take them away.
Very well.
Come on, let's go.
Don't forget about Tomasa.
And bring her medicine.
Less kissing, and get out.
There's a free bed at the end. Take it.
Don Javier, were there more shootings?
Yes, dear, they shot five.
- Do you know who they were? - No, I'm sorry.
May I go ahead?
Next.
For Hortensia Rodriguez, the mothers' block.
- Name and relationship? - Josefa Rodriguez, her sister.
Just a minute.
Yes, she's here.
The parcel.
- Sister, do you know when... - When, what?
When they're letting her out. I'm asking for my niece.
I've told you 100 times not to ask that.
Or do I have to tell you every day?
- No, sister. - Then don't ask again.
Forgive me, and thank you.
Next!
Pepita! Pepita...
Are you Hortensia Rodriguez Garcia's sister?
- Yes, sir. - Come with us.
- Where are you taking me? - Shut up!
Or I'll have to do it with my fist.
Get in.
Look at this photo.
This is you and this is your sister, right?
Yes, sir.
- Know how I got this photo? - No, sir.
We found it on a son of a bitch called El Cordobes.
- Sound familiar? - No, sir.
No?
So you don't know your sister's husband?
Yes, sir, but he was called Felipe Vargas Caballero
and we called him "Slim".
He "was" called?
When did you last see him?
A long time ago, after the war.
Then I heard he'd been killed near Madrid.
Then who's the father of her child?
I don't know, I didn't want to ask.
Look at him.
Look at him, dammit!
Look at him.
Is he your sister's husband, yes or no?
- Yes, I'm her sister-in-law! - Shut up, bastard!
When did you last see each other?
I told you, not since after the war.
I thought he was dead.
Where did you see him?
In Cordoba!
Let her go, she knows nothing!
Don't hit him any more, you'll kill him!
Where did you last see him?
In Cordoba.
Do you know someone called Black Jacket?
No, sir, I've never heard that name.
Look,
I'm going to be very clear.
If you collaborate, in half an hour you'll be back home.
But if you don't,
I'll lock you up here till you're old and Grey.
Is that clear?
I want to collaborate, sir, I swear.
Which of these is Black Jacket?
I don't know any...
I don't think you understood.
A doctor helped your brother-in-law.
Who was it?
I've told you, I haven't seen him since after the war...
I'm fucking sick of this, whore.
Give me the pincers.
I swear, I don't know anything!
- You'll talk. - I don't know anything!
I don't know anything!
I swear!
I don't know anything!
I'm asking for the last time.
Which of them is Black Jacket?
Are you thinking?
Well, think fast.
Because after this
you'll never be able to fucking think again.
Don Fernando, there's a lady to see you.
Allow me.
- Give her some clothes. - No, give them to me.
And leave us alone.
General,
take her out the back door. I'll call a taxi for you.
- Thank you. - Not at all, sir.
I'm at your service should you require anything.
Don Gonzalo...
Did you mention my son's name?
No, sir, I didn't mention anyone.
You're sure you didn't mention him?
I swear on my father's memory.
I'm warning you.
If you ever mention my son's name in your fucking life
I'll come after you and shoot you myself.
Do you hear?
And I never want to see you in his house again. Got that?
Whatever you say.
Get dressed.
Don Gonzalo...
You said you'd do all you could to help my sister.
The only ones who can help her are Franco or God,
and I don't intend to bother either of them.
But you said...
Shut the fuck up!
And hurry up, I've wasted enough time.
Are you Black Jacket?
Cordobes!
What happened to you?
Nothing. They took me to police headquarters.
- What did they want? - As I'm your sister,
they wanted to know
if I knew those ones, but I said nothing.
Sons of bitches!
I shouldn't have got you into this.
Don't worry, it wasn't that bad.
Come on, let me see the baby.
She's so beautiful! Isn't she the loveliest thing?
And how are you?
I'm fine.
And Don Gonzalo?
Dona Amparo told me he's seeing Franco this week.
Pepi.
You're not saying everything.
I can tell, I know you.
Are you really OK?
Yes, I'm fine. They let me out, didn't they?
- And your brother-in-law? - I wanted to tell you.
I wanted you to know.
Yesterday they both left for France.
That's why I'm like this, I won't see him again.
Sister,
I want you to take the baby.
She could get sick if she stays here.
Of course, we've got her cradle all ready in Dona Celia's house.
Sister,
I want her to know all this.
She will, because you're going to tell her.
Read her the notebooks,
so she knows what her mother was like and why she fought.
When you see her father tell him to find another wife.
Don't say that, don't even think it!
A good woman who loves him, as I've loved him,
and who loves our daughter.
I'm not telling him that.
Why don't you talk to the nuns?
They can help you.
If you say you repent and ask forgiveness...
Forgiveness?
Why?
I haven't done anything.
They're the ones who have to do that.
Don't be stubborn, they can ask for clemency.
Tensi, you have to live. Do it for your daughter.
Don't be naive.
They don't want to forgive.
But why is it so hard for you?
Don't ask me that, Pepi.
Stop it, or else don't come.
Don't let them take her to an orphanage!
Don't let them!
I love you.
I can't do any more now,
not until the infection stops.
I'll talk to Sr. Serafina so she can get outside for ten minutes.
Thank you, doctor.
Let me know if she gets worse.
Tomasa, don't argue with the warders.
Come on, sweetheart.
- Eat a little. - I'm not hungry.
But you have to eat.
You can't just give up.
Come on, my shift's over, I want to go home.
I'll just leave her something to eat.
You have to hang on.
I've come for the inmates.
You have to leave.
Let them finish.
I'll lock up.
As you wish.
I've brought Elvirita's mother's dress.
And the shawl, so you can change.
It's Hortensia's tum tonight.
Are you sure?
How do you know?
I've just seen the order.
We have to let her sister know.
My daughter's coming at noon.
Could you tell her?
She'll know how to find her.
Dona Celia!
Pepita!
Pepita, it's Amalia.
Good afternoon.
"Those of us who are here with our children"
"are living in the cruelest conditions in the whole prison,"
"because the worst thing is to see our children dying day by day"
"and be unable to prevent it."
A warder's coming!
Look who's come to see us!
Excuse me, I've got visitors.
Look,
your aunts!
What a darling!
Reme!
How are you?
And my angel?
Come and sit down.
How are you? Isn't she beautiful?
What's wrong?
Is it Tomasa?
She's fine.
She sends kisses to you and the baby.
What is it, Sole?
You heard something?
Tonight.
My baby.
My baby is going to lose her mother.
My treasure.
Tell my sister,
so she can come for the baby.
I don't want her to be put in an orphanage.
We sent her a message with my daughter.
My sister.
My poor sister, she'll suffer so much.
Sole, they mustn't keep the baby!
No, the new warder promised me they won't.
She'll give the baby to your sister herself.
Sole,
a group of mothers have written this letter.
It has to get to the Party in France.
Everyone has to know what's happening here.
Don't cry, love.
You have to be strong.
Strong.
Determination and resistance.
That's the best tribute to me.
And I'll learn to read and write, Hortensia.
I swear.
You're wonderful.
Dona Celia, may I come in?
Yes.
I can't sleep.
I've got a knot in my stomach, I can't breathe.
What's wrong?
Tensi got angry with me.
- Why? - I told her to ask for pardon.
That won't help her.
But she could try it.
She could win a few months, and who knows?
Things can change.
Pepita
things won't change in a few months.
Come to bed, you'll get cold.
Dona Celia...
Yes?
If my sister,
God forbid,
but if my sister...
I'd like to go to Cordoba with the baby
and take my sister to bury her with my father.
He loved her so much.
That won't be possible.
You can't take your sister.
Why not?
In this new Spain your dead don't belong to you.
You can't have a mass or prayers said for your dead.
You'll pray.
But no one can know for whom.
And you'll cry, but in secret,
in your home, where no one will see.
But they can't take your memories of them
or the pain of their absence.
My baby...
It's time.
Forgive me, my love.
It's my fault you won't have a mother to love you
and protect you.
But you'll have your father,
who'll love you so much.
They gave me so little time to enjoy you.
Don't cry.
Help me to be strong.
Go and get her.
I won't let them see me cry.
I won't give them that satisfaction.
Hortensia Rodriguez Garcia,
take your child and your things.
And hurry up, we don't have all night.
Leave me alone.
Can't you see I'm putting on my own shroud?
MY things.
Come along.
Take the child.
I have to talk to the mother.
Hand her over willingly,
or else we'll take her from you.
Hortensia, give her to me.
I'll take care of her.
Please.
Wait outside.
Young woman,
in a few hours you'll be facing death alone.
Is this any time for pride?
It's time to make your peace with God.
My conscience is clear.
Your arrogance is blinding you.
You can save yourself from eternal damnation.
You know what that is?
Yes.
A story to keep the poor obedient and silent.
The virus of communism has corrupted you.
There's no possibility that you'll repent.
- I have nothing to repent. - That's enough!
If you want to condemn your soul, go ahead.
But at least save your daughter's.
Ask to have her baptized.
All I ask for her is a Spain free of priests and tyrants.
God will give you the punishment you deserve.
Very well.
I'll see you in front of the firing squad.
We'll see if there
you're still so arrogant.
The poor thing's got great lungs.
You can hear her from the guardroom.
Florencia, changeover.
Give me the baby.
You can have a rest.
You're hungry, aren't you?
If you want a rest, I can take over.
You go, Florencia, if you want.
I don't mind staying.
- You're sure? - Yes.
That's fine with me.
And be careful with that one.
They've taken her pup and she's rabid.
If God had given me a gift like this,
I wouldn't give her up for politics or anything.
Communists don't love their children like we do.
Don't say that. Of course she loves her child.
But she won't have her baptized.
And look at her, she hasn't shed one tear.
There are many ways to cry.
Conchita,
this is an innocent creature who isn't guilty of anything.
And she needs to eat.
Don't ask me that.
We'll be thrown out.
No one will know. There's only us and her.
And she won't talk.
It isn't Christian to deprive this child
of her mother's milk for the last time.
The Lord taught us to forgive
and to pity our enemies.
Conchita,
she's only got a few hours to live.
Let's give her five minutes with her baby.
Do it for me, Conchita.
I'll make it up to you.
Mercedes, five minutes.
Here, I don't know how long you'll have.
Does it hurt?
This isn't pain, it's life.
Are you married?
I'm a widow.
My husband died in the war.
Do you have children?
Two.
Well, three.
The oldest was killed in the war too.
He was just twenty one.
A lot of people died who shouldn't have.
That's no consolation.
We didn't start the war.
- That doesn't matter now. - It does.
It should never have happened.
Why did you become a warder?
You're not cut out for it.
My brother got it for me.
It's the advantage of being mother and wife of martyrs.
A teacher's pay doesn't feed two children.
- Were you a teacher? - Yes.
I'd have loved to be a teacher.
Teaching must be wonderful.
My little dark haired girl,
don 1' be scared by my troubles.
The tears that are ?owing
will fall on the mint.
Sleep, my little girl, sleep.
The moon is looking down at you.
Your mother loves you.
Mercedes, bring the baby out! Hurry, they're coming!
By the love you have for your children,
swear you'll give her to my sister.
I promise to do everything I can.
Conchita,
please, take her bag.
Come on!
It's your last chance, Hortensia.
Ask to have your child baptized.
Hortensia, we're thinking of you!
- We love you! - Goodbye, treasure!
Murderers!
Long live the ONT!
Father, finish up, it's getting late!
Firing squad.
Load weapons.
Bastards! Fascists! Murderers!
Aim!
Long live freedom! Down with fascism!
Long live the Republic!
Fire!
Come on, in silence.
Stay in line.
First.
For Ines Vidal, in the minors' block.
Name and relationship.
Angeles Bravo, I'm her mother.
Next.
For Hortensia Rodriguez, mothers' block.
Wait over there.
What's wrong, sister?
Wait over there, I said.
Sister, take over.
Next.
Are you Josefa Rodriguez?
Yes, ma'am.
She's asleep.
I've just given her some milk and changed her.
Then,
can I take her?
Yes.
But you have to sign first.
Use this.
Sign here.
Would you give this package to some of her companions?
Of course.
Are you all right?
Do you need help?
You can go.
Your sister's things.
Did she suffer?
Did my sister suffer?
Don't think about that.
She's at rest now.
Goon
Just a minute.
Her baptismal certificate. We baptized her this morning.
Mercedes was the godmother.
Don't lose it.
Goodbye and good luck.
Thank you.
Good luck to you too.
The day that! leave you
And can no longer cradle you,
There will be blue eyes
And a strong heart to love you.
Sleep, my baby, sleep.
The moon is looking down at you.
Your mother loves you.
My aunt Pepita, who is also my mother,
always said that the pains of war should end when wars end.
But it wasn't like that
Franco's new Spain was filled with silence and mourning,
and also with waiting.
My aunt Pepita learned to live with waiting.
Jaime Salas, Paulina Gonzalez,
was sentenced to 30 years and a day.
He escaped the death penalty.
They could never prove he was Black Jacket.
Perhaps it was luck, or perhaps,
for once, my aunt's prayers were heard.
She promised him she would wait as long as necessary,
and she waited for 19 years.
They were only allowed a visit once a year
and a letter once a fortnight.
When my uncle Jaime got out of jail
the first thing they did was to get married.
That same night they took the train to Cordoba.
My aunt's other long-postponed dream came true.
To return to her home in Cordoba.
She was 39
and the groom had barely kissed her three times.
I decided to stay in Madrid
to continue bringing ?owers to my mother's grave,
and to carry out a mission.
To find my father's body
and bury them together
so that the two
would be side by side in the eternity of lovers.
Each time I see the photos of my mother and my aunt
who is also my mother,
smiling and happy before the war,
that's when I cry most with grief and anger.
Because that damn war, and everything that came after,
should never have happened.
"For strategists, politicians, historians, it's clear:
We lost the war.
But morally, I'm not so sure. Perhaps we won it."
Antonio Machado
To Dulce Chacon for her wonderful novel.
To my sisters, Loli, Loisi, Macu and Eva.
THE SLEEPING VOICE