This film contains some scenes of a sexual nature
and some violent scenes
INDISTINCT CONVERSATION
BELL DINGS
Who are you? You rang?
I'm waiting for Anna to bring me my breakfast.
He says he's waiting for Anna to bring him his breakfast.
LAUGHTER
It's not possible.
I'm going to see what Frau Grubach has to say about this.
Listen...
..I think you better stay here.
You should have stayed in your room. Didn't he tell you?
Who are you? What do you want?
Where's Frau Grubach?
You can't go out.
You're under arrest.
Am I? Why?
We are not authorised to tell you.
Go to your room and wait.
Oh...wait a minute.
Let's have a look at this.
This is a very nice nightshirt you're wearing. Isn't it?
It's beautiful.
We'll take care of that nightshirt for you. You don't mind, do you?
We'll look after all your underwear.
If your case turns out all right, you'll get it all back.
It's much better to give it to us.
If you leave it in the depot, it'll be pinched or sold.
You'll never see your underwear again.
If you leave it in the depot.
Excuse me.
That's my breakfast! Bloody good.
Here are my identity papers.
I want to see yours and the warrant for my arrest.
Good Christ! Why do you provoke us?
We are probably the closest friends you have right now! That's a fact.
Here are my identity papers!
What do we want with those?
Do you think you'll get your trial over quicker by arguing like this?
We're just warders.
We can't make head nor tail of the legal document.
We have nothing to do with your case, except to guard you
and get paid for it.
Take me to your inspector.
When he tells us to, not before.
Listen, why don't you go into your room and sit there quietly?
You'll need all your strength, I can tell you that.
But if you give us a little money,
we'll get you some breakfast from the cafe down the street.
The Inspector wants you!
At last!
What is this?! Seeing the Inspector in your shirt!
Leave me alone! He'll have us flogged! Stop!
Put on your jacket. Come on.
Ridiculous!
Not that.
It has to be black.
But it's not the official trial yet, is it?
It has to be black!
Well, in that case I will put on a BLACK tie, too!
Go and tell the Inspector that he's getting dressed.
Josef K? Yes.
I suppose you're a bit surprised at what's happened. I certainly am!
I certainly am surprised, but not very.
You're not VERY surprised?
I mean... Can I sit down?
It's not usual.
I mean, of course I'm surprised,
but the world is the world.
One gets used to surprises and doesn't take them too seriously.
Especially this. Why's that?
I'm not saying I look on it as a joke... Quite right.
But it's not to be taken seriously.
I know I'm being charged, but with what? On what grounds?
Who makes the accusations?
That is what I would like to know.
This is a legally constituted state.
The rule of law is established.
Who are you? What's your authority? I demand clear answers!
You've really got it all wrong.
We know nothing about your case.
I don't even know whether you've been charged.
You've just been arrested. That's all we know.
But don't worry about us.
Worry about yourself.
Worry about what might happen.
And don't talk so much.
I must phone a lawyer. If you like.
I need to. I don't see the point.
When I am under arrest?!
What the hell are you talking about? No...
All I meant was...
..I just don't see the point of calling a lawyer.
Well, then, I won't. No, do.
There's a phone in the hall. I saw it.
No, I won't. I don't want to.
Get away from that window!
Look, why don't we bring this matter to a close?
Why don't we shake hands and call it a day?
I can't do that.
Can't "call it a day", I'm afraid.
Can't "bring it to a close" just yet.
But I'm not saying you should give up hope.
You're only under arrest.
Well, we're off. You can go to work, to your bank.
How can I if I am under arrest?
There's nothing to stop you going.
Then this arrest isn't serious?
That's not for me to say.
It's just an arrest.
It's not for me to say how serious it is. That's for others.
You don't have to go to the bank. Do what you like.
Your three colleagues are at your disposal
to make your arrival as inconspicuous as possible.
Herr Rabensteiner.
Kullich.
Kaminer.
Good morning.
I didn't recognise you.
What are you all doing here? Oh...
Good morning. Morning.
Morning. Morning.
Good morning. Morning, Herr K.
Ah, Herr K. Good morning.
Just the man! Morning.
We've had a very encouraging letter from Herr Finach. Good.
Those bonds are performing very well.
Happy birthday, sir. Thank you.
Thank you very much.
There are some presents for you from the staff.
Oh, really? How nice of them.
WHISPERING: Fraulein Burstner!
Yes? It's me.
Oh, Herr K. Good evening.
I've been waiting to have a word with you. A word? Yes.
Now? Yes. Does it have to be now?
I've been waiting for you since nine o'clock.
I'm just so tired I could drop.
If it has to be now, come into my room. We can't talk here.
People asleep.
Please, sit down.
So?
What is it?
This morning, your room was disarranged a little.
By others, but it was partly my fault.
I wanted to apologise to you.
My room? Yes.
How it came about is not worth discussing.
That's the interesting part, isn't it? No, it isn't.
Oh.
Well, I don't want to...pry.
So...
Well, I can't see...
Nothing's been disturbed.
Oh, no! Look!
All my photographs have been muddled up. Oh...
What's been happening here? Who did this?
Not me. It wasn't me.
I didn't touch them.
The Commission of Inquiry brought along three bank clerks.
One must have interfered with your photographs.
Commission of Inquiry? Yes. To see me.
No! I don't believe it.
Why, do you believe I am innocent?
Innocent? Innocent of what?
Anyway, I hardly know you. No,
but you have to be a pretty big criminal, haven't you,
for them to set up a Commission of Inquiry?
I can see you don't know much about legal matters. No, I don't.
But guess what - I'm going to join a law firm next month.
I've always been attracted by the law.
Really? Good.
Perhaps you'll be able to help me with my case.
Why not?
It's too petty to drag in a lawyer, but I might well need an adviser.
If I'm to be your adviser, I really must know what it's all about.
I don't know. I haven't been told.
Is this a joke?
And it's so late.
And I'm so tired. It wasn't actually a Commission of Inquiry at all.
I couldn't think of a better name for it. There was no interrogation.
I was merely placed under arrest.
What was it like? Horrible.
That's too vague. Is it? Mmm.
Shall I show you what it was like?
I'm tired. You came in so late.
I didn't know that you were... The Inspector
sat in the middle of this room...
..at your bedside table.
The two warders sat on the chest.
The three clerks stood here.
There was a white blouse hanging on that window. Still is. Look.
A white blouse
I was awake, wide awake,
but the Inspector shouts at me as if I'm asleep.
He shouts... Sh! "Josef K!"
THUMPING ON WALL
Oh, God!
Don't be afraid. I'll sort everything out.
But who is in there?
There's no-one sleeping there. There is.
A nephew of Frau Grubach's.
A Captain.
I forgot about it myself.
Oh, why did you shout?
Why did you have to shout like that?
There's nothing to be worried about.
Oh, please, go away. Go on.
Please, go on.
Please... He can hear everything.
Come here.
He can't hear us here.
What's his name? His name?
Oh...Lanz.
Lanz...Lanz... I don't know him.
Please... Listen, there's no danger. I promise you.
Frau Grubach adores me. I'm her favourite.
I've also lent her a substantial sum of money.
Now, listen.
I'll agree to any plausible explanation you suggest
of how we came to be in your room.
If you want it spread around that I assaulted you, she'll believe it.
She believes everything I say.
Why shouldn't she? The knocking frightened me.
I take responsibility for anything that happens in my room.
Now, please...go.
SOFTLY: Please go.
WHISPERING: Come here. Look.
WHISPERING: He's listening.
WHISPERING: Goodnight.
The telephone for you, Herr K.
Good morning. Josef K. Josef K? Yes.
There will be a first hearing of your case this coming Sunday.
This Sunday? This coming Sunday.
I see. We don't want to disturb your working week,
so we assume Sunday suits you.
If not, please do say so. Hearings can be heard at night.
Herr K? Yes?
So we assume Sunday suits you?
Yes, yes. Quite convenient.
It is essential that you appear. Absolutely obligatory. Of course.
So the date is agreed, which is this coming Sunday. Right.
The address is Number 48 Juliustrasse. Juliustrasse?
LINE DISCONNECTS
Bad news? No. No.
Hello? Hello? Yes, Herr Strauss?
Good morning. I have the documents ready for your signature...
No, that'll be no problem.
Splendid. I'll get them off to you straight away. Goodbye. Goodbye.
Someone rang and asked me to go somewhere, but forgot to say when.
Why not ring them back and ask?
Oh...it's not that important.
CHURCH BELLS RING
Hey, mister!
Ruined our game! Stop it!
Go away! What do you think you're doing?!
Yes? What is it?
Er...I'm looking for a plumber called Lanz.
A plumber called Lanz? Yes.
Lanz, Lanz...?
You're sure his name is Lanz?
No, I tell you what, there IS a plumber upstairs.
At least, I think he is. That's what he says he is.
But I wouldn't swear on oath that his name is Lanz.
TOILET FLUSHES
What's the trouble? This man is looking for a man called Lanz.
He says he's a plumber.
Who is? Lanz.
Yes. There used to be a man called Lanz up on the top floor.
That's right. I remember.
He was a plumber. Definitely.
But I haven't been up there for years. Thank you.
I'm looking for a plumber called Lanz.
Yeah. In there.
BUZZ OF CONVERSATIONS
I said I was looking for a plumber. Lanz. Yes, that's right.
In there. I told you, go in there.
You're very late, anyway.
I've to shut the door after you. No-one else is allowed in.
Come on.
INDISTINCT CHAT
You should have been here an hour and five minutes ago.
HUSH DESCENDS
You should have been here an hour and five minutes ago!
I may be late, but at least I've come.
Yes, but I am no longer obliged to hear you.
However, I am willing to make an exception in this case. Step up.
You are a house-painter.
No, I am Senior Clerk in a large bank.
LAUGHTER
Your question as to whether I am a house-painter -
although it was a statement -
demonstrates the proceedings being instituted against me.
You may argue that they are not legal proceedings. You'd be right.
They are only legal proceedings if I recognise them as such.
Well, for the moment,
I do choose to recognise them, but only out of a kind of pity.
These are the Court records!
Look at this miserable, smelly,
grimy little book!
Pathetic!
What has happened to me is an isolated incident of little note,
but it is an indication of the intimidation
many people are being subjected to!
It is for these people I speak!
Bravo! Bravo!
Bravo again! I was arrested ten days ago.
Those who arrested me were, at the very best, degenerate,
arrogant, ignorant, and corrupt.
Their every action declared this!
They ate my breakfast.
They even tried to steal my underwear!
It's like being waylaid by louts in a dark alley!
The dignity of the law! What a joke!
They took three Junior Clerks from my bank as witnesses
to damage my public reputation and undermine me at the bank!
I want to remind you that I am detached from this whole business
and am able to judge it calmly.
There is no doubt that behind all the outward manifestations
of this tribunal's authority there exists a huge organisation!
An organisation that employs corrupt warders, stupid inspectors
and totally incompetent examining magistrates,
and a network of judicial officials with a vast retinue of servants,
clerks, policemen and perhaps even hangmen!
No, I'm not afraid to use that word.
What is the significance of this great organisation? I'll tell you!
It arrests innocent people and institutes senseless proceedings
that usually, as in my case, lead to nothing!
Aaah!
Stop that! Throw them out!
Order! Order! I'll throw them out myself!
Let me go!
It is my duty to point out to you that you have thrown away
all the advantages that a hearing can afford an arrested man.
To hell with you!
And your damn hearings!
TELEPHONE RINGS
For you, Herr K. Paris. Later.
It's Monsieur Schrader. I'll call back later!
Herr K is extremely sorry,
but he's unable to come to the phone at this precise moment.
Have there been any telephone messages for me? Messages?
Yes. Well, Monsieur Schrader from Paris... No, apart from that.
I'm sorry, Herr K. Who from?
Who from?
From anyone!
There's no session today. No session?
You're right.
There's no session!
Why didn't they tell me? How can they expect me to know?
What are those books on the table?
They belong to the Examining Magistrate.
You're not allowed to touch them.
Do you want me to give any message to the Examining Magistrate?
Do you know him? Of course I do. My husband's the Court Usher.
Last Sunday there was just a washtub in here.
Mm, we have to clear everything out of the room
on days when the Court is in session.
It's so tiring. Listen...
I'm sorry I caused a disturbance when you were doing your speech.
It wasn't MY fault.
That man won't leave me alone. He's wild about me!
He can't keep his hands off me.
Even my husband has come to accept it.
If he wants to keep his job, he's got to put up with it.
The man's a law student, you see.
They say he's going to be really powerful some day.
But it was a pity he disturbed your speech.
I was really enjoying it.
I thought to myself...
..I only wish there was a way I could help him.
There is.
How? Let me examine those books in the other room.
God! This place is filthy!
Obscene photographs!
And more!
And more! And more!
So these are the law books that are studied here?
These are the kind of men who are supposed to be judging me?
I'll help you.
Let me help you.
Come. Sit with me.
You've got lovely dark eyes.
Haven't you?
Such lovely...dark eyes.
I don't see how you can help me.
You'd need to know the senior officials well.
You only know that runt, the Examining Magistrate.
He might only be a minor official,
but I tell you, he never stops writing reports.
Especially about you.
Last Sunday he was up to all hours writing.
I woke up in the middle of the night and he was looking down at me.
My husband was fast asleep.
And he whispered to me that he'd never forget
the sight of me in my nightie in bed.
So, you see, he really fancies me.
So it means I can influence him.
Guess what he sent me yesterday.
These lovely silk stockings.
Can you believe
an examining magistrate
would give such beautiful silk stockings to a woman like me?
GASPS
Sh! Berthold's watching us.
Listen, don't be angry with me, but I've got to go to him.
He's a disgusting man. I can't bear him. Just look at his bandy legs.
But I've got to go to him.
Listen, I'll come back.
And then I'll go with you wherever you like
and you can do
whatever you like with me.
I was waiting.
K BANGS ON TABLE
Get out of here. Not me, sir. You!
He's got too much leeway. He should be confined to his room.
I told the Magistrate, but it's like talking to a brick wall.
Have you seen a woman around here? My wife?
You're the Court Usher.
Yes. And I know you.
I recognise you. You were here last Sunday, right?
You're defendant K.
I was speaking to your wife a short while ago. The student took her off.
If I didn't depend on them,
I'd have squashed that student on the wall ages ago!
Here, next to the notice.
I'm always dreaming of doing it.
I think of him here, right here!
A little above the floor. His arms outstretched,
fingers spread out, his bandy legs twitching,
blood all over the place. Total agony. Know what I mean?
Unfortunately it's only a dream.
I understand your feelings.
It's gone from bad to worse.
Now he takes her to the Examining Magistrate, too!
It's pretty humiliating, I'll say.
And there's bugger all I can do!
YOU could do something about it.
You could give that student such a hiding, if you felt like it,
that he wouldn't touch her up again.
But only a man like you could do it. A man like me? Why?
Cos you're an accused man. You've got nothing to lose.
I've got to report to the Court offices. Want to have a look?
A look? At the offices. No-one will notice.
I just thought you might be interested.
Yes. Why not?
What are they standing for? They're all defendants.
But why stand? It's idiotic.
What are you doing here? Why are you waiting here?
Come on, sir. The gentleman asked what you're waiting for. Answer him.
I'm waiting...
Move! Don't block the corridor!
I asked what you are doing here.
A month ago I offered some evidence to the Court about my case.
I am now waiting for the Court's view of it.
Let me tell you, I am also a defendant.
But you will wait a very long time
before I offer evidence to THIS court!
A very long time!
I wouldn't demean myself!
I am also an accused man. Do you understand?
I have offered evidence... What are you saying?
You don't believe that I am also a defendant? An accused man?
Yes, yes. No! Tell me the truth!
Are you saying you don't believe that I am an accused man?
What are you saying? Speak up!
Are you saying you don't believe me?!
They're very sensitive, some of these defendants.
I think I'll go now.
You haven't seen everything yet! I don't want to.
I'm tired.
I feel tired.
Which is the way out?
Well, go to the corner, turn right, down the corridor to the door.
Can you show me the way? Please?
What? I've just told you the way!
Anyway, I must deliver a message.
Come with me! Show me!
Don't shout. Stop all that shouting.
Come with me. Show me. Come with me! Show me!
First he wants to go,
then when you tell him this is the exit, he won't move!
MOANING AND SOBBING
SOUND ECHOES
Sir! We're going to be flogged
because you complained about us to the Examining Magistrate!
I didn't. I just gave him my views.
If you knew how badly we were paid, you wouldn't be so hard on us!
I have a family to feed! He wants to get married!
I never asked for this. I was only concerned with the principle of it.
The punishment is well deserved.
Don't listen to him!
This is a terrible tragedy, sir!
We're professionals. We have never fallen down on a job!
We had every chance of becoming floggers! But now look at us!
Can we discuss this?
Is there any chance...? There is no chance.
Get your shirts off! Strip!
They're talking rubbish!
Do you think they would have made him a flogger? Look how fat he is!
Do you know how he got so fat?
He eats the breakfasts of all those he arrests.
He ate your breakfast, too.
No man with a belly like that stands a chance of becoming a flogger!
That's not true!
If you let them go, perhaps we could come to an arrangement?
You want to get me flogged as well, do you? No, thanks.
Listen, they're blameless. Honestly.
The organisation and high officials are to blame. That's right.
Shut up!
If you were birching a senior judge, I'd be right behind you.
It's my job to flog people I'm told to flog.
That's what I'm going to do.
Please get me off!
He's older than me, he's not as sensitive as me! I'm sensitive!
I'm in love with my fiancee! Please!
I'm not waiting any longer.
SCREAMS
Don't scream!
SCREAMS
It's all right. It's me - the Senior Clerk.
Is everything all right?
There was a dog howling in the yard.
You can get back to your work.
Josef! Uncle! What a...!
Is it true? Tell me! Is it true?
Excuse us, please.
Is it true? I'm asking you! Sit down, Uncle.
I'm asking you if it's true.
I wish I knew what you were talking about.
I'm your guardian.
Your welfare is of the utmost importance to me. You know that.
You're looking out of the window! Sorry? What?
Oh, I suppose you've heard something about my trial.
Yes, I've heard about your trial.
Just that there's a case against you. Not what sort of case.
So it is true? Mm, yes, it is.
You can sit there calmly with a criminal case hanging over you?
The calmer I am, the more chance I have.
Tell me what it's all about. Is it to do with the bank?
No! It isn't!
Uncle, you're talking too loudly. We'd better go out. Come on.
LOUDLY: What kind of trial is it? I just don't understand.
Now I can speak. Speak!
This case will not be heard by an ordinary court. That's bad. Why?
It's bad. It's not something you should take too seriously.
BELL JANGLES
Open up! I'm a friend of the lawyer's.
Dr Huld is ill.
What is it? His heart? I think so.
Who is it, Leni?
It's your old friend, Albert.
Ah, Albert!
Oh, not too good, eh?
Ah, I'm weaker every day.
COUGHING
Please leave. I have personal business to discuss.
Dr Huld is ill. He cannot discuss any business.
You damned impertinent bitch!
Leni's a good girl. You can say anything in front of her.
But it's somebody else's business.
Whose? My nephew.
I brought him along with me.
Josef K, Senior Clerk.
Forgive me. I didn't see you.
All right, Leni. You can go.
It's business. That's a different matter.
You look better already.
This case interests me so much that, while my heart is not good,
if he wished me to act for him, I would be unable to resist.
I don't understand.
Have I misunderstood?
I thought you wanted to talk to me about your trial? Of course he did!
How on earth could you possibly know anything about me or my trial?
Oh...I see, I see.
I am a lawyer. I move in legal circles.
People talk about cases and one remembers the more striking ones.
Especially if the nephew of an old friend is involved.
Nothing remarkable in that.
You move in those circles? Of course.
Really! You talk like a child!
And you say they are discussing my case?
It certainly has been referred to.
You see, moving in these circles is a great advantage to my clients.
My illness restricts me,
but I do receive visits from good friends from the Court,
who keep me wonderfully well-informed.
There is a great friend of mine here in this room,
at this very moment, as a matter of fact.
This is my good friend, Albert K. This is his nephew, Josef K.
The Chief Clerk of the Court.
How do you do? How do you do? How do you do?
I think we might take advantage of the Chief Clerk's presence
to ask his advice on your case.
A heaven-sent opportunity!
If I can be of any assistance...
Splendid. Let us draw up chairs.
GLASS SMASHES
I'll see what's going on.
It's all right.
I just threw a plate against the wall to bring you out. Oh.
Come here.
In here.
I thought you would have come to me.
You couldn't keep your eyes off me in the bedroom, could you?
Yet you kept me waiting.
I had to listen to the old men rambling on.
I couldn't run off without an excuse.
The fact is you didn't like me
and you probably don't like me even now.
Do you want to know my name?
What is it? Leni.
Call me Leni.
Can't you think of anything else except your trial?
I'm not sure I think about it enough.
I've heard you're too inflexible.
Who said? Don't be so inflexible.
There's no way you can defend yourself against this Court.
You have to admit your guilt, that's all.
Make a full confession as soon as you can.
That's the only way you can escape. And I'm going to help you.
But you have to say my name first.
Leni.
That's nice.
And if I don't confess my guilt, you won't be able to help me?
No, I won't be able to help you.
But you don't want my help at all, do you?
You're obstinate and you won't listen to reason. Aren't you?
You're obstinate, aren't you?
Look...
..I've got a physical defect.
Feel it.
Extraordinary.
What a pretty little paw.
You've kissed me.
Now you belong to me!
Come whenever you want.
How could you? Do you realise the damage you've done to your case?
You sneak off with that dirty whore who is obviously his mistress,
and we're all left sitting there -
your uncle, your lawyer, the Clerk of the Court -
a man who has complete control over your case as it stands!
They're polite. They don't mention it. They spare my feelings.
But finally they fall silent
and we are all left there looking at each other!
And may I say, in all humility,
that you are fortunate in your choice of lawyer.
I have excellent contacts and have had a number of discussions
with, I concede, limited success.
Some officials have expressed favourable opinions.
Others, much less favourable.
The Chief Clerk of the Court, to whom you behaved so unwisely,
refuses to be moved by your plight.
But, on the whole, I would say the outlook is moderately cheering.
Nothing is totally lost.
And if we can win over the Clerk of Court,
we can await subsequent developments without any qualms.
I propose that I write a short account of my life,
a survey from every angle recalling the minutest actions and events.
An onerous task, I agree, but I believe it should be done.
The advantages of such a defence are indisputable.
I intend to hand this defence into the Court myself.
What you say is madness.
DOOR OPENS
Absolute madness.
There's a painter called Titorelli. He paints for the Court.
He paints the judges. Go to see him.
BELL RINGS
Are you looking for me?
Come in. Come in.
Stop it - no!
Hey! I said no!
Out! Out! Stop it!
I am the painter, Titorelli.
You seem to be very popular.
Those girls! They're a damn nuisance. They get everywhere.
I found one under my bed!
Titorelli, can we come in now?
No! What about me? Just me?
A girl called Leni gave me your name. I know Leni.
She says you are trusted by the Court. I certainly am.
I take it you're an accused man? Yes.
And you would like some help from me? If that's possible.
Let me ask, are you innocent?
Yes, I am completely innocent.
I see.
Well, if you're innocent, it's very simple. Is it? Yes.
But you ARE definitely innocent? Definitely. That's the main thing.
GIRLS LAUGH
I understand that once the Court makes an indictment,
it's difficult to budge it from its conviction of the accused's guilt.
It can't be budged at all.
The Court can never be budged.
Titorelli, is he going soon?
Are you going to paint him? Don't! He's so ugly! Keep quiet!
I'll throw you all down the stairs!
GIRLS LAUGH
The girls belong to the Court, too. Oh, do they?
You don't know much about the Court,
but since you're innocent, I can get you off by myself.
How? You said it can't be budged.
Not head-on, no.
But it's different behind the scenes.
In the corridors, in this room, for example.
You see, I know them all. Well, not all, but quite a few.
I inherited this post.
My father was the Court painter. It's handed from father to son.
Every judge wants to be painted like the grand old judges.
No-one else can do it except me.
Do you understand?
So your position is unassailable?
Unassailable.
Now, our aim is to get you acquitted, right?
I have to ask what kind of acquittal you want.
There are three possibilities.
Actual acquittal, ostensible acquittal
and indefinite postponement.
Actual acquittal is the best, but I can't influence that. No-one can.
I've never come across a case of actual acquittal in my whole life.
Then stop talking about it!
Tell me about the others.
Ostensible acquittal and indefinite postponement. You look hot.
Yes, it's unbearable. Can't you open a window?
It won't open, but lots of air comes through the cracks.
I'll take off my jacket!
He's taken off his jacket! He's taken off his jacket!
Oh, shut up!
Right...let's take ostensible acquittal first.
What happens is this.
I write out a statement of your innocence
and do the rounds of the judges. Will they believe you?
Not everyone, but once a sufficient number countersign the statement,
I take it to the judge who is actually conducting your trial.
He can order the acquittal
with an easy mind and you go free.
A free man. Yes. But only ostensibly free.
The difference between actual and ostensible acquittal
can be shown in a purely external way.
With actual acquittal, all the documents vanish.
The trial is deleted, as it were.
With ostensible acquittal, the records remain in circulation.
So one day some judge comes across them,
realises the charge is still valid and orders immediate arrest.
And the trial begins again? Yes.
With maybe another ostensible acquittal. But it isn't final?
No. You can have a third arrest and a third acquittal
and so on, ad infinitum.
How do you like it?
Tell me about the other one. Indefinite postponement.
Preventing the trial from advancing beyond its earliest stages.
To achieve this, the defendant and his helper
must stay in constant contact with the Court.
You must keep the case revolving in the same small circle.
You must submit yourself for regular interrogation,
visit the judges with influence,
keep the case from progressing through persistence and vigilance.
But there's no rest, no sleep, it can go on forever. You never...
He's up! He's up! Are you going? Is it the air?
There's a lot more to say, but I hope I was understood.
Yes. Both methods prevent the accused from being sentenced.
But ensure no real acquittal.
You've grasped the crux.
You've been kind. The girls...
Use this door.
Don't be afraid to climb over the bed. Everybody does it.
What's this? What's this?
This? It's the Court offices. Why are you so surprised?
GIRLS LAUGH
I can't come any further, I'm afraid! Cheerio!
Don't be too long thinking it over.
DOG BARKS
BELL JANGLES
Do you work here?
I'm a client. I'm here on legal business.
She's your mistress, isn't she?
Good God, no!
What's your name?
Block. I'm a businessman.
Where's Leni? Where is she hiding?
She's probably gone to the kitchen to make soup for the lawyer.
Where's the kitchen? Take me there.
Good evening, Josef. Good evening.
Who is this man? Just Block.
You were in your chemise. Is he your lover?
Answer me!
Come into the study and I'll explain everything.
No. Explain here.
Is he your lover? You're not jealous of Block?
Rudi, I am under suspicion.
Say something.
It beats me how you can be jealous of me.
Yes, it beats me, too!
Shall I announce you to the lawyer or take him his soup first?
Announce me first.
Take him his soup first!
Then I'll take him his soup first.
The only trouble is, he may fall asleep.
He never takes long to fall asleep after his soup.
What I have to say will keep him awake.
The minute he's had his soup, I'll tell him you're here.
Then I can have you back with me as soon as possible.
Go and give him his soup.
Get on with it!
Do be nicer. Please.
I've seen you before.
I saw you in the Court offices some time ago. Oh, did you?
I was sitting in the passage when you went through.
Yes, I WAS there, some time ago.
I'm there... practically every day.
Tell me.
Do you remember that everyone stood up when I came in?
Why did they do that? Did they think I was a judge?
No. No, not at all.
We were standing up for the Usher. We knew you were an accused man.
Oh. But then perhaps my behaviour struck you as arrogant?
On the contrary. What do you mean?
Well, the Court is full of superstitions.
One is that you can tell from a defendant's face,
the outline of his lips,
what the outcome of his case will be. Those people maintained that,
judging by your lips,
you were certain to be convicted. We didn't think you were arrogant.
We thought you were deluded and so we felt...pity for you.
My lips?!
I can't see anything special about my lips. Can you?
Absolutely nothing at all.
Superstitious rubbish!
Are you sitting close together, you two? Like old pals.
What are you doing? Cleaning him up.
The lawyer is waiting for you.
Go in.
I'm cleaning Block up for his bedtime. What bedtime?
Block's bedtime. He often sleeps here.
He sleeps here?
Not everyone is allowed in to see the lawyer any time they like.
It's 11 o'clock and the lawyer will see you. Block's not so lucky.
Sometimes I announce him and he doesn't get in for three days.
If he's not on the spot when called for, he has to be announced again.
That's why I let him sleep here.
The lawyer may call in the middle of the night.
As time goes by, one becomes dependent on one's lawyer.
How much time has gone by in your case?
Five years now.
He loves sleeping here. Don't you?
Would you like to see his bedroom?
You sleep in the maid's room? Yes.
Get him to bed!
I hope you'll be nicer to the lawyer!
I'm simply going to tell him that I'm dismissing him!
He...
He's dismissing the lawyer! Oh, my God! Dismissing the lawyer!
OH, MY GOD ! He's...!
I've been waiting for you.
I'm going in a moment. I shan't let you in again as late as this.
That suits me.
Sit down. If you wish me to.
Did I see you lock the door? Yes. That was because of Leni.
Is she pestering you?
Did you come here tonight to see me for any particular reason?
Yes. I am taking my defence out of your hands as from today.
Do I understand you correctly?
I trust you do.
I've thought about it for a long time. My decision is final.
You'll get a chill.
Your uncle is a friend of mine.
I have also become fond of you in the course of time.
I don't need to be ashamed of it.
I believe it is necessary to take much more drastic steps
than have been taken up to now! You are impatient.
It's not a matter of impatience!
The case is closing in on me.
I am being slowly poisoned.
It is my impression...
..that what misled you into misjudging my legal assistance
is that you were treated too well.
I'd like to show you how other accused men are treated.
Perhaps you'll learn from it.
I'm going to send for Block, so kindly unlock the door.
BELL JANGLES
Bring Block here!
Block! The lawyer wants you!
Is Block there?
At your service.
What do you want? You've come at an inopportune moment.
Wasn't I called for? Yes, but you've come at an inopportune moment.
You always do. Want me to go away?
You may stay, as you are here.
Yesterday I saw the Third Judge. He's a friend of mine.
I gradually got the conversation on to you.
Do you want to know what he said?
Yes...please.
What in God's name are you doing?
I'm kneeling, Dr Huld.
How has he been behaving himself today?
He's been quiet and industrious. What's he been doing?
I locked him in his room.
When I peeped in, he was always reading the papers you gave him.
He was reading all day. He was doing his best, I know he was.
It wasn't until eight o'clock that I let him out to eat.
You're praising him!
Which makes it even more difficult for me to say what I have to say.
What the Judge said was not favourable.
Not favourable? Not favourable.
How can that be?
He didn't even like talking about Block!
"Don't talk to me about Block!" he said.
"But he's my client," I said.
"You're wasting your time," he said.
I said, "Personally, he's awful.
"His manners are horrible and he's dirty.
"But at organising a legal case, he is irreproachable."
I was exaggerating on purpose, but to no avail.
I am now forced to repeat what the Judge then said.
"Block is cunning," he said.
"He knows how to drag his case out,
"but his ignorance is much greater than his cunning.
"What would he say
"if he found out that his trial has not even begun yet?
"That the signal to begin it
"has not even been given?"
KNOCK ON DOOR
WOMAN: Herr K? There is a telephone call for you.
Josef K. Herr K? This is Herr Deimen from the Bank.
Good evening, Herr Deimen.
You know the Italian firm, Sitari? I do, yes.
Their Chairman is arriving here on business.
He's very eager to see our art museums and monuments.
I'd be so grateful to you if you'd act as his guide.
You know art and speak Italian. Could you spare a couple of hours?
Of course. Wonderful.
He wants an early start. Eight o'clock? Certainly.
Thank you. I'll see you in the Reception Room.
Signor Rossi, Josef K. Josef K, Signor Rossi.
GREETINGS IN ITALIAN
Signor Rossi tells me he doesn't have as much time as he'd hoped.
He must restrict his sightseeing.
I've suggested you simply show him round the cathedral.
Is that a good idea? Yes, indeed.
He has an appointment, so he'll meet you at the cathedral at ten o'clock.
Is that convenient?
Of course. I am very grateful.
I look forward immensely to see you at the cathedral at ten o'clock.
Tra poc', allora.
I'm also very grateful to you.
Confining things to the cathedral won't make it so demanding, will it?
He's a very important client, you know.
COCK CROWS
Which would you say is the most reliable guide? This one.
Thank you. How much is this?
One Koruna.
Thank you.
What do you want?
ECHOING LOUDLY: Josef K!
You ARE Josef K? Yes.
You are an accused man. Yes, so I've been informed.
You're the man I'm looking for. I am the Prison Chaplain.
Oh, are you?
I had you summoned here to talk.
No, I came here to show an Italian round the cathedral.
Keep to the point. Is that a prayer book?
No, it's a guide book to this cathedral.
Put it down.
You know that your case is going badly. I have that impression.
How do you think it will end?
I don't know. Do you? No.
But I fear it will end badly.
It may not get past the lower court.
You are considered guilty. I am not!
How can any man be called guilty?
We're all human beings, aren't we?
One human is just like another. Yes.
But that's how all guilty men speak.
You're prejudiced against me, too? No, I'm not prejudiced against you.
Thank you. But people ARE prejudiced against me.
My position becomes more and more difficult.
You don't seem to understand the essential facts.
The verdict does not come all at once.
The proceedings gradually merge into the verdict.
So...that's how it is.
What do you plan to do next? Get more help.
You ask for too much help from others, especially women.
That's not the kind of help you need.
Women have great power.
This Court is obsessed by women.
Show an examining magistrate an attractive woman
and he'll knock over his table to get her!
Are you angry with me?
Perhaps you don't realise the kind of court you are serving.
I'm telling you what I've observed.
I didn't mean to offend you.
CAN'T YOU SEE WHAT WILL HAPPEN?
Can't you see what is staring you in the face?
Won't you come down here?
You haven't got to preach a sermon.
Can you come down? Yes.
Yes, I can come down now.
I had to speak to you first from a distance
because I'm quite easily influenced and tend to forget my duty.
Can you spare me a little more time? As much as you need.
You're very kind. I appreciate it.
You're an exception among those who belong to the Court.
I trust you more than any of them.
Don't delude yourself. How am I deluding myself?
You're deluding yourself about the Court.
In the writings that preface the Law, it says:
Before the Law stands a door-keeper.
A man from the country comes up and begs admission to the Law.
The door-keeper says he cannot admit him now.
The man asks if he will be allowed to enter later.
"Possibly," he says, "but not now."
Since the door leading to the Law is open, as always,
and the door-keeper steps to one side,
the man looks through the door.
Seeing this, the door-keeper laughs and says,
"If it attracts you so much, try to get in without my permission.
"But you must realise that I am powerful.
"And I am only the lowest door-keeper.
"At every hall is another door-keeper,
"each one more powerful than the last.
"Even I cannot bear to look at the third one."
The man had not expected such difficulties.
He thought the Law was accessible to everyone, always.
But when he looks more closely at the door-keeper, in his fur coat,
with his great, sharp nose and long, thin, black, Tartar beard,
he decides it IS better to wait to receive permission to enter.
The door-keeper gives him a stool and allows him to sit by the door.
And there he sits... day after day, year after year.
During all these long years,
the man watches the door-keeper almost continuously.
He forgets the other door-keepers.
This first one seems to be the only obstacle
between him and admission to the Law.
In the first years, he curses his ill luck aloud,
but later, when he gets old, he only grumbles to himself.
He becomes childish.
He has scrutinised the door-keeper so closely
he can identify the fleas in his fur collar.
He begs these fleas to help him change the door-keeper's mind.
But in the end, his eyes grow dim
and he can no longer tell whether it is really getting darker around him,
or whether it is just his eyes deceiving him.
But then he glimpses in the darkness
a radiance glowing inextinguishably from the door of the Law.
He isn't going to live much longer.
Before he dies, all his experiences during the whole period of waiting
merge in his head into one single question,
which he has not yet asked the door-keeper.
As he can no longer raise his stiffening body,
he beckons the door-keeper over.
The door-keeper bends down low, for the difference in size has changed
very much to the man's disadvantage.
"What is it you want to know now?" asks the door-keeper.
"You are insatiable."
"All men are intent on the Law," says the man.
"But why, in all these years, has no-one other than myself asked to enter through this door?"
The door-keeper realises that the man is nearing his end and that his hearing is fading.
In order to make himself heard, he bellows at him.
"No-one else could gain admittance through this door,
"because this door was intended only...for you.
"I shall now go and shut it."
The door-keeper deceived the man.
Don't be too hasty.
It's obvious. He didn't tell him the truth until it was too late.
He wasn't asked the question until then.
And remember, he was only a door-keeper.
But he had power.
And he used it to destroy the man.
He's a criminal. He should've been dismissed. You've missed the point.
The scripture is unalterable.
Aren't we near the main entrance?
No, we're a long way away. Why? Do you want to go now? Of course.
I have to go. I'm a Senior Clerk at the bank. They're expecting me.
I only came to show a business associate round the cathedral.
Well then, go.
I don't think I can find my way alone in the dark.
Just keep to the wall on your left.
Keep right along that wall.
You'll come to a door.
Wait!
Please, wait!
I'm waiting.
Don't you want to hear anything more from me?
No.
But you were being so kind to me, explaining things to me.
Now you let me go as if you don't care about me. You said you must go.
Yes, you must understand that.
You must understand what I am, also.
You're the Prison Chaplain.
Precisely. That means I belong to the Court.
Why should I want anything from you?
The Court wants nothing from you.
It receives you when you come.
It dismisses you when you go.
DOORBELL RINGS
FOOTSTEPS APPROACH
KNOCK AT DOOR
You've come for me?
CHILDREN'S LAUGHTER
So, they send old ham actors for me.
They're trying to get rid of me on the cheap!
What theatre are you playing at? Theatre?
Oh, well, let's get on with it.
Why the hell did they send you of all people?
That's it!
I won't go any further! You'll have a hard job of it, you know!
Yes... Yes!
That's absolutely right.
All I can do now, you see...
All I can do now is keep my mind calm and discriminating.
I'm not going to leave this life like a raging idiot. Why should I?
How can I put it?
I don't want people to say that at the beginning of my case
I wanted it to finish
and at the end I wanted it to start all over again.
I don't want that to be said.
I'm grateful that you two half-dumb imbeciles were sent to escort me.
I'm grateful that I've been left to tell myself all that needs said.
One moment!
FOOTSTEPS ECHO AROUND QUARRY
Like...a...dog.