Il pleut sur Santiago (It Is Raining on Santiago) (1975) Movie Script
IT'S RAINING ON SANTIAGO
Yet once again...
our army prepares to write...
a glorious page...
in the history of Chile.
A page never to be forgotten.
On this day...
the 11 th of September, 1973...
I expect each one of you...
to show resolve and discipline...
a self-denial worthy...
of the grandeur and dignity
of our struggle.
What is at stake is no less than
the future of our glorious Chile!
Message for the president.
President's residence.
Go ahead.
Message from
the Minister of Internal Affairs.
Valparaiso announces return
of fleet at 5:00 this morning.
I repeat,
return of the fleet at 5:00.
Unitas 14, combined maneuvers
with United States Navy, halted.
Under whose orders?
"Workers Support Nationalization"
The army's in the street!
They've got tanks!
The army is against us!
Don't you understand? Tanks!
Take your positions.
We'll have to fight.
They're sending all their tanks out.
They're emptying the barracks.
Come on, wake up.
They mean business.
They even got dressed up for it.
Orange sweaters!
They're all in orange roll-neck sweaters
with a blue armband.
Sky blue. It's carnival time.
At least you'll be able to
recognize them. Real fashion models.
It would be funny
if they weren't so stupid!
Don't move.
Yes, I understand.
Where's that?
Who told you about it?
So?
No, you were right to call me.
Bye.
This is it.
The army's in the street.
It's what we've been expecting.
Why don't you call
Augusto Olivares?
- What?
- Call Augusto.
Message 216.
ELECTION NIGH
"Presidential Election
September 4, 1970"
Allende, 15.
When the complete results come in,
let me know. Understand?
Hang on.
We're going on the air.
It's exactly 10:40 p. m., and still
no word from the Interior Ministry.
As you all know,
the ministry has promised...
to announce the winner
by 10:00 p. m.
There doesn't seem to be
much doubt about who's won.
We can only ask ourselves
what the delay is.
Our reporter at the presidential palace
may have more. Over to La Moneda.
Here at the presidential palace...
we are still awaiting official
confirmation of the results.
Please calm down.
An official communiqu
will be issued...
in approximately one hour...
and no later than midnight,
I guarantee.
Mr. Tomic has 821,073 votes.
Frei's scared to death.
But the army wants to move in...
because they're afraid as well.
And Frei is afraid
of the army's fear.
One scared president plus one
scared army equals a coup d'tat.
That's too simple.
It's what they want, but first
they have to have a pretext.
The ball is in the court
of the Unidad Popular.
If they're politically mature,
they'll know what to do.
Exactly.
They're just kids.
Out there in the street, comrades!
That's where we ought to be.
In each neighborhood where
Unidad Popular won!
No one will steal our victory!
No, we're all assembled here...
to show we are united.
Make no mistake, comrade,
that the fascists...
are waiting for the first sign
of a break in our ranks.
Don't give them the chance!
They will fire on us!
They won't hesitate a second!
Quiet!
"Headquarters
Unidad Popular"
Salvador Allende, and no one else,
will decide when and how...
to demonstrate the strength
of the Unidad Popular this evening.
He is the only one who can
assess the situation...
minute by minute.
Rest assured, I shall remain
in constant contact with him.
General Valenzuela
phoned a moment ago.
He suggests that we refuse
to recognize Allende's victory.
Is that possible?
Technically speaking, is it?
What would happen?
We might bring it off. Allende has
a very small margin of victory.
It would be easy enough to say that
irregularities have been discovered.
That the Marxists
have falsified the results.
Valenzuela promises that
the army will support me.
- What an enormous responsibility!
- But do you have any choice?
It's the solution, Mr. President.
There's another plan.
More sophisticated.
The American ambassador suggests...
that I let a coup d'tat take place...
without being part of it.
I would go abroad for a time.
When the army has
reestablished order...
we hold new elections.
I would come back to head
a new coalition of moderates.
A Christian Democratic coalition.
In any case, you'll need
the support of the army.
If I were you,
I would call Valenzuela back.
You there, wake up and transmit
a message to the armored division.
Tell the colonel to get
the 2nd Regiment ready for action...
before midnight.
Ready to roll. We'll expect his report
no later than 23:35.
- Yes, sir.
- Then call President Frei.
The people united
will never be defeated!
This is a new order
to each leader.
Transmit a message to your district,
your commune, your sector.
You are ordered off the streets!
It's an order!
Salvador Allende doesn't want
any demonstrations.
He appeals to the self-discipline
of each comrade.
Comrades!
Comrades!
We have reports from several districts
that Unidad Popularmilitants...
are out in the streets tonight
celebrating their party's victory.
Will the forces of order intervene?
That is the question which remains
unanswered at this hour, 11:50 p. m.
Something seems to be happening
at La Moneda. Over to you, La Moneda.
Tanks!
That's right, armored units.
Lieutenant, what's happening?
I am here on behalf of
Senator Allende.
General Schneider
knows I'm coming.
Wait here.
The leaders of the Unidad Popular
have formed a delegation...
to meet with
the Minister of the Interior.
They demand an explanation for the
delay, which they consider inexcusable...
and disclaim any responsibility
for its consequences in any district.
- This way, please.
- Thank you.
- Good evening. If you please?
- General.
Thank you.
General, the presence of army tanks
at government headquarters...
implies the threat of military action
in matters of internal policy.
Senator Allende's victory
is now beyond doubt...
and he would appreciate it if you,
as commander in chief...
would take an official stand.
Allende: 76, 435.
Antofagasta:
Tomic, 82,938...
Allesandri, 52,124...
Allende, 87,914.
We'll continue
with these results later.
I believe there's a new development.
That's right.
I have confirmation
that Senator Radomiro Tomic...
the Christian Democratic candidate...
has just paid a visit
to Senator Salvador Allende...
to offer him, and I quote...
"the honor due the victor
from the vanquished."
Mr. Tomic has therefore
conceded Mr. Allende's victory.
But no word as yet from
the headquarters of President Frei...
who is in the same party as Tomic.
The results could hardly be
more conclusive...
and if there were any doubt...
Mr. Tomic would never make
what amounts to an unconditional...
Tomic is a traitor!
Major Ibanes, aide-de-camp
of General Schneider.
I'm here to bring you the orders
of the commander in chief.
General Schneider has decided
to authorize any demonstrations...
that may take place in support
of the successful candidate...
no matter who that is...
as soon as the Minister of the Interior
has proclaimed the official results.
The hours which
I have just lived through...
are surely the most painful
and most cruel of my life.
I wouldn't have believed
that a man...
as deeply Christian...
and as democratic as I am...
could be made to suffer
a more cruel experience.
I'm asking
the Minister of the Interior...
to publish the election results
immediately.
I assure you...
it's one thing to acknowledge
the results of an election...
but it's quite another to hand
the country over to communists.
Parliamentary procedures
leave us a lot of power.
We won't make his life easy.
Salvador Allende has won!
Comrades, President Allende,
the president-elect...
invites everyone to assemble in front
of the Chilean Student Federation.
Quiet, please. Hold it.
The president insisted on this.
Don't provoke the enemy!
Assemble quietly!
I will not be
simply another president.
I will be the first president...
in the history of Chile...
to lead a truly democratic...
and revolutionary
people's government.
General, may I remind you...
that we still have an armored unit
in front of the presidential palace?
Recall the 2nd Armored Regiment.
THE DAY OF THE COUP D'ETA
Come in, Valparaiso.
It's over an hour.
Valparaiso was
in touch with us at 5:16.
Since then, nothing.
- And the army?
- We're looking for it.
Don't worry. If there's a loyal regiment
left, we're bound to find it.
I'll tell the president.
- What about Valparaiso?
- Nothing, Mr. President.
Valparaiso doesn't answer.
We have no contact at all.
It was only yesterday that
the commander in chief...
told the president that the army
would respect the constitution...
and support
the government in power.
General Pinochet
gave his personal assurance.
- I'm optimistic.
- Don't let him fool you.
Pinochet is with the others.
In fact, he's really their leader.
They'll do whatever he says.
Don't you realize
Valparaiso will never reply?
- What time is it?
- 6:30.
Ask the operator how long
for a line to Paris.
Operator, how long a wait
for Paris, please?
One hour.
No, I don't have time.
I'll call later.
Thank you, operator.
I'm a student at the polytechnic.
I want to talk to your leaders.
Listen, Monique. If you don't hear
from me in an hour...
you must call Paris, okay?
It's 6:35.
Take this down. "Santiago,
the 11 th of September, 1973.
Yesterday, the Chilean fleet
suddenly broke off joint maneuvers...
Wait.
"It appears that
the authorities at Santiago...
have lost all contact
with Valparaiso."
Poor Augusto.
He said it was going
to start like this.
Remember the other evening
when he said that?
I know, and he was right.
Put this down.
"A usually reliable source..."
No. "A very reliable source...
stated that President Allende
had been informed...
that several ships
of the Chilean navy...
had aboard them intelligence agents
of the American navy...
and of the Brazilian navy.
The situation in Santiago
is still unclear...
but a confrontation seems imminent
in the next few hours."
Say hello to our comrades
in the other factories.
- What's your name?
- Hugo.
- Good luck, Hugo.
- Best of luck to you too.
I have to go to my house
for a few minutes, okay?
We have one aim:
To destroy Marxism!
A single opponent:
Every single friend of Marxism.
After today, it won't exist.
Our mission is clear.
We've been told that
not all the left is Marxist.
That may be so, but the left
plays into the Marxists' hands.
It plays into their hands
by splitting the country in two!
Since the communists
came to power...
they have been setting
one half of Chile against the other.
And so we hear our glorious Chile
once more calling to her loyal sons...
to her armed forces,
to help her in her hour of need.
You men have been chosen
for a proud mission...
on this 11 th of September.
Any man who doesn't agree
with what I've just said...
is free to state his opinion,
to have the courage of his convictions.
Is that all?
Nobody else?
Arrest them!
"State Technical University -
The People Against Fascism"
Get up! Come, wake up, all of you!
On your feet!
Come on, wake up, will you?
The army's moving...
tanks, the whole thing!
I got through to the radio station.
They'll start sending the message.
Call up every comrade
living near a barracks.
Don't speak when they answer.
Let it ring till they answer
and then hang up.
They know what they have to do!
Okay, get going. Fast!
A pleasant day to you
from Radio Chile.
Today, Tuesday, the 11 th of September,
we begin our program...
a little earlier than usual.
How about something funny?
Something crazy to start the day?
How about this?
Today, the 11 th of September...
so close to springtime...
would you believe it's raining
on Santiago and Easter Island?
Yes, ladies and gentlemen,
strange but true.
It's raining on Santiago
and on Easter Island.
The army has one mission:
To quickly bring to an end...
as peacefully as possible to the chaos
caused by the Marxist regime.
Tell us, are you for the army
or for the Marxists?
- I'm for the army!
- Dismissed!
Lieutenant Herrera, 7 th Company.
Herrera, let's talk man to man.
We're aware of your leanings.
In my opinion, it's no more
than youthful exuberance.
But today, Herrera,
the army itself is being threatened.
The army in which you have
the honor to serve...
in the accomplishment
of its glorious purpose.
It's your choice, Herrera.
If the destiny you mention
includes the ousting...
of the legal government
of President Allende...
don't count on me.
In the name of everything
the army ever taught me...
in the name of the honor
I am proud to have upheld...
I won't obey any order
of this nature.
Yes, it's really raining
on Santiago and Easter Island.
Call right away. It's a riddle of course,
but I'm sure you've already solved it.
So hurry and call in.
You could win a fine work of art.
Well?
All the garrisons in Santiago
are preparing to go against us, sir.
Many of our comrades...
say they heard rifle reports
at the garrison at Buin.
It appears they've been
shooting the soldiers...
who refused to march
against the president.
I see.
What does my friend
Olivares think?
I think it's the moment
of truth, Salvador.
That's the bullfighter in you talking.
Well, it's time to enter the arena.
I ought to be at my post.
We'll all go to my office
in La Moneda.
I'm not going on a picnic.
Can I have your little cow?
All right? I'll keep it.
A cow with so much milk
will bring me luck.
A real good-luck charm.
See you soon, comrades.
You're the men of the house now.
Show what big men you are.
Let's go.
No getting up to tricks, men.
Comrade.
Jose, if there's any shooting,
watch yourself, please.
Don't you worry. We know
how to deal with the fascists.
They've got to be stopped
once and for all.
Look after the boys, Maria,
and be a brave girl.
"May 14, 1971"
Words alone cannot
express the thanks...
of the workers of this factory
to the Unidad Popular...
for all it has done for us
in the last eight months.
First of all, dignity.
A dignity that we as workers
had been denied...
because our bosses sought
to humiliate and frighten us.
It has brought us nationalization.
The country still needs
much more nationalization...
and there will be much more!
I've just been told
that we have with us today...
a man who is better placed
to tell us about this.
The Minister of Finance,
Comrade Pedro Vuskovic!
I have to warn you,
I'm no orator.
It's better if I talk in figures.
But since the nationalization of copper
is on everybody's mind these days...
I'll try to explain
with the help of a few statistics.
We have in Chile the largest
open-face copper mine in the world.
We also have the largest underground
copper mines in the world.
For 42 years, the United States
has exploited this wealth.
In 42 years...
do you know how much
American companies...
have invested in all these mines?
Twenty million dollars.
In the same period, do you know
how much these same companies...
have exported to the United States...
as profits made in Chile?
$4,200,000,000!
See, comrades?
That's why we nationalized copper.
We are going to go on
nationalizing our industries...
because in almost all sectors,
you find similar statistics.
This is the only way of guaranteeing
that Chile's wealth goes to its people!
But take care, comrades.
You must stay vigilant.
Get ready for a hard fight.
Be ready to see all our initiatives
attacked by the bourgeoisie.
Here's a recent example.
We guarantee a pint of milk a day
for every child in the country.
Some of these children
had never drunk milk at all.
What happened? Rich women
are furious that there's no milk...
for their pastries,
their fancy desserts...
or their beauty creams!
Comrades!
Everywhere you look,
it's the same thing.
It's to stop you that
they've organized the black market.
It's to stop you that
they're hoarding everything.
It's to stop you that
their American friends...
are preparing a boycott
to cripple the economy.
But you can be sure that
the Unidad Popular...
and President Allende...
will fight to the end
against fascism...
until it's crushed
once and for all...
if you are with us.
Our comrades want to see
their minister dance the cueca.
All right.
A tango, if you insist.
Quiet, comrades.
This is a democracy, comrades!
The minister voted for a tango.
That's his right.
"In Today's Chile
All Children Are Entitled To Milk"
My friends, it's already 7:12
on the 11 th of September, 1973...
with spring just around the corner.
I'm sorry to have to tell you
that it's still raining heavily...
on Santiago and Easter Island.
Silence!
Calm down and listen to me.
Silence.
Split into three groups.
The first group barricades
the entrances and passageways.
The second sets up first-aid stations.
The third gathers student records
to destroy them quickly if necessary.
We're going to La Moneda.
We leave in five minutes.
Take whatever you need.
My darling.
How are you, my darling?
I know there isn't much time.
There isn't any time.
I understand.
Darling, please be very careful.
No, I don't want to discourage you,
I would like to give you...
all the courage in the world!
I want you to live!
You must live, you understand?
I only want you...
to do everything you can,
everything possible and honorable...
to come back to me safe,
understand?
I haven't seen you in weeks.
I need you so badly
I can't stand it.
Why?
It's my same old fever: Politics.
It's a lot older than
the class struggle.
After all, Maria, it's a fact.
When you get involved
in this wretched class struggle...
it's also a love story, isn't it?
Yes.
Olivares! The president
wants to see you. Quickly!
Listen.
I'll call you back
when we're done with the fascists.
Maybe not today...
but it'll be soon.
I'll call you back.
No matter where I am, I'll call you.
I love you too.
Very much.
Be careful.
I love you.
It's simple, isn't it?
You know, you're getting
very complicated.
No, I'm not.
Work can be simple too.
Revolutionaries are
such a boring lot!
You're wrong. There's nothing
more romantic than a revolutionary.
To look at you,
that's hard to believe.
That's different.
I was talking about revolutionaries.
- You mean you're not one?
- Of course not.
I'm an assistant, a laborer,
a kitchen hand.
I'm... I don't know...
I'm the house dog!
Kiss me.
Not bad.
Now, kiss me like a kitchen hand.
No.
Please.
I promised President Allende
all this for tomorrow.
Always Allende. Why don't you
marry him? It would be simpler.
He says I'm too ugly.
Idiot!
I forbid you to talk like that
about the president of Chile!
- Thank you.
- For what?
For the whiskey
you're going to bring me.
And what about Allende?
Would he like one too?
We're not disturbing you, are we?
Dear lady, sir, please
treat my poor house...
like the French embassy.
Are you out on a news hunt?
The scoop of the year?
A juicy piece on the latest difficulties
of socialism, Chile-style?
A brilliant piece of rewriting
for the intelligentsia of Paris?
No, that's not exactly
why I came.
You know, I'm not such
a bad journalist myself.
No, thanks.
And, although I don't enjoy...
intimate contact
with President Allende...
I'm beginning to harbor a suspicion...
that things are becoming
pretty explosive.
- You figured that out all on your own?
- All on my own.
You're right, Louis.
Things are heating up.
Our bourgeois and fascists are trying
to bring the Chilean class struggle...
to a higher temperature than
has ever been reached before.
The melting point.
Not to mention what our friends
the Americans are doing.
Take a look at the blockade.
Look at this boycott.
It's not pretty.
Yes, I've seen them. I sent
that very news to Paris yesterday.
I'd advise you to focus your articles
on the important role...
of the Chilean middle class
in the next few months.
More than important.
They're setting precedent.
Making history.
In the end, everything depends
on the middle class.
And the fascists know it too.
They're intimidating and
manipulating the women.
You've seen how shortages
have been "arranged."
Haven't you seen the way
they fix it so the middle class...
runs short of this, then that?
They want to drive them crazy,
that's all.
They've managed to persuade them
that we've split Chile in two.
The fascists are trying
to scare them to the point of panic...
at which point they will come running
like madmen...
to the right side of Chile...
their side.
- And does Frei go along with it?
- It's obvious what Frei's doing.
He's leaning further to the right,
trying to swing his voters with him.
The Christian Democrats.
Who are what? The middle class.
Frei's playing both sides
against the middle.
Ready to push either way.
- I see things a little differently.
- Yes?
Frei is moving over to the right...
the traditional conservative right...
because if they happen to win,
he'll be right up on top.
He'll take all the credit.
He'll be the only one around
who could unite the right wing.
The only acceptable president around.
A moderate. All things to all men!
You've got a point.
I'll give you that, Mr. Calve.
But the class struggle
is moving too quickly for Mr. Frei.
Djakarta.
I couldn't see who it was.
As I was just saying, it won't be long
before there's a war.
It's moving much too fast
for the old-guard conservatives.
Come on, where's that whiskey?
We can use it.
This goes into the archives...
with all the other
historical documents.
Right there,
in a place of honor.
DEATH
DJAKARTA
- Good morning, sir.
- Good morning. I'd like a room.
- Your papers, please.
- Here you are.
We interrupt our program
for a very important news bulletin.
The cabinet of President Allende
has announced that this morning...
a military uprising broke out.
Tanks are patrolling the streets.
Several armored units
have left their barracks.
President Allende will be addressing
the nation at any moment now.
Please stay tuned. We will broadcast
news bulletins on all developments.
We rejoin our musical programming.
It appears we're in
for another show.
Shall I give you a room
facing the courtyard?
No, I'd rather watch it.
Do you have a room with a view
overlooking the palace?
The Technical University
will fight fascism to the end!
I'm giving you three minutes
to come out with your hands up!
We won!
"Antifascist Rally Today
September 11, 1973"
The truckers are ready.
I can answer for my boys.
But they're fed up with the kind
of messing around that went on...
when they came out
in October last year.
They're ready to help you,
but they expect some cash on the line.
If they don't get it, the truth is
they're not interested.
Don't worry. I guarantee
the money is all arranged now.
Many things have changed
in the last four months.
- I hope so, because...
- No, let me finish.
This second strike you're going
to start may be long, but...
you can't lose.
Here are the figures.
Here's the backing.
You have to put thousands and thousands
of trucks out of action, right?
I can tell you right away that
we have all the money you want.
Six thousand escudos a week
for each truck.
- Will that be all right?
- It could be. But for how long?
- Three months.
- And after that?
In three months,
Allende will be finished.
But no matter how long it goes on,
three months, six months, nine months...
we'll have all the money we need.
- There's lots of loot around.
- I'll consult with my men.
Quickly, please.
I trust you'll know how to handle
the truckers who support Allende.
Gently, if you know what I mean.
Now, the sabotage program's
no problem.
Boom! Blow up bridges,
oil lines, generators.
The "Homeland and Liberty" people
draw up the orders every day.
- And the army?
- Slowly, my friend.
All in good time.
You tradesmen will go on strike
shortly after the truckers.
No half measures, huh?
Not one shop is to open,
not one restaurant...
not one supermarket,
not one gas station.
Have no fear, my friends.
There's enough cash for everyone.
Continue the shortages.
Hold back your stock.
That's working so far, isn't it?
What about your compensation?
No complaints?
The doctors will be next
to join the operation.
They've already agreed.
No more visits,
no more consultations...
not even any hospital service.
And now we come to the point
you were anxious to raise... the army.
But an army that's on safe ground.
The army's not very brave, you know.
It likes to go where
the ground's been cleared.
It likes to feel wanted...
called in by the people
when they can't take any more.
Saviors!
General meeting
at the community center.
No one has ever done
so much for the people...
as the Unidad Popular
in two years!
And that's why more and more
people vote for the left!
That's why the left recently got
ten percent more votes...
than when Salvador Allende
was elected!
That's why the others
are out to defeat us!
They've finally realized that,
whatever they do to stop it...
the number of people
voting for the left is increasing!
But, comrades, certain things
are still very bad.
We can't just let them continue.
The army is taking advantage
of the arms-control law...
to dismantle the leftist organizations,
leaving the fascists alone.
The truckers are on strike.
The tradesmen will be joining them.
But there's far worse, comrades,
and you know it.
There are doctors who
refuse to treat their patients.
It's a disgrace!
Personally, I think it's a crime.
We can't let this go on, comrades.
It's not a question
of elections anymore... it's war!
They want war!
So I appeal to you:
We must organize ourselves better.
Organize our defense.
Organize our own supplies.
We must organize power for the people,
power for the workers!
"For Chile, Against Allende"
President Allende has agreed to
your demands. "Truckers For Freedom"
Doesn't that change
anything for you?
Whether he accepts them or not,
it doesn't change a thing.
We've had it.
We want him out of Chile,
the sooner the better!
No bread, no sugar, no milk...
it's terrible!
It's been ten days
since we've seen any meat.
The bourgeoisie
are attacking in force...
because they know
that if they don't...
they're finished.
They know they're up against the wall.
We're going to see one hell of
a big battle one of these days.
But we're going to see it through.
There are two problems
of great importance to Chile.
First of all, the political opposition,
and the difficult economic situation.
Let's take the political situation:
There are two forms of opposition.
One is constitutional,
and the other...
is an opposition which conspires.
The subversive forces today
are becoming fascist.
What about
the United States, Senator?
It's President Allende's wish to have
normal relations with the United States.
But the United States has consistently
interfered in Chile's internal affairs.
Certain CIA operations have been
divulged in the United States Senate.
And they haven't only
interfered in Chile.
It's obvious the Marxists
will have to get out.
The strikes and everything.
Suffering. Sickness.
There will not be an end to it
as long as the Marxists are there.
They've got to be slaughtered!
I'm not afraid of saying it.
Those people must be killed!
I'm forced to act
ahead of schedule.
Why?
Secret information
has changed the situation.
I've seen Allende.
He told me he's going
to organize a plebiscite.
He said, "Mr. Commander in Chief,
don't repeat this...
but the country is going to vote."
We have to stop that at any cost.
We can't let him do it.
The Marxists are very shrewd
about votes and elections and all that.
They know all the tricks.
We can't let it happen.
General Pinochet,
did Allende mention any date?
I did what I could
to try and find that out.
As far as I can tell, he wants
to announce it Tuesday morning.
- We'll have to act!
- Tuesday at the latest.
I handled him very well.
He asked my opinion.
He asked,
"What about the army, Pinochet?"
I put him at ease.
I said to him,
"The army, Mr. President?
It never mixes in politics.
There's no room
for politics in the army.
It supports the constitution
and the elected government."
But we have to watch out
for General Prats.
He sees Allende regularly.
I know Allende wants to get rid of
a number of high-ranking officers.
He has a list already drawn up.
I've no doubt, gentlemen,
that list came from General Prats.
There's no reason to wait.
Allende doesn't question my loyalty.
No reason he would, but we mustn't do
anything that might arouse suspicion.
I'm playing a very subtle game.
But are we ready to act so soon?
No problem.
Santiago will fall like that!
The infantry will follow us.
We may have to push them a little.
- I'll look after it.
- So when do we go?
It's already Thursday the 6th.
Tuesday, sir.
Tuesday, the 11 th of September.
The important question is how
the industrial workers will react.
Yes.
I'll try to come by later.
Hold on a second.
Call Paris right away.
Read them the notes that I dictated
on Allende and La Moneda...
and add, "Tanks are already
outside La Moneda."
...the right to live
in safety and dignity.
Since the Allende regime
has disrupted national unity...
by artificially
fomenting a sterile...
and often cruel class struggle...
since this same regime is guilty...
of violating the right
to freedom of expression...
and the right to property...
since this illegal
and immoral regime...
does not represent
the true will of the people...
and to stop further abuses
imposed by this Allende regime...
the armed forces have
accepted the responsibility...
placed upon them
by their country.
The support of
a large national majority...
justifies, before God and history...
Long live Chile! Shit.
Come on, let's get to work.
Yes, Senator.
I must speak to the president
immediately.
Commander Sanchez
to see the president.
You can go right in, Commander.
Mr. President, under orders from
my superiors, I must leave the palace.
I have been with you longer
than anyone else, sir.
Will you allow me to say,
with all respect, sir...
you must accept
the conditions of surrender...
which have been offered to you
by the junta.
A plane is at your disposal...
to transport you
to any country you choose...
with the persons you choose.
I'm sure you'll recognize that these
are just and humane conditions.
All of the armed forces
have now joined the junta.
Mr. President, I know
you are courageous...
but to resist
makes no sense.
To die for the sake of dying
makes no sense.
This is the 5th Platoon.
We have to change our position.
Doctor Fonseca!
Where is Fonseca?
A doctor, in the name of God!
Call Fonseca!
"Fellow citizens...
in the light of events,
I can only say to all workers...
that I will not leave my post.
At this turning point
in our history...
I will pay with my life...
for the loyalty of the people.
I assure you I am confident...
that seeds sown
in the conscience...
of thousands of Chileans
cannot be forgotten forever.
It is within their power
to enslave us...
but they can't stop socialism...
through lawlessness and force.
History belongs to us.
It arises from the people.
Workers of my country...
thank you
for your unfailing loyalty...
for your confidence in a man...
who was no more than the means...
of realizing
a great desire for justice...
and who swore...
to uphold the constitution
and the law... and did so.
In this final moment...
my last chance
to speak with you...
I want you to benefit
from this lesson.
Foreign capital...
imperialism...
united with reactionary forces...
and created the climate...
that made the army
break with its tradition...
which Schneider had taught...
and was reaffirmed...
by Commander Araya.
Victim of reactionary forces...
who stand ready...
to seize power
with foreign help...
and protect their
profits and privileges.
Remember this.
It is inevitable
that a way is opening...
for all free men...
to build a better society.
Long live Chile!
Long live the people!
Long live the workers!
These are my last words.
I am certain that my sacrifice...
will not have been in vain."
So what are you waiting for?
First Platoon, fire!
Move your weapons
over here!
Take cover!
They're going to drop bombs.
They'll come in low!
On target! Looking good.
Absolutely perfect.
Line of fire perfect.
Attention, headquarters.
Fire on your command.
I repeat.
I repeat.
Fire on your command.
I want all women and unarmed personnel
to leave the palace. That's an order!
Another one!
Another one!
Here, here.
Listen to me. It's all over
for those Marxist bastards.
We've won!
Comrades, do as I ask you.
Quickly, comrades.
Go tell the people that the first battle
of the Chilean revolution...
has just begun!
- Olivares.
- Yes, I'm coming.
You must go, my dear.
I know you want a son...
but should you have
a daughter like yourself...
your father
would consider you lucky.
You!
How did you get through?
I just wanted to assure you
the whole world's with you.
But since you don't seem
to need my reassurance...
I'll get right to my second point.
The message begins,
"My dear Augusto...
I would be ecstatic to see you
make it out of this alive."
Yes, of course I will.
Whatever happens,
you can count on me.
It may seem a little foolish
to say it now, but...
To the basement, quick!
How many are there of us here?
Nineteen, I believe, comrade.
No. Eighteen.
Manuel just died.
I can't feel his pulse anymore.
- How are we for weapons?
- We need machine guns and bazookas.
We have to get some.
What time is it?
Ten minutes past one.
We've held out
for more than three hours.
The door.
They've shelled the main door.
- We can't hold them back now.
- Everyone out, quick!
I make a solemn pact...
with my own conscience
and with the people...
whose victory this is...
to uphold the cause...
of the workers.
I said once...
my only desire
is to serve you...
as your Comrade President.
Come out with your hands up!
It's all over!
Let them come across.
Cover them!
We're on your side.
What do you want?
Just to be with you.
We couldn't stay over there.
All right.
You're welcome here.
You'd better strengthen your defense,
especially in the center.
They're gonna throw everything at you
any moment now.
Right, comrade.
We know what to do.
What are they waiting for?
That means it won't be long.
Guys, we're just like you,
or maybe worse.
What do you think they'll do?
I don't know.
We'll soon see.
Say, Sergeant...
Listen.
Tanks.
- You knew they were coming?
- Yeah.
You should have told me earlier.
Why?
You have something
to stop tanks?
- No.
- All right, then.
Everybody out!
Drop your weapons!
Come out with your hands up!
You have one minute
to surrender!
It's your decision.
- What do you think?
- I agree with you.
- Agree with what?
- We can fight to the end.
Yes? I agree.
No? I agree too.
You have thirty seconds!
What do the rest of you think?
Say something, damn it!
I am worker Jorge Gonzalez...
in charge of this textile unit.
Supporter of the Unidad Popular.
I take full responsibility.
The others were just
obeying my orders.
The Marxist and the deserter.
Firing squad...
take your positions.
- At my command.
- Long live Allende!
Aim.
Fire!
Everybody out! Get out!
Come on, out!
You dirty red, move!
Come on, faster!
Everybody lie down.
On your stomachs!
Hands behind your head.
Behind your head, you hear?
Line up the prisoners!
Everybody out!
Come on, you swine.
Come on, you whores.
Get down like the rest.
Bitches!
Get in line.
Get them into two lines!
Come on, you queer,
or I'll stick my fist up your ass!
Bring the third group out here!
Come on, hurry up,
you red bastards!
He soiled his clothes!
Pig!
They call themselves students?
Filthy bunch!
- What's your name?
- Mario Santana.
What party do you belong to?
I'm a socialist.
My boy, listen.
It won't be pretty to see.
Wait until I'm 30 feet away.
I won't look back.
If you want to,
take your chances.
He's crying.
Hey, guys, I got a crier.
Don't hit me! Please!
Stop him! Bring him here!
I want him alive!
Be brave, comrades!
Sing with me! Sing!
Stop! Bring him here!
Go ahead.
Sing, my friend.
Show the fascist commander
how brave you are!
Go on. Sing!
Look at all these people.
They're your people.
You couldn't ask
for a better audience.
Go ahead. I'm listening.
Sing!
Sing!
That city which had been
the capital of hope...
is now the capital of terror.
In every district,
the hunt for the defeated goes on.
If you have an enemy,
call him a Marxist.
He'll be shot within hours.
I just spoke with John Barnes,
from Newsweek.
He was able
to get into the morgue.
When the junta says that only
Barnes counted
many more by himself.
He thinks the body count
will be in the thousands.
Foreign correspondents
are unable to work...
not only because of
communication difficulties...
but also because total censorship
is imposed on all media.
The world doesn't seem
to realize how far Chile...
politically the most mature country
in the Three Americas...
has plunged
into horror and barbarism.
In the universities, the directors
have been removed...
and replaced by army officers.
No classes are held in sociology
or even in philosophy.
The ideas of Plato
are considered radical.
I personally witnessed
one of these auto-da-fs.
Every day, priests are being
arrested, tortured or shot.
One can't count the number of artists,
intellectuals and journalists...
murdered or imprisoned.
Torture has become the rule
for interrogations.
Military tribunals hold sessions
day and night...
and regularly pronounce
the death sentence...
after a parody of a trial.
Knowing that the public is ignorant
of the events taking place...
the junta hopes
to justify its actions...
and to give the impression that
everything's back to normal.
However, the refugees continue
to flock to the embassies...
in such numbers that the United Nations
has decided to send...
their High Commissioner for Refugees
to Santiago...
as if Chile had been devastated
by a natural disaster.
I'd like to ask General Pinochet
a question.
Ask your question, sir.
General Pinochet, I'd like to ask
what may seem a technical question.
A military matter which
I think is of interest to everyone.
Go ahead.
Why was the order given
to bombard La Moneda?
Were the forces deployed
in front of La Moneda...
insufficient to overcome
President Allende's resistance?
All right.
Mr. Allende was absolutely
free to leave whenever he wanted.
We offered him that choice.
But he was trying to gain time...
so he could surprise us.
He had secret anti-tank weapons...
which could reach
a temperature of 5,000 degrees!
Five thousand degrees, gentlemen!
These special bazookas were capable
of firing on us from La Moneda.
No tank's armor
can withstand that heat.
So I had to order
our planes to attack...
because I didn't have
the moral right...
to sacrifice our men...
for the protection
of Mr. Allende's private guards...
who were nothing but
professional agitators...
who had been trained abroad.
I have another question.
I believe that a large number
of officers here in Chile...
have also been trained
in other countries.
To be more precise,
in the American bases in Panama.
Isn't that true about most
of the members of the junta?
That doesn't sound like a question.
It sounds more like an opinion.
There's a big difference
between an army...
in charge of the security
of a whole country...
and paramilitary groups in the service
of a subversive ideology.
If you want to know,
the existence of such a group...
was another reason
for our intervention.
While we're talking
about the United States...
I'm wondering whether the junta will
denationalize the copper mines.
It was President Allende
who nationalized them...
but only after a unanimous vote
in Parliament.
We are anxious to reestablish
a healthy relationship...
with the West...
and particularly
with the United States.
To that end...
Chile must show
proof of goodwill.
After the extravagances
of Mr. Allende's regime...
we have to restore
a stable economy...
based on supply and demand.
The copper mines will be returned
to their rightful owners.
You mean the American companies?
Yes, sir, because we are honest.
I'd like to know why questions of money
are always thrown in our faces!
I've spent 30 years as a navy man...
and you know how much
I have in the bank?
Twenty thousand escudos.
Not even $20.
If you don't believe me, you can
come and shoot me right now!
One more question, please.
Did President Allende
really commit suicide?
What evidence do you have?
The medical report, sir.
The finding is certain.
Allende pointed his gun
at his head and fired.
That doesn't exclude the possibility
that he was wounded beforehand.
There were powder burns...
but it was determined to be
a suicide without question.
I do not have a question
to ask, gentlemen.
However, I have to announce
the death of Pablo Neruda...
winner of the
Nobel Prize for Literature.
They're still afraid of Allende
even though he's dead.
They'll have to kill him
a second time.
They know the truth is
they'll never succeed in killing him...
in the hearts
of the Chilean people.
Look at what they've done
to the writer's house.
When you're back in Sweden,
you'll forget all this.
No, I won't forget.
We can't forget his conscience.
But now I've realized...
that nobody can be
a witness without a memory.
Chile made me understand
lots of things.
We're leaving tomorrow.
Will you be staying here
at the embassy?
During the occupation of France,
we also went through hard times.
We lost so many people,
so many friends.
What a wreck
they've made of this house!
It's not surprising.
Even on his deathbed...
Neruda was
too great a man for them.
It's not surprising.
Have you ever heard of
a fascist poet?
"The same men have come
to kill us
Yes, the same men
Who will come and burn us
They've left behind a pool
Let us seek there
for father, mother, son
Let us search in that pool
Search for your own
blood and bones
Search for them
among all the other bones
Now burned
They no longer belong to anyone
They belong to all
They are our bones
Seek your death in that death
Because the same men
lie in wait for you
And prepare to send you
to that same muddy pool"
Comrade Neruda!
- Now...
- And always!
Comrade Salvador Allende!
Present!
- Now...
- And always!
The people of Chile!
Yet once again...
our army prepares to write...
a glorious page...
in the history of Chile.
A page never to be forgotten.
On this day...
the 11 th of September, 1973...
I expect each one of you...
to show resolve and discipline...
a self-denial worthy...
of the grandeur and dignity
of our struggle.
What is at stake is no less than
the future of our glorious Chile!
Message for the president.
President's residence.
Go ahead.
Message from
the Minister of Internal Affairs.
Valparaiso announces return
of fleet at 5:00 this morning.
I repeat,
return of the fleet at 5:00.
Unitas 14, combined maneuvers
with United States Navy, halted.
Under whose orders?
"Workers Support Nationalization"
The army's in the street!
They've got tanks!
The army is against us!
Don't you understand? Tanks!
Take your positions.
We'll have to fight.
They're sending all their tanks out.
They're emptying the barracks.
Come on, wake up.
They mean business.
They even got dressed up for it.
Orange sweaters!
They're all in orange roll-neck sweaters
with a blue armband.
Sky blue. It's carnival time.
At least you'll be able to
recognize them. Real fashion models.
It would be funny
if they weren't so stupid!
Don't move.
Yes, I understand.
Where's that?
Who told you about it?
So?
No, you were right to call me.
Bye.
This is it.
The army's in the street.
It's what we've been expecting.
Why don't you call
Augusto Olivares?
- What?
- Call Augusto.
Message 216.
ELECTION NIGH
"Presidential Election
September 4, 1970"
Allende, 15.
When the complete results come in,
let me know. Understand?
Hang on.
We're going on the air.
It's exactly 10:40 p. m., and still
no word from the Interior Ministry.
As you all know,
the ministry has promised...
to announce the winner
by 10:00 p. m.
There doesn't seem to be
much doubt about who's won.
We can only ask ourselves
what the delay is.
Our reporter at the presidential palace
may have more. Over to La Moneda.
Here at the presidential palace...
we are still awaiting official
confirmation of the results.
Please calm down.
An official communiqu
will be issued...
in approximately one hour...
and no later than midnight,
I guarantee.
Mr. Tomic has 821,073 votes.
Frei's scared to death.
But the army wants to move in...
because they're afraid as well.
And Frei is afraid
of the army's fear.
One scared president plus one
scared army equals a coup d'tat.
That's too simple.
It's what they want, but first
they have to have a pretext.
The ball is in the court
of the Unidad Popular.
If they're politically mature,
they'll know what to do.
Exactly.
They're just kids.
Out there in the street, comrades!
That's where we ought to be.
In each neighborhood where
Unidad Popular won!
No one will steal our victory!
No, we're all assembled here...
to show we are united.
Make no mistake, comrade,
that the fascists...
are waiting for the first sign
of a break in our ranks.
Don't give them the chance!
They will fire on us!
They won't hesitate a second!
Quiet!
"Headquarters
Unidad Popular"
Salvador Allende, and no one else,
will decide when and how...
to demonstrate the strength
of the Unidad Popular this evening.
He is the only one who can
assess the situation...
minute by minute.
Rest assured, I shall remain
in constant contact with him.
General Valenzuela
phoned a moment ago.
He suggests that we refuse
to recognize Allende's victory.
Is that possible?
Technically speaking, is it?
What would happen?
We might bring it off. Allende has
a very small margin of victory.
It would be easy enough to say that
irregularities have been discovered.
That the Marxists
have falsified the results.
Valenzuela promises that
the army will support me.
- What an enormous responsibility!
- But do you have any choice?
It's the solution, Mr. President.
There's another plan.
More sophisticated.
The American ambassador suggests...
that I let a coup d'tat take place...
without being part of it.
I would go abroad for a time.
When the army has
reestablished order...
we hold new elections.
I would come back to head
a new coalition of moderates.
A Christian Democratic coalition.
In any case, you'll need
the support of the army.
If I were you,
I would call Valenzuela back.
You there, wake up and transmit
a message to the armored division.
Tell the colonel to get
the 2nd Regiment ready for action...
before midnight.
Ready to roll. We'll expect his report
no later than 23:35.
- Yes, sir.
- Then call President Frei.
The people united
will never be defeated!
This is a new order
to each leader.
Transmit a message to your district,
your commune, your sector.
You are ordered off the streets!
It's an order!
Salvador Allende doesn't want
any demonstrations.
He appeals to the self-discipline
of each comrade.
Comrades!
Comrades!
We have reports from several districts
that Unidad Popularmilitants...
are out in the streets tonight
celebrating their party's victory.
Will the forces of order intervene?
That is the question which remains
unanswered at this hour, 11:50 p. m.
Something seems to be happening
at La Moneda. Over to you, La Moneda.
Tanks!
That's right, armored units.
Lieutenant, what's happening?
I am here on behalf of
Senator Allende.
General Schneider
knows I'm coming.
Wait here.
The leaders of the Unidad Popular
have formed a delegation...
to meet with
the Minister of the Interior.
They demand an explanation for the
delay, which they consider inexcusable...
and disclaim any responsibility
for its consequences in any district.
- This way, please.
- Thank you.
- Good evening. If you please?
- General.
Thank you.
General, the presence of army tanks
at government headquarters...
implies the threat of military action
in matters of internal policy.
Senator Allende's victory
is now beyond doubt...
and he would appreciate it if you,
as commander in chief...
would take an official stand.
Allende: 76, 435.
Antofagasta:
Tomic, 82,938...
Allesandri, 52,124...
Allende, 87,914.
We'll continue
with these results later.
I believe there's a new development.
That's right.
I have confirmation
that Senator Radomiro Tomic...
the Christian Democratic candidate...
has just paid a visit
to Senator Salvador Allende...
to offer him, and I quote...
"the honor due the victor
from the vanquished."
Mr. Tomic has therefore
conceded Mr. Allende's victory.
But no word as yet from
the headquarters of President Frei...
who is in the same party as Tomic.
The results could hardly be
more conclusive...
and if there were any doubt...
Mr. Tomic would never make
what amounts to an unconditional...
Tomic is a traitor!
Major Ibanes, aide-de-camp
of General Schneider.
I'm here to bring you the orders
of the commander in chief.
General Schneider has decided
to authorize any demonstrations...
that may take place in support
of the successful candidate...
no matter who that is...
as soon as the Minister of the Interior
has proclaimed the official results.
The hours which
I have just lived through...
are surely the most painful
and most cruel of my life.
I wouldn't have believed
that a man...
as deeply Christian...
and as democratic as I am...
could be made to suffer
a more cruel experience.
I'm asking
the Minister of the Interior...
to publish the election results
immediately.
I assure you...
it's one thing to acknowledge
the results of an election...
but it's quite another to hand
the country over to communists.
Parliamentary procedures
leave us a lot of power.
We won't make his life easy.
Salvador Allende has won!
Comrades, President Allende,
the president-elect...
invites everyone to assemble in front
of the Chilean Student Federation.
Quiet, please. Hold it.
The president insisted on this.
Don't provoke the enemy!
Assemble quietly!
I will not be
simply another president.
I will be the first president...
in the history of Chile...
to lead a truly democratic...
and revolutionary
people's government.
General, may I remind you...
that we still have an armored unit
in front of the presidential palace?
Recall the 2nd Armored Regiment.
THE DAY OF THE COUP D'ETA
Come in, Valparaiso.
It's over an hour.
Valparaiso was
in touch with us at 5:16.
Since then, nothing.
- And the army?
- We're looking for it.
Don't worry. If there's a loyal regiment
left, we're bound to find it.
I'll tell the president.
- What about Valparaiso?
- Nothing, Mr. President.
Valparaiso doesn't answer.
We have no contact at all.
It was only yesterday that
the commander in chief...
told the president that the army
would respect the constitution...
and support
the government in power.
General Pinochet
gave his personal assurance.
- I'm optimistic.
- Don't let him fool you.
Pinochet is with the others.
In fact, he's really their leader.
They'll do whatever he says.
Don't you realize
Valparaiso will never reply?
- What time is it?
- 6:30.
Ask the operator how long
for a line to Paris.
Operator, how long a wait
for Paris, please?
One hour.
No, I don't have time.
I'll call later.
Thank you, operator.
I'm a student at the polytechnic.
I want to talk to your leaders.
Listen, Monique. If you don't hear
from me in an hour...
you must call Paris, okay?
It's 6:35.
Take this down. "Santiago,
the 11 th of September, 1973.
Yesterday, the Chilean fleet
suddenly broke off joint maneuvers...
Wait.
"It appears that
the authorities at Santiago...
have lost all contact
with Valparaiso."
Poor Augusto.
He said it was going
to start like this.
Remember the other evening
when he said that?
I know, and he was right.
Put this down.
"A usually reliable source..."
No. "A very reliable source...
stated that President Allende
had been informed...
that several ships
of the Chilean navy...
had aboard them intelligence agents
of the American navy...
and of the Brazilian navy.
The situation in Santiago
is still unclear...
but a confrontation seems imminent
in the next few hours."
Say hello to our comrades
in the other factories.
- What's your name?
- Hugo.
- Good luck, Hugo.
- Best of luck to you too.
I have to go to my house
for a few minutes, okay?
We have one aim:
To destroy Marxism!
A single opponent:
Every single friend of Marxism.
After today, it won't exist.
Our mission is clear.
We've been told that
not all the left is Marxist.
That may be so, but the left
plays into the Marxists' hands.
It plays into their hands
by splitting the country in two!
Since the communists
came to power...
they have been setting
one half of Chile against the other.
And so we hear our glorious Chile
once more calling to her loyal sons...
to her armed forces,
to help her in her hour of need.
You men have been chosen
for a proud mission...
on this 11 th of September.
Any man who doesn't agree
with what I've just said...
is free to state his opinion,
to have the courage of his convictions.
Is that all?
Nobody else?
Arrest them!
"State Technical University -
The People Against Fascism"
Get up! Come, wake up, all of you!
On your feet!
Come on, wake up, will you?
The army's moving...
tanks, the whole thing!
I got through to the radio station.
They'll start sending the message.
Call up every comrade
living near a barracks.
Don't speak when they answer.
Let it ring till they answer
and then hang up.
They know what they have to do!
Okay, get going. Fast!
A pleasant day to you
from Radio Chile.
Today, Tuesday, the 11 th of September,
we begin our program...
a little earlier than usual.
How about something funny?
Something crazy to start the day?
How about this?
Today, the 11 th of September...
so close to springtime...
would you believe it's raining
on Santiago and Easter Island?
Yes, ladies and gentlemen,
strange but true.
It's raining on Santiago
and on Easter Island.
The army has one mission:
To quickly bring to an end...
as peacefully as possible to the chaos
caused by the Marxist regime.
Tell us, are you for the army
or for the Marxists?
- I'm for the army!
- Dismissed!
Lieutenant Herrera, 7 th Company.
Herrera, let's talk man to man.
We're aware of your leanings.
In my opinion, it's no more
than youthful exuberance.
But today, Herrera,
the army itself is being threatened.
The army in which you have
the honor to serve...
in the accomplishment
of its glorious purpose.
It's your choice, Herrera.
If the destiny you mention
includes the ousting...
of the legal government
of President Allende...
don't count on me.
In the name of everything
the army ever taught me...
in the name of the honor
I am proud to have upheld...
I won't obey any order
of this nature.
Yes, it's really raining
on Santiago and Easter Island.
Call right away. It's a riddle of course,
but I'm sure you've already solved it.
So hurry and call in.
You could win a fine work of art.
Well?
All the garrisons in Santiago
are preparing to go against us, sir.
Many of our comrades...
say they heard rifle reports
at the garrison at Buin.
It appears they've been
shooting the soldiers...
who refused to march
against the president.
I see.
What does my friend
Olivares think?
I think it's the moment
of truth, Salvador.
That's the bullfighter in you talking.
Well, it's time to enter the arena.
I ought to be at my post.
We'll all go to my office
in La Moneda.
I'm not going on a picnic.
Can I have your little cow?
All right? I'll keep it.
A cow with so much milk
will bring me luck.
A real good-luck charm.
See you soon, comrades.
You're the men of the house now.
Show what big men you are.
Let's go.
No getting up to tricks, men.
Comrade.
Jose, if there's any shooting,
watch yourself, please.
Don't you worry. We know
how to deal with the fascists.
They've got to be stopped
once and for all.
Look after the boys, Maria,
and be a brave girl.
"May 14, 1971"
Words alone cannot
express the thanks...
of the workers of this factory
to the Unidad Popular...
for all it has done for us
in the last eight months.
First of all, dignity.
A dignity that we as workers
had been denied...
because our bosses sought
to humiliate and frighten us.
It has brought us nationalization.
The country still needs
much more nationalization...
and there will be much more!
I've just been told
that we have with us today...
a man who is better placed
to tell us about this.
The Minister of Finance,
Comrade Pedro Vuskovic!
I have to warn you,
I'm no orator.
It's better if I talk in figures.
But since the nationalization of copper
is on everybody's mind these days...
I'll try to explain
with the help of a few statistics.
We have in Chile the largest
open-face copper mine in the world.
We also have the largest underground
copper mines in the world.
For 42 years, the United States
has exploited this wealth.
In 42 years...
do you know how much
American companies...
have invested in all these mines?
Twenty million dollars.
In the same period, do you know
how much these same companies...
have exported to the United States...
as profits made in Chile?
$4,200,000,000!
See, comrades?
That's why we nationalized copper.
We are going to go on
nationalizing our industries...
because in almost all sectors,
you find similar statistics.
This is the only way of guaranteeing
that Chile's wealth goes to its people!
But take care, comrades.
You must stay vigilant.
Get ready for a hard fight.
Be ready to see all our initiatives
attacked by the bourgeoisie.
Here's a recent example.
We guarantee a pint of milk a day
for every child in the country.
Some of these children
had never drunk milk at all.
What happened? Rich women
are furious that there's no milk...
for their pastries,
their fancy desserts...
or their beauty creams!
Comrades!
Everywhere you look,
it's the same thing.
It's to stop you that
they've organized the black market.
It's to stop you that
they're hoarding everything.
It's to stop you that
their American friends...
are preparing a boycott
to cripple the economy.
But you can be sure that
the Unidad Popular...
and President Allende...
will fight to the end
against fascism...
until it's crushed
once and for all...
if you are with us.
Our comrades want to see
their minister dance the cueca.
All right.
A tango, if you insist.
Quiet, comrades.
This is a democracy, comrades!
The minister voted for a tango.
That's his right.
"In Today's Chile
All Children Are Entitled To Milk"
My friends, it's already 7:12
on the 11 th of September, 1973...
with spring just around the corner.
I'm sorry to have to tell you
that it's still raining heavily...
on Santiago and Easter Island.
Silence!
Calm down and listen to me.
Silence.
Split into three groups.
The first group barricades
the entrances and passageways.
The second sets up first-aid stations.
The third gathers student records
to destroy them quickly if necessary.
We're going to La Moneda.
We leave in five minutes.
Take whatever you need.
My darling.
How are you, my darling?
I know there isn't much time.
There isn't any time.
I understand.
Darling, please be very careful.
No, I don't want to discourage you,
I would like to give you...
all the courage in the world!
I want you to live!
You must live, you understand?
I only want you...
to do everything you can,
everything possible and honorable...
to come back to me safe,
understand?
I haven't seen you in weeks.
I need you so badly
I can't stand it.
Why?
It's my same old fever: Politics.
It's a lot older than
the class struggle.
After all, Maria, it's a fact.
When you get involved
in this wretched class struggle...
it's also a love story, isn't it?
Yes.
Olivares! The president
wants to see you. Quickly!
Listen.
I'll call you back
when we're done with the fascists.
Maybe not today...
but it'll be soon.
I'll call you back.
No matter where I am, I'll call you.
I love you too.
Very much.
Be careful.
I love you.
It's simple, isn't it?
You know, you're getting
very complicated.
No, I'm not.
Work can be simple too.
Revolutionaries are
such a boring lot!
You're wrong. There's nothing
more romantic than a revolutionary.
To look at you,
that's hard to believe.
That's different.
I was talking about revolutionaries.
- You mean you're not one?
- Of course not.
I'm an assistant, a laborer,
a kitchen hand.
I'm... I don't know...
I'm the house dog!
Kiss me.
Not bad.
Now, kiss me like a kitchen hand.
No.
Please.
I promised President Allende
all this for tomorrow.
Always Allende. Why don't you
marry him? It would be simpler.
He says I'm too ugly.
Idiot!
I forbid you to talk like that
about the president of Chile!
- Thank you.
- For what?
For the whiskey
you're going to bring me.
And what about Allende?
Would he like one too?
We're not disturbing you, are we?
Dear lady, sir, please
treat my poor house...
like the French embassy.
Are you out on a news hunt?
The scoop of the year?
A juicy piece on the latest difficulties
of socialism, Chile-style?
A brilliant piece of rewriting
for the intelligentsia of Paris?
No, that's not exactly
why I came.
You know, I'm not such
a bad journalist myself.
No, thanks.
And, although I don't enjoy...
intimate contact
with President Allende...
I'm beginning to harbor a suspicion...
that things are becoming
pretty explosive.
- You figured that out all on your own?
- All on my own.
You're right, Louis.
Things are heating up.
Our bourgeois and fascists are trying
to bring the Chilean class struggle...
to a higher temperature than
has ever been reached before.
The melting point.
Not to mention what our friends
the Americans are doing.
Take a look at the blockade.
Look at this boycott.
It's not pretty.
Yes, I've seen them. I sent
that very news to Paris yesterday.
I'd advise you to focus your articles
on the important role...
of the Chilean middle class
in the next few months.
More than important.
They're setting precedent.
Making history.
In the end, everything depends
on the middle class.
And the fascists know it too.
They're intimidating and
manipulating the women.
You've seen how shortages
have been "arranged."
Haven't you seen the way
they fix it so the middle class...
runs short of this, then that?
They want to drive them crazy,
that's all.
They've managed to persuade them
that we've split Chile in two.
The fascists are trying
to scare them to the point of panic...
at which point they will come running
like madmen...
to the right side of Chile...
their side.
- And does Frei go along with it?
- It's obvious what Frei's doing.
He's leaning further to the right,
trying to swing his voters with him.
The Christian Democrats.
Who are what? The middle class.
Frei's playing both sides
against the middle.
Ready to push either way.
- I see things a little differently.
- Yes?
Frei is moving over to the right...
the traditional conservative right...
because if they happen to win,
he'll be right up on top.
He'll take all the credit.
He'll be the only one around
who could unite the right wing.
The only acceptable president around.
A moderate. All things to all men!
You've got a point.
I'll give you that, Mr. Calve.
But the class struggle
is moving too quickly for Mr. Frei.
Djakarta.
I couldn't see who it was.
As I was just saying, it won't be long
before there's a war.
It's moving much too fast
for the old-guard conservatives.
Come on, where's that whiskey?
We can use it.
This goes into the archives...
with all the other
historical documents.
Right there,
in a place of honor.
DEATH
DJAKARTA
- Good morning, sir.
- Good morning. I'd like a room.
- Your papers, please.
- Here you are.
We interrupt our program
for a very important news bulletin.
The cabinet of President Allende
has announced that this morning...
a military uprising broke out.
Tanks are patrolling the streets.
Several armored units
have left their barracks.
President Allende will be addressing
the nation at any moment now.
Please stay tuned. We will broadcast
news bulletins on all developments.
We rejoin our musical programming.
It appears we're in
for another show.
Shall I give you a room
facing the courtyard?
No, I'd rather watch it.
Do you have a room with a view
overlooking the palace?
The Technical University
will fight fascism to the end!
I'm giving you three minutes
to come out with your hands up!
We won!
"Antifascist Rally Today
September 11, 1973"
The truckers are ready.
I can answer for my boys.
But they're fed up with the kind
of messing around that went on...
when they came out
in October last year.
They're ready to help you,
but they expect some cash on the line.
If they don't get it, the truth is
they're not interested.
Don't worry. I guarantee
the money is all arranged now.
Many things have changed
in the last four months.
- I hope so, because...
- No, let me finish.
This second strike you're going
to start may be long, but...
you can't lose.
Here are the figures.
Here's the backing.
You have to put thousands and thousands
of trucks out of action, right?
I can tell you right away that
we have all the money you want.
Six thousand escudos a week
for each truck.
- Will that be all right?
- It could be. But for how long?
- Three months.
- And after that?
In three months,
Allende will be finished.
But no matter how long it goes on,
three months, six months, nine months...
we'll have all the money we need.
- There's lots of loot around.
- I'll consult with my men.
Quickly, please.
I trust you'll know how to handle
the truckers who support Allende.
Gently, if you know what I mean.
Now, the sabotage program's
no problem.
Boom! Blow up bridges,
oil lines, generators.
The "Homeland and Liberty" people
draw up the orders every day.
- And the army?
- Slowly, my friend.
All in good time.
You tradesmen will go on strike
shortly after the truckers.
No half measures, huh?
Not one shop is to open,
not one restaurant...
not one supermarket,
not one gas station.
Have no fear, my friends.
There's enough cash for everyone.
Continue the shortages.
Hold back your stock.
That's working so far, isn't it?
What about your compensation?
No complaints?
The doctors will be next
to join the operation.
They've already agreed.
No more visits,
no more consultations...
not even any hospital service.
And now we come to the point
you were anxious to raise... the army.
But an army that's on safe ground.
The army's not very brave, you know.
It likes to go where
the ground's been cleared.
It likes to feel wanted...
called in by the people
when they can't take any more.
Saviors!
General meeting
at the community center.
No one has ever done
so much for the people...
as the Unidad Popular
in two years!
And that's why more and more
people vote for the left!
That's why the left recently got
ten percent more votes...
than when Salvador Allende
was elected!
That's why the others
are out to defeat us!
They've finally realized that,
whatever they do to stop it...
the number of people
voting for the left is increasing!
But, comrades, certain things
are still very bad.
We can't just let them continue.
The army is taking advantage
of the arms-control law...
to dismantle the leftist organizations,
leaving the fascists alone.
The truckers are on strike.
The tradesmen will be joining them.
But there's far worse, comrades,
and you know it.
There are doctors who
refuse to treat their patients.
It's a disgrace!
Personally, I think it's a crime.
We can't let this go on, comrades.
It's not a question
of elections anymore... it's war!
They want war!
So I appeal to you:
We must organize ourselves better.
Organize our defense.
Organize our own supplies.
We must organize power for the people,
power for the workers!
"For Chile, Against Allende"
President Allende has agreed to
your demands. "Truckers For Freedom"
Doesn't that change
anything for you?
Whether he accepts them or not,
it doesn't change a thing.
We've had it.
We want him out of Chile,
the sooner the better!
No bread, no sugar, no milk...
it's terrible!
It's been ten days
since we've seen any meat.
The bourgeoisie
are attacking in force...
because they know
that if they don't...
they're finished.
They know they're up against the wall.
We're going to see one hell of
a big battle one of these days.
But we're going to see it through.
There are two problems
of great importance to Chile.
First of all, the political opposition,
and the difficult economic situation.
Let's take the political situation:
There are two forms of opposition.
One is constitutional,
and the other...
is an opposition which conspires.
The subversive forces today
are becoming fascist.
What about
the United States, Senator?
It's President Allende's wish to have
normal relations with the United States.
But the United States has consistently
interfered in Chile's internal affairs.
Certain CIA operations have been
divulged in the United States Senate.
And they haven't only
interfered in Chile.
It's obvious the Marxists
will have to get out.
The strikes and everything.
Suffering. Sickness.
There will not be an end to it
as long as the Marxists are there.
They've got to be slaughtered!
I'm not afraid of saying it.
Those people must be killed!
I'm forced to act
ahead of schedule.
Why?
Secret information
has changed the situation.
I've seen Allende.
He told me he's going
to organize a plebiscite.
He said, "Mr. Commander in Chief,
don't repeat this...
but the country is going to vote."
We have to stop that at any cost.
We can't let him do it.
The Marxists are very shrewd
about votes and elections and all that.
They know all the tricks.
We can't let it happen.
General Pinochet,
did Allende mention any date?
I did what I could
to try and find that out.
As far as I can tell, he wants
to announce it Tuesday morning.
- We'll have to act!
- Tuesday at the latest.
I handled him very well.
He asked my opinion.
He asked,
"What about the army, Pinochet?"
I put him at ease.
I said to him,
"The army, Mr. President?
It never mixes in politics.
There's no room
for politics in the army.
It supports the constitution
and the elected government."
But we have to watch out
for General Prats.
He sees Allende regularly.
I know Allende wants to get rid of
a number of high-ranking officers.
He has a list already drawn up.
I've no doubt, gentlemen,
that list came from General Prats.
There's no reason to wait.
Allende doesn't question my loyalty.
No reason he would, but we mustn't do
anything that might arouse suspicion.
I'm playing a very subtle game.
But are we ready to act so soon?
No problem.
Santiago will fall like that!
The infantry will follow us.
We may have to push them a little.
- I'll look after it.
- So when do we go?
It's already Thursday the 6th.
Tuesday, sir.
Tuesday, the 11 th of September.
The important question is how
the industrial workers will react.
Yes.
I'll try to come by later.
Hold on a second.
Call Paris right away.
Read them the notes that I dictated
on Allende and La Moneda...
and add, "Tanks are already
outside La Moneda."
...the right to live
in safety and dignity.
Since the Allende regime
has disrupted national unity...
by artificially
fomenting a sterile...
and often cruel class struggle...
since this same regime is guilty...
of violating the right
to freedom of expression...
and the right to property...
since this illegal
and immoral regime...
does not represent
the true will of the people...
and to stop further abuses
imposed by this Allende regime...
the armed forces have
accepted the responsibility...
placed upon them
by their country.
The support of
a large national majority...
justifies, before God and history...
Long live Chile! Shit.
Come on, let's get to work.
Yes, Senator.
I must speak to the president
immediately.
Commander Sanchez
to see the president.
You can go right in, Commander.
Mr. President, under orders from
my superiors, I must leave the palace.
I have been with you longer
than anyone else, sir.
Will you allow me to say,
with all respect, sir...
you must accept
the conditions of surrender...
which have been offered to you
by the junta.
A plane is at your disposal...
to transport you
to any country you choose...
with the persons you choose.
I'm sure you'll recognize that these
are just and humane conditions.
All of the armed forces
have now joined the junta.
Mr. President, I know
you are courageous...
but to resist
makes no sense.
To die for the sake of dying
makes no sense.
This is the 5th Platoon.
We have to change our position.
Doctor Fonseca!
Where is Fonseca?
A doctor, in the name of God!
Call Fonseca!
"Fellow citizens...
in the light of events,
I can only say to all workers...
that I will not leave my post.
At this turning point
in our history...
I will pay with my life...
for the loyalty of the people.
I assure you I am confident...
that seeds sown
in the conscience...
of thousands of Chileans
cannot be forgotten forever.
It is within their power
to enslave us...
but they can't stop socialism...
through lawlessness and force.
History belongs to us.
It arises from the people.
Workers of my country...
thank you
for your unfailing loyalty...
for your confidence in a man...
who was no more than the means...
of realizing
a great desire for justice...
and who swore...
to uphold the constitution
and the law... and did so.
In this final moment...
my last chance
to speak with you...
I want you to benefit
from this lesson.
Foreign capital...
imperialism...
united with reactionary forces...
and created the climate...
that made the army
break with its tradition...
which Schneider had taught...
and was reaffirmed...
by Commander Araya.
Victim of reactionary forces...
who stand ready...
to seize power
with foreign help...
and protect their
profits and privileges.
Remember this.
It is inevitable
that a way is opening...
for all free men...
to build a better society.
Long live Chile!
Long live the people!
Long live the workers!
These are my last words.
I am certain that my sacrifice...
will not have been in vain."
So what are you waiting for?
First Platoon, fire!
Move your weapons
over here!
Take cover!
They're going to drop bombs.
They'll come in low!
On target! Looking good.
Absolutely perfect.
Line of fire perfect.
Attention, headquarters.
Fire on your command.
I repeat.
I repeat.
Fire on your command.
I want all women and unarmed personnel
to leave the palace. That's an order!
Another one!
Another one!
Here, here.
Listen to me. It's all over
for those Marxist bastards.
We've won!
Comrades, do as I ask you.
Quickly, comrades.
Go tell the people that the first battle
of the Chilean revolution...
has just begun!
- Olivares.
- Yes, I'm coming.
You must go, my dear.
I know you want a son...
but should you have
a daughter like yourself...
your father
would consider you lucky.
You!
How did you get through?
I just wanted to assure you
the whole world's with you.
But since you don't seem
to need my reassurance...
I'll get right to my second point.
The message begins,
"My dear Augusto...
I would be ecstatic to see you
make it out of this alive."
Yes, of course I will.
Whatever happens,
you can count on me.
It may seem a little foolish
to say it now, but...
To the basement, quick!
How many are there of us here?
Nineteen, I believe, comrade.
No. Eighteen.
Manuel just died.
I can't feel his pulse anymore.
- How are we for weapons?
- We need machine guns and bazookas.
We have to get some.
What time is it?
Ten minutes past one.
We've held out
for more than three hours.
The door.
They've shelled the main door.
- We can't hold them back now.
- Everyone out, quick!
I make a solemn pact...
with my own conscience
and with the people...
whose victory this is...
to uphold the cause...
of the workers.
I said once...
my only desire
is to serve you...
as your Comrade President.
Come out with your hands up!
It's all over!
Let them come across.
Cover them!
We're on your side.
What do you want?
Just to be with you.
We couldn't stay over there.
All right.
You're welcome here.
You'd better strengthen your defense,
especially in the center.
They're gonna throw everything at you
any moment now.
Right, comrade.
We know what to do.
What are they waiting for?
That means it won't be long.
Guys, we're just like you,
or maybe worse.
What do you think they'll do?
I don't know.
We'll soon see.
Say, Sergeant...
Listen.
Tanks.
- You knew they were coming?
- Yeah.
You should have told me earlier.
Why?
You have something
to stop tanks?
- No.
- All right, then.
Everybody out!
Drop your weapons!
Come out with your hands up!
You have one minute
to surrender!
It's your decision.
- What do you think?
- I agree with you.
- Agree with what?
- We can fight to the end.
Yes? I agree.
No? I agree too.
You have thirty seconds!
What do the rest of you think?
Say something, damn it!
I am worker Jorge Gonzalez...
in charge of this textile unit.
Supporter of the Unidad Popular.
I take full responsibility.
The others were just
obeying my orders.
The Marxist and the deserter.
Firing squad...
take your positions.
- At my command.
- Long live Allende!
Aim.
Fire!
Everybody out! Get out!
Come on, out!
You dirty red, move!
Come on, faster!
Everybody lie down.
On your stomachs!
Hands behind your head.
Behind your head, you hear?
Line up the prisoners!
Everybody out!
Come on, you swine.
Come on, you whores.
Get down like the rest.
Bitches!
Get in line.
Get them into two lines!
Come on, you queer,
or I'll stick my fist up your ass!
Bring the third group out here!
Come on, hurry up,
you red bastards!
He soiled his clothes!
Pig!
They call themselves students?
Filthy bunch!
- What's your name?
- Mario Santana.
What party do you belong to?
I'm a socialist.
My boy, listen.
It won't be pretty to see.
Wait until I'm 30 feet away.
I won't look back.
If you want to,
take your chances.
He's crying.
Hey, guys, I got a crier.
Don't hit me! Please!
Stop him! Bring him here!
I want him alive!
Be brave, comrades!
Sing with me! Sing!
Stop! Bring him here!
Go ahead.
Sing, my friend.
Show the fascist commander
how brave you are!
Go on. Sing!
Look at all these people.
They're your people.
You couldn't ask
for a better audience.
Go ahead. I'm listening.
Sing!
Sing!
That city which had been
the capital of hope...
is now the capital of terror.
In every district,
the hunt for the defeated goes on.
If you have an enemy,
call him a Marxist.
He'll be shot within hours.
I just spoke with John Barnes,
from Newsweek.
He was able
to get into the morgue.
When the junta says that only
Barnes counted
many more by himself.
He thinks the body count
will be in the thousands.
Foreign correspondents
are unable to work...
not only because of
communication difficulties...
but also because total censorship
is imposed on all media.
The world doesn't seem
to realize how far Chile...
politically the most mature country
in the Three Americas...
has plunged
into horror and barbarism.
In the universities, the directors
have been removed...
and replaced by army officers.
No classes are held in sociology
or even in philosophy.
The ideas of Plato
are considered radical.
I personally witnessed
one of these auto-da-fs.
Every day, priests are being
arrested, tortured or shot.
One can't count the number of artists,
intellectuals and journalists...
murdered or imprisoned.
Torture has become the rule
for interrogations.
Military tribunals hold sessions
day and night...
and regularly pronounce
the death sentence...
after a parody of a trial.
Knowing that the public is ignorant
of the events taking place...
the junta hopes
to justify its actions...
and to give the impression that
everything's back to normal.
However, the refugees continue
to flock to the embassies...
in such numbers that the United Nations
has decided to send...
their High Commissioner for Refugees
to Santiago...
as if Chile had been devastated
by a natural disaster.
I'd like to ask General Pinochet
a question.
Ask your question, sir.
General Pinochet, I'd like to ask
what may seem a technical question.
A military matter which
I think is of interest to everyone.
Go ahead.
Why was the order given
to bombard La Moneda?
Were the forces deployed
in front of La Moneda...
insufficient to overcome
President Allende's resistance?
All right.
Mr. Allende was absolutely
free to leave whenever he wanted.
We offered him that choice.
But he was trying to gain time...
so he could surprise us.
He had secret anti-tank weapons...
which could reach
a temperature of 5,000 degrees!
Five thousand degrees, gentlemen!
These special bazookas were capable
of firing on us from La Moneda.
No tank's armor
can withstand that heat.
So I had to order
our planes to attack...
because I didn't have
the moral right...
to sacrifice our men...
for the protection
of Mr. Allende's private guards...
who were nothing but
professional agitators...
who had been trained abroad.
I have another question.
I believe that a large number
of officers here in Chile...
have also been trained
in other countries.
To be more precise,
in the American bases in Panama.
Isn't that true about most
of the members of the junta?
That doesn't sound like a question.
It sounds more like an opinion.
There's a big difference
between an army...
in charge of the security
of a whole country...
and paramilitary groups in the service
of a subversive ideology.
If you want to know,
the existence of such a group...
was another reason
for our intervention.
While we're talking
about the United States...
I'm wondering whether the junta will
denationalize the copper mines.
It was President Allende
who nationalized them...
but only after a unanimous vote
in Parliament.
We are anxious to reestablish
a healthy relationship...
with the West...
and particularly
with the United States.
To that end...
Chile must show
proof of goodwill.
After the extravagances
of Mr. Allende's regime...
we have to restore
a stable economy...
based on supply and demand.
The copper mines will be returned
to their rightful owners.
You mean the American companies?
Yes, sir, because we are honest.
I'd like to know why questions of money
are always thrown in our faces!
I've spent 30 years as a navy man...
and you know how much
I have in the bank?
Twenty thousand escudos.
Not even $20.
If you don't believe me, you can
come and shoot me right now!
One more question, please.
Did President Allende
really commit suicide?
What evidence do you have?
The medical report, sir.
The finding is certain.
Allende pointed his gun
at his head and fired.
That doesn't exclude the possibility
that he was wounded beforehand.
There were powder burns...
but it was determined to be
a suicide without question.
I do not have a question
to ask, gentlemen.
However, I have to announce
the death of Pablo Neruda...
winner of the
Nobel Prize for Literature.
They're still afraid of Allende
even though he's dead.
They'll have to kill him
a second time.
They know the truth is
they'll never succeed in killing him...
in the hearts
of the Chilean people.
Look at what they've done
to the writer's house.
When you're back in Sweden,
you'll forget all this.
No, I won't forget.
We can't forget his conscience.
But now I've realized...
that nobody can be
a witness without a memory.
Chile made me understand
lots of things.
We're leaving tomorrow.
Will you be staying here
at the embassy?
During the occupation of France,
we also went through hard times.
We lost so many people,
so many friends.
What a wreck
they've made of this house!
It's not surprising.
Even on his deathbed...
Neruda was
too great a man for them.
It's not surprising.
Have you ever heard of
a fascist poet?
"The same men have come
to kill us
Yes, the same men
Who will come and burn us
They've left behind a pool
Let us seek there
for father, mother, son
Let us search in that pool
Search for your own
blood and bones
Search for them
among all the other bones
Now burned
They no longer belong to anyone
They belong to all
They are our bones
Seek your death in that death
Because the same men
lie in wait for you
And prepare to send you
to that same muddy pool"
Comrade Neruda!
- Now...
- And always!
Comrade Salvador Allende!
Present!
- Now...
- And always!
The people of Chile!