This video is a restored and remastered version of the 1953 Albanian film "Skanderbeg," presented with English subtitles. It chronicles the life and struggles of Gjergj Kastrioti, known as Skanderbeg, the national hero of Albania, as he leads his people against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. The film depicts his rise from a young hostage to a legendary warrior and leader, highlighting his battles, political maneuvering, and dedication to his homeland's freedom.
SKANDERBEGThe Great Warrior of Albania Script writer: M. PapavaSong Lyrics: Llazar Siliqi General Director:Sergej Jutkevi Director of Photography:E. Andrikanis Directors: M. AnxhaparixeM.Gomorov, Viktor Stratobërdha Camera: A. AhmetovaL. Kranjenkov Painter:I. Shpinel Composers: J. Sviridov Çesk ZadejaSound Engineer: B. Volski Costumes: Make up artist:M. Çikirjov Ballet Master: Panajot KanaçiPost-production: K. Alejeva Painter L. AleksandrovskajaOperator: G. Ajzenberg Director of Voiceovers:V. Suhobokov The film was dubbed in Albanianby national theatre actors. Consultants: Prof. Aleks Buda Prof.A. Miler Directors: J. SvetozarovJ. Zvonkov Starring A. Horavaas Gjergj Kastriot I, aka Skanderbeg Conducted by C. Gamburg.General Orchestra of Cinematography Center A Product of "Mosfilm" and"New Albania" Cinema Studios, 1953 In the western part of the Balkan Peninsulalies a mountainous region called Albania, inhabited by a brave people that maintainedtheir love of liberty through the centuries On the eve of the 15th century,Turkish hordes came to conquer... Let go off him! Let go off him, I said! In this land of demons,not even women know how to weep ... In the castles and towns of the princethat did not surrender to the authority of the High Sultanand Gjon of the Kastriots, we command our armies to maintain order so that no harm shall come to the Kastriots in the future and so that they do not attempt to resistthe powerful Turkish authority. Moreover, we demand thatGjon Kastriot's sons, to be taken and held hostage in Adrianople. A host of 300 Albanian cavalrymenmay accompany the children to the Sultan,where they shall be his warriors. This edict bearsthe heavy seal of Sultan Murad II. May Allah bless his name! So, Gjon Kastriot... The day for you to be separatedfrom your children has come! Come on! Dirty Arnaut! It looks like this puppy can bite! He'll make a name for himselfas a soldier for the Sultan. Behold, my son! This is your land.Your Fatherland! Your wife was my Gjergj's nurse, Marash. You must always be close by. You must be the eyes and earsof the Fatherland. Should my childrenforget the land of their ancestors, you will answer to God and to me. Do you understand, Marash? No grave shall hold meif you will fail me. Twenty years later. Adrianople.The residence of Sultan Murad II. Our cities on the Albanian coast aresignificant trading posts. Its roads pass throughthe lands of the Kastriots. The great doge of Venicehas asked me whether it's truethat you want to gift Skanderbeg all the lands left to himby Gjon Kastriot, his father? [Proverb in Turkish] A promise madeis not a promise kept. Albania will be aTurkish province, and nothing more! [Speaks in Turkish] What else are you trying to tell me? The Hungarian and Polisharmies of Vladislaus are preparing to make war upon Turkey. We are informed that the commandwill be entrusted to John Hunyadi, Voivode of Transylvania. He is a highly capableand fearless commander. So, the flies want to mess with the lion. In Allah's namewe shall end them! The Ottomans will burnall who defy them without mercy! It is not fitting to rage soin the presence of friends, my son. -I don't want the Christians' friendship.-[Speaks in Turkish] Quiet! I didn't ask what you think. You are still too young to get involvedwith the affairs of you father. Go! Try some hunting. And hope our friend will excuse the tempers of youth. Oh, please! I know the plansof the Hungarians. There is no stronger place than Turkey, What a mad war,poor Skanderbeg, He's covered himself in much glory, So much that he forgotthe meaning of Fatherland, He's covered himself in much glory, That he forgot the meaningof Fatherland Who taught you this song? Who, cursed dervish? Tell me! Tanush they call me, from the noble Thopia family. Clothed in rags and barefootI have followed your caravan. To meet with you. The leaders of the landare fighting among themselves. Know this - the people long for you. Mothers do not weep for their sonsmurdered by the Turks. They wait for you. The blacksmiths in the mountainsare forging swords. They await you, Gjergj. It is not the first time peoplehave come to you from Albania, but now our patience is spentand all the people expect you, as soon as possible. Marash, do you thinkBallaban is bringing him? The Hungarians threaten me with war... John Hunyadi leads them. They say he's a great commander. You will crush him! And become greater than he! You will be First Sword of the empire. They brought youas a child here, Skanderbeg. I raised you andmade you a warrior. You lead my janissaries in battle. At first they were unhappy, but I alone believed in you. As the son of a foreign prince, I gave you the name Iskandar, in honor of Alexander of Macedonia. You may talk to me without hesitation. Ask and I can give youthe lands of your father. If I were a grand vizier, listening to us,here behind this cage, I, too, could become cunning. But I am only a soldier, who honors the goodnessof the Great Sultan. Allah![Continues in Turkish] You write about the historyof the Ottomans and therein describe my triumphs. But we have never talked together. I have cometo learn from you. How my battle will fare? I am not a prophet,nor an astrologer. But you will defeat Hunyadi. Hunyadi is a skilled commander; perhaps I will losethe battle tomorrow? Then another will win. And you think that no one can breakthe Ottoman army? Why? Warriors do not caremuch for knowledge. You are the first tocome talk with me. Fine, then, I will explain. The progress of all historygoes like this, just like a wheel, with no beginning or end. We once had the wheel of Greeks,and it was shattered. Then was born the great Roman Empire, and as you know,it vanished. Today I describe the historyof the rise of the Ottomans and tomorrow ... So you mean to predicton whose side shall fate lie? Don't interfere, Hamza! I do not see it, old man. Man cannot know themeaning of events. He does not live forever. Man is born once,and then dies. Nations are the same. Nations come and go and vanish... Great Skanderbeg. So what you suggest iswe submit to force and wait. Yes, that would be easier. But I do not believe you. If the love of liberty lives, then the peoplewill never vanish. Old man, you lie! May I have your sword, your greatness? Oh, heavy... And you are the sonof an Albanian prince, but you have conquered peoplesfor the glory of the Ottomans' empire. Shut up, old man! You grow angry? But the truth isstill the truth. One cannot fight against fate, great Skanderbeg! Very well, then. Time will tell, Laonicus. Let's go, Hamza. The day I have dreamed of for yearshas finally come. -What's in your head, Gjergj?-No one must hear us, Hamza. Tanush! ...the moment has come. You are honorable. I trust you. Take this, it's for Hunyadi. Understand? He will always finda friend in Skanderbeg. Take this to him,dead or alive. The others must return toAlbania and must wait. By my honor, Tanush, soon we will be dancingin our own mountains! One night before the battleagainst the Hungarians, Skanderbeg desertsthe Turkish army. The Turks are broken. Skanderbeg returns to hisFatherland with his soliders. Look, my son. This is your land,your Fatherland. Pal! Pal. Why are you looking at methat way, Pal? You know I always likedto watch at you. You look at me andare always silent. Say something for once. You are a prince's daughter,Skanderbeg's sister, and you plow the fieldslike a true villager. You've told me that before. I have always consideredyou as a younger sister. But now...-What is it? Now when I wake up I feel blessed. Why? I know, you wake from sleepand go to bathe at the spring. Your wet hair glistensin the sunbeams, but when you bringme a keg of water, it tastes better than wine. When you were youngI would tug your hair braids, but now, now I'm afraid even of approaching you. Why is this happening Mamica? Why are you silent?Say at least a word. Pal! Your enemies in the tribe of the Gjokashave killed your brother! -What's happened?-Dafinë! Dafine! What has happened?! My son! My son! Why my son, is your mouth not moving? Open those eyes, boy. Look upon your father once more. Get up son,get up! Embrace your father. For twenty yearswe have awaited him together. Dafinë... What are you waiting for Marash? The blood of your son must be avenged,according to the custom. The Gjokas must mourn once more. Let's go, Pal. Woe is me! Woe! Today, the honor of the tribecalls us, Gjergj. Wait a moment. I did not return to the Fatherlandto see Albanians spilling Albanian blood! Only blood shall pay for blood! Today! Leave me alone with her and wait. Oh, but my heart is about to burst! Mother, forgive the blood feudwith the Gjokajs. Who are you? You do not seemlike Gjergj anymore. You're a Turk. You've become a Turk. Why did my breasts not witherwhen I nursed you? Go away! Go away! No, no, I was not born a Turk,dearest mother. You nursed me, too. From the cradle, you taught meto never forget my Fatherland. Mother, listen to your son. Know this, when our highlanderskill each other, enemies of Albania rejoice. When all the princesare quarreling, enemies of Albania rejoice. Remember Albania and your child. Mother, remember our happiness. And for all that,forgive the Gjokas. Where are you going, Dafinë?Where? Quiet! She will gather the menof the Gjokaj tribe. May her mother's heart be a shield. And he who would spills blood here shall become my enemy, too. Today these two become brothers. From this day, Albanian swords shall only cut enemies. Long live Skanderbeg! Sit down and write, priest. The first conscripts in the army will be the males fromthe houses of Shpend and Gjokaj. Gjeto Gjokaj! I am he. Cavalry. You have a strong arm, boy? Can you wield your swordfrom horseback? Sit down there. Cavalry. Next! Archer. Next! Cavalry. Next! You're cavalry, too. Who's next? You want to try, brave lad? Or are you afraidyou might break my arm? Sit down. Let's go! Very well, lad. An arm this strongis made for a sword! Here, a gift for you. You don't like the gift? Where are you from?-I come from the fields. -What's your name?-They call me Gjin. -Who is your prince?-The Balshas are our princes. I've been a captive. -You fled?-Yes. No. Do you want to fight the Turks? I do! So Gjin, now you fight for Albania. Let me worry about the prince. Now, Turks,you better watch out! This very day, shall be rememberedas the holiest of days! For twenty years I haveever only seen dogs. I have heard only of pain, whereas today I feel likeI belong among you. -Hurray!-Victory! Play the drums then! Let our soldiers rejoicein song and dance! We cross fields andwe cross mountains. We fight for towersand our lands. This day calls us and who won't answer. Fatherlands calls to us,to us Fatherland calls. Fatherlands calls to us,to us Fatherland calls. Fatherlands calls to us,it calls to us. Fatherland and Skanderbeg call us. We've all gathered here. We'll fight with swords in hand. All those who attempt to divide us. Those who attempt to divide us. Our people await us,they await us. We're coming to the rescue. Let the dances break forth all around. This song as our anthem,as our anthem. This song as our anthem,as our anthem. Sultan's retainer,Hasan Bey, Unaware of the recent insurrection, Welcomes Skanderbegwith great honors. Hey, come here quickly! Ariniti,Lek Dukajin, Tanush Topia,Lek Zaharia... These people will bringyou great trouble. Do remember that. I'll keep that in mind, Hasan. A gift, from me to you. Take it from me. Advance, comrades! Onward! What is the meaning of this? Get him! Kill him! Treason! My brothers, your own father, ...all murdered by the Sultan. Only two, two Kastriots are leftin this world today, Hamza. You will be like a son to me. There is none more precious to methan you and Hamza. You're weeping? You mustn't! My heart laments as well,but it won't do to mourn. Gjergj! Gjergj! George, the people call foryou outside. The Turks will come, and we must be ready for them, Hamza. My Albanian brethren! Liberty was not a gift bestowed by me, but I found it here among you. The freedom ofFatherland was alive in your hearts. Brethren, raise our own Albanian flag. Show your bravery as menin times of old. Better to fall in battle, than live captive. Tell me, why did he gatherthe princes in Lezha, in the lands that we own? The Kastriots are not a famous tribe. The princes wouldnever have gone to Kruja. They are proud,and Skanderbeg is wise. Who is that man? Theodore Muzaka, the prince of Berat. He has quite the dubious face. I bet he would have sold Jesusfor half of Judas's price. And those over there? It seems like they are, even now,ready to clash, eh? They are the princesof the Balsha and Topias clans. I know them... These princes call their elders thekings of Albania ... but they themselves are naked. Venice has now bought them all,with land, with castles and all they had. No, I don't thinkmen such as these could be of any value to us. Fine, then... Look, my son, over there. That is Lek Zaharia, the ruler of Danja. He is well-connected with Venice. And tomorrow he will beconnected to Skanderbeg. What of the man with the faceof a true gentleman? He is also from the Topia clan. Not even the devil understandsthese Topias. He is poor, but he cannot be bought.He's brave and wise. There near him is Lek Dukagjin,a prince from the north. His people dwell in the mountains and don'tpay tribute to the Sultan! They are free! The thirdis prince Crnojevic of Montenegro. They will all support Skanderbeg. They are animals who don't understandthe value of money. Shepherds! Facing the best warriors. Don't tease anymore, Holy Father. This is Hamza Kastriot. Uh...? ...Hamza. Oh, I have been told of him. And of his bravery. He is the son of Skanderbeg'seldest brother. He is the heir apparent of the Kastriots. What are you trying to say,Holy Father? Nothing more than that whichI told you. Friends! Gjergj Arianiti, who revolted twice against the Turks, the victor at Kurvelesh, is coming to us. Let us welcome this elderwith all due respect! Yes, yes! Looks like... my apprehensions were not misplaced. The Balshas demand that their soldiersbe led by a prince of their own tribe. And the Topias want one of their own tribe. Muzaka sits counting the costof what good a war would bring? Whereas the othersare overcome and trembling with fear! Why are you silent? Tell me that I am lying. Tell me that you aren't quarreling, that you aren't consumedwith envy for one another! Speak! I am waiting for you. I am ashamed! Albania sheds tears of bloodand no one will step forward! We have found a man of courage wholaunched the war for freedom by himself. And who among of youwent to help him?! Anyone? Give the order to saddle the horses. I will depart. Pardon me for speaking out, Gjergj. Many men are gathered here,men who are not afraid and who have faced the Turks,men who have hazarded their own lives. Do you think the assemblyshould be held here in Lezha, for we have nothing to hide from Venice? I reckon he is clever.Clever like the devil! Each of us will give all their income, their people,and their lives! For the future! Lead us, Gjergj! Lead us, Gjergj! All my earnings and landsare yours, Gjergj. All my people who are fitto bear arms are yours, Gjergj. Lead us, Gjergj! I'm an old man, and what kind of soldier can I bewhen my loins ache on horseback? But this one has shown he knowshow to win. He will lead my people! My brothers,and my clan! Honor to Skanderbeg! My sword will be faithful to you,Gjergj! My highlanders will be your soldiers. I don't commit easily, Gjergj, but when I do, my word is my bond! Lead us!-Gjergj! Gjergj! Sfetigrad has fallen. Our army annihilated the Turks! Long live Skanderbeg! Today the castles are conquered byshepherds! Albania, from this day forth, shall have no enemiestoo frightening to face! In the spring of 1444, for the first time,the unified Albanian army clashed with the Turkish hordesin the Plain of Torvioll. Forward, men! Great Doge,and Honorable Senate. We crushed the unbreakable Turksin the Plain of Torvioll, under this flag,the Kastriot banner. So now Albania is free,but the Turks will come again and again, and if we don't cut down bloodthirsty handsthey will then stretch out even unto you. How dare they come before the Senate! I am a merchant and Turks do not hinder my trade. I don't want to escalate tensions with them because of some Albanian princes. I do not dispatch caravansas does the honorable senator. I am just a philosopher and poet. But I ask you, what do the Turkswant in the Albanian mountains? Those mountains are a bridgeto cross into to Europe. I am honored to shake hands with emissariesof the great and mighty Skanderbeg, who has turned every boulderof faraway Albania into a fortress against thosewho are a threat even to our own culture. We value your talent,Filelfo, but state matters and poetic sentimentdo not go together. We are all well aware of the great courageosdeeds of Skanderbeg. Let us thank God, then, for the triumphs over the Turks. Skanderbeg seeks our aid. We are sending him some fabrics. For them to cover their nakedness. Look Mamica,how these precious stones shine! I don't want to get married! Where is your son, Daphne?Where is Pal? You must forget him, Mamica.Forget him. You are the daughterof the Kastriots! But you have been a mother to me! You must also forget this, Mamica! I don't want to marry! I won't marry Muzaka,that bloodless tick of a man! And I'm not going to Berat. Mamica, So do you think it was easyfor me to forgive the blood of the Gjokas? They murderedmy youngest son, Mamica. -Mamica, please.-Where is Pal? Where is Pal? Pal? My prince? A prince does not speak to you now,but a brother. We haven't talked of this toeach other, but I know you are in love with Mamica. Believe me, Pal, in my heart I desireyour happiness. But I cannot force princesto come to Albania's aid. Only by marriages canI strengthen the ties. For the good of Albania, I beg youtoday to make this sacrifice. Your father sold textileson table stands, but you have a sharp mind. What do you have to say? God has blessed and granted his good willtowards our Republic. Trade with the Turks is thefoundation of this growth. Which means God has blessed commerce, too! But the Sultan Murad of the Ottomans, may become angry with us for ourfriendship with Skanderbeg, Great Doge. And that's why we don't needthe famous triumphs of Skanderbeg. Neither he, nor Lek Zahariado not trouble us as long as they depend on us. The same goes for other Albanian cities. Lek Zaharia has joinedthe League of Lezha. But Lek Zaharia is ill... I know that today he is plenty healthy. And what comes of all this? Today we laugh and playand are entertained in this world, but God will still call us tomorrow. We cannot know the ways of God! And you must buy the landsof Lek Zaharia. I must have loved him much. And it looks like from now onwe must support his widow. I did my duty. Now, he is dying. I am dying. Hear me out, priest. This is my last will. The lands of Danjashall go to The League of Princes. Skanderbeg... he will take care of my lands. Hear me. Oh, hear my last will, priest! Don't worry,for your will shall be done. Pray for him.His spirit will stand by God's throne. Oh, God... Oh, God! Why? The city of Danjaand its sorrounding lands, by his final will,shall be given to Venice. The city of Danjais now part of the Republic ... From this day forth, only the citizens of Venice are permitted to have vineyardsin the lands of the Republic. Vineyards of foreignerswill be destroyed without exception. Signed by the Count of Shkodra, Alberto Giovanotti, vassal to the Doge of Venice. -You! What are you doing here, you mutt?-No! Please, no! Stop, boy!Save your fury for the Turks. They are worse than the Turks! Oh, is that you, Gjin? God, what has befallen us here? I have paid for this piece of landwith my blood, but these... This barbarian shall die!-Stop, Gjin! The edict of the Republic. The edict! This republic of yoursis a whore that sits in every lap. Get up on my horse, Gjin. Let Skanderbeg know whatthese evil slanderers are doing. Indeed! Skanderbeg must be informed. Let's go. This is a day of rejoicing for us. The Kastriots and the Muzakashave joined houses in marriage. Albanian princes stand here together, as one great family. He has made us a nice bed, but the sleep will be hard in coming. Fours years ago, our league was created,and four years we have broken the Turks. My glorious friend,the great leader Hunyadi, as the ruler of Hungary and Poland, he invites us to join together to fightand crush our Turkish enemy, until they forgetwhich roads lead to Albania. Long live our league! Long live Skanderbeg! He will devour us, too. ...and then toss us awaylike an empty goblet. You should learn to hideyour feelings better, dear Donika! And, it is not fitting for an Arianitidaughter to stare at men that way. Look! Look how beautiful Berat is! Then I must be blind. Tell me, what do you seeover there, Donika? Mountains and the sun, plowed fields, hills covered with green forests. And nothing else? Nothing! As for me, I see that beyond these hills,many enemy Turks are hiding. And janissaries attackfrom the mountains. Every rock of our high mountainshas been washed in Albanian blood. Hate, like lava, burns in my heart. What do you do when you are not thinkingof war - drink wine and write laws? Is it so? In Kruja, do you stay alone,like a bear in his den? Why are you looking at melike you are about to devour me? I am not a Turk.And I am not afraid of you. Don't be angry. Don't be angry, I am a young girl and I speakall kinds of nonsense. If you wish, banish me. Now sit. They sing of you in their songs, so I wanted so much to see you. -And all you saw was a bear in his den...-No. You are so great! Strong, like a boulder, and just as strange. Wait. Here.Keep this. You know, Donika? An army of Turkscouldn't catch up to you. War is ruining us! Soon we won't even have peopleto plow the fields. The people go to the army of Skanderbegand I haven't the power to bring them back. Soon our clothes will lookno different than those of villagers! Enough, Zenfina! It is not for women to interferein the affairs of men. That's right! But is there a better place than awedding for the women to speak?! And who is this Kastriotthat I must submit to him? No one will submit to him, Topia! Quieter, my friends, or he will hear us. -I hear you!-Shut it! And remember that nowyou're Muzaka's wife. And you, Theodore,should be ashamed! You're a Muzaka who seeksthe support of the Kastriots! You're not to lecture me aboutwhat the mice will eat after dinner! -What are these words!?-Leave me alone! Quiet down! Why are you shoutinglike inflated turkeys? Which clan here is olderthan the Arianits? But I stepped on my prideand gave my sword to Skanderbeg. And he has filled Albania with glory. All of you gave your oaths to Skanderbegand our League of Lezha, and I believed you. Victories!Hah, victories... And have we gainedfrom these victories? We need make no league with Hungary, but a treaty with the Turk. He is right. Keep talking, you Turkish-pilaf-lovers! A great opportunityto increase your income. The Sultan is offering 10,000 ducatsas a reward for murdering Skanderbeg. Come to your senses, Gjergj! Don't offend us. A black don't mean a spoilt flock.-Listen, Gjergj. Forgive me, Theodore!In your house I am but a guest. But I cannot share a tablewith untrustworthy men who will sell the honor of Albaniaat the market. Yes, yes, you are right.Only I think that... Don't be troubled Muzaka, we are going!We're leaving the league. The mice urinated in the sea,and the sea became troubled. Gjergj! What happened, Luke? Lek Zaharia has died! And Venice has conquered his lands. They're burning our vineyards. They're pillaging our villages! Bloodthirsty and Cains!Curses and shame! Venice extends her handto loot and harm us, while we fight. We shall fight! -Fight against Venice, too?-Shut up, you! God save us! I sought a good friendship. But they seek war. Let it begin, then! War it is! Oh, God. In 1448, after he brokethe Venetians near Shkordra, Skanderbeg lead the army to jointhe Hungarians and the Polish. The path went through the mountains of Serbia. Skanderbeg's emissaries arrivedto the meet King Brankovich of Serbia. The sword of the Turks is uponByzantium. Macedonia and Bulgariahave become Turkish lands. If we do not line up shoulder to shoulder, then even Serbia will vanish. Gjergj Kastriot, in the nameof the League of the Albanian Princes, invites you to unite against the Turks. Gjergj Kastriot? He invites me to stop maintaining friendlyrelations with the powerful Ottomans, but to join with shepherdsof the Albanian mountains? You have a friendship witha rabid dog! And how you dare, shepherd pup, address insuch manner the Krajl of Serbia?! I could kill him!But I am merciful. Get him out of here! Walk!Keep going, I said! Then we will crush the Turks by ourselves! Then no one will offera bounty for your head. Leave us alone. Why should we rage in vain! Here we're aloneand we can speak as friends. Everyone knows of your courage. You fought as a lion in Valikar. You were the first to reachthe walls of Shkodra, but Skanderbeg stole all your glory. Are you less than he? No! Not Gjergj! You! You should be the king of Albania. -They say you were born in Turkey?-I was. Albania must have in chargesomeone loyal to the Sultan. The Sultan murdered my fatherwithout cause. -He did it by Skanderbeg's request.-You lie! This everyone knows, except you. Skanderbeg did not want to share theland with his brothers. And if tomorrow he has a son? -He has no wife.-What, did he promise to never get married? Arianit has a daughter ... Donika?! Yes. I know, I know. She is beautifuland you like her. But she would rather love Gjergj. And you will babysitthe heirs of the Kastriots, the jackals in the mountainsare laughing at you. Think about it. Yes, do think about it. Brankovich betrayal prevents the Albanianarmy from joining their allies. Sultan Murad and the entire Turkish armysurged toward Albania, which refused to submit. Quickly, hurry to the castle! Get inside! The Turks are coming! Hurry! Berat has been taken by the Turks! My husband was killed.I escaped. The Turks are feasting in Berat,Gjergj. Forgive me! Forgive me, Mamica, for spoilingyour happiness with Pal. Turks. Everywhere Turks. At sunset they will be near Kruja, Gjergj! You've made us happy, for you've brought usgood news today, Mamica! Gjergj, you know there's no timeand that we must attack! If you let them, the enemy will penetratethe heart of Albania, Gjergj. We don't understand you anymore. There were once thirty thousandsoldiers, whereas now the whole armygoes on the attack. Its head is ever close to Kruja;its tail in Petrela. Its body is very long, but we shall shorten it! Release! For many consecutive monthsof great losses, the Ottomans attack Kruja,Albania's largest castle. Skanderbeg, to protect the army, went into te mountainsand raided Turkish camps, laid in ambushesand captured caravans of goods... Young man, I think I recognize your face. And do you recognize the sword you gave me?Do you remember that? Do you remember this too? Gjin! Now it's my turn togive you a gift, a great Turkish pasha. He is the friend of the Sultanhimself. -You've brought a Turkish pasha?-Yes, but how heavy he is! Old and heavy! He's been kicking the whole way. Hey, get out now. Laonicus? Seven times the Turks have attackedthis point and have fled in shame. What did you write inyour diary, old man? Staying silent? That means that you described the lossesnot as defeats, but as great victories! This is deceptive history! You've said that peopleare captives to fate! Whereas I say that the peoplewrite their own fate. And it's immortal! You rejoice in vain. It will tell! It will tell! It's not time that decides. It's the people.Look! Give the signal!Hurry! Count Vrana, spring the ambush now. Fire! Fire in the mountains! Open the doors! Defenders of Kruja! We will soon hit those dogs, the Turks. We will lure the castle, and we will grind themlike a grain windmill. Death to the Turks! There's your heroes! Look how they flee! Not so fast.Watch! I said that I won't stay here! Father, I beg of you to listen!Leave me here. The Arnauts are spent now. Leave me command of the janissariesand I will sort the Albanians. Just a few more weeks! No. You saw everything yourself. Now you may go backwhence you've came. Hurry, men. Victory has come! The Turks are leaving! The Turks are leaving! Right after the failure ofthe siege of kruja, Sultan Murad dies.
1 00:00:41,192 --> 00:00:45,997 SKANDERBEGThe Great Warrior of Albania
2 00:00:46,536 --> 00:00:49,974 Script writer: M. PapavaSong Lyrics: Llazar Siliqi
3 00:00:50,062 --> 00:00:53,068 General Director:Sergej Jutkevi
4 00:00:53,093 --> 00:00:55,237 Director of Photography:E. Andrikanis
5 00:00:55,322 --> 00:00:58,611 Directors: M. AnxhaparixeM.Gomorov, Viktor Stratobërdha
6 00:00:58,636 --> 00:01:01,111 Camera: A. AhmetovaL. Kranjenkov
7 00:01:01,136 --> 00:01:02,821 Painter:I. Shpinel
8 00:01:02,846 --> 00:01:07,753 Composers: J. Sviridov Çesk ZadejaSound Engineer: B. Volski
9 00:01:07,778 --> 00:01:10,870 Costumes:
10 00:01:10,895 --> 00:01:14,228 Make up artist:M. Çikirjov
11 00:01:14,324 --> 00:01:16,721 Ballet Master: Panajot KanaçiPost-production: K. Alejeva
12 00:01:16,746 --> 00:01:19,050 Painter L. AleksandrovskajaOperator: G. Ajzenberg
13 00:01:19,075 --> 00:01:21,135 Director of Voiceovers:V. Suhobokov
14 00:01:21,160 --> 00:01:26,369 The film was dubbed in Albanianby national theatre actors.
15 00:01:26,502 --> 00:01:28,562 Consultants: Prof. Aleks Buda Prof.A. Miler
16 00:01:28,587 --> 00:01:31,268 Directors: J. SvetozarovJ. Zvonkov
17 00:01:31,440 --> 00:01:36,290 Starring A. Horavaas Gjergj Kastriot I, aka Skanderbeg
18 00:02:10,021 --> 00:02:14,769 Conducted by C. Gamburg.General Orchestra of Cinematography Center
19 00:02:14,794 --> 00:02:19,356 A Product of "Mosfilm" and"New Albania" Cinema Studios, 1953
20 00:02:20,689 --> 00:02:26,097 In the western part of the Balkan Peninsulalies a mountainous region called Albania,
21 00:02:26,171 --> 00:02:32,097 inhabited by a brave people that maintainedtheir love of liberty through the centuries
22 00:02:32,122 --> 00:02:36,496 On the eve of the 15th century,Turkish hordes came to conquer...
23 00:03:32,855 --> 00:03:33,940 Let go off him!
24 00:03:33,965 --> 00:03:35,342 Let go off him, I said!
25 00:03:37,599 --> 00:03:41,676 In this land of demons,not even women know how to weep ...
26 00:03:45,957 --> 00:03:50,111 In the castles and towns of the princethat did not surrender
27 00:03:50,136 --> 00:03:53,887 to the authority of the High Sultanand Gjon of the Kastriots,
28 00:03:53,912 --> 00:03:57,285 we command our armies to maintain order
29 00:03:57,310 --> 00:04:00,737 so that no harm shall come to the Kastriots in the future
30 00:04:00,762 --> 00:04:04,608 and so that they do not attempt to resistthe powerful Turkish authority.
31 00:04:04,633 --> 00:04:09,132 Moreover, we demand thatGjon Kastriot's sons,
32 00:04:09,440 --> 00:04:14,396 to be taken and held hostage in Adrianople.
33 00:04:14,788 --> 00:04:20,264 A host of 300 Albanian cavalrymenmay accompany the children
34 00:04:20,547 --> 00:04:24,491 to the Sultan,where they shall be his warriors.
35 00:04:24,700 --> 00:04:31,215 This edict bearsthe heavy seal of Sultan Murad II.
36 00:04:32,208 --> 00:04:36,590 May Allah bless his name!
37 00:04:37,215 --> 00:04:39,247 So, Gjon Kastriot...
38 00:04:39,482 --> 00:04:43,622 The day for you to be separatedfrom your children has come!
39 00:04:44,502 --> 00:04:46,230 Come on!
40 00:04:46,357 --> 00:04:48,974 Dirty Arnaut!
41 00:04:49,145 --> 00:04:53,083 It looks like this puppy can bite!
42 00:04:53,645 --> 00:04:57,200 He'll make a name for himselfas a soldier for the Sultan.
43 00:05:16,494 --> 00:05:18,321 Behold, my son!
44 00:05:18,609 --> 00:05:21,346 This is your land.Your Fatherland!
45 00:05:57,528 --> 00:06:01,012 Your wife was my Gjergj's nurse, Marash.
46 00:06:01,374 --> 00:06:04,019 You must always be close by.
47 00:06:04,044 --> 00:06:07,311 You must be the eyes and earsof the Fatherland.
48 00:06:07,336 --> 00:06:11,512 Should my childrenforget the land of their ancestors,
49 00:06:11,561 --> 00:06:15,668 you will answer to God and to me.
50 00:06:16,308 --> 00:06:18,505 Do you understand, Marash?
51 00:06:18,530 --> 00:06:22,397 No grave shall hold meif you will fail me.
52 00:06:48,663 --> 00:06:51,470 Twenty years later.
53 00:06:52,645 --> 00:06:58,168 Adrianople.The residence of Sultan Murad II.
54 00:07:06,304 --> 00:07:11,874 Our cities on the Albanian coast aresignificant trading posts.
55 00:07:12,032 --> 00:07:16,399 Its roads pass throughthe lands of the Kastriots.
56 00:07:16,722 --> 00:07:20,040 The great doge of Venicehas asked me
57 00:07:20,065 --> 00:07:23,813 whether it's truethat you want to gift Skanderbeg
58 00:07:23,884 --> 00:07:28,351 all the lands left to himby Gjon Kastriot, his father?
59 00:07:29,242 --> 00:07:34,399 [Proverb in Turkish]
60 00:07:36,095 --> 00:07:40,000 A promise madeis not a promise kept.
61 00:07:40,821 --> 00:07:44,118 Albania will be aTurkish province,
62 00:07:44,143 --> 00:07:46,071 and nothing more!
63 00:07:51,782 --> 00:07:53,860 [Speaks in Turkish]
64 00:07:58,743 --> 00:08:02,039 What else are you trying to tell me?
65 00:08:02,143 --> 00:08:06,066 The Hungarian and Polisharmies of Vladislaus
66 00:08:06,091 --> 00:08:09,308 are preparing to make war upon Turkey.
67 00:08:09,386 --> 00:08:15,155 We are informed that the commandwill be entrusted to John Hunyadi,
68 00:08:15,160 --> 00:08:17,911 Voivode of Transylvania.
69 00:08:18,220 --> 00:08:22,755 He is a highly capableand fearless commander.
70 00:08:23,696 --> 00:08:26,633 So, the flies want to mess with the lion.
71 00:08:26,713 --> 00:08:30,164 In Allah's namewe shall end them!
72 00:08:31,074 --> 00:08:35,149 The Ottomans will burnall who defy them without mercy!
73 00:08:35,237 --> 00:08:39,370 It is not fitting to rage soin the presence of friends, my son.
74 00:08:39,395 --> 00:08:45,000 -I don't want the Christians' friendship.-[Speaks in Turkish] Quiet!
75 00:08:45,268 --> 00:08:47,770 I didn't ask what you think.
76 00:08:47,795 --> 00:08:51,680 You are still too young to get involvedwith the affairs of you father.
77 00:08:51,704 --> 00:08:53,008 Go!
78 00:08:53,592 --> 00:08:55,766 Try some hunting.
79 00:09:02,444 --> 00:09:05,678 And hope our friend will excuse the tempers of youth.
80 00:09:05,703 --> 00:09:07,069 Oh, please!
81 00:09:07,279 --> 00:09:11,061 I know the plansof the Hungarians.
82 00:09:16,261 --> 00:09:21,123 There is no stronger place than Turkey,
83 00:09:21,193 --> 00:09:26,592 What a mad war,poor Skanderbeg,
84 00:09:26,669 --> 00:09:30,654 He's covered himself in much glory,
85 00:09:30,718 --> 00:09:35,178 So much that he forgotthe meaning of Fatherland,
86 00:09:38,748 --> 00:09:42,935 He's covered himself in much glory,
87 00:09:42,960 --> 00:09:47,008 That he forgot the meaningof Fatherland
88 00:09:47,033 --> 00:09:48,830 Who taught you this song?
89 00:09:48,855 --> 00:09:51,174 Who, cursed dervish?
90 00:09:51,199 --> 00:09:52,503 Tell me!
91 00:09:55,323 --> 00:09:57,354 Tanush they call me,
92 00:09:57,388 --> 00:10:00,028 from the noble Thopia family.
93 00:10:00,081 --> 00:10:05,096 Clothed in rags and barefootI have followed your caravan.
94 00:10:05,126 --> 00:10:07,102 To meet with you.
95 00:10:07,274 --> 00:10:10,464 The leaders of the landare fighting among themselves.
96 00:10:10,489 --> 00:10:12,495 Know this - the people long for you.
97 00:10:12,520 --> 00:10:17,634 Mothers do not weep for their sonsmurdered by the Turks. They wait for you.
98 00:10:17,659 --> 00:10:21,084 The blacksmiths in the mountainsare forging swords.
99 00:10:21,100 --> 00:10:23,500 They await you, Gjergj.
100 00:10:23,525 --> 00:10:27,058 It is not the first time peoplehave come to you from Albania,
101 00:10:27,083 --> 00:10:30,670 but now our patience is spentand all the people expect you,
102 00:10:30,695 --> 00:10:32,774 as soon as possible.
103 00:10:36,472 --> 00:10:40,488 Marash, do you thinkBallaban is bringing him?
104 00:10:43,082 --> 00:10:46,113 The Hungarians threaten me with war...
105 00:10:46,236 --> 00:10:49,407 John Hunyadi leads them.
106 00:10:50,072 --> 00:10:53,183 They say he's a great commander.
107 00:10:54,838 --> 00:10:57,590 You will crush him!
108 00:10:57,799 --> 00:11:00,442 And become greater than he!
109 00:11:00,768 --> 00:11:05,574 You will be First Sword of the empire.
110 00:11:07,437 --> 00:11:10,780 They brought youas a child here, Skanderbeg.
111 00:11:10,805 --> 00:11:14,351 I raised you andmade you a warrior.
112 00:11:14,593 --> 00:11:17,835 You lead my janissaries in battle.
113 00:11:18,054 --> 00:11:20,994 At first they were unhappy,
114 00:11:21,019 --> 00:11:23,658 but I alone believed in you.
115 00:11:23,928 --> 00:11:27,181 As the son of a foreign prince,
116 00:11:27,206 --> 00:11:30,182 I gave you the name Iskandar,
117 00:11:30,207 --> 00:11:33,384 in honor of Alexander of Macedonia.
118 00:11:34,549 --> 00:11:38,775 You may talk to me without hesitation.
119 00:11:39,111 --> 00:11:43,025 Ask and I can give youthe lands of your father.
120 00:11:45,658 --> 00:11:48,665 If I were a grand vizier,
121 00:11:48,690 --> 00:11:51,870 listening to us,here behind this cage,
122 00:11:52,053 --> 00:11:55,119 I, too, could become cunning.
123 00:11:56,353 --> 00:11:59,142 But I am only a soldier,
124 00:11:59,166 --> 00:12:03,267 who honors the goodnessof the Great Sultan.
125 00:12:11,694 --> 00:12:14,545 Allah![Continues in Turkish]
126 00:12:43,484 --> 00:12:46,418 You write about the historyof the Ottomans
127 00:12:46,643 --> 00:12:49,377 and therein describe my triumphs.
128 00:12:49,679 --> 00:12:53,214 But we have never talked together.
129 00:12:56,911 --> 00:12:59,566 I have cometo learn from you.
130 00:12:59,591 --> 00:13:02,229 How my battle will fare?
131 00:13:02,833 --> 00:13:06,255 I am not a prophet,nor an astrologer.
132 00:13:07,176 --> 00:13:10,902 But you will defeat Hunyadi.
133 00:13:12,003 --> 00:13:14,785 Hunyadi is a skilled commander;
134 00:13:15,364 --> 00:13:17,845 perhaps I will losethe battle tomorrow?
135 00:13:17,870 --> 00:13:19,871 Then another will win.
136 00:13:20,657 --> 00:13:25,658 And you think that no one can breakthe Ottoman army?
137 00:13:26,049 --> 00:13:27,400 Why?
138 00:13:27,744 --> 00:13:30,681 Warriors do not caremuch for knowledge.
139 00:13:30,706 --> 00:13:33,395 You are the first tocome talk with me.
140 00:13:33,579 --> 00:13:35,064 Fine, then,
141 00:13:35,535 --> 00:13:37,354 I will explain.
142 00:13:38,581 --> 00:13:41,981 The progress of all historygoes like this,
143 00:13:42,006 --> 00:13:43,605 just like a wheel,
144 00:13:43,630 --> 00:13:46,105 with no beginning or end.
145 00:13:46,547 --> 00:13:50,214 We once had the wheel of Greeks,and it was shattered.
146 00:13:50,299 --> 00:13:53,393 Then was born the great Roman Empire,
147 00:13:53,418 --> 00:13:56,183 and as you know,it vanished.
148 00:13:56,374 --> 00:14:00,987 Today I describe the historyof the rise of the Ottomans
149 00:14:02,073 --> 00:14:04,878 and tomorrow ...
150 00:14:06,077 --> 00:14:10,389 So you mean to predicton whose side shall fate lie?
151 00:14:10,481 --> 00:14:11,855 Don't interfere, Hamza!
152 00:14:13,323 --> 00:14:15,739 I do not see it, old man.
153 00:14:16,200 --> 00:14:20,004 Man cannot know themeaning of events.
154 00:14:20,318 --> 00:14:22,254 He does not live forever.
155 00:14:22,407 --> 00:14:25,339 Man is born once,and then dies.
156 00:14:25,364 --> 00:14:27,371 Nations are the same.
157 00:14:27,396 --> 00:14:31,153 Nations come and go and vanish...
158 00:14:31,412 --> 00:14:33,512 Great Skanderbeg.
159 00:14:34,419 --> 00:14:39,057 So what you suggest iswe submit to force and wait.
160 00:14:40,567 --> 00:14:43,276 Yes, that would be easier.
161 00:14:44,504 --> 00:14:46,730 But I do not believe you.
162 00:14:48,352 --> 00:14:52,195 If the love of liberty lives,
163 00:14:52,220 --> 00:14:54,907 then the peoplewill never vanish.
164 00:14:55,914 --> 00:14:57,500 Old man, you lie!
165 00:14:57,548 --> 00:15:01,406 May I have your sword, your greatness?
166 00:15:08,375 --> 00:15:10,184 Oh, heavy...
167 00:15:11,103 --> 00:15:16,179 And you are the sonof an Albanian prince,
168 00:15:17,210 --> 00:15:21,437 but you have conquered peoplesfor the glory of the Ottomans' empire.
169 00:15:21,462 --> 00:15:23,281 Shut up, old man!
170 00:15:24,737 --> 00:15:26,680 You grow angry?
171 00:15:27,533 --> 00:15:30,573 But the truth isstill the truth.
172 00:15:31,750 --> 00:15:34,843 One cannot fight against fate,
173 00:15:35,978 --> 00:15:38,304 great Skanderbeg!
174 00:15:43,425 --> 00:15:45,102 Very well, then.
175 00:15:45,127 --> 00:15:47,870 Time will tell, Laonicus.
176 00:15:50,516 --> 00:15:52,479 Let's go, Hamza.
177 00:16:13,589 --> 00:16:17,835 The day I have dreamed of for yearshas finally come.
178 00:16:18,088 --> 00:16:21,829 -What's in your head, Gjergj?-No one must hear us, Hamza.
179 00:16:21,854 --> 00:16:23,440 Tanush!
180 00:16:24,004 --> 00:16:25,941 ...the moment has come.
181 00:16:25,966 --> 00:16:27,551 You are honorable.
182 00:16:27,576 --> 00:16:29,543 I trust you.
183 00:16:29,618 --> 00:16:32,064 Take this, it's for Hunyadi.
184 00:16:32,089 --> 00:16:33,493 Understand?
185 00:16:33,561 --> 00:16:36,494 He will always finda friend in Skanderbeg.
186 00:16:36,519 --> 00:16:39,097 Take this to him,dead or alive.
187 00:16:39,505 --> 00:16:42,772 The others must return toAlbania and must wait.
188 00:16:51,647 --> 00:16:57,420 By my honor, Tanush, soon we will be dancingin our own mountains!
189 00:17:05,584 --> 00:17:09,558 One night before the battleagainst the Hungarians,
190 00:17:09,583 --> 00:17:13,372 Skanderbeg desertsthe Turkish army.
191 00:17:13,104 --> 00:17:15,372 The Turks are broken.
192 00:17:15,397 --> 00:17:19,646 Skanderbeg returns to hisFatherland with his soliders.
193 00:19:05,145 --> 00:19:08,162 Look, my son.
194 00:19:08,187 --> 00:19:11,362 This is your land,your Fatherland.
195 00:20:11,131 --> 00:20:12,263 Pal!
196 00:20:18,737 --> 00:20:19,935 Pal.
197 00:20:47,090 --> 00:20:50,097 Why are you looking at methat way, Pal?
198 00:20:50,858 --> 00:20:53,960 You know I always likedto watch at you.
199 00:20:54,790 --> 00:20:57,874 You look at me andare always silent.
200 00:20:57,928 --> 00:21:00,451 Say something for once.
201 00:21:00,968 --> 00:21:04,301 You are a prince's daughter,Skanderbeg'
