578-579

*Chapter 578: A Knock in the Dead of Night*

"I thought there would be more Frenchmen here than Germans."

In a dimly lit bar, Lieutenant Archie Hicox glanced at the surrounding German soldiers as he spoke.

Archie, a member of the British commando unit, was a film critic before the war. His knowledge of German cinema and fluency in the language earned him a position assisting the "Basterds" in their mission to assassinate high-ranking German officials in France.

Archie and his comrades had come to the bar to meet their contact: the famous actress, Bridget von Hammersmark.

Archie was portrayed by "Fassbender" Michael Fassbender, a 30-year-old German actor known for his impressive acting skills.

"Yes, that’s usually the case. But the soldier over there recently had a child, and his superior allowed him and his comrades to celebrate here tonight."

Bridget, played by the elegant Ms. Winslet, wore a bowler hat and a wool coat. Her makeup was flawless, her smile captivating.

"We should leave," suggested Sergeant Hugo Stiglitz, a former German officer with a psychopathic streak. He had been sentenced to death for murdering 13 Gestapo officers but was rescued by the "Basterds" and joined their cause.

"No, we should stay. If we leave without finishing a drink, it will look suspicious," Bridget said, lighting a cigarette with her lighter.

"She’s right. Stay calm and finish your whiskey," Archie advised his companions.

"There’s been a development," Bridget announced. "The venue for the event has changed."

"Why?" Archie asked.

"No one knows, but it’s not an issue. The new cinema is much smaller than the original venue in Lisieux, so whatever explosives you’ve prepared will have double the impact."

Bridget smiled slightly, leaning back in her chair.

"Cut!"

"That’s a wrap!"

The crew took a ten-minute break before resuming the next scene.

This scene followed the prior narrative where German sniper Fredrick Zoller became a national hero after singlehandedly defending a town. Joseph Goebbels turned his story into a propaganda film, Nation’s Pride.  

The Germans planned to host the film’s premiere at the Lisieux Grand Theatre. However, at Fredrick’s suggestion, the event was relocated to the smaller cinema owned by the female protagonist, Shosanna.

In the bar, Bridget and the "Basterds" plotted how to infiltrate the premiere. Unfortunately, a confrontation with German soldiers exposed the "Basterds" due to a slip in their accents, leading to a violent shootout.

Archie, Hugo, and others perished in the skirmish, leaving only Aldo Raine and a wounded Bridget alive.

Afterward, Colonel Hans Landa, played by Luca, arrived at the bar and discovered evidence implicating Bridget.

The actors delivered stellar performances during the scene, with Ms. Winslet’s portrayal of Bridget standing out as especially nuanced and captivating. Thanks to her leadership, the crew completed the bar sequence within five days.

The production then moved to the cinema for the climactic battle scenes.

In the next setup, under Bridget’s cover, Aldo and his men infiltrated the theater. However, Hans Landa, suspecting their intentions, approached to interrogate them.

"Good evening, Miss von Hammersmark!"

Colonel Landa entered the hall, greeting Bridget with a smile.

Bridget turned, her face changing slightly before forcing a smile. "Colonel Landa, long time no see. You’re as dashing as ever."

Landa smiled faintly, his gaze falling on her leg in a cast. "What happened to your lovely leg? A casualty of your dazzling work in German cinema?"

"Spare me the flattery, you old fox. I’ve seen too many of your former conquests to fall for your charm again," Bridget replied with a chuckle.

"Seriously, though. How did you get injured?"

"Fine, maybe I got a little too ambitious. I went hiking on a whim and paid the price," Bridget said with a strained smile.

"Hiking? You injured your leg climbing a mountain?"

"Believe it or not, yes."

"Ha ha ha ha ha!"

Landa burst into a manic laugh, leaving those nearby bewildered, staring at him as if he’d lost his mind.

Wiping his eyes, Landa said, "Forgive me, Miss von Hammersmark. I didn’t mean to mock your misfortune. I’m just curious—what possessed you to attempt something so reckless?"

"I can tell you one thing: I’m not doing it again."

"Cut!"

Director Eli called out after reviewing the footage. "Everyone, come take a look!"

"What’s wrong?" Luca asked.

"Luca, it’s not your performance—it’s incredible! You nearly scared me half to death," Eli laughed.

"I know what the issue is," Ms. Winslet interjected. "Is it the part where Luca suddenly bursts into laughter?"

"Exactly. Your reactions didn’t match. You all looked shocked, which isn’t right," Eli explained.

"I see. Honestly, I didn’t expect that laugh. Luca, you scared me for real," Ms. Winslet admitted with a smile.

"I didn’t see it coming either," added Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Hardy, nodding in agreement.

Luca chuckled. To perfect the laugh, he had practiced for two months, even scaring his nephew into tears during a visit.

"Landa is a bit unhinged, so the laugh needed to feel deranged," Luca said.

"You nailed it, Luca. I won’t miss a beat next time," Ms. Winslet assured.

"All right, let’s reset and go again."

By late afternoon, the team wrapped up the group scene in the hall, leaving Luca, Eli, and the editors to review and cut the footage. The preliminary edits suggested a film destined for greatness.

"Luca, this movie is shaping up to be a masterpiece," Eli said, satisfaction evident in his voice.

Luca nodded, rubbing his chin. "We’ve worked too hard to settle for anything less."

As night fell, Eli invited Luca to unwind with drinks, but he declined, opting to prepare for the next day’s crucial scenes.

Later, in his hotel room, Luca reviewed the script, ensuring every detail was perfected. Deep in thought, he heard a knock at the door.

Knock, knock, knock.  

Pausing, Luca peered through the peephole to find Ms. Winslet standing there, script in hand. She had mentioned earlier they should rehearse, and now she had come to ensure they’d be ready.

"Good evening, Kate!" Luca said, opening the door.

(End of Chapter)  

*Chapter 579: Why So Rough With Me?*

“Please, have a seat, my lady!”

Luca closed the door and helped Miss Winslet onto the sofa.

Miss Winslet was dressed in a long black gown with a silk ribbon cinched at her waist, accentuating her hourglass figure. Her slightly exposed neckline revealed a hint of fullness.

“Miss Miminilk has kindly allowed me to use her office temporarily,” Luca said, pulling up a chair to sit across from her.

Miss Winslet glanced at him but said nothing.

Luca smiled faintly. “May I take a look at your foot?”

“What did you say?” Miss Winslet asked, puzzled.

“Please, place your foot on my knee,” Luca said, patting his leg.

“Hans, this is making me feel very awkward,” she replied.

Luca stared at her expressionlessly, tapping his knee with his finger. After a moment of hesitation, Miss Winslet lifted her right foot and placed it on his leg.

Luca raised the hem of her dress carefully and unfastened the strap of her high-heeled shoe.

“Please reach into the right pocket of my coat and hand me whatever you find in there,” Luca said with a sly grin.

Miss Winslet looked at him nervously, pretending to find something in his pocket. She handed it to him—following the script where Colonel Hans found a sandal in a bar after a gunfight.

Luca took the "sandal" and gently slipped it onto her foot. It fit perfectly.

“Wow. What do Americans say? Big feet, big shoes,” Luca remarked with a chuckle.

“What now, Colonel?” Miss Winslet asked in despair.

Luca leapt up and tackled her to the sofa, wrapping his hands tightly around her neck with a fierce expression.

“Luca, are you trying to choke me to death?” Miss Winslet exclaimed, hitting him a few times.

“Kate, are you okay? I didn’t use much force just now,” Luca said, getting up.

This was the scene they were rehearsing for tomorrow—a pivotal moment when Colonel Hans confirmed Bridget’s identity, brought her to his office, and strangled her. It showcased Hans's twisted nature.

“Luca, do you have any idea how heavy you are? When you pounced on me, I couldn’t take it,” Miss Winslet said, glaring at him and pulling down her skirt. She had been caught off guard, and her dress had slid up to her waist.

Luca glanced briefly before quickly turning his head away, his mind racing with chaotic thoughts.

Blushing slightly, Miss Winslet sat up straight. “Luca, the rumors say you’re not gentle with women. Why are you so rough with me?”

“It’s because of the character. Colonel Hans is a psychopath. The actions need to be rough and brutal to fit his personality,” Luca explained.

“Really? Are you sure you’re not doing it on purpose?” Miss Winslet narrowed her eyes.

“Absolutely not!” Luca replied with a steady expression, pouring her a glass of red wine. “My apologies, Kate, if I startled you.”

Miss Winslet scoffed, taking the glass. “They say you’re good at playing villains. I used to doubt it—how could someone as charming and attractive as you be convincing as a bad guy? But after filming a few scenes with you, I believe it. When you play a villain, you’re terrifying.”

Luca smiled lightly. “It probably has to do with my personality. In real life, I’m a good guy. Even when I think about doing something bad, my morals stop me. Only on set can I truly embody a villain, so I cherish those moments.”

“Ha! You’re good at praising yourself. A world-famous playboy claiming to be a good guy? Really?” Miss Winslet teased.

“Why not? Being a bit flirtatious doesn’t mean I’m not a good person,” Luca said seriously.

“Being a flirt is the greatest evil in a man,” Miss Winslet said, downing her wine.

“Shall we rehearse some more?” Luca offered, refilling her glass.

“Sure, but let’s switch roles,” Miss Winslet suggested, a mischievous smile on her lips.

“How do you mean?”

“I’ll play Hans, and you’ll be Bridget. We’ll swap roles.”

“Is that really necessary?”

“Yes. Now sit here!” Miss Winslet pulled him onto the sofa. “We’ll start with taking off the shoes.”

“All right!” Luca agreed, ready to embrace the roleplay.

“Let me see your foot,” Miss Winslet demanded.

“What did you say?” Luca asked in a timid, vulnerable voice, fully immersed in the role.

“Miss, put your foot on my knee,” Miss Winslet said coldly, patting her leg.

“Hans, this feels so awkward,” Luca said nervously.

Miss Winslet gave him a cold stare and tapped her knee. Luca hesitated, then placed his right foot on her lap.

Miss Winslet removed his shoe. “Your feet stink!”

“Is that in the script?” Luca asked, exasperated. “I don’t have smelly feet!”

“Hmph!” Miss Winslet glared at him. “Did I say you could talk? Now reach into my coat pocket and give me what you find.”

Luca searched and handed her a "shoe."

Miss Winslet slipped it onto his foot. “Wow, a perfect fit. What do Americans say? Big feet, big shoes.”

“What now, Colonel?” Luca asked.

“You traitor!” Miss Winslet snarled, lunging at him. She pinned him on the sofa, sitting on his stomach and gripping his throat.

“Traitor! I’ll kill you!” she exclaimed.

“Kate, enough with the improvisation,” Luca said, resigned.

“Don’t speak. When I’m choking you, you’re not allowed to talk. And Bridget eventually dies; you need to stop struggling and die peacefully,” Miss Winslet instructed.

“Fine. I’ll cooperate,” Luca said, feigning a few struggles before going limp, arms outstretched in mock death.

“Haha! Traitor, this is what happens when you betray the Führer!” Miss Winslet said triumphantly, standing up.

Suddenly, she tripped and fell forward with a shriek, landing on Luca. Their lips accidentally met.

Luca’s eyes widened as he looked into hers. She stared back, and a spark of heat passed between them.

At that moment, Luca wrapped an arm around her waist and another around her neck. Miss Winslet held his head and kissed him deeply.

“Mmm... Is this part of the rehearsal?” Miss Winslet asked breathlessly.

“Yes,” Luca replied.

“Then go ahead, treat me as Hans would treat Bridget,” she said, tossing her hair back.

“All right.”

With a tearing sound, a pile of shredded fabric hit the floor.

“Mmm...”

—

(End of Chapter)