Original subtitles

Downloaded from YTS.MX

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

THE DEVIL STRIKES AT NIGHT

WARTIME GERMANY - SUMMER 1944

Our great Führer, Adolf Hitler, is very grateful to you,

and I'm here to thank you on his behalf.

Harvesting is a service to the nation, and to our fighting men.

Your generous contribution to our great work

will be a shining example for future generations.

Girls,

daughters of proudly suffering Hamburg,

on behalf of the municipality of Ratzeburg,

I wish to thank you for your voluntary help.

As director of the School-Youth Harvest Program of the NSDAP

in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein,

I say to you...

carry on the good work.

To our great Führer, Adolf Hitler: Sieg Heil!

Well, this concludes our official business.

And now a pleasant surprise.

- There are 32 girls. - Thirty-one. One has taken ill.

She was willing, though, and wanted to volunteer.

The good people you've helped out

have donated two pounds of flour to each of you.

Be quiet!

And now a personal gift from me.

If you please.

I have a cornflower for each of you. It's the German harvest flower.

It's the flower of the great Queen Louise and symbolizes devotion.

- Name? - Henne Janssen.

- Got a boyfriend? - No.

- You did the work of three? - Of course.

She ate for three.

Don't get upset. She needs to.

Who works well must eat well.

I know a sculptor who likes models with your build.

Well, forget it.

- Hertha von Pfeil. - Father a general?

No. He's an insurance agent, not a general.

Here.

- How old are you? - Sixteen, next week.

You sure are built.

- Father? - Yes, Johannes Kropp, born Tressler--

Well, that's my mother-- my father--

Don't be nervous. I won't bite you.

On the contrary.

And now, the gifts from our comrades:

one pound of wheat, one pound of rye.

Come and get it.

And now a few trimmings for the harvest celebration.

Let's go to my car.

Miss.

Another order of potatoes and sauerkraut.

More potatoes and sauerkraut?

Some nerve.

One order of potatoes and sauerkraut.

Buddy of mine wants to buy me another drink. Understood?

He's picking up the tab.

- What's your name? - Beat it, sailor!

- Where's Lucy? - Must be upstairs.

Are you crazy?

Serves you right.

A person wants to know who's handling the goods.

Where have you been?

Look what you did. It's bleeding.

Don't cry about a scratch.

I thought it was the old man getting fresh.

- Got time for me? - Not here. The boss might come in.

Trudy will take over in a minute.

I brought a gift. Your eyes will pop.

All right. Go up to my room, but be quiet.

Check, please.

That'll be 2.80.

Ninety, three, four--

- Miss, where's the phone? - The bakery across the street.

Five.

Did you enjoy the food?

That one was easy.

Have you gone off your rocker?

Want to pay for all these bottles?

Don't you know there's a shortage?

...24, 25,

26, 27,

28, 29,

30, 31.

Air raid warning.

There must be 32 slices.

Didn't they have it in one piece?

Bacon is bacon.

Thirty-two tokens of the people's gratitude.

Willi Keun is somebody.

"All for one. One--"

Lucy.

Lucy.

If I had my left thumb,

I'd be at the front right now. Yes, sir.

You of all people.

Remember that fellow Klaus who worked in our place?

Sure, Klaus Schmedes, my pal.

I envy him.

He is a soldier. Yes.

He was a soldier. He's dead now.

Killed. What do you say now?

Killed?

He died on the battlefield for his Führer and his people.

"In deep mourning, yours truly."

You haven't got all your marbles, Willi.

This can't last.

No goods, no trade,

I didn't get any tips at all today.

Tips, tips...

The German soldier stands fast on all four sides of the Reich and--

Yeah, and you stand in the middle of bacon.

Stop clowning.

You'd better shut up.

Why?

How do you stand on principles? Family and such.

"The family is the backbone of the nation." Adolf Hitler.

Well, yes. I am married.

But Lucy,

you know that my wife can't bear me children.

You're nuts. You want me to bear you children?

You really have a sense of humor.

Don't get me wrong. We know each other from way back.

But, Lucy,

sweet pea.

I get sick to my stomach when I hear you talk like that.

Come, have some schnapps.

No.

I need something sweet.

Some fruit, canned fruit.

Excuse me.

I have a few jars of cherries hidden in the baby carriage.

- Baby carriage? - Sure.

The air raid warden has sticky fingers.

So I stashed away some delicacies in a baby carriage under the stairs.

Nobody goes there.

The Reich fights for its life

and this one eats cherries.

Air raid alarm!

Air raid alarm!

Lucy! Damn it, where are you?

Lucy!

You'd better forget your damned cherries!

- You are not bringing the china statue! - Yes, I am!

Alarm!

Easy. It's the same every night.

But listen. They're right above us!

Come on, let's go! Hurry up!

Come on, now.

Everybody out! Alarm!

Mrs. Hansen! Let's go down to the cellar--

Watch out for falling bricks, Commissioner.

A top dog from the Gestapo is here.

Trouble is brewing.

Please, come in.

Am I intruding?

On the contrary.

I was expecting someone from the Gestapo.

Come in.

Glad to see you.

Sit down.

I hope it won't fall down.

I hope so too.

How's your leg?

Can't complain, thank you.

I'll need treatment for a while.

Very useful, a shell splinter in the knee.

You seem to have had your full share of heroism.

I'd hate to meet our brethren from across the border again.

Mean bunch, those Russians.

Indeed.

Your application for assignment to my department was granted.

I'm very grateful.

Glad to be back in Berlin?

Oh, yes. I've had enough of the Eastern Front.

The homicide division seems like a cozy corner.

My motto: "Lie low till it blows over."

I'd agree with you.

It's all so incongruous, senseless.

Homicide division.

Thousands slain daily at the front

and I run a giant department for a few murder cases.

Here's one:

Willi Keun strangled a waitress in Hamburg.

This makes headlines,

but thousands and thousands slain at the front

rates a single line:

"Our losses were insignificant."

That fellow must have powerful claws.

There was a similar case a few years ago. Unsolved, I believe.

This is made for you.

For me? I'd rather leave it to the boys in Hamburg.

Say, Commissioner, there's a slight mistake here.

Let's settle it quickly to save you personal embarrassment.

You're funny, harassing an SS member in a lousy civilian court.

Sir, the man admitted--

Admitted? That's a good one.

Besides, this should be left to the Gestapo.

So the guy had a few drinks and got out of hand.

But he's a war hero. He has a Purple Heart.

The court will consider all this,

but the victim survived by a sheer miracle--

Big deal! A foreigner.

They're getting out of hand anyway.

I'm afraid, Mr. Böhm, you're out of line.

I'm a party member.

Did it hurt much to join?

And who are you? Remain seated.

I didn't intend to get up.

This is Inspector Kersten, just out of the hospital.

He commanded a battalion in the east.

Not a battalion, just a company.

Why do you say "just"?

I knew company commanders who had it over some generals.

Mr. Kersten will work under me in M1 and M3.

I see.

I hope we'll get along. Mollwitz is my name.

At Gestapo headquarters,

we want smooth cooperation with the police.

We're both on the same team.

Party member Böhm,

think up a clever solution for this particular case.

It won't be easy.

Then make an effort! Goodbye.

Your motto: "Lie low till it blows over."

I only wonder whether we'll make it.

I certainly will.

It isn't so obvious to me. Be careful, Kersten.

"Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's."

Heil Hitler.

Mrs. Paschke, a few cigarettes, please.

Without coupons? Are you serious?

If there were a sudden inspection, I'd be in hot water.

Oh, I'm sorry. I'll move it.

Please don't bother.

Hey, wait a moment.

Been using this umbrella act long?

Quite a while.

I wanted to sell umbrellas, but with this dry summer--

Right, right.

- Enjoy your meal. - Enjoy your meal.

- Enjoy your meal. - Enjoy your meal.

May I?

Thanks.

Miss, that German beefsteak, how big is it?

Does it come from Greater Germany?

Sure. It comes from a Ukrainian horse.

Silence! It's the daily communiqué.

The Wehrmacht High Command announces:

American bombers appeared from the west and south over Reich territory

and raided several points in west and southwest Germany.

Residential areas in Munich, Mannheim and Karlsruhe

have suffered damage and casualties--

None over Berlin, eh?

Please take them. I don't smoke.

Very useful indeed. What about your wife and your friends?

Friends? Who has friends nowadays?

Don't be bashful. Take them.

I'm not bashful. I'm suspicious.

Mrs. Paschke, cigarettes.

That umbrella trick got me thinking.

I'm with the criminal police.

I thought you were a decorator's apprentice.

Some sort of disguise? Very clever.

My name's Kersten. I work under Commissioner Böhm.

Oh, no! An inspector?

What did you think?

Perhaps a general in civvies.

You have a high opinion of me. Thanks.

What's this for?

To wallpaper my place. A do-it-yourself project.

All the wallpaper hangers are in the army.

Tell me,

do you have wallpaper paste?

- You're really spoiled. - Yes, totally.

I just remembered that I know a wallpaper hanger.

A first-rate man, but he only works on Sundays.

Moonlighting, of course.

May I have your address? I'll let you know.

That would be heavenly. I'll write it down for you.

Helga Hornung, Weberstraße 14.

- Is your man reliable? - Quite.

Difficult to get along with. A lone wolf.

I'm not marrying him. I just need new wallpaper.

Tell him to bring a stepladder.

Cigarettes.

Friend of yours?

No, not yet. But he might turn into one.

One may sometimes find common interests with the Gestapo.

Possibly.

Anna!

- Morning, Anna. - Morning, Bruno.

Why are you running around like that?

Where have you been for so long?

On labor duty.

- I put on a lot of weight. - I wouldn't say that.

Are you staying now?

Will you go dancing with me?

We shall see. I just arrived, Bruno.

- These are heavy. - That's nothing.

- I'll carry them. - That's nice of you.

How are you doing, Bruno?

Making a living?

So-so. Just enough to buy potatoes and liquor.

Your father doesn't pay enough.

I must often go on the road.

- Bamberg. - You go to Bamberg? Why?

Sometimes even to Hamburg and Kassel.

I'm a driver's helper.

That's how I get money for potatoes, liquor and cigarettes.

Thanks, Bruno.

When will you go dancing with me?

I don't know.

I have so much to do.

I'll be getting my nurse's training at the Red Cross hospital.

Where's the Red Cross hospital?

In Wedding.

I know that neighborhood.

Excuse me, where is Weberstraße 14?

Next door. The number plaque's gone.

These damn bombings.

Bombings in Berlin? No way.

The number plaque just went for a walk.

Thank you.

A bitter disappointment.

I came to flirt and you call the paperhanger.

You know perfectly well that I don't flirt with relatives.

Then tell me what the strategic meaning of this bottle is.

It's for the paperhanger. And you lay off. You've had enough.

Yes, but only when I'm on duty, never in private.

Our Führer, as you know, needs heroes.

A real hero is either dumb or blind drunk.

And since I wouldn't fail my Führer--

Pull yourself together. I don't know the man.

You don't know him and you give him my liquor?

Heil Hitler.

I didn't know you had company, Miss Hornung.

Do you mind if I mess up the place even more?

Not at all.

Thomas, this is the man who pretends to be a paperhanger.

Mr. Kersten, Major Wollenberg.

You are welcome.

I hope my presence won't have an adverse effect on your art, Master.

I doubt it.

This is my first attempt to hang paper on a wall.

Great!

Germany needs daring men.

Mr. Kersten is mainly an inspector in the homicide division.

On Sundays he moonlights.

You could've told me you were the "tough lone wolf."

I would've saved a bottle of liquor.

Didn't you guess?

Aren't you with the police?

Well, I'm only a clerk in central filing.

The bottle is somehow unclaimed.

I suggest

we take a good swig to our beloved Führer

and his unavoidable final victory.

Darling, did you wash the glasses from last night?

Please don't be so impudent.

They're in there.

Is the gentleman here to protect you from me

or to provoke me politically?

He's my cousin.

Four times removed.

His grandmother was my mother's aunt's cousin.

Here's to success!

And I'm not referring to wallpapering.

To what then?

Angel,

is the gentleman here to protect you from me

or to provoke me politically?

Let's start.

I suggest that I work at the bottom, on account of my leg,

the major at the top, and Miss Hornung in the middle.

Why me?

I'm either a cousin or a flyer, but never a paperhanger.

I'll take care of the liquor.

As expected.

Liquor is the elixir of life of flyers, cousins and paperhangers.

In heroic times, it is every man's elixir of life,

for it spurs one to action.

Must you use "wanted" posters as lining?

I'm so wrapped up in my job.

Anything juicy?

Somewhat. A murder case a few years back.

Interested?

Why not? Well, that's your cue. You're on!

"On the night of September 23, 1937,

38-year-old Vera Fenner was slain in a forest near Hagenow-Land

by an unknown killer."

Luckily I have an alibi for that day.

"Death by suffocation followed fracture of the hyoid bone."

Must've been an athlete with iron claws.

Funny, it sounds so familiar to me.

Wasn't there recently a case in Hamburg--

Well, it's none of my business.

Say, couldn't you find another topic?

Of course.

What is your opinion about love?

Potatoes for Lehmann.

Two flights up. Nobody's in.

Shall I leave them here?

You wish. No, no. They'd be here till doomsday.

The Lehmanns won't lug them up. He's a half-pint and she's sickly.

But I must deliver them. I got paid for it.

- Heil Hitler. - Heil Hitler.

Well, walk up and ring. Three long and two short rings.

Perhaps someone will open.

But remember...

I didn't tell you nothing.

Three long and two short.

I brought the potatoes.

Oh, the potatoes. That's very nice.

Thank you.

Well, shall I leave them here?

Oh, right. No.

Would you take them to the kitchen?

Yes.

It's so hot today.

I'm not thirsty, but I'm hungry.

Food stamps don't fill you up.

Would you like a sandwich?

I wouldn't refuse, Mrs. Lehmann.

Please, come in.

Life ain't fun no more. All work and no grub.

I'm better off on the road.

Maybe next week again.

Going away?

I ride with truckers.

Oh, you're a driver's helper.

Where do you go?

- Everywhere. - Everywhere?

Could you take somebody with you?

I'd give anything to get out of here.

Perhaps. Those large crates hold a lot.

Really?

I must tell you something.

I'm not Mrs. Lehmann.

I just live here temporarily.

But please take a seat, Mr.--

Bruno.

Am I intruding?

Of course not. I'm alone.

I'm glad when somebody comes.

Always alone?

Yes, since my husband died.

Stinking war.

My husband died

in Auschwitz.

Never heard of it.

He was a doctor. Professor Weinberger.

Maybe the name is familiar?

No. I'm never sick.

So you're always alone, eh?

Let me fix you something to eat.

I didn't know where to turn. I'm a Jewish woman, you know.

Only the Lehmanns were good to me.

Not just because my husband never sent them a bill.

They're good people.

They're in danger on my account. I must get out of here.

Where are they now?

He works for Siemens, and she's on war duty at the post office.

They always get home late?

Seldom before ten in the evening. And then they're tired of course.

I'm glad when I can talk to somebody.

I mustn't be seen in the street.

Always alone.

Aren't you afraid?

Oh, yes.

I'm always afraid.

Not so much of dying as of all those humiliations.

One hears awful things.

Why are people so mean?

I don't know. I have troubles too.

Perhaps I'm afraid of dying too.

I'm not so old after all.

How old do you think I am?

No idea. Forty, 50.

Do I look that old?

Yes, these last few years...

I used to be so pretty.

My husband liked my hair so much.

The way it looks now...

No beauty parlors, no soap.

My God!

It is I, Mrs. Lehmann.

But the door isn't locked.

Or is it?

Did you lock it?

Me? Why me?

I must have locked it myself, automatically, out of constant fear.

Excuse me.

I'm coming, Mrs. Lehmann.

This is Mr. Bruno. He brought the potatoes.

How come you're so early?

The central office was damaged by a direct hit.

Well, a good night's sleep at last.

- Thanks for the grub. - You're quite welcome.

And if you're in the neighborhood,

three long rings, two short.

I'm glad when somebody drops in.

And don't forget about the truck,

should there be a chance.

Please.

Why should I have killed her?

She was my girl. She never refused me.

I had a few drinks. I can hold more than that.

I'm not a violent man. Never once have I beaten my wife.

As for the bacon, I'll replace it.

One sometimes succumbs to temptation.

On duty all the time.

Always on duty. You've got to mention that.

I have the medal of merit too.

When do I get out?

Get out? Don't kid yourself.

Your neck is at stake, not your release.

Our best bet is to plead drunkenness and passion.

You don't remember a thing.

I remember everything.

I came into the corridor.

Lucy had gone for the cherries in the baby carriage.

Cherries? Baby carriage?

Trying to claim insanity?

The court isn't that stupid.

But it's all in my file about the cherries.

Haven't you read it?

Casually.

But you ought to study my file.

- You are my lawyer. - Your court-appointed lawyer.

Still, you ought to know!

It began with a party.

Sort of a celebration I conduct

when the girls return from labor duty.

Then I met Lucy by chance.

- By chance? - Yes.

Not exactly. I visited her.

We went to her room and had a few drinks.

- And had a fight? - No, not at all.

We were talking about conditions, and our opinions differed somewhat.

And your scratched hands?

There were clear signs of a fight.

The court isn't stupid, and neither am I. Remember that.

You'll make the gallows all right.

Well, we aren't that far yet.

I notice you lost your left thumb. Let's see it.

As a child. It was cut by a power saw.

That was my undoing. Four times I volunteered.

Show me your other hand.

A bit flabby. Ever exercised?

I had a heart condition as a child. Later I couldn't find time for it.

I think the District Attorney was a bit hasty in this case.

He doesn't believe me.

My own lawyer doesn't believe me.

How can you defend me if you think I'm guilty?

Leave that to me.

If we're lucky, we'll dig up extenuating circumstances.

I'll not leave my defense to a man who doesn't believe I'm innocent.

I don't have to. I'm an official of the party.

- I faithfully served the Führer! - Stop clowning.

And don't you mention that party stuff at the trial

or you've had it.

Well, think it over, Keun. I'll be back tomorrow.

It's "Mr. Keun" to you. Don't forget it.

Mr. Keun,

I believe you are innocent.

- Good evening. - Good evening, Miss Helga.

- Please come in. - Thank you.

It's dark in here.

Something wrong with your lights?

No,

but I find candlelight very becoming

on some special occasions.

Is it your birthday today?

No, but I have a very nice guest today.

Not that irksome bemedaled fellow? What's his name again?

Thomas Wollenberg, and he's my cousin. I've told you more than once.

I meant you when I said "a nice guest."

Thanks. I don't deserve it.

May I turn on the light just for one minute?

I'll turn it off again at once.

Shouldn't we eat? The tea's getting cold.

Right away.

What are you doing?

It isn't stuck at all.

What isn't stuck?

The wallpaper.

Was there any left, Helga? About this size?

No, what for?

For a replacement, if need be.

If my memory serves me right,

there's some evidence hidden right in this spot.

- Looks like wastepaper, but-- - Time to eat.

Time to eat...

Remember that old "wanted" poster?

The girl in Hagenow-Land?

No, I don't.

But I do.

It was right here.

What are you doing?

I'm ruining your wallpaper and my principles.

A cat can't give up mice.

I'm looking for a mass murderer at large.

With you it's an obsession.

Not an obsession, but a very serious business.

Is it your business?

Didn't you want peace and quiet?

I did.

But a fellow is in jail in Hamburg. His head is tottering.

Maybe justly so, maybe not.

But he's got only this one head, and he's attached to it.

Well, September 1937. Let's see.

- Should I warm up the tea? - No, thanks. I'm almost through.

Vera Fennel or Fenner...

Doesn't matter. Down here.

"Death by strangulation followed fracture of the hyoid bone."

If I remember right,

this would be case number five.

What do you say?

Nothing.

The wallpaper is damaged and I have a strange feeling about this.

I don't know why.

I wish you weren't involved in this, but not because of the wallpaper.

I'll buy a funny picture of the Führer to cover the spot.

Don't bother.

Sorry, but this is very important to me.

Surely.

The table is set so nicely. And such delicacies...

It's just like in peacetime.

I think I'll turn off the light again.

Leave it on, you'll see better.

But I find candlelight very fitting on special occasions.

Angry?

Well, I'm an inexperienced guest. You should invite me more often.

Seems to me you feel at home here anyway.

Does it annoy you?

Not as long as my wallpaper and furniture are left alone.

Won't you sit down at last?

Yes, ma'am.

Scram!

Anna.

- Good to see you, Anna. - What's going on here?

Just some kids.

- Come, sit down. - No, I must go back right away.

Why? Your father is away.

Yes, but I have work to do.

Besides, what would I do here?

Whose sweater is that?

It's just a knit sweater somebody gave me.

Don't tell me stories, Bruno. It's a woman's sweater.

Bruno, you must be having lady visitors.

If Father should ever find out...

You can have the sweater.

No thanks, Bruno.

I can take you out now. Look.

- Where did you get it? - I found it.

Bruno, you must return it.

Why? I found it. Finders keepers.

It isn't yours. Take it to the police.

Police? They can all go and...

I'm going with you to make sure you turn it in.

Whoever lost it may be in trouble.

I don't think so.

Never mind what you think, Bruno.

You were always an honest man till now.

Sure I was. But there are more than 300 marks here.

- We could have a good time. - For that we don't need 300 marks.

We're going to the precinct.

You stay here.

You'd like that, eh? Are you bored?

Take the purse and come along.

Come on!

Thank you, Constable.

- Hello. - Heil Hitler.

Any trouble with Bruno, Miss Hohmann?

Not at all. Mr. Lüdke has found a purse.

Cut out that "Mr. Lüdke" stuff.

Just plain Bruno the dope.

I found this, so it's mine.

Amazing! Found it? Where?

On a park bench near City Hall.

Look here, Bruno, there are no more benches.

So I found it elsewhere. So what?

It's a bit strange.

Let's write up a report.

It's very decent of him to turn it in voluntarily.

Voluntarily?

Why, Bruno is an old acquaintance of ours.

His file takes up a full cabinet:

cruelty to animals, theft, battery.

But you can't do nothing.

I'm certified insane, paragraph 51.

You can all go and...

- Inspector Kersten? - Yes?

Please follow me.

Order from Gestapo headquarters.

I don't understand.

Sorry, I have orders.

Can't it wait till tomorrow? I have an appointment.

I can see. Nevertheless.

- What's the matter? - No idea.

It's a somewhat surprising invitation from Gestapo headquarters.

Miss Hornung, please notify Commissioner Böhm.

Yes, of course.

Tell him that--

- Cigarette? - No, thank you.

May I make a phone call?

Sorry, no.

In case it should take longer.

What makes you assume that?

Your odd behavior, partly.

You may complain to my group leader.

It's inspector Kersten, Gruppenführer.

Forgive this somewhat informal invitation,

but among soldiers...

Please be seated.

That'll be all.

Do sit down.

You're a hard worker. I have a report here.

I'm doing my best, Herr Gruppenführer.

Come, come. Don't be modest.

Besides, you're hot on the trail of a certain case.

You're also traveling a great deal: Hamburg, Kassel, Lübeck, Schwerin, etc.

It's very interesting.

Cigarette?

I don't smoke. Thanks.

Congratulations.

Excuse me a moment.

May I ask where you got this report?

From a contact at your office.

He's very interested in your advancement. Sometimes one has unknown friends.

His name is-- Let's see...

Brühl is the name.

Oh, Assistant Brühl.

Yes.

Your conduct is splendid, my dear friend.

You have war medals

and you're very successful in your profession.

Now, how come you're not a party member?

It's none of my business. You surely have your reasons.

Now let's discuss your mass murderer.

Perhaps we can do business.

Let's skip the details, since you seem to have studied the file.

In my opinion, all the cases I've checked lead to one and the same man.

That man is still at large.

This means that some sentences may have to be revised.

What?

Miscarriages of justice, my dear Kersten?

Such things cannot happen in German courts. Right?

Well, proceed.

In every case, strangulation followed fracture of the hyoid bone.

This is out of the ordinary.

The perpetrator must have tremendously powerful fingers.

Also, the motive was always the same.

Hold it right there. Fracture of the hyoid bone...

What is that? Anatomy isn't my forte.

Could you show me?

Yes.

Well...

Like that.

This is what the choke hold looked like.

And?

Once the bone is broken,

the tongue drops back, causing strangulation.

That's odd.

I can't picture it at all.

Unfortunately, my fingers aren't strong enough.

Unfortunately?

Kersten! Unfortunately!

Was that aimed at me personally or at the SS in general?

But, Herr Gruppenführer...

And so our man must have immense physical strength.

At any rate, he's mentally ill.

Hold it right there. Sit down.

That's exactly what I wanted to hear from you.

A mentally ill man. Perhaps a twisted heredity.

His father was a drunkard or something.

He'd sit next to you on the train and you'd never know.

He may be a waiter or a trapeze artist in a circus.

Bring me the personnel file.

At night, he kills women.

He kills one, a dozen, or maybe more for all I know.

He's a respectable citizen, never been in trouble.

No previous record.

He's never stolen a single silver spoon. Nothing.

But take a good look at his family tree,

and you find an uncle in the madhouse,

or a grandfather

who ended up in the gutter.

At the least, a moron or a village idiot, a physical or a mental cripple.

Ever studied race theory?

- Superficially. - You ought to, my dear Kersten.

Read every word.

Keeping our race pure is our supreme duty.

Or do you deny the Germanic race's claim to leadership?

You don't. You're smart.

We must then breed an elite, my dear Kersten,

by strict, or if you will, cruel selection in the pattern of nature,

which eradicates the unfit species.

Sweetie pie, where have you been?

We'll continue in the basement. Air raid alarm.

You see, dear child, I have a visitor.

Take your friend with you.

You must see the fantastic bar sweetie pie keeps in the basement.

One has to give a little party occasionally.

Well, where were we?

Now you got me all confused.

Oh, yes: the eradication of the morbid elements.

You found me the test case.

Get me that mass murderer so I can give the people goose pimples.

I need that to promote a new law for a certain group of people.

What do you need? A staff? Authority? A car? Gas?

All doors will be opened for you, any file you want.

I'm not sure I'm the right man.

Right now I'm a bit handicapped on account of my wound.

But I could recommend a few people.

Good gracious. You've been in Pidvolochysk?

In that stinking cesspool?

At the slaughterhouse by the station?

- How long were you there? - Two months.

I spent two hours.

You wouldn't care to return?

Oh, the Eastern Front. The very thought of it makes me itchy.

We need to fumigate everything from Prussia to Moscow.

Where were we?

Oh, yes. You're on the case. Very nice of you.

I knew right away you were a man I could talk to.

At the front in these situations, we used to say, "Come in."

- Nervous? - No.

Genuine Wouwerman.

Had it bought for me in Holland.

Those Dutch are getting rich.

Please go ahead.

All right, all right.

Come, Kersten.

Another beer, sir?

No, I want a cognac, a good one too. Must be a name brand.

A barrel or a case of 24, General?

Just one bottle.

Maybe it won't pay to open a case for one bottle?

That's it.

Another beer. Coming up!

You're worrying too much, cousin.

Tell me, is anything going on between you and your "paperhanger"?

What could be going on?

I mean in matters of the heart.

- Nice guy, no? - Yes, he is.

I think very highly of him.

Ever thought more of another man?

If you must know, the answer is no.

Well...

Then I'll take him under my wing,

as long as I have one.

Your cousin is about to change his beat.

Are they sending you to the front?

Yes. I can't say more.

Top secret orders.

Only my radioman and myself know it.

Say, ever been to Sweden?

No. What would I do in Sweden?

I was just thinking. We have relatives there.

We'll see.

You have my phone number.

Should your "paperhanger" be in real trouble, call me.

I got you a beer.

The boss has a weak spot for the military.

Hi. Heil Hitler. I came to find out about the purse.

Find out what?

If nobody claims it, it'll be mine. Anna said so.

Well, I found it.

In two years you may get it, Bruno.

What? It takes that long?

And where is my purse now?

Well, I don't know where it is.

Some department asked for it. Tough luck.

The owner must have come to claim it.

How come?

SS-Truppführer Scharf reporting.

Thanks.

And what are these groceries?

- The rations, Inspector. - What rations?

You'll get this every ten days. I have orders.

- The canned goods will follow. - Canned goods, right.

Put it all in the safe with other top secret matters.

French cognac,

Russian tea... from China,

and soap. Very good.

Cigarettes, well?

Damn it.

Help yourself, Brühl. Do you drink or smoke?

I'd love to have decent coffee again.

You'll have to wait. Canned goods will follow.

I only want a bar of soap.

You have to wash your hands thoroughly these days.

That should be it.

Miss Hornung, any news about that purse?

It arrived this morning.

Right, here it is.

Thanks.

Turned in at the 185th Police Precinct by one Bruno Lüdke,

residing at Jägerstraße 14.

He was accompanied by a resident...

Hi, Bruno. How are you doing?

What do you want?

I need a strong man.

I see.

I don't work for money anymore. I can't buy anything with it anyway.

I want grub, cigarettes and liquor.

We'll talk about that.

- What's that? - Aquavit from Denmark.

Open it. Let's take a swig.

I don't mind. I talk better over a drink.

- Got a corkscrew? - Of course.

I had one. It's gone.

Don't bother. I'll do it this way.

Damn it. It's in there tight.

It takes muscles in your paws.

Mustn't spill one drop.

- What's your name? - Axel.

You're all right, Axel. Here, drink.

Damn it! You sure are quick with that cork.

I bet some people in Hamburg were amazed.

Lucy Hansen for instance.

What do you mean?

Well, you know, that plump waitress, the one you did in.

I guess, she was--

Gee, how did you do that?

Nobody ever threw me before.

Force alone isn't enough.

- It takes a few tricks, you know. - You must teach me.

Where did you pick it up?

They teach us this at the police.

So you're a cop.

But you said you wanted to give me a job.

And don't you say that again about murder and such.

I can't stand it.

They with you?

You can all go and...

I know paragraph 51.

I'm nuts.

Come along, Bruno.

Sure, Axel. Let's go.

Lüdke, you have admitted committing a number of killings.

Tell us how many.

I didn't count them.

Between 50 and 100.

Can you count at all?

Come on, count.

One, two, three, four...

Axel, I think he's pulling my leg. I won't count no more.

Aren't they through?

Cut it out, Bruno.

You promised to behave.

I'm hungry.

Can you name the five continents?

East, west, south, north.

How long is your little finger?

One yard.

Continue, gentlemen.

Do you sometimes go to church?

I used to go, but now I don't no more.

- Why not? - Cause I'm in jail now.

Do you still pray in your cell?

"Little Jesus, meek and mild, look upon a little child.

And I'll be a good boy. I won't do it again."

Tell me,

don't you think he's playing games with us?

He only pretends to be an idiot.

But all his statements match the facts.

We've already solved 55 cases.

Just listen to that.

Who was Bismarck?

That was Hindenburg.

Didn't I tell you?

You can't question him that way.

He's outsmarting you.

Set a trap for him, my dear.

He gets pigheaded with people around.

This afternoon we're making a plaster mold of his head for the police museum.

Then I'll try with him again.

Any way you want.

But this case must be airtight to be of any use.

There's a lot at stake in it for me.

And for you too.

You have a fabulous memory, Bruno. I'm sure I can count on you.

We'll go to a place you know well.

You'll lead the way and tell us exactly how it happened.

All the details.

My boss, you know, is a stickler for details.

He wants to know it all.

Axel, are you still here?

I think he wants to do me in.

It's so dark in here.

Well, Bruno?

To the left. It goes down a hill.

I like fresh air early in the morning, Axel.

Whip that mare!

Step on the gas!

What's this, Bruno? Are you nuts?

Sure, you know it.

All in fun, Axel. Can't you have a little fun on the job?

That meatball sure was scared, eh?

Let go of him.

Smells of mushrooms.

You know, Axel, the cell is no good.

There's a pond hereabouts. Let's go for a swim.

The others can wait.

Work comes first, Bruno.

Now, where was it?

Not here. Come on.

Well?

And my cigarettes?

Work comes first, Bruno. Tell us.

Nonsense!

Don't give me a hard time. Speak.

For you, I'll tell. Well...

I was on the go all day and my feet hurt.

So I sat down here.

And then I found a cold potato in my pocket and I ate it.

And then she came.

She sure had it.

And she wore a sort of blue thing.

And she had a bunch

of flowers.

And she was singing.

Dandelions it was.

So I said to myself, "Let her sing awhile."

Then I got up

and I followed her.

She didn't even see me.

Suddenly she dropped something

and bent down to pick it up.

Then I hid behind a tree.

She must have seen me.

She got scared and started to run.

I went after her.

I could outrun her anytime.

Don't run away. I won't harm you.

Just wait, you slut. I'll get you.

Then I choked her.

She didn't make a sound. A strange one she was.

I must hide her. Somebody might come.

Down I go, and I dig.

I look up and around.

I dig down.

I look up and around.

But nobody came.

Is that her?

Sure, that's her.

My cigarette?

Bruno, you have a fabulous memory. Here, you deserve one.

Here. I hid it that day,

and you couldn't find it.

- Well, convinced? - For sure.

Kersten, I have a feeling you bagged a big bird this time.

- A swig? - Yes.

- I'm Wolf-Dieter. - My name is Axel.

Listen, Axel.

I've heard something.

I always keep an ear to the ground.

This case will be taken to the headman.

- The SS headman? - One step higher.

The Führer--

It's okay.

Go.

Why can't we drive on?

This is sabotage.

Gruppenführer,

was your conversation with the Führer successful?

Your understandable curiosity is ill-advised.

But I'll tell you.

Your department has been dissolved as of today.

Certain considerations made it inevitable.

Kersten will report to me.

The Führer expects notice of compliance tomorrow.

Is that clear?

Of course, Gruppenführer. I'll arrange everything in Berlin.

Arrange?

These are orders. It's about time you understood that.

A genius, our Führer.

Destiny smiled upon those who worked under him.

The idea of a new law for the eradication of misfits

using the Lüdke case as an example sounds attractive,

but how would the common man react?

Perhaps he would feel insecure.

A killer who committed 80 murders...

Fear?

A German knows no fear. No, it's more dangerous than that.

That killer eluded capture for 11 years.

Confidence in the police, the Reich's mainstay, will be shattered.

If that guy was a Jew, or at least a foreigner...

How long will these damn sheep stall us?

Drive on!

- Enjoy. - Thank you.

In two or three weeks, the whole thing will be wrapped up.

And something new will come up.

Not for me. My motto is--

"Let the files gather some dust." I know this one.

So? Didn't everything come out okay?

No, Helga. Henceforth, private life will come first.

I pictured my private life differently.

Marriage? To Wollenberg?

Thomas is my cousin. Now will you please stop that.

He worries me, by the way. I'm afraid he's being foolish.

In what way?

He's planning a trip.

You mean he wants to run away. Is it still worthwhile?

Certainly not for you. You're the Gestapo's darling.

Well--

...all males over 18 years of age

and all females age 25 and over,

but not more than 55 years of age.

When are you going to be 55?

A verdict was reached today in Hamburg

in the trial of Willi Keun.

He was found guilty and sentenced to death.

Damn it!

And yesterday I was promised the trial would be suspended.

We must do something at once.

Call Mollwitz in Berlin.

Mollwitz? Probably drunk in some bar.

And Rossdorf?

On a Saturday? All offices are closed.

Like in peacetime.

We must rush to Hamburg. Tomorrow Keun may hang.

My apologies. Everything is makeshift here with the bombings.

Please sit down.

This is a rather unusual hour.

So are the circumstances, Your Honor.

Yes, you mentioned that.

However, Keun was sentenced. The case is closed.

Keun is innocent.

I have in my briefcase the confession of the real murderer.

Interesting.

It's amazing how misleading evidence can be.

May I see your document?

There's one difficulty. I have no authority to show it to you yet.

All I want right now is a stay of execution.

I'm not your man. I was merely the presiding judge.

I know.

The DA was bombed out. We can't get his address.

The court has it.

It's closed. Tomorrow is Sunday.

And meanwhile, the irreparable may happen. You know--

Certainly.

You seem very sure about Keun's innocence, Mr. Kersten.

Absolutely. I have not only a confession, but proof.

Still, I need documentary evidence. The DA is very meticulous.

Could I call Berlin?

Of course.

I'll place an urgent call to Rossdorf.

What number?

007-003.

Rossdorf.

In Hamburg?

On a pleasure trip?

And I expected you right here.

Who? Keun?

I don't know him and I'm not interested.

This is none of your business.

Do me a favor and stop your efforts at once.

I hope you remember that this is all top secret.

Return to Berlin at once.

I'll expect you here tomorrow.

Heil Hitler, Mr. Kersten. Out.

Yes, Herr Gruppenführer. I'll hand over the file to Dr. Schleffien.

Heil Hitler. Out.

You think Gruppenführer Rossdorf

actually heard your last remark?

Your Honor, a man's life and justice itself are at stake.

Justice?

"Justice is that which benefits the German people."

From a famous speech, those words.

Kersten, you'd better rely on luck.

Justice, as we've known it,

is dead.

SECRET AFFAIR OF THE REICH

Let's first remove the cover. It's rather worn out.

Rossdorf.

Very annoying, these interruptions.

My dear Kersten, thank you for your visit.

Keep me informed how you make out.

And be careful,

within the limits of decency.

Good night.

Thank you.

Mr. Keun...

Pack up your things.

No, I'm innocent.

You must have tremendous pull. Nobody ever walked out of here alive.

Come on.

Come on now.

They didn't even leave a bar of soap, those pigs.

"Please keep me informed how you make out."

Helga...

don't falter.

"And be careful, within the limits of decency."

I knew it.

Axel!

The car is waiting, Inspector.

I'm coming.

I'll call you soon.

Criminal Inspector Kersten, Herr Gruppenführer.

Thank you.

Well?

Shoot, Inspector.

I'm all ears.

Herr Gruppenführer,

I'm entitled to an explanation in view of my work in the past months.

Really?

The Gestapo owes you an explanation of its actions?

- Don't misunderstand. - Then you better be specific.

- I was in Hamburg, Herr Gruppenführer. - This I know.

You called me up from there.

Keun has been sentenced to death.

This I also know.

Meanwhile, you started meddling.

Who do you think you are, Mr. Kersten?

Well, proceed.

Keun is innocent.

Bruno Lüdke is the proven murderer of the waitress.

Mr. Kersten, the name Bruno Lüdke is to be forgotten once and for all.

But since you're dense, I will spell it out.

The hunt is off, the case is dead. Führer's orders.

Do you finally understand?

No, not with my normal common sense.

I should've known that.

All right.

Let me explain once more.

Right now, we can't afford to broadcast the existence of a mass murderer.

Keun is but a grain of sand in the gearbox. He's unimportant.

Oh, he's disturbing the machinery? He's expendable.

I don't like your tone, Mr. Kersten.

But your attitude is even worse than your tone!

We're therefore compelled to restrict you permanently!

So it's you I'm indebted to for that draft call.

We work fast, and "indebted" is the right word.

You owe this lenient treatment to my personal generosity,

because of your efforts in a case that I vaguely remember.

Your irresponsible action in Hamburg prompted me to take swift measures!

Keun's execution means judicial murder.

Who is Keun anyway?

He's a party member.

Gosh! All the vermin that crept into the party...

Why, even you could.

Though heaven knows you're anything but a Nazi.

I won't contradict you in everything.

Oh, Kersten,

your courage of desperation doesn't impress me.

Many before you here have shouted defiance against God and Führer.

I'm used to it.

So you better get off your high horse, Inspector!

You alone have broken Keun's neck!

Can you prove it?

Prove it?

Keun could've gone free, had you kept your trap shut.

But you had to jabber about Bruno Lüdke.

- Herr Gruppenführer-- - Nonsense!

Peddling state secrets.

The surest way to suicide!

You're trying to pin a judicial murder on me?

You cannot evade the responsibility for his death,

you blabbermouth!

This is the most fiendish twist I've ever seen.

I merely did my duty. That's all.

But to your kind, a life means nothing.

That's true.

And it goes for your life too.

I know. But I have faith--

Faith, oh, faith...

Where did you get that moth-eaten word?

Do you perchance believe in God?

Well, you cannot count on him either.

Come over here.

Someday justice will prevail again, though we may not live to see it.

You probably won't. Now let's get to the point.

I wanted to have you tried for betrayal of state secrets.

Consideration of our manpower needs made me change my mind.

You see, up there in the north, it doesn't look good.

I promise you a spot where you'll be able to prove yourself.

Well, at the front.

Not as an officer, but as a buck private.

You must learn to take orders again!

Heinrich!

Mr. Kersten remains in protective custody.

Yes, Gruppenführer.

And remember, Mr. Kersten,

the name Bruno Lüdke must be erased from your memory.

There never was a Bruno Lüdke.

And now bring me the personal file of Helga Hornung,

Homicide Division M1-7.

WHEELS MUST ROLL FOR THE VICTORY

Attention on the platform.

Lieutenant Keller, please come to the...

I repeat, Lieutenant Keller, please come immediately to...

Were you expecting somebody, Kersten?

I wasn't quite sure, Lieutenant.

All aboard!

- The first train is ready for boarding. - Yes, Lieutenant!

First train!

Attention, please. Lieutenant Gehrlein, Unit 55,

please come to the station manager.

I repeat, Lieutenant Gehrlein,

please come to the station manager.

So you did get my message.

I thought you were in trouble.

- Rossdorf asked for your file. - My file?

No, everything's fine. But you...

Could've been worse.

I'm to prove myself at the front. Nothing unusual.

Oh, Axel, stop pretending. I know the score.

Have you heard about Keun?

Shot while trying to escape, right?

Yes, they're in a hurry.

It won't be long now. We'll soon be riding by train to the front line.

Please be careful during air raids, Helga.

Yes, keep warm and don't smoke too much.

Oh, yes. The cigarette coupons. Here.

My God, the cigarette coupons.

Remember? That's how it all began.

The umbrella, the wallpaper...

Come on, pal! Let's have a drink on the Third Regiment.

Superior stuff, 60 proof.

You'll need it before a hero's death.

It's all in fun, miss.

Thank you.

Old-timer,

you must have had a tiff with the boys in the back room.

- Something like that. - Don't worry, miss.

The "front" we're to hold is now way in the rear.

- We'll never get there. - What's that?

We're trying to pour a drop of joy into the bitter cup, Lieutenant.

Third Regiment, all aboard!

Come on.

Yes, what was I going to say?

Yes, I wanted to say something too.

Good luck, Axel.

Please come back safely, and soon.

Of course, and please don't cry.

No, I will not cry.

Attention, please.

Do not use your flashlights on the platform.

I repeat...

A hearty "Heil Hitler" to you, cousin.

Thomas!

Trouble's brewing, my child.

Listen carefully now.

I'm not drunk.

My car is waiting outside.

You'll have to abandon your belongings.

We'll be in Stockholm this afternoon. Things are better and cheaper there.

- I don't understand. - Never mind. Rely on me.

Be quiet and don't make a fuss.

Yes, but I must see my landlady.

The Führer will pay your rent.

The Gestapo is in your apartment right now.

Thank you, Thomas. Thank you.

Excuse me.

- I'm staring at you all the time. - And?

You're the inspector who took in Bruno Lüdke.

I wanted to ask what happened to him.

He never came back.

I don't know what you mean.

But I know you. You yourself picked him up.

Did you say Bruno Lüdke?

You must be mistaken, nurse.

There has never been a Bruno Lüdke.

REICH'S SECURITY HEADQUARTERS BERLIN-WILMERSDORF

SECRET AFFAIR OF THE REICH: BRUNO LÜDKE

This is to report that Bruno Lüdke was liquidated yesterday as per orders.

VIENNA, 1944

SECRET AFFAIR OF THE REICH RE: LÜDKE - CASE CLOSED