Original subtitles

My name is Harry Melchior.

This is my story.

A true story.

On August 26, 1961, I left my country.

If you want to call it that.

I left the eastern part of Berlin.

Howdy.

Howdy.

But my story really starts two weeks earlier.

On August 12, '61.

One day before the wall was built.

A good start for the 100 meters. TWO WEEKS EARLIER

It was the last chance

for the German Freestyle Championship.

And Lotte was so proud.

Lotte is my sister...

and my biggest fan.

Comrades, this race is-

It's a world-class race.

Come on, Harry Melchior!

Matthis was also there, my closest and best friend,

Matthis, the engineer.

He already knew what was happening,

and the next day, everyone else did, too.

Harry Melchior is on his way to becoming the champion.

If he keeps this up, we'll have a new swimmer in the GDR.

Harry Melchior is the German champion!

Super!

They're taking bricks from my site.

- Why? - Don't you know what that means?

They're building the wall.

It's only a rumor. Now just enjoy yourself!

At first I thought it was wrong to enter another race.

But it wasn't.

It was the right thing to do.

It was my win, and my plan worked.

I was able to aggravate them all.

Especially the functionaries.

I was arrested in the June Rebellion of 1953 and spent four years in prison.

I had waited years for this moment.

What's your brother up to?

It was a matter of freedom and honor to me.

And that's what keeps me going.

All combat units in Berlin

have assembled in Stalinallee.

Their commander, Comrade Ludenstein,

has reported to the State Council.

All attempts to break through

the border of the GDR have been foiled.

THE TUNNEL

They were nipped in the bud

by increased border security.

Then Walter Ulbricht said,

"Along with other Warsaw Pact states,

we have promised to do everything

to stop militarists provoking

another world war from German soil. "

That was also the purpose of the

operation at the Brandenburg Gate.

EAST BERLIN

We couldn't believe it, but GDR soldiers closed the border to West Berlin.

What will you do now, champion?

Keep on swimming?

Keep on studying as if nothing had happened?

Matthis, please. Let's go.

I won't go without Lotte. I won't leave my sister here alone.

Harry, they'll do you in.

Do you want to go through all that again?

All over again?

YOU ARE NOW LEAVING WEST BERLIN

YOU ARE NOW LEAVING WEST BERLIN It is our duty,

using peaceful political means, to stand up

for all peoples' and nations' basic right to self-determination.

Matthis and Carola had decided.

The same night, they joined a group trying to escape via the sewers.

Stop!

We go that way. Quick!

Carola! This way!

- Where are the others? - With you, I thought.

Carola! Carola!

Matthis, run!

Run!

Matthis and Carola were split up.

Matthis had lost everything but his freedom.

He went underground in West Berlin and contacted other escape helpers.

We'd like to make you an offer.

Our state looks after its top sports stars.

They receive good housing and a decent salary.

Nice of you.

Mr. Melchior, I'd like to congratulate you.

Fantastic.

I'm Colonel Kr�ger from State Security. I deal with illegal immigration.

I'm investigating Matthis Hiller's escape.

- You were friends? - We still are.

Times are tough.

People fall victim to the West's lure and leave family and friends behind.

They are blind to our new society.

All right.

I give you a friendly warning: Don't do anything stupid.

I highly respect your achievements.

I'll keep track of your further career.

I truly hope we won't lose you.

Thanks, but no thanks.

Now I'm the German champion.

But I'm somehow too old for this stuff.

I announce my retirement as a national athlete.

Have that man arrested, comrade. My patience is at an end.

It was the point of no return. I had to leave.

And Lotte had to go with me.

- What did they say? - They love me.

They never want to let me go.

I told you they wouldn't let you get away with it.

They have another reason.

- You gotta leave. - Will you come along?

- No. - Then I'll stay.

I can't leave. And Theo won't.

And Ina's too young. It's too dangerous.

And anyway, it's impossible now.

Matthis got in touch.

A student will meet you at the Odeon tomorrow at 11:00.

- You'll get a passport. - Not without you.

Yes! And promise to get us out when Ina is older.

Promise you'll get us out.

Promise you'll get us out.

It's all right.

I promise.

Then go.

Some degenerate subjects, who have to appear

before the Supreme Court...

Matthis Hiller sends his regards.

... walled in Berlin's human pitfall.

- Are you - - Vittorio.

They call me Vic.

Jesus!

The Zoopalast is showing something better:

Marilyn Monroe, Misfits.

Your papers for tomorrow, Checkpoint Charlie.

On August 26, 1961, I left my country.

This is my story.

Howdy.

When did you enter the GDR?

At noon today, around 12:30.

- The reason for your visit? - I'm a tourist.

Thanks.

Good-bye.

Mr. Teller? Ulf Teller?

Tellier, it's French.

You look like a student. I thought you were an athlete.

An educated athlete.

So, welcome to Canaan.

Fred von Klausnitz. Fred.

- Harry Melchior. - I need the passport. We have -

You're really handsome.

Hungry for spaghetti?

We made it.

- Harry. - Matthis.

Hey, Harry.

Thanks.

Thank those two. I hardly did a thing.

I remember.

The Greeks say rigano, and the Italians say oregano.

Where's Carola?

What happened?

What do you think? I made it. She didn't.

That's what happened.

Come on in.

Have a seat.

- How was the Marilyn Monroe movie? - Okay. A bit depressing. Monroe is wow.

- "Wow?" - Terrific.

- Here's to freedom. - To freedom.

To freedom.

To freedom.

- Why do you do this? - I was 10 -

Not that old story again.

We fled from Italy to America. Dad was a Communist.

I marched into Berlin with the army in '45.

Private Castanza from Eugene, Oregon.

I wanted to make history, but Berlin was already freed.

A week later, Private Castanza

stepped on a forgotten mine.

Leg gone, discharged,

stuck in Berlin.

And then?

Bohemia.

Art, culture, women, alcohol

and the liberation of Berlin's other half.

I'm writing a script. I'll sell it as a screenplay.

- To Hollywood. - To Hollywood. What's funny about that?

- What are your plans? - I'm gonna bring my sister over.

How sweet.

Max Gr�ner.

- Harry Melchior? - We said no photos!

Famous people are always good.

I'd like to talk to you.

Congratulations.

They really canned you.

But that's not the peg. We'll use the June Rebellion '53.

They jailed you, didn't they?

Sure, I was there.

On the way home.

But I wasn't alone. There were thousands.

Yeah, but...

I can't write "on your way home."

People want a martyr:

Communists torturing people. You were tortured, right?

- Sure. - Then tell about it.

We got enough creeps like you over there

who want to know everything.

Especially what's not their business.

And what's worse, you guys enjoy it.

The guest suite.

You can stay here at first. Here's a blanket.

Sink and toilet are upstairs.

If you have any problems, Matthis will help you.

Thanks.

Regarding your sister, forget it.

Passports for families are impossible.

What now?

No idea.

I don't know what they'll do to her.

If I'll ever see her again.

I shouldn't have let her go.

TEMPORARY IDENTITY CARD

- Bye. - Bye.

2.90 an hour, net wage.

I promised Lotte.

They've already blocked off every known escape route.

The sewer, the river bank.

There's no way out.

We'll use an unknown escape route.

Like what?

Here, engineer. Ever worked with one of these?

One post after the other at Potsdam Square.

It'll take an incredible amount of organizing to do it right.

You need tools, slag heaps

and at least 10 to 20 men working in shifts.

- Alone, it'll take years. - So it'll take us years.

Carola is in prison.

Should I just march in there and get her out?

I thought you were the engineer.

It would be your masterpiece.

FREEDOM

Attention! Attention!

This is the "Barbed Wire Studio."

Soldiers of the National People's Army!

This is the voice of truth and common sense.

Citizens of West Berlin.

It can neither be justified by your conscience or by law.

You won't hush us up.

Your ridiculous "Barbed Wire Station"

is slanderously incriminating our people.

The whole place isn't worth a cent anymore.

I've been trying for ages to sell the property, but a location like this!

It's dead along the sector border. Absolutely dead.

Ulbricht is the biggest criminal since Hitler, as sure as I'm Hilde Meckel.

What magazine are you from?

We're not journalists.

No? So you're kind of investors?

Kind of. We'd like to see the cellar.

Come with me, gentlemen. You see...

there are 350 square meters down there.

And next door, another 500.

Okay.

Careful.

Want to look at the next level?

- Huh? - Yes.

Don't fall down.

What are your plans?

Stamped clay.

- It's good. - There must be one more.

From here to Sch�nwalder, right underneath the sector boundary.

- Is the groundwater deep enough? - I think so.

You're all a bit crazy, aren't you?

Good heavens.

Wait till I tell Alfons about this.

It's better not to tell anybody.

Do whatever you like. I don't know nothing, okay?

Come on, supervisor. What's the tunnel gonna look like?

Move that away.

We start here.

We have to dig down seven meters underneath the sewer.

Then 145 meters straight ahead,

underneath the intersection. It's 53 meters to the sector boundary.

That means 92 meters into East Berlin.

If it works out all right, we'll come out here.

7 Sch�nwalder St.

92 meters into East Berlin!

Jesus Christ, you guys are nuts!

I'm with you.

145 meters...

- Not such a good idea, huh? - Hold on.

This is the only chance to get my mother out.

My father was executed in '44 for high treason. I was six.

Then the Russians came.

To them, German aristocrats are all traitors.

Only my mother and I survived.

And because of her aristocratic descent, she's the class enemy personified.

I'm going to get her out of there.

Even if I have to use a spoon to dig my way to Siberia.

Understand?

- Raise your glasses, men. - I'm drunk already.

You stay here. "Raise your glasses," I said.

And not a word to anybody, or we don't have to bother starting again.

Not a word...

Not a word to anybody.

What are we gonna dig with anyway?

Here.

Hey there, friends!

Everybody out!

Hey, Harry.

This could take months, you realize?

- Yep. - If they catch us, we'll land in jail.

And where there's lightning, there's thunder.

If I catch you here once more, I'll tear you apart!

"Stick together."

That's what Comrade Ulbricht said a few days ago.

That we all have to stick together.

What hurts me most

is that we need a new department for illegal emigration.

And it only exists, because we don't all stick together.

But I am convinced our work is useful.

It is directed towards the future.

You understand?

A small step towards a better world.

I'm afraid your brother turned his back on us.

A remarkable man.

We supported his athletic development as best we could.

I've been wondering about you.

Questions of this nature could shatter my faith in this country.

- Can you understand that? - Of course.

You're very close to your brother, aren't you?

- If you say so. - That's nice, but it worries us.

How do you picture your near future?

I have a husband I love and a daughter I'm responsible for.

Please, have a seat.

- I have nothing more to say. - Sit down.

Uncle Harry had dinner with us,

and then Mommy cried.

Why did she cry?

Because Daddy said that Uncle Harry was taking a trip.

I see. Did Daddy say where Uncle Harry was going?

If you could take a trip, where would you like to go?

I wouldn't take a trip. I want to go to Mommy.

They think Harry's coming to get us out.

So what?

Well, nothing.

What do we want to go there for?

We'd have no more than we have here.

Lotte, I've got a job.

- We've got friends and a nice apartment. - I know.

We'd have the wall over there, too.

So tell me, why go over there?

NO TRESPASSING PARENTS LIABLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN

Vic?

Presto. It's good.

Does it hurt?

- Five meters. - Just a second. It's exactly 4.75.

All right, get on with it.

Five meters.

I've marked it for you.

WE REMAIN FAITHFUL TO OUR GDR

- 145 meters. - Let's go.

Okay, let's go.

Carola Langensiep.

Well...

What's it going to be?

Here. A boy, right?

Not so important. Main thing, it's healthy.

I had a daughter.

Died at the age of three.

Carola.

You don't want your child to be born in prison.

How often have we talked?

I'm just as disgusted by all this.

This falseness...

that forces me to lie.

But the facts are different here. I can help you. Really.

This -

This is definitely the very last thing

that I can do for you.

Carola, I really want to help you.

"...as informant..."

You are being evacuated for reasons of security.

Please report to the officer in charge.

Lohmann.

Lohmann.

You're being sent to Zwickau.

But we're moving to K�penick.

- It's all been arranged. - No.

We have relatives in K�penick. Here is our authorization.

Lotte!

Come here.

Can you help me?

You mean Hermine Lohmann in K�penick?

That's right.

- Someone's there. - Kids?

No!

I want to help.

Jesus! Are you always so rough?

- How did you get in? - The door is open.

We can't let her go.

- What now? - We'll keep her here.

Not every stranger is an informer.

Not every stranger snoops around in a deserted factory.

- Cut it out. - May I say something, too?

I overheard you guys talking at the "Capri" a few days ago.

And I followed you.

- You see? - Get to the point.

I want to get my fianc� out.

If you don't mind.

Hands off, buddy!

Don't worry.

- Who's this? - My fianc�.

With a "Free German Youth" shirt?

Who?

You know how it is.

I know you from the papers.

The champion swimmer who was in prison,

and then you became a loyal comrade.

I'm gonna get my boyfriend out with or without you.

- You're crazy! - 'Cause she's a girl?

- If you like! - She's pretty.

Bullshit!

- I just don't trust her. - Can we get started now?

Just wonderful.

What're you staring at?

Just 'cause I look different than you when I'm naked

doesn't mean I can't work like you.

Aunt Hermine, we're living with you now.

That's just wonderful, my dear little Ina.

I told you things'd be okay.

- What's so good about this? - It could've been worse, right?

Yeah.

Come on, get out.

Come on now!

Excuse me, I'm looking for-

I'm new here. Don't know my way around.

- You don't know? - No.

"That was Vittorio, a good friend. Write to Fritz M�ller. Love, Harry."

What's the big idea? Do we have to do everything alone?

No, I'm coming!

Matthis said we have to shore it up.

It's none of your business.

What do you have against me?

I don't trust you.

I don't think you trust anybody.

Vic!

Again!

His mouth is full.

Get him on his side.

Get some water, Vic!

Are you crazy?

Have you gone totally insane?

Why do I make all those calculations if you bastards don't stick to 'em?

Jesus!

You both could've died. You realize that?

Fuck you!

We can't go on like this. We need more people.

- There are informers everywhere. - We're too slow.

- One informer and we'd be done for. - But this could take 10 years!

I've saved about 1,000 marks.

- Who do you wanna get out? - A girlfriend.

My father and my wife.

My younger brother.

He's all alone over there.

- My wife and kids. - How many kids?

Two. Ralf is five. Christina is eight.

My daughter.

- Who do you wanna get out? - No one in particular.

Why do you want to take part?

He got us out back then, through the sewer.

That policeman? Holy shit! Get him outta here!

- I deserted. - Sure, I've heard that before.

Damn it! He risked his life to get me out.

I want to make up for the three people who got caught.

My wife, my kids and my mother.

If possible, a friend.

- And? - My friend's family.

We have 10 candidates who want to get 27 people out.

Plus our five makes 32.

It's worth at least it.

In Germany, it goes, "At least it's worth it."

I wanna go home.

I'm afraid we can't go home.

You can put this on your head like an umbrella.

That isn't an umbrella. It's a stupid scarf.

I know.

- There's enough room under my umbrella. - Thank you.

Beef?

Do you live around here?

- We got stranded here since Matthis left. - I understand.

Then we have something in common.

Heard anything from Matthis?

- What month? - Sixth.

Sixth.

Does Matthis know about it yet?

Sorry.

I didn't want to pry.

Doesn't matter.

I'll answer the door, Mom!

Didn't we take today off?

Yes, we did.

I... well...

You...

Well, I guess you saved my life.

And I thought...

Thank you.

Funeral flowers -

Who's there?

- Hello. - So that's Heiner.

So you made it!

Thank God.

Give him a hug.

Please.

Heiner, this is my mother. Mom, this is Heiner.

Hello.

Hello.

Come on in.

What's all this fuss about? I just wanted to say thanks.

That's all she's talked about for weeks.

Heiner this, Heiner that. The tenants know all about it.

Okay, I'll pretend I'm Heiner, but only if we go dancing.

- I don't know how. - Doesn't matter.

Here we are.

- Real coffee. - Mom, we've had real coffee for years.

Exactly. Like I said.

Real coffee.

Actually, I shouldn't.

Because of my heart.

Now tell me. How'd you trick those border guards?

Yes, well...

Grossglienicke.

There's only barbed wire, loads of it. And I got stuck.

My God.

- They didn't notice? - Sure they did. They came with dogs.

But some guys from the West pulled me over.

My God.

That could've gone wrong.

- You bet. - What would they have done to you?

They'd have arrested me...

and hit me.

In the face, on the arms.

They probably would have just bruised me. But that hurts like hell.

Then off to State Security.

Solitary confinement.

No heating, no blankets, but lights everywhere...

everywhere.

Every four hours an interrogation. "Western contacts?"

"Yes? No? Yes?"

And then...

they start to hit you again.

But much harder this time.

Broken nose, broken arms,

head wounds.

But that isn't the worst. The worst is...

you gotta watch out so you don't get pneumonia.

And...

And...

And when you can finally fall asleep again...

Yeah, but they didn't catch me.

Yes...

thank goodness.

- What are you staring at? - Oh, come on.

You didn't learn that in jail, did you?

- What? - That Elvis stuff?

That isn't Elvis. It's Chubby Checker.

Anyway, I wasn't always in jail in the German Democratic Republic.

I went dancing now and then, too.

Oh, really?

Heiner and I always wanted to go to a dance hall.

But then they just went and "bang, boom" closed off the border.

From one day to the next.

We'll get all of them out, and then we'll all go dancing.

Got a girlfriend over there, too?

You'd like to know, huh?

The only girl who stood by me was Lotte.

When I was in prison, she kept getting on their nerves until they let me out.

It took four years.

Paul Verner told the armed workers returning to factories and families

to increase their vigilance and readiness to fight.

How is Harry doing?

Okay.

This is Carola. She's coming with us.

Very charming.

That means the West will soon have the prettiest girls.

They marched along Stalin Boulevard

and demonstrated that peace is in good hands.

Oh, well.

He's never written long letters, but he's so sweet.

- What is he planning? - No idea.

When did you enter the GDR?

This afternoon at 4:00.

- The reason for your visit? - I'm a tourist.

Castanza, Vittorio?

Yes?

Please, come with us.

Thank you, but I already have a date.

You're on GDR territory. If you flee,

- we have the right to use firearms. - I'm a tourist. And I'm going home.

- With or without my passport. - You'd better cooperate.

You can't harass a US citizen. You're going to pay for this.

I've called every hospital. Nothing.

There's only one possibility.

But he wouldn't ever tell a thing, even if tortured by the Inquisition.

Somebody must have squealed on him.

Take it off. Come on.

Everything.

- There you are. - Good evening.

I'm Colonel Kr�ger.

And you're?

Vittorio Castanza.

Please, get dressed.

I'll inform the American Embassy-

Mr. Castanza, let's forget the funny stuff.

So my passport is okay. I can go now.

You know exactly why you're here.

No.

It's written all over your face.

Why should I feel guilty towards you or your country?

If you had no respect, you wouldn't secretly meet Charlotte Lohmann.

Charlotte Lohmann? Doesn't ring a bell.

Mr. Castanza,

- you gave Mrs. Lohmann an envelope. - That's what you say.

What was in that letter?

I don't know anything about a letter.

What a shame.

- The coast is clear. Move it. - Okay.

Attention. Here's rail.

Keep it moving, move it.

Good, move it.

Mom?

Sorry.

I thought you were my sister.

You were dreaming.

I never had a brother.

I'd like to know what it's like...

to have a brother.

Brothers are lots of work.

Do you miss Heiner?

My mom is dead.

Made herself some coffee,

and fell down and died.

Fritzi! Fred!

Yeah, concrete. Solid as a rock.

On the other side is a sewer full of shit.

I thought Matthis made precise calculations.

He has an East German slide rule.

And an elastic ruler.

Blasted elastic.

There were no concrete walls in the sewer plans.

You don't seem to care what happened to Vic.

Bullshit.

He didn't cross Checkpoint Charlie.

I asked everybody.

If they don't all come over soon, it'll be a diplomatic scandal.

A Bosch sledgehammer, electric.

Top German quality.

- Where from? - From Adenauer.

My cousin's vice president of a construction company.

- What did you tell him? - Nothing. He doesn't ask questions.

- Is he cute? - What are you getting at?

Jesus! Don't make a sound!

They got one of those things. They're picking up sounds.

- What's up? - They're trying to tap us.

They're bringing in a busload.

Something's in the make.

Turn off the motor!

Turn off the motor!

Turn off the motor!

Turn off the motor!

Halt!

Come on up. You gotta take a look at this.

That's one way.

They have their method. And we have ours.

Nobody's going to shoot at us.

I hope not.

Where's Harry?

Taking advantage of this.

Mommy, Mommy, we're moving to Zwickau.

- Let's go. - I'm being sent as cadre leader.

It's a responsible job. And it suits my abilities.

We'd get a four-room apartment in a new housing development.

Not everybody gets an offer like that from Sachsenring.

Daddy, what's that?

That's a really big factory, my dear.

They build cars. And Daddy gets to build cars, too.

- Will you build us a car? - Sure thing.

- In a year, we'll have a Trabant. - Don't you see what they want?

I'll wash the dishes. Come on, dear. Help me.

- It's our chance! - They're banishing us to Zwickau.

Away from Berlin. Buttering you up.

You still wanna leave?

Oh, Theo.

- I don't know what I want. - But I know.

Harry.

You're still in touch with him, right?

- Yes. - Yes!

Fritzi, you think of everything.

Not everything. Just this.

You don't know how nice it is to be here.

What did they do to you?

Let's get to work, okay?

What did they do to you?

They nabbed me...

at Checkpoint Charlie.

It was so cold.

- But what did they do to you? - Nothing! They did nothing to me!

They just waited -

They just waited for me to go crazy!

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

- It's nice you're back. - Thanks.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

When the damn tunnel is finished and the others are here,

- we'll celebrate. - With Carola and the baby.

- Got a picture? - Sure.

I spent the last few Christmases with Lotte, Theo and little Ina.

I was with my mom.

Pretty.

Look.

Carola was at the movies.

Only she and Lotte saw me. And I got arrested at the Checkpoint.

- That doesn't prove anything. - They gave her probation. Why?

For information. That's logical.

- As an informer? - Yeah.

Don't tell Matthis or Harry.

I'm not that stupid.

They probably threatened to take away her baby.

- We should put out our feelers. - Who goes?

You're a West German. They'll let you go across.

Hello.

Well, are you nervous?

Mrs. Charlotte Lohmann?

The flowers are from the child's father.

- Best regards for Carola. - Thank you.

- Good-bye. - Good-bye.

"Watch out for Carola Langensiep!

She probably sold Vittorio out to State Security.

Lead her astray.

Tell her the tunnel goes from Koch St. to Sch�tzen St."

We'll zigzag from here.

- What? - We'll zigzag from here.

So they don't have a direct shot.

I don't wanna get shot in the back.

- It's difficult with the rails. - It sure is.

My God. How beautiful.

- His little fingers. - I'll call him Matthis.

- So at least I'll have one Matthis. - Just wait. You'll soon have two.

Any news?

It'll take a few weeks.

- And how? - I don't know.

Could be lots of different ways.

They only named a place.

What place?

That's the exact spot Lotte told Carola.

Fred has to go back again right away.

A boy...

I have a boy.

- His name is Matthis. - Congratulations.

- I have a boy. - You'll be a good father.

Congratulations.

She named him Matthis.

Yeah, terrific.

They're doing well.

I know what you're thinking.

I've noticed it the whole time.

She'd never do that.

Never, not Carola.

We put her to the test. It's beyond a doubt.

I don't blame her.

Sure, the prison veteran held out for four years,

but Carola would never hold out.

Arrogant asshole!

- We put her to the test. - She's no informer!

I'm sorry, Matthis.

"Who's Harry? See you Wednesday."

Come on in.

Let's go for a walk.

Yes.

My God.

- Why? - Doesn't matter.

- There's no excuse. - I want to know why, Carola.

They'd have let me bear the child,

then they'd have taken him away.

He blackmailed you.

They could have ended up in prison, or even dead.

Does Matthis know?

Carola, I like you.

I still want you to be my friend.

I want to be able to trust you.

Lotte, you can trust me.

You can trust me.

Let's talk.

Go away!

It can't go on like this.

- I know how you feel. - You always know everything.

You always know everything!

You know nothing! Shit! Nothing!

It isn't your problem. It's mine.

It's my problem, so get lost. Fuck off!

- It isn't your fault. - Go away, damn it!

I spent everything on the sledgehammer.

- You bought it? - Yep. It was the only solution.

I owe five months' rent. They threw me out.

No problem. You can have Harry's room.

- With Matthis? - Yeah.

No, thanks.

- You forgot to fill up. - How? I haven't eaten for two days.

What's the wall doing here? Did you drive the wrong way?

Bullshit.

Thank you.

Good heavens. What's that?

- They're making a movie about us. - Without us.

Maybe they'll make a deal.

- Wow! - Yep!

I hope you can keep a secret.

Sorry, you got the wrong guy. We make feature films.

But I know somebody...

who can keep his mouth shut.

5,000 dollars for each of you.

Plus the financial guarantee that the tunnel is completed.

Guaranteed by NBC.

No.

What we're doing is beyond price.

Everything has its price.

Show us the tunnel now.

These clowns will never hold back the story until we're done.

It's too late already. We already know.

15,000 for each of us.

We call that blackmail. And you?

So you're the nut who wants to get his sister out.

And she's worth 15,000 dollars to you?

We can do business, but I won't let you insult me.

Mr. McLeod agrees.

Provided you don't show up.

Let us know.

Mr. Meyer-

- Sorry. - It's okay.

Keep going up.

Just wait, Harry. McLeod will calm down.

Don't show up for a few days. I'll handle it.

- You're throwing me out? - Come on, Harry.

Consider it a strategic retreat.

Two or three days.

Do you have to do that now?

Maybe it isn't a tunnel. I told you -

Maybe you don't know! What's the deal?

- Maybe I can't trust you? - I told you everything -

That isn't what I asked!

Perhaps I overestimated your relationship to Mrs. Lohmann.

Or underestimated it?

Stay clear of her now.

- What? - Case dismissed.

- But why? - Thank you, Miss Langensiep.

You'll remain at our disposal.

Hi, Herbert K�nig, cameraman, NBC.

William Ogilvie, camera operator, NBC.

Yeah, so far so good.

You think you're doing anyone a favor with your stubbornness?

Hey!

I'm talking to you.

If Lotte could see you now, she'd give you a few whacks!

But she can't see me now.

For 15,000 dollars, I'll gladly take a few days off.

I have to go.

I'm Colonel Kr�ger.

I'm sure your wife told you about me.

Please, have a seat.

Heard anything more from Harry Melchior?

And your wife?

- Don't think so. - What do you mean?

- No, she hasn't. - Fine.

That's fine.

Nevertheless,

I have the feeling that your life is a bit confused at the moment.

And your brother-in-law Harry Melchior is partly to blame.

Harry's gone. And good riddance.

Then everything's fine, isn't it?

If only you hadn't been demoted,

and the deal with the apartment...

As I said,

I understand why you're disappointed.

I've been involved with your case for quite some time.

And I wonder if perhaps you weren't treated unfairly.

"I love you. See you Tuesday."

"I miss you. See you Friday."

"Do you still love me?"

"See you Wednesday. 1:00 p.m."

I'm sorry.

I just couldn't believe it.

Nice of you to stop by. Come on in.

I dream about it every night.

That girl's eyes.

Carola's voice...

"Run, Matthis. Run away."

- How could I let her go? - What should you have done?

Gone back?

Would she have wanted that?

Huh? No.

- I'd at least feel better. - No, you wouldn't.

You'd both be in jail.

You in one cell. She in another. What then?

They'd have no reason to release you.

They only let her out, because you're here.

You aren't to blame. It isn't your fault, Matthis.

I love her.

I know.

I don't want to live without her.

Everything's ruined.

- What for, Harry? - You're wrong, Matthis. Stop it.

Stop pulling yourself down.

Hey, we need you.

I'm leaving. Bye.

Come on. Stop drinking. Stop it.

Tell her.

Yeah. I guess I will.

Freeze!

Freeze!

Fritzi!

Heiner!

- Stay where you are! - Fritzi!

Off to the USA.

Stay where you are!

Stay there!

Stay where you are!

Stay where you are!

Stay where you are!

No!

Keep down, Fritzi! You can't climb up there!

Stay here! You can't go across!

- You can't climb up there! - Heiner!

What are you staring at?

Run for help!

Run for help!

Heiner, can you still hear me?

I just had to go over there...

or I'd lose Fritzi.

Why won't anybody help him? Somebody has to help him!

Get off the wall!

Off the wall!

- Get off the wall! - You're letting him die!

- Off the wall! - He's dying!

Give me your hand. Come on. I'll pull you up.

Come on!

Come on!

I said get off the wall! Get off the wall!

Come on, give me your hand!

A man's dying! He needs help!

A man's dying!

A man's dying!

A man's dying, and they're letting him die.

Off the wall!

Be quiet!

- Can you hear me, Heiner? - Be quiet!

Heiner, are you still there?

Be quiet.! A man is dying over there.!

Heiner, can you hear me?

I really do love you.

How is she doing?

Go on digging.

- What? - Go on digging.

140 meters!

We can't see each other anymore.

He thinks it's a tunnel. Is it a tunnel?

- Thanks. - For what?

My job's been given to somebody else.

We've got the rows of houses behind us.

We are now directly behind the backyards.

And now?

- 15 meters. - Can we do that by Tuesday?

If we don't hit concrete.

- Did one of you drill into a water line? - Why? What's up?

Faster, come on.

We have to get out!

Shit!

Harry, come!

Burst pipe.

Shit!

Well, then let's call a plumber.

I can't leave you alone, not even for a minute.

Fritzi.

You got one for me too?

It'll be days before someone calls a plumber over there.

By then, all this will have collapsed.

That's it then, eh?

Maybe we can push it along a bit.

Sure, walk over there and say, "Comrades, you have a burst pipe."

They'll say, " Thank you very much. We'll take care of it immediately."

I was thinking of something more subtle.

VISA

OCCUPIED

- Hi. - Hello.

My name is Klausen. I'm with the water works.

Weren't you notified?

Water consumption has jumped drastically here.

- I have orders to check things out. - No one lives here anymore.

We're aware of that.

But valuable resources are being wasted.

There must be a burst pipe.

The burst pipe must be out there.

Otherwise, this area would be flooded.

We'll have to dig it up.

- The problem is - - What?

- Actually, it's your responsibility. - What?

They must have forgotten

to disconnect this area from the mains.

I don't know who botched it up, but botched-up it is.

If I report this,

you'll be charged with negligence.

And heads will roll. You know how it works.

If you report it yourselves, you'll be the heroes.

Makes no difference to me.

So, who would we call?

Fred is back.

Harry, Fred is back.

They're here.

- They're here! - What?

- They're digging. - They're digging!

- Do you like it, my boy? - Yes, Mother.

The recipe is from your grandmother.

I know, Mother.

Bring cocoa with you the next time you come.

"Tomorrow, 6:30 p.m., Caf� Liedtke. Code word: Ask for matches."

Have another piece.

What a pig you are!

- Sorry. - Won't you ever grow up?

Want to look at the baby? Go on.

Stop!

We're there!

We head upwards at an 80-degree angle.

Thank you, comrade.

You did the right thing.

I'll do all I can to keep your wife out of the matter.

State Security. We have a few questions, Mrs. Klausnitz.

I feel quite awkward about this.

Please, believe me.

Eat your pudding,

or you won't go to heaven.

I don't want to go to heaven.

You're dead when you're in heaven.

But the angels are in heaven, and it's wonderful there.

Adi won't eat her pudding.

We have to be quiet now, because Aunt Hermine is taking her nap.

- Want to go for a walk? - Yeah!

Be very quiet.

- Adi's dress is all dirty. - Don't worry, dear.

Put it in the laundry. It'll be clean tomorrow.

- In which blanket? Blue or yellow? - In the yellow one.

Why? Because it's nicer?

- Yes. - All right.

You think it's possible that I'll answer one of your questions?

We won't harm you, Mrs. von Klausnitz.

But I'm afraid we'll have to continue our conversation elsewhere.

Then...

I'll go get my toothbrush.

Whatever you consider necessary.

I say, don't you have the slightest bit of decency?

Stay here.

- Where are they? - I told you. I was asleep.

What happened?

- But you promised not to - - What?

I do my duty, nothing else.

Sorry, comrade Lohmann. That's how it goes.

- Colonel Kr�ger? - What?

Mrs. von Klausnitz shot herself.

It isn't your fault, comrade Lohmann.

So that's how it goes? Go to hell!

We can't use Lohmann anymore. He's finished.

- I'll keep two men here in case she returns. - She won't return.

- She's gone, isn't she? - I don't know anything.

I don't want anything to do with it.

Today.

Today's the day. And we have almost nothing to go on.

To the office.

Will they be waiting for us up there?

Bullshit!

So why are you whispering?

Something moved.

- So, what now? - We'll scout around.

We said "no weapons."

You can go without.

Okay, who's coming with me?

I am.

Let's go.

Be careful.

Matthis, take the gun.

Berlin's police just reported

that this afternoon, the widow of resistance fighter von Klausnitz,

Marianne von Klausnitz, committed suicide.

She shot herself with the gun of her husband

who was executed at the end of 1944 in Pl�tzensee.

Relatives reported that she was suffering from a severe illness.

Now for further political and economic news...

Get back, Fred.

- We have to go. - She wasn't ill.

Give me the gun, Fred.

She wasn't ill.

Give me the gun, Fred. Come on.

They've been working on it for nearly a year.

That suggests a tunnel.

Fact two: At least 12 locations are possible.

They've all been inspected and are under surveillance.

Fact three: It can't be kept secret.

Fact four: If today is the day,

there must be a location we have overlooked.

Don't try my patience, Bellofs.

In November, there was an escape from Brunnen St. to Ruppiner St.

The bus.

Due to that incident, an acoustic ground check was interrupted.

Here is the report. One of the dogs responded,

and across the border, there's an empty factory.

The buildings on our side were evacuated. An ideal location.

Colonel Kr�ger here. I need two units.

They know everything.

- I know. - We gotta call it off.

My fault.

I screwed up. One person's already dead.

- I heard it on the radio. - You're running towards your ruin.

I wanna save Lotte. Tell me where she is. Please.

They know nothing, or not enough.

Otherwise they'd call off the two cops.

- Lotte needs you. Don't leave her alone. - I can't -

Everything will be all right.

Trust me. I'm the only lead they've got.

Just do me one favor.

Mom said she wasn't able to cry when they hanged Dad.

She said, he wouldn't have wanted her to.

It all sounds so...

so Prussian.

I don't want to be a Prussian.

All I want to do...

is cry my eyes out.

But it isn't possible.

I just can't...

I just can't cry.

I can't...

I just can't do it anymore.

I can't...

I can't do this here anymore.

I'd screw up.

I'm sorry.

- When did you get it? - Last week.

Fritzi goes.

Cross officially at Friedrich St.

No unnecessary risks. 6:30 p.m.

- "Red scarf?" - Stop.

- "White scarf?" - Go.

- Code word? - Coffee and cognac.

Okay.

Are you deaf?

They're going from house to house!

First group: backyard. Second group: number 8.

Fourth group: number 6. Fifth group: number 120.

Sixth group: 122.

Move it!

I'll look over there.

- What are the policemen doing? - Maybe they're looking for a robber.

No idea.

Sit down.

Hello.

What would you like?

- A cup of tea and some apple juice. - A beer?

- Tea. - Oh, tea.

Thank you.

- When's Uncle Harry coming? - Soon, dear.

- No trace, comrade Lieutenant. - No trace, comrade Lieutenant.

- Nothing, comrade Lieutenant. - No trace, comrade Lieutenant.

False alarm, comrade Colonel.

Three men stay here to support the border guards.

You... you...

and you.

Get on the truck.

What's up, comrade? Move it.

- I'm supposed to stay here. - I don't doubt your spirit. Move it.

- All we have left is Miss Langensiep. - Yes.

- A one-way ticket to Schm�ckwitz. - Forty.

What an idea!

There she is.

A -

Here you are.

- Coffee and cognac. - We're out of coffee.

Then cognac.

- Here you are. - Thank you.

One more.

We'll wait for everyone to get on board.

And don't forget. I want that...

Harry Melchior.

Looks like everybody's there but Harry.

And Carola.

Don't cast off!

You're all under arrest for illegal emigration.

Stay where you are. Nobody move.

Comrade Colonel.

Headquarters just reported:

A soldier is missing from the operation on Sch�nwalder St.

Come on.

- Hello. - Hi.

Daddy!

Hey there, sweetheart.

Where is Aunt Carola?

I'm sorry.

What's up?

We'll wait.

- It's 10 to 7:00. We're late. - Harry and Carola aren't there yet.

What if they discovered Harry?

- We'll wait! - Matthis, don't you see?

30 people and Fritzi are down there. It's a matter of seconds.

He's gonna make it. Of course he's gonna make it.

Damn it!

The soldiers!

Okay, don't panic. He's one of us.

I don't believe it. That's Harry!

- Damn it. He made it. - Okay, let's move.

We gotta go, Matthis!

Okay, let's go. The first group.

You and the baby.

You, you two.

And you three. Across the street, number seven, the cellar.

Go over there slowly like it was normal.

- Very slowly. - What if-

Just finished our meeting. Go slowly.

Here!

Come over here.

Where's Mommy?

Sit down and drop. Next!

- Take it easy. - Raise your hands.

Drop!

- Okay! - And get up fast!

Next! Okay!

Come on! Keep going!

Everybody sit down, the border guards are coming back!

- We got a call. An escape attempt. - Over there in the caf�.

- Sit down, all of you! - Sit down!

Sit down!

- Don't move! - Put your guns down!

Put your guns down! Move it!

Get their guns, Fritzi. Get back there!

Up against the wall! Let's go! Come on!

Move it!

- Get going! - Group two: Get in line!

Get in line! Come here!

The first three, go very slowly.

Okay, comrades.

- Is everything okay? - Everything's okay.

- What's up? - Probably false alarm.

The next three. Run!

Stop! You're the last group!

Ina, this is a game.

We're going to run fast. Now promise you'll never let go of Mommy's hand.

Get moving!

Come on!

Move it!

Me, too?

- Hurry! - Harry, watch out!

Freeze, or we'll shoot.!

- Come on! - The baby!

Theo! Take cover!

Down here! Down here!

Come on down, Harry!

Take cover!

- Slide down! - Yeah!

Just a little more time, Colonel!

- Everything's under control. Get out! - No.

Fritzi, get outta here!

We both go, or neither of us.

Tell 'em, if they make one move, their colonel's a goner.

You heard him.

Get back, men!

- Get back! - Get back!

Move it!

Now get in here very slowly.

Every one of us has his conviction.

Was it worth it?

All this wouldn't be necessary if we had the same ideals.

But...

it sure was worth it.

They'll run you down, 'cause you failed.

You'll need your conviction when you do time on the penal farm.

To me, everybody who's killed escaping is a personal loss.

We only had this one chance, Colonel.

Don't take it personally.

Everyone's gone. Come on, Matthis!

- Where's Carola? - She isn't coming, Matthis.

- Not without Carola! - Come on, Matthis!

Bellofs!

Down there!

She isn't coming! I'm sorry.

- Let's go! - Down there!

Come on!

Get outta here! Get outta here!

Get in! Move it!

- Hurry! - Ouch!

Give me your hand. Come on.

- Ina? - Don't be afraid.

YOU ARE ENTERING THE FRENCH SECTOR

Halt! Halt! Halt!

Terrific. Fantastic.

Come here, Ina.

This is your son.

His name is Matthis, too.

My son?

He's really my son?

She saved us all.

I -

I just wanted to say that I really respect her.

Really.

You're alive.

Yeah, you're a real cutie.

Look at all these people.

That's Fred.

And Harry.

Lotte, this is Fritzi. Fritzi, this is Lotte.

- Hi there. - Hello.

I'm gonna get some fresh air.

So, everybody go upstairs. In that direction.

HARRY REMAINED A PROFESSIONAL ESCAPE HELPER

BY THE '80s, HE HAD BROUGHT OVER AT LEAST 1,000 PEOPLE

FROM EAST TO WEST GERMANY

HE NOW LIVES I N THE UCKERMARK

FRITZI WENT HER OWN WAY

SHE BECAME A NURSE AND NEVER MARRIED

SHE IS NOW RETIRED AND LIVES IN BERLIN

LOTTE AND THEO HELPED PEOPLE ESCAPE TO THE WEST FOR YEARS

LOTTE NOW WORKS AS A JOURNALIST IN BERLIN

FRED LEFT GERMANY I N 1964

HE IS NOW A PROFESSOR OF ANCIENT HISTORY IN MONTREAL

VIC MOVED CLOSE TO AIX-EN-PROVENCE

AND WORKED AS AN ARTIST UNTIL HE DIED IN 1987

HE DIDN'T LIVE TO SEE THE COLLAPSE OF THE WALL

MATTHIS AND HIS SON MOVED TO L�BECK

HE RUNS A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

CAROLA'S RELEASE WAS PAID FOR BY WEST GERMANY IN THE MID '70s

THE TUNNEL WAS FLOODED ON THE GDR SIDE IN 1962

I N THE MI D '60s, THERE WERE DOZENS OF TUNNELS ALONG THE BERLIN WALL.

SOME WERE SUCCESSFUL SOME FAILED

NOBODY KNOWS HOW MANY THERE WERE