Original subtitles

THE ARCTIC SEA CALLS

Based on the novel by Alex Wedding

Original footage from 1934

PRAGUE 1934

The famed Russian steamship, Chelyuskin,

has sailed in the wrong direction.

Encircled by the ice,

103 people are trapped on the Arctic Ocean.

Among them are women, children,

and members of a scientific expedition,

on its way home from Wrangel Island.

Two months ago,

as the ice encircled the ship,

Captain Schmidt joked, as he gave his report.

Meanwhile the ship has been sending an SOS every other hour:

"Despite restrictions, our supplies will soon be exhausted.

HELP if you can!"

The flags are down now!

Break a leg!

Soon Anton'll be going over the Niagara Falls.

As high as the electricity.

Anton?

Anton, Anton!

You passed the test, Anton!

You are hereby awarded the name Cyrus Cilpatrick.

You're the successor of Cyrus Cilpatrick,

the conqueror of the Niagara Falls.

Anton! Anton!

Where are your friends now?

Nice job! You fell for it!

What business is that of yours?

If you don't finish your work today,

my father won't lend you any more barrels.

Where's Alex? And Ferdi?

I'll go see.

TWO AMERICAN COMEDIANS. ST. LAUREL AND OLIVER H...

What are you thinking crawling around like that?

How'll Anton roll the barrel up without you?

I've got a compass.

There's water in the jar.

Tied to a string are the hands of a clock,

which I've magnetized.

If you keep the jar still, it always points north.

- You could be right. - You could be right!

If you follow the arrow, you'll get to the North Pole.

Anton, if you follow it, you'll get to the North Pole.

What're you going to do?

Rudi! Anton!

- You gonna hold out? - Yes.

Commercial exhibitions in Prague are featuring bread exhibits

for the first time, along with a competition for the best bread.

The exhibit will introduce the people of Prague

to the quality and benefits of a first-class rye bread.

The poor quality of this rye bread in Prague

has led to a drastic decrease in its consumption.

The fate of the crew of the sunken Chelyuskin,

which was encircled by ice in the Siberian Arctic,

has caught the attention of the general public.

The Soviet government has established an Aid Commission

and telegraphed instructions to its polar stations.

The North Cape station has sent sixty dog sleds to Cape Oman.

The airplanes at Cape Wellen have just now been deployed

since severe blizzards abated.

All polar stations are keeping radio waves...

Are you still holding out?

What's he still holding out?

We're planning something... with my compass.

Rosi?

Rosi, come up here.

It works? The cold hardly through.

Have you told them about the Chelyuskin?

Never.

When it comes to helping they don't get it anyway.

Are you nuts?

Rosi!

What are you snickering at?

Bring your blouse up with you.

Rudi?

Can I play too?

Maybe.

Yes or no?

We'll see.

You could really let me in on it.

We want to save the Chelyuskin survivors.

The ones on the ice?

Don't say a word to Peppi!

Your watch looks like it's gold.

Just don't adjust the receiver, Rudi.

We'll need it for traveling.

We'll buy your watch and marbles back,

as soon as we've rescued the Chelyuskin survivors.

I promise you.

And he can keep my stamps.

Thank you.

All in all, we'll say...

Including that one, twenty-two.

Dr. Leik ended his speech with the wish

that the National Socialist spirit of all German women,

and thus of all German people, will leap forward.

Thousands of women fanatically saluted the Führer with a "Sieg Heil",

as the Reich Women's Convention came to an end.

Gentlemen...

If you let me join you I'll give twenty crowns.

Radio Prague releases the latest news about the Chelyuskin.

Twenty-five.

Although the tone of the report is still optimistic,

details about the situation lead one fear the worst.

According to reports, the ice field,

on which the Chelyuskin survivors are,

has migrated nearly 28 kilometers to the northeast.

The ice floe that the camp is on, has cracked at many points,

and is loosening daily.

One crack runs right through the camp.

The several-meters-wide crack, could rise and then collapse,

which would lead to catastrophe.

The crack is preventing aid planes from landing,

as they would inevitably break into pieces.

For this reason, two planes have already had to turn back.

The Russian ship Stalingrad has set sail with two planes on board,

to bring aid to the crew.

Dogsled teams are attempting to reach the ice floe.

Some twenty teams are on their way

but can only make slow progress due to blizzard conditions.

Radio operator Krenkel can send only one short report a day.

- Where'd you learn this? - Ow, Mommy!

Anton wants the money.

Hey!

Give it back!

This here is Prague.

First we take a train, like to Rosemarie's aunt.

Then we have to sneak across the border.

Actually, nothing can go wrong. It's all easier than it looks.

There's an underground tunnel,

through which my German uncle fled.

Of course Germany won't be cakewalk.

We'll hide during the day and move at night.

Through Poland to the Soviet Union. Minsk.

From there we travel for free - that's how it is under communism -

right across the whole country to the coast.

Then well walk to where the ice begins.

You can see from there it's only a stone's throw away.

I estimate 9,000 km.

This is an Eskimo specialty, cod liver oil.

We could use this fireworks rocket for a flare,

the Chelyuskin survivors can see us coming from afar.

- We could use this too. - Don't go too far.

Can you cook?

I could make you pancakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

I even sold my palm tree.

Now I can take a vacation trip like Peppi.

We'll also need band-aids.

In case one of us has to fight a polar bear...

or a whale.

The Russians can't handle this. No way.

If they do a round of sausage and beer on me.

I'll take any bets.

It'll taste good! Cheers!

First their ships sink then they dream of flying.

It's always the same.

If we're disguised...

They won't find us.

I'm going as an Eskimo.

The beautiful flour!

I'm going as a young lady.

Rudi!

You need the best disguise, with your relatives!

What'll happen to us if the fascists lock you up?

What would we tell your mother?

I already told you: well move through Germany by night.

If they lock me up they'll do the same to you.

You won't need to tell my mother a thing.

Or my father.

Or are you scared?

Only for you, Rudi.

They're expecting we'll be afraid,

and the innkeeper'll rejoice if the Chelyuskin survivors die.

They're not going to die - we're coming!

It's locked.

Open up!

Alex, open the door.

Go right in, gentlemen.

Five to Melnik.

That's only enough for four to Melnik.

Then four to Melnik.

One, two, three.

On, two, three, four, five.

One, two, two, one, two.

One, two.

One of us can be a stowaway.

They're strict about tickets.

We mustn't endanger our expedition.

What's dangerous about hiding Ferdi under the seat?

It would be pure foolishness.

My leg in a cast is also a risk. You take over, Anton.

You're staying here?

Is Anton going over the Niagara Falls without a barrel?

Idiot!

DATE

I wonder if Rudi can still see my paper.

When we return, we'll make sure Rudi is famous too.

In Rudi's honor, let's exercise our abs.

And we'll get stronger.

Thank you.

Everyone should hang upside down until they fall.

I can't swallow when I'm upside down.

You have to try.

You must be kidding me!

Get down from there!

A train is no circus! Give me your tickets.

Quickly!

Sit down, you scarecrow!

Next station, you're getting off. Get that paper down.

We're faster than the train!

North is that way!

Where are you trying to go?

To the North Pole!

To the Arctic Sea!

Anton! Anton, wait!

Come on, Ferdi!

Could you give us a lift?

No!

We can't lose any more time.

On foot, it takes three times longer.

Can't you let us take a break?

- At least for Ferdi. - What do you mean, for Ferdi?

As long as the sun shines we'll walk.

The last reports from the Chelyuskin camp

urgently ask for help.

- In the last twenty-four hours, - You might disappear soon.

The ice, on which the camp lies,

has drifted three kilometers to the northwest.

The weather is unstable.

Pilot Bolotov has taken off, to take part in the rescue.

In 1929 he and aviator Chestakov successfully flew

"Land of the Soviets" across the ocean from Moscow to America.

No thanks!

Why shouldn't we eat, Anton?

Those on the ice wouldn't have it so good either!

We'll walk until we collapse, got it?

I thought only until the sun goes down.

Come on, Alex.

How far have we come?

We're here.

But it's raining! We can't go yet.

I'm not going to starve on account of you.

We'll wait! Alex!

When you're undertaking something like this,

you shouldn't take risks.

Rudi was right...

even if we didn't get it at the time.

Where should we dry off, Alex?

Those off to the Arctic aren't afraid of catching a cold.

You stay put!

- Get it together! - Be reasonable!

Show off!

Alex, come back here!

He can't handle the hunger, that's why he's like this.

Rosi...

Anton, carry me a bit! Piggy back!

The needle is pointing backwards.

Anton, I can't anymore!

Anton!

We'll go one more kilometer.

Then we'll cook.

Don't swallow the needle!

Come on, Ferdi.

We've walked 32 kilometers!

9,000 minus 32... makes 8,968.

You have it good. You don't always have to walk.

Come on, fly home.

That's enough.

What are we making, Anton?

Bon appétit.

That was good.

Rosi...

Alex!

We'll ask the Chelyuskin's cook how he makes pancakes.

Only one sip of that for each of us.

I want cod-liver oil.

That's blubber, the Eskimo specialty.

We can coat the map with cod-liver oil,

so it holds up better.

Did you brush your teeth, at least?

Where?

Will you show us where the water is?

Ferdi!

Oh! Wanna go to the North Pole?

I'll put you in my box.

Ferdi?

Ferdi!

If he has a fever, this will help.

Will it harm him if he doesn't have one?

Now we'll walk 'til we collapse.

Are you satisfied?

Ferdi needs milk.

Be good...

You're a nice animal.

When milking you need patience,

just like with fishing.

We'll check on it later.

Or we'll make a tent and leave Ferdi behind.

That's how real expeditions do it.

No, they don't!

We'll wait until Ferdi can walk again.

We'll try to find your aunt's house.

It can't be too far from here.

There Ferdi can get healthy again.

- You learn how to cook. - And then we move on.

Okay?

- Here, chives for Ferdi. - Could you sew my sleeve back on?

My mouse's name is Michael.

That's where my aunt lives.

Uncle, auntie! We're coming!

Who do we have here?

So dirty, and so many...

- Ferdi's got a stomach problem. - Or a head problem.

In any case, he's sick.

Good day.

Radio Prague with the latest report

on the Chelyuskin situation.

Because of bad weather in the polar region,

radio contact with Captain Otto J. Schmidt

has been interrupted.

The Soviet Union's telegraph agency

reports that pilot Ljapidevsky, who took off

and went missing a few days ago,

had to make an emergency landing due to a mechanical problem.

The landing was successful and the pilot is safe.

The plane, however, sustained some damage.

Children, time to wash up!

In addition,

the Soviet aid commission for the people of the Chelyuskin

has sent the parts of two airships to Vladivostock via train;

they are to be used only as a last resort

as they have not yet been tested in polar regions.

Attention! Attention! Four children from Prague

have been reported missing.

In the group are ten-year old Anton

nine-year-old Alexander, eight-year-old Rosemarie,

and six-year-old Ferdinand.

The children are dressed as follows...

Feet...

I wanna pour too...

- The knob is wet. - What knob?

On the radio.

Maybe you sucked on it in your sleep.

Where'd you all come from?

Bless this meal.

- ...Maybe at my sister's. - Perhaps.

- Listen... - We'll find them all right.

Maybe, but when will I hear something?

Soon. Good bye. We'll get back to you.

Good evening.

Rosi!

I want to go to the Arctic as bad as you do.

Just more sensibly.

I suggest you all lie down for an hour.

My mouse Michael and I will keep a close watch on the radio.

And I won't get sick anymore.

Real expeditions set up training camps.

Real expeditions have lots of time.

You can't get us to the Arctic Sea without a day off.

Are you starting in too?

We slept well. We're rested enough.

We set out immediately.

And not a word about this discussion to the Chelyuskin survivors?

Will you promise me that?

Good day.

- Come here... our bicycles! - And you just stand there and watch!

- After them! - Stop!

- Stop! - Our bicycles... stop, are you crazy?!

That might be the tunnel to Germany!

We'll be safe in there.

That's the tunnel Rudi told us about.

When we come back out, we're in the middle of Germany.

You want my mouse Michael to go in there?

We leave the map behind. It's too long.

Anton, take me piggyback!

Anton, please.

- The jar is broken! - The compass?

Are there snakes in here?

Lie flat on the ground Cover your heads with both arms.

I'll fire the flare down the tunnel to see what lies ahead.

Watch out, the rocket might ricochet!

No one can get through there -

The ground is all torn up and crooked.

- Anton... - We'd fall!

And here is where Rudi's uncle got through.

Do you all believe that?

In any case. We must have been in Germany.

They say it look's gloomy there.

Something's coming across the water.

- Where're we heading? - To Prague, if that's okay.

- They're going to Prague. - Watch out!

This is Radio Prague.

A new SOS call was picked up, and a Soviet transport aircraft

was able to land very close to the stranded people.

Due to complicated winds, however, it remains unclear

whether it will be able to carry out its mission.

They're coming! They're coming!

Anton! Anton!

Your left one! Keep at it!

Damn it! Just you wait!

Anton's back!

They're coming...

on a raft made with three sections, with a chimney!

It's smoking like a factory!

- Where are they now? - At the railroad bridge.

- Anton, they've been saved! - Who?

The Chelyuskin survivors have been saved!

Really?

With airplanes!

Rosi! Rosi!

Celebrate those returning from the ice!

Hip, hip, hooray!

Celebrate the rescuers of the Chelyuskin!

Hip, hip, hooray!

The Arctic Sea calls!

Hip, hip, hooray!

Three cheers for the railroad bridge!

Hip, hip, hooray!

And for those who won the bet with the innkeeper!

Hip, hip, hooray!

Three cheers for Anton, Alex, Ferdi and Rosi!

Hip, hip, hooray!

Three cheers for Ferdi!

Hip, hip, hooray!

Three cheers for street kids!

Hip, hip, hooray!

The leader of the expedition, Comrade Schmidt is about to speak.

Comrades, the events had grown acute...

to fulfill our government's mission. But our ship...

Everything gets put away.

We need more.

The herring's still coming.

We still need lemonade.

Lost, is lost.

But we persisted and felt that all Soviets were behind us.

And then the Soviet pilots rescued us.

We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Communist Party.

Workers, farmers of the kolkhoz Red Army soldiers, intelligentsia...

Subtitles by Jason Doerre DEFA Film Library

(c)2010 DEFA Film Library University of Massachusetts Amherst