Original subtitles

BEDSIDE HIGHWAY

I'm going to report this... right now!

You can't stop progress. I'll complain to the Minister!

- Was the department negligent? - We haven't done anything wrong, Minister.

It's the Commission's responsibility. It's safe insofar as people are concerned.

It's not our job to worry about people. Our job is to build roads!

I have enough to worry about as it is.

Who's that?

Can't you knock instead of just barging in?

- I asked Ludvigsen from contracting to report. - So, how is it going in Syvhuse?

- The local residents filed a protest, Minister. - Yes, and it was rejected by the board.

- Haven't they been evicted? - Murkäfurnu hasn't signed it yet.

According to the Constitution, Section 73, paragraph 3-5 ...

... as amended in October 1923, landowners can take us to court.

A lawsuit could prevent the new highway!

What are the chances a legal action might succeed?

- Did you sent out the 234 letters? - Yes. According to the regulation ...

- Dated when? - The 14th of last month.

- What's the matter? - The 14th? We only have four days.

- There's nothing we can do. - No? We'll settle this in four days!

- But we only have four days. - We'ill send someone to the village...

... to persuade them to sign. Completely voluntarily, of course.

- What about Thomsen? - He's in Jutland.

- Antonsen, then? - Busy with västbunan.

- How about Mortensen? - He is studying in Japan.

- Don't we have anyone we can send? - Why are you on your knees like that?

Get up, man! I'm not your Lord as well.

- Who, me? - Ludvigsen lacks experience.

He ought to be able to get the villagers to sign.

You do remember that Syvhuse is located in the Minister's own constituency?

Is it? Ah, yes, so it is!

Ludvigsen... you will get them to sign, but do so diplomatically.

And most important of all ... no scandals or newspaper headlines.

I'll give it my very best, Minister.

You'll be our man in the country.

I'm from the Ministry of Transport.

You're the one responsible for the cement trucks that are about to destroy our village?

- No, I just want to... - You're interrupting my lesson.

I didn't mean to. I just want to talk to the village council.

You want to talk to the village council? Turn right and follow the highway for 5km. Goodbye.

Goodbye. Thank you.

See you... Excuse me.

That's good, Anna. You can tell the other members of the village council at the meating.

- I'm about to send Anton out, Line. - I'm going to turn the sign. Anything else?

Tell Simon to block the highway with livestock.

- Hurry up, Anton. They're on their way. - Yes, yes, I'm going.

They need a transportation system here.

I won't drive through that mud pit.

She said go to the right. But according to the map it should have been to the left.

Hey, mister! Can I ask you a favor? Move those animals somewhere else!

- Are you in a hurry? - Yes, we're from the Ministry of Transport.

Yes, I see. Then I'll make sure to disperse the traffic.

Cows, pig shit... you lousy peasant!

Go on.

- Hello, we're from the Ministry of Transport. - Yes, I know.

- How do you know that? - How do I know?

- Didn't you just say so? I'm not senile. - No, of course not.

- Do you know where Bosserupgården is? - Yes, I do. Can't you find it, or what?

Yes, we want to talk with Mr. Bosserup. He lives there, right?

Yes, he has been living there ever since the old king's time.

And before him his father lived there and before him his father.

Yes, he lives there indeed.

- Is it far from here? - No, it's just straight down.

- Straight down? - He's right here.

Thanks.

- So, you finally got here? - Where there's a will, there's a way.

I'm Ludvigsen, from the Ministry of Transport.

Bosserup, ...

... from Bosserupgården. Emma isn't home.

Can we take a look at your land that's recorded in book 17A?

Yes, that's the field behind the garden.

- Do you want to see it? - Yes. Would you like to see the papers first?

No, no, no. It's that way.

- So, you take care of the chickens on this farm? - No, I'm a journalist.

I write for the Bövlings weekly bulletin.

I haven't written anything yet. But there's always something happening on the farm.

Do you have any pretty girls out here in the country?

Yes, there's one. She's called Irmelin.

There's probably not a lot of business here, but there will be once the new highway comes through.

- There won't be any highway. - No, why not?

- I've heard nothing about a highway! - Surely you received a notice, Mr. Bosserup?

My wife's not home, Commissioner.

It's Secretary. I've turned to you because of your position on the village council.

- I'm not on the village council. - Then who is?

- Emma. - Emma?

Yes... my wife, damn it!

Can't you hurry up a bit? He can't go around without any pants.

Especially if the chairman is a woman.

The chairman? They're all women. All of the village council are women.

The village council.

- Emma Bosserup, village council. - Ludvigsen.

He seems a little frail, eh?

Thanks, Piversen. We can manage on our own.

- It was a gross violation! - So it was the women who threw you in the river?

- Yes, but there were a lot of them! - That's an extremely embarrassing story.

Can't you go back there and try again, very discretely, for my sake?

- You mean in disguise? - Just pretend that everything is in order.

- So I could be your eyes and ears? - That was a well-chosen description.

Ludvigsen has been given the task. He's very capable... I hope.

You claim your property rights are being infringed, when what we want is in the public's best interest.

We villagers have a public interest as well. We don't want our environment destroyed!

The gasoline fumes are poisoneous to our animals.

Furthermore, the noise level will exceed 90 decimals.

- Decibels ... - It will pollute our natural surroundings.

We're against it! You should just take the project off the table, Commissioner.

It's a nice arrangement. The women seem to decide everything.

In my experience, most problems can be solved in bed.

- We don't go into the woods that often. - "Into the woods"?

Yes, we call it "going into the woods," but it doesn't take place in the forest.

When we get married, it's not long before there's a baby.

- So the family name survives? - That's another matter.

That's good from a theoretical point of view; but now we're talking about practical matters.

We simply do not want a highway, so we might as well end this meeting now.

I still have the right to talk to each one of you individually.

Come on girls, we're leaving. It might be time for him to change his diapers.

Yes, I heard that all of them are women. So much the better, you're young and unmarried.

You approach them one by one. Seperate them from each other.

Once you get the first signature, half the battle is won.

But Minister, I have no experience in dealing with such things.

How have men always defeated women? Think of a sword drawn from its scabbard ...

... or rather, a sword thrust into a scabbard.

Did you know that Bureau Chief Dupont is retiring in September?

I can say no more, but a young man has to be appointed to the position.

- But I'm not wearing any pants. - You don't have any pants?

- That's a convenient coincidence. - And my shoes are ruined.

You must get those signatures! The Prime Minister himself is worried.

Get those women on their backs! That's an order!

The matter will be settled in bed!

These won't do.

- They do highlight your frontal parts. - Take off your pants!

Thanks, but I'd rather not.

Take it easy, there are probably some pants in the the hotel's country store.

- Innkeeper! Mr. Iversen? - Yes, I'm here.

- At your service. - Two schnaps and a pair of pants.

- Two schnaps... - And a pair of pants suitable for a Bureau Chief.

A Bureau Chief...

- Driver, have you been eavesdropping? - Just a little.

I had to take the phone from the innkeeper. We are supposed to be unobtrusive.

Yes. Do you think that the Minister was suggesting that I should really...?

Of course, it's the only solution. Think of Cleopatra.

I've read about her. She seduced anyone and anything that threatened her country.

It's quite common in politics.

Börje, you layabout. Come and look.

Those are the kind of pants I ordered for you at Piversen's.

Now do you believe that they're modern, when a man like that is wearing them?

Well, we have some women who wear red stockings that rule here in Syvhuse.

A sort of unenlightened dictatorship, it started many years ago, ...

... when the election day coincided with the annual bird hunt in Bövlinge.

While we were gone they voted spinsters into our municipal government.

Mr. Ludvigsen!

- I have a telegram for you. - Are you the postman as well?

Now where did it go?

No... whatever. It read, "New pants on the way. Stop."

But you already have some nice ones!

Look, it appears that a cow has gotten loose.

That's not a cow, it's a bull! Run, it's dangerous!

What are you doing?

- What on earth are you doing? - It's a bull!

- A bull... - Yes... a bull...

Leave this to me, women are my hobby. I can arrange a private meeting.

- You can? - I can set up an intimate meeting with Irmelin.

She has control over the inn's owner. I know you'll take no pleasure in doing this.

But to take on the whole village council might be too much to ask of one man?

What a lovely room, eh?

- And what a view... - It's nothing out of the ordinary.

Nature is something a man can lose himself in.

I bet you didn't know you could do a somersault! Had enough?

What do you think Ludvigsen would say about you breaking his poor chauffeur's arm?

Mr. Ludvigsen is a finer man than you. And chivalrous as well.

Chivalrous or lustful, it amounts to the same thing.

Ludvigsen might surprise you. How do you suppose he got to where he is at his age?

- He knows all about "going in the woods". - Is that true?

That nice man ...

- Motel? - Yes, a hotel that's located on a motorway.

With the food you serve here, you'll soon become a popular motel.

It would be a lot of work, however.

But you've got your Irmelin.

Yes, I have my Irmelin.

- If we sign, he'll become the Bureau Chief. - He's such a nice man.

No, he's a lewd person.

We should just get rid of him!

No, girls. That's not possible. The time for that has passed.

- We're not giving up, are we? - No, but we must get rid of him.

- Fry him in his own fat, - If he really is such a buck...

... we can let him have his way with one of us, and then accuse him of rape.

That would be wonderful!

Then he'd go to prison, where he can sit and think about his highway.

- Perhaps we can lure him into doing it? - Doing what, Emma?

- Doing it. - Oh...Emma!

I'd go along with your idea about the motel only if Irmelin agrees with it.

I've been thinking about it. Opening a motel with thousands of rooms.

I would then, of course, apply for equal rights.

- Did they give you a substantial allowance? - Allowance?

If someone has a substantial amount of money, we'll always make room at the table.

- We'll take anyone's money. - I'm pleased to hear that.

Is that why you asked me here?

Wouldn't it be best if I offered myself, if one of us has to do it?

No, we can't have that. What if something happened?

- You're our spokespersion. - A position of honor that comes with the years.

- I would gladly volunteer. - No, you can't possibly be the one.

Let fate rule. Prepare for the egg-dance.

Dance, dance, dance, egg.

Up the pole, down the wall.

Only the one left dancing goes, ...

... while all the others stay behind.

- It's me. - Fate has appointed you, Baldrian.

What do you think the pastor will say?

The pastor will be perfect! He's the one who will find you.

- What should I do, Emma? - You'll just lure him into doing it.

We'll arange it so that the pastor will discover you.

And then you'll scream like a stuck pig.

Yes, but do you mean I'd really do it? Go into the woods?

- Lord Jesus, no! - No, don't let it get that far.

- It just has to look like rape. - I think that's awfully cruel.

- Do you sympathize with him? - We won't go all the way.

We don't have to. We'll turn him over to the police.

We'll push him just far enough until he gets cold feet.

- Would you extend some credit? - You know where you can get some money.

A lot of money.

Is Secretary Ludvigsen staying here?

- Yes, that's me. - Vejmand, surveyor, from the Ministry.

I was just having tea with a few of the landowners.

Yes, I see. I won't disturb you any further.

Carefull, that's an antique!

- The Minister asked me to give this to you right away. - It's my pants, thanks.

It's the pastor's housekeeper. Miss Baldrian.

- Miss Baldrian? - A landowner, perhaps?

- Do you need a room, also? - A single room with tv and a washbasin.

Pastor Felix would love to talk to you, so if you'd like to have a cup of tea with us, ...

... just something simple, we'd look forward to seeing you, Mr Ludvigsen. Goodbye.

I didn't think you landowners wanted to fraternize with that man.

Who says we are? And you're supposed go out.

Go out? Why should I leave?

You need to leave the house so I can talk to him in private.

- So... Lars? - Yes.

The pastor is coming by tonight.

- Why... is he collecting for something? - He's not after your money.

I didn't sign for the highway.

He just wants to talk to you. Of course, he won't come if you don't feel up to it.

I'm not too bad today. I just have a little pain in the knee.

I brought some medicine, Lars. Should I fill your flask?

Thank you, Anna, you are a true Christian. Though you've always been a rascal, too.

I think you womenfolk are up to something, but let the pastor come.

The pastor is a decent man.

He comes quite faithfully, every time I'm looking death in his face.

We also have some paintings in the church. I don't suppose you've seen them?

I doubt they'd interest him that much. They're not particularly appealing.

- They're all over the room. - Yes, that sounds interesting.

That's for me. I'll get it.

We'll start pumping up the pastor's bicycle... and then make sure he returns home shortly.

We'll be hanging around. Have fun!

Thank you, Anna. I'll do so, goodbye.

That was Mrs. Mathiesen calling about Mr. Lars. He's doing poorly again.

- It's usually a false alarm. - No, this time it's serious!

You'll have to excuse me, Mr. Ludvigsen, duty calls.

- I can drive you. - No, you stay here, Mr. Ludvigsen.

I'll be right back. Miss Baldrian will entertain you in the meantime.

Thanks, let me see you out. My chauffeur will be glad to drive you.

- Was that the highway man? - It was his car, but Pastor Stone was in it.

Something strange is happening here in Syvhuse.

- It'S a good photo, huh? - Yes, but "Kartoffel (potatoes)" is misspelled.

If the newspaper likes this, do you think Irmelin will be impressed?

Yes, I'm sure she will.

One more blessing for you; but this isn't the first time I said it for you.

So far nothing has happened.

It's true, but it gets more likely every time.

Shouldn't we send for the doctor anyway?

No, Anna Mathiesen knows her stuff. She knows exactly what I need!

- I'll get a spoon. - No, I drink it straight from the flask.

It's how I've always done it.

- Are you sure it was them? - Yes, I'm positive.

But why did she drag him into the church?

She was called Birgitte Lungpatt. She once lived near the village.

Judging by the anatomy, she appears to be an elderly woman.

According to the legend, she lived in a sacred tree outside the village.

- Why was the picture hidden? - The pastor doesn't like it.

- Do you like it? - It's very interesting.

Should we check on what they are doing?

She wouldn't seduce him in the church? That goes against our agreement.

This thing is never right. I think it is now.

No, not in here. I think I sprained my foot.

- He's carrying her. - Yes, over to the rectory.

Come, we'll see how the pastor is doing.

- Maybe I should read a little bit? - I can read for myself.

- I can't find the story from last Christmas. - Last Christmas?

Yes... the rocks that sank St. Stephen,

- It's a beautiful story. - Yes, yes. Whatever Lars wants.

The light's a little better over here.

Quiet, Bella. He's no burglar.

- Can you see anything? - I don't think it's sprained.

Oh, thank God.

You have warm hands. That feels good.

- I need to change my clothes. - I can go outside and wait.

- No, stay here. Are you shy? - No, not at all.

You can stand here, with your back to me.

- Climb in, Pastor. - Thanks.

Blessed evening.

- We have to hurry back. - I hope Baldrian can lead him astray!

- Pastor Stone is here. What are we going to do? - I'm going to scream!

Miss Baldrian?

Look.

- I thought I heard a scream. - I was having a nightmare.

- What about old Lars? - As usual, he just wanted to talk.

He's a very pleasant person. Ludvigsen, I mean.

- Good night. - Thank you, the same to you.

- He's going home ... - We've been cheated, Anna.

That Baldrian!

Fortunately, I held on to my pen. What a crazy woman.

- She had just dropped her panties for you? - Pastor Stone was coming up the stairs.

You should have said something. I would have driven off to Hell with the pastor.

- Or at least taken a little detour... - No, tomorrow the pen will be used.

Even if I have to force them to sign! Wake me early.

I want sleep alone! This is a single room.

- Can I leave my shoes on the hallway? - Yes, they don't steal out here in the country.

Imagine the incredible amount of gasoline we'll sell with a new highway!

We'd become stinking rich! The matter is settled.

- Where will the gas station be built? - Where Anna has her rhubarb patch.

- Is this where the rhubard is? - Yes, near the door.

- Does Anna know about it? - No, that's why we asked to see you.

- Otherwise the womenfolk will stop it all. - I don't have anything to say.

Can't you have a talk with her? You're married to her.

People are against the development. No, it's not the right time.

Emma, ​​the Commissioner is on the phone!

- What does he want? - Squeeze him for some money, okay?

It's not about money. It's about politics.

- Let me handle this. You take over here. - You squeeze him good!

I'd like to meet with you. Couldd you come here?

- To the inn? - Yes, I have all my papers here.

What about me? You expect me to drop everything just because you called?

We can meet somewhere else. I have a car.

There's no need for a car, Mr. Commissioner. We'll go for a hike.

We can walk along the route where you plan to build the highway.

- So, we'll meet at the highway site? - Yes, we can do that.

- Martinus, come here! - I'm coming, I'm coming.

If he tries to force me to sign the contract...

... I'll scream and you come and stop him.

- Do you remember the route, Simon? - Yes, from the dam to the dairy gate,...

... from the the edge of the forest, and then to the tree and away to the creek.

But he must not see you before I scream.

Rely on us, Emma. You scream and we'll rush in.

- We men have all been good soldiers. - Then everything is clear.

I'm free for the rest of the morning. Ludvigsen has gone hiking.

- I can take you for a drive. - In the car?

And you can show me all the beautiful places around here. The ones you told me about.

Isn't it too risky?

What if he catches on to you? You know what they say about him.

I'll tell him that the incident with Baldrian was an embarrassing misunderstanding.

- Have you said anything to the men? - No, only what they need to know.

They have no clue that they will witness an attempted rape.

To the tractor!

- They're on their way now. - Good. Then we'll hide.

- What the hell are you doing? - Camouflage, I look like a tree.

You look more like a twig.

It really is beautiful here. I must acknowledge that.

It's been enjoyable too, eh? You like this view of nature's beauty?

So this is where the highway will go, in land book numbers 21,...

... which is, as I understand, Simon Pedersen's property.

It's so hot today. Wouldn't you like to take a little rest?

Come sit down, and enjoy what nature has to offer.

- What are they doing? - Are they mating?

It's politics, Anton. Not a courtship ritual!

Don't you think a nature lovers' path fits here better than a highway?

- I have nothing against nature. - Perhaps you have nothing against love, either?

- What are you doing, Commissioner? - There was an ant!

Ants? Oh, no! We're sitting in the middle of an anthill!

What now? Emma's hopping around.

She's jumping around as if she had ants in her pants. We move in now!

- Have you seen anything interesting? - No, nothing of interest to you.

You take three turns around the tree each Thursday, ...

- ... after the new moon. - Is it a tradition?

People leave their clothes, so that their desires will be fulfilled.

- This rag is brand new. - Don't touch it, that's bad luck!

- Do you believe that? - Not really, but it can't hurt to try.

- There's a pair of ... - Yes, those are panties.

One can only imagine what's happened here.

- Can you imagine that? - Well, can't you?

- She said head towards the tree. - It's not that way! Now shut up, Anton!

- It stands where it always has. It's that way. - Whatever. We've lost contact with them.

Do you think he'll force her to sign?

- Then we might get our gas station. - You don't know Emma.

Now, let's go on, Anton! Let's go on, Anton!

So now we just have Anna left.

- Why don't you get in and drive? - You promised to show me your beautiful places.

- You're looking for some excitement, eh? - Yes, thank you.

- What do you want with me? - It's just that I've never slept with a postman.

- This is our stream. - It will go under the highway.

- It's beautiful the way it is. - We can't go any further now.

I didn't think you'd give up this easily.

- But how will we get across? - Who's first?

Forward!

- Ow, my leg! - Help is on the way!

- Who asked you to come here? - You gave the signal. Don't you need help?

How's that possible? There's quite a lot of water between us!

We did just as you asked.

- Is it the bull again? - No, it's just me.

- Oh, you scared me. - Forgive me for interrupting.

I didn't thank you for earlier. You just wanted to save our lives.

- It was nothing. - Tell me if we can do something for you.

There is actually one thing ... I'd like to show you something.

The highway is divided and collisions are virtually impossible.

It's an aesthetic pleasure to see the beautiful curves.

- Don't you agree that it's beautiful? - Yes, it's lovely.

I think it's as beautiful as nature.

- You truly believe that? - Why else would I work on it?

To become a Bureau Chief, perhaps?

Why can't you make an elegent curve around Syvhuse?

- What's that noise, driver? - I think we've run out of gas.

How can you make such a dumb mistake? It's your responsibility to ...

There must be something wrong with the fuel gauge.

I'll go and get 5 liters. It might take an hour or so.

- Why did you stop in the middle of the woods? - It's too dangerous to park on the highway.

We might as well use the situation to enjoy this pretty day and our natural surroundings.

- Why did you show me the highway construction? - You probably thought I wanted to persuade you, ...

... since you're a leader of the municipal government.

I'm really not. I had nothing to do with what happened yesterday.

Yesterday? With Baldrian?

- I was against it. - Was it a conspiracy?

- What was the point? - The idea was that you would...

You...

I would have gone away one way or another?

We would come in on you and Baldrian and forced you out of the village.

It's lucky I jumped out of the window.

The water is really warm.

- Would you like to go for a swim? - Gladly, but...

Hi, can I give you a lift to the next gas station?

Can't I take a little walk without being molested?

Was the pastor supposed to find us? It was a pity you didn't succeed.

- I told you I wasn't there. - It was only the others and Miss Baldrian?

- Maybe she wasn't attractive enough? - You're very beautiful, Line.

- Martin ... - Yes?

- About the highway... - Forget the highway!

So running out of gas was just a trick!

- I know nothing about that. - And I fell for that old trick!

It was no trick. You heard what the driver said.

- How can men be so cynical? - It's not true, Line!

I hate you!

I'm telling the truth, Line! Wait for me. I'm innocent!

- Why is she driving away with my car? - So, there was no gasoline?

I was just trying to help you.

I left you alone in the woods with a girl, what more can you want?

Don't interfere with things, you don't understand.

- Would you give us a lift to Syvhuse? - Syvhuse?

We ran into an unexpected situation. We ran out of gas.

I hope you break your bones, the both of you.

- You have to help us! - People around here aren't very helpful.

- Line, did you take care of it? - Take care of what?

- The Commissioner. Did you have witnesses? - I don't know about any of that.

- I'll have to take care of it myself. - Completely naked, Minister.

- Just as sure as I'm standing here. - Sure, and I'm the Prime Minister.

Go out and start surveying again. That strikes fear into those ignorant yokels.

In those down there, anyway...

Baldrian's out.

Ready for the egg-dance!

... dance, egg. Up the pole, down the wall.

Only the one left dancing goes, ...

... while all the others stay behind.

It's not fair that you get to try again. You already had your chance.

- He called me, this is different. - This is fate...

... although it is odd that you were lucky.

You mean unlucky? But I'll tell you this.

I'm not one who backs down when fate chooses me.

I'll do it properly, and I'll do it in the Bosserup's alcove.

- Ludvigsen. - Yes?

You're not armed today?

I feared for the safety of my wife, Emma, the village spokesperson.

She said she wanted to negotiate with us at three o clock at our house.

- Oh, does she want to sign? - I don't think so.

- Then what does she want to negotiate? - Don't ask me, my lips are sealed.

- Anyway, I know nothing. - We can go in my car if you like.

No, I won't be there.

Emma said my presence wasn't required.

- You have a shrewd wife, Mr. Bosserup. - Yes, I think so myself.

- No, I'll wait for the pastor. - The pastor?

He's coming over at half past three, collecting money for a new organ.

What are you doing? You can't interfere with a public official performing his duty.

Oh, it's you, Miss.

It would be very nice of you if you would move my leveling rod back.

Yes, a little more to the left. Left is the other way.

Yes, a little more... and now to the right.

A little more. That's it! Thank you, Miss.

- Are you ready to leave, driver? - Yes.

- Did you fill up the gas? - Yes.

So this is where the highway goes, precisely following your calculations?

Straight through the school. Interesting...

It's quite stupid, but it wasn't my decision.

- It wasn't? - It was a political decision.

The decision was made and so millions are wasted.

That's interesting! Tell me if I can do anything for you.

That's very, very kind of you.

- Do you remember what to do? - I'll stall the pastor.

And you know where Gummel Lars lives? I'm counting on you.

- This came from the old farm? - Yes, from my mother's side.

The dining table is from that time, as well as the oven and the alcove.

- That's beautiful... do you use it often? - Of course.

I sleep in here every night.

My husband sleeps in the house...

... most of the time.

There are some interesting carvings on the crossbar, ...

- ... if you'd like to see them. - Yes, thank you.

- I can't see anything. - You have to crawl in if you want to see them.

- Should I take off my shoes? - That would be thoughtful.

Is this the so-called woodcarving?

My mother's father carved them every time he was in the woods with his wife.

- In the woods? - Yes, in the woods.

But it doesn't need to be in the forest. It can be done right here in the alcove.

- There are round marks as well. - They're for the maids.

- There are so many! - Yes, men are pigs.

This is certainly interesting, Mrs. Bosserup.

It's good that you're here, old Lars is on his deathbed!

No, not again. It's probably nothing serious.

Anyway, I think you should go. I tried everything I could.

I wanted to talk to Mrs. Bosserup about the collection for the new organ.

She told me to say hello, and that I should give you this. We can save time this way.

- Thrift is a virtue. - Yes, that's right. Please have a seat.

- Oh, Commissioner! - It's Secretary... Secretary...

Secretary... Secretary

I'd call that a complete tour of the woods! I can't believe that it's been so long.

That can't be! As beautiful as you are...

- It would be nice if you signed. - No, I'm waiting for the pastor.

- Isn't the pastor going to sign? - No, we have to negotiate.

- In that case it needs to be soon. - Yes.

- Why is he out digging? - It doesn't look good, pastor.

It's probably his own grave...

- I don't think I have the nerve. - Okay, can I do it?

- The egg has spoken, Berthe. - But even Emma has failed.

The pastor never arrived. It's the first time I've ever been beaten.

- Did you sign, Emma? - No, because the pastor never came.

- What if someone warned him... ? - I've talked to the surveyor.

He said it made no sense to route the highway through Syvhuse.

If we can get that on record, we can go directly to the Minister.

No, perhaps if was a female minister...

- We can threaten to go to the newspapers. - I say we follow the plan. Who agrees?

This is Syvhuse. See the school at it's center?

- It's supposed to be demolished. - Yes, leveled to the ground.

- You're an idiot. - What, why?

A technical idiot, I mean. You're married to your job.

No, we're not husband and wife. I'm not married to this job!

- Did you really mean what you told me? - Absolutely.

So, the highway could go around Syvhuse?

The highway? Oh yeah, the highway!

If, instead, we put the highway to the west of Syvhuse, ...

... it would be a bit longer. Precisely 132.65 meters.

And in going around the village, we would actually save a lot of money.

- Shouldn't the Minister know about this? - The Minister?

That it would be cheaper if it went around the village.

If he changes the plan now, everyone will think the Minister is incompetent.

- You have no signatures? - No, but no one knows that.

None of the women on the village council.

If we spread the rumor that someone has signed, they'll suspect each other.

A deception! How do you get these ideas?

I'll tell Irmelin, so it will spread with the mail.

And up on the facade a bright sign... "I - ver - sen" ...

... in neon. Yes, it will be a show-stopper!

- You could almost be my father. - Yes, but our women don't want it!

Ludvigsen actually got his first signature.

From whom, Emma?

It's a state secret. Forget I just told you.

It would be terrible if I had told this to someone who gossips...

- He's got a signature. - It must be Baldrian or you.

- You've consorted with him. - I know my duty as your elected leader.

Who knows if it's true, anyway? She'll spread gossip about anything.

I'm just telling you what I heard.

- She said the church path? - Yes, at eleven o'clock.

Nothing can go wrong.

I must get a signature.

This will be fine. The pastor will need 5 or 6 minutes to get here, ...

- ... so you'll have an hour to yourselves. - What if he doesn't want to?

Take a bottle of my elixir. Then he'll get the urge all by himself.

- I still don't feel like I'm ready. - We're counting on you, Berthe.

I was wondering whether you'd like to talk to me.

- I'm always ready for negotiations. - I get so confused in meetings, ...

... so I wanted to hear for myself before I give you my signature.

I thought we might sit out here and negotiate.

- Over here... please, sit down. - That's very considerate of you.

And here's something to drink. It's Anna's elixir... good for the stomach.

You say "swish" when you drink it, and you drink directly from the bottle.

Swish.

Swish!

Book number 17 ... No, land book number ...

It's pretty strong, that swish. Now where did I put those numbers?

- Did you know that the path is soaking wet? - That's why I'm wearing my galoshes.

- I always take the church path home. - Except when it rains, of course?

- Did it rain? - Yes, further down the path.

Can I contribute to the organ fund drive even though I don't live in the village?

Yes, of course. All gifts are welcome.

- I thought I had money ... - Goodi intentions are what counts.

- Will you accept a check? - I'd be delighted.

That's okay? Let me see, I had it right here...

I'm jinxed! I left my checkbook at the inn.

Perhaps you can lend me a dollar, just until tomorrow, pastor?

- Sure, why not. - Thanks.

Thanks so much, pastor.

Here you go, pastor.

The organ's in the inside pocket. Separate from my personal funds.

- Did Emma really sign? - You won't regret it if you do.

If you promise... It's a shame that you've had so much trouble.

It's been no trouble at all.

It's so big!

- Should we drink a toast? - It's best the pastor doesn't see us.

- Thanks, my dear. - Thank you.

- Is something the matter, Berthe? - No, it was just... an ant.

We might as well give up, now that he's got a signature.

- Two. - What, you too?

Yes, but he promised to keep it secret.

- You've ruined everything. - You've no room to speak, Emma...

He'll probably be on his way now.

No, not if I can steal the signatures!

There's a lady on the phone for you.

It's Anna.

There's no way we can lose it now, Martin.

- Did you want to negotiate? - Yes!

"Save millions on the highway by building it around Syvhuse."

- Was there another typo, Line? - You spelled "million" right.

- Are we going to the Minister? - Yes, I'll meet you at the bus.

Do you think Irmelin will be angry when she finds out we've done something behind her back?

A journalist must write the truth, regardless of personal consequences.

That's true... and life is short!

Yes, it sounds interesting, but a highway must run straight.

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.

I've learned a lot that others may find of interest, Minister.

Do you really think a magazine would publish this scandalous article?

- May I borrow your phone, Minister? - Okay...

Phone for journalist Edvard Jensen.

Hello, that's me!

Hello, Edward. Do you have an article about a highway through Syvhuse?

And another about a potato resembling a calf with two heads?

The Transport Minister would like to tell you which article you should give to your editor.

The potato!

We should call Ludvigsen home for consultation.

- Ludvigsen, the fool! - Did you give him this task, Minister?

- Yes, and I will personally fire him! - He's really doing his best down there.

- Why aren't you going? - We should never have gone bird hunting.

A gas station,...we can only dream about it now.

It could be that I have a plan...

... up here.

- I want to talk to you about the inn's land. - Of course, please come in.

- I'll prepare the papers. - No, no papers. I want to negotiate first.

- Move away, I want to investigate. - Don't do it. It's for your own good.

No, I'm doing it for Irmelin's good.

- You listen at the doors? - Yes, I won't peep through the keyholes.

There comes a day in every father's life when his children have become adults.

- Is that Irmelin? - The time goes by so fast.

I need to make sure... Yes, that's my Irmelin!

She'll dull her horns on him.

Shame on you. Spying on his own daughter!

It's pure joy for a father when his offspring does so well.

Go now, I'll stand guard.

Good night. You better get some sleep as well. The two of us will have to pay for his ribaldry.

I'll get the signatures. They're here in the bottom of the closet.

Whoever touches a hair on my head, touches the head of the Danish government!

Gentlemen, let's talk about this!

- We demand equality. - Yes, the women always decide everything.

We will sign. One for all, and all for one.

- You want to sign? - Yes, right now.

Sure as hell, we've won! What's he going to do without the signatures?

- The Minister promised to reconsider this. - No, we've settled the matter.

Now we go home and talk with our men. Off you go, girls!

- We had imagiined something else. - No, both of you must sign.

- But they don't want to! - Go home and talk to your wives.

Use the time-honored method for persuading women.

Anna will sign if she's lying on her back!

- It's going to be a hot day in Syvhuse ... - Now it's going to move at full speed.

- Anton, the phone is ringing. - Yes, let it ring and ring...

But Anton... I'm on the professional register.

Hello? Hello?

I just wanted to say goodbye. I'll be leaving today.

- Congratulations, Mr. Bureau Chief. - I'm terribly sorry.

I thought you'd be pleased to build the highway right through this school.

I understand your point of view, but I can't do anything about it.

Why not? You simply have to say to the Minister: "I don't want it!"

"I don't want a highway to go straight through the middle of a peaceful community."

- He's my boss. - Yes, but not mine.

In addition to being a public servant, you're still an ordinary citizen, aren't you?

- Yes, I am. These are for you. - Thanks.

That time we ran out of gas ...

I knew nothing about it, The driver was playing a trick on us.

- They're also from him. - MacGraham's Pride.

- Do you know them? - I have these in my garden.

- I had them... ? - I asked my driver to get some flowers.

- Want me to read it again? - What?

- Are you ready for the first part? - Yes, the first part...

But Björn... shouldn't I finish milking first?

- Do you think you can sign now? - Well, now that you mention it, Martinus...

Civil unrest. We've arrived in the nick of time!

Those are protesters, Minister. It could be dangerous without the police.

It only requires diplomacy and statesmanship!

Now hold still and smile.

Well, here they are. Good day.

- Are you hurt? - No, it's only a minor injury, Minister.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear voters of Syvhuse...

... it gives me great pleasure to announce that we've solved the problem.

In response to numerous complaints, I've managed to change the project, ...

... so that the highway runs to the west of Syvhuse.

West would be in that direction.

Thus it runs east of the forest preserve, ...

... and no one has to be evicted.

- For the same price per square meter. - And at less cost to the taxpayers?

- Shut up, Anton. - We've already signed.

- They've all signed? - Yes, in accordance with paragraph 12.

- You may have to pay some compensation. - This price per square meter is acceptable.

Kärrmossen is farmland, so it will be valued differently.

Oh, we're not here to negotiate. We're sticking to the price Emma...

- ... agreed to with Ludvigsen. - Secretary Ludvigsen is a troublemaker!

You could say that about yourself.

I negotiated this, night and day for four days,...

... even though I wasn't convinced of the project's justification.

- This will not do, Ludvigsen! - I don't care!

- Quiet, Secretary Ludvigsen! - Yes, quiet, Secretary Ludvigsen.

I know that you're not too bright, so stay out of this.

He brought down the government.

- Help the Commissioner. - He's our man.

Back to the helicopter!

Now this is what I call democracy.

- Stop, stop? Stop this right now! - We must negotiate.

What have they done to you?

I'll call in the military, and they'ill take over the whole village!

Out with the damned Copenhageners.

Martin, wake up. Say something.

- Yes, we have to negotiate. - Lie still, I'll get the doctor.

No, stay with me.

Death to federalism!

Hear what I say. I want to talk with the people.

You're hurt, Martin. You're bleeding.

It's ink... the Ministry's pen.

Never mind that. Can we finish the negotiations now?

Yes.

From here on, I only want to be with you.

Now listen to me, people of Syvhuse! Listen...

Listen, loyal voters! Your Minister will do whatever you want.

- The highway will stay outside of Syvhuse. - That's my proposal.

What about the price? Are our signatures valid or not?

The Ministry's signatures are always valid.

- Even after the election. - Long live the Minister!