Original subtitles

You're Hank Chief from here.

This is Armarel. It is just a little channel island, not a big city like

Warsaw. The people have a tradition that has lasted nearly 400 years, ever since

the English Queen Elizabeth has made one of her captains suzerain. The same

family still governs the island. The people still fish and read fine caddy.

Treat them with courtesy and respect, not like recruits on a Potsdam barrack

square. I understand, Herr Hauptmann.

I hope you do, Fogan.

Take down the flag.

Which of you is the suzerain of Amaral? He is not here.

I am Captain Weiss, representing the officer commanding the German forces in

the Channel Islands.

I wish to speak to the suzerain.

The suzerain is away.

He is serving with the forces of his majesty, the King of England.

I am the provost of Amaral, and in the absence of the suzerain, I am

responsible for the island.

Ah, then it is to you I speak.

The island will be taken over by the armed forces of the German Reich.

The garrison will be here in a few hours.

Provided that the orders for the occupation are obeyed, no harm will come

to any person or property on the island.

It is the Fuhrer's command that those whom he has conquered shall be

respected. Your Fuhrer has not yet conquered the country with which we are

one. That is only a question of time.

It is my duty to...

It is my duty to hand to you the orders of the German commandant in Guernsey.

Copies of these orders must be posted immediately in places where the

population of the island can read them.

The people of this island speak only English, French, and their own language.

They do not understand German.

That point has not been overlooked.

From today on, you will speak only English.

My men will also speak only English. We shall all speak the same language, so

there will be less cause for misunderstanding.

I will read the orders.

German headquarters in Guernsey to the suzerain and people of the island of

Amaro, July 10th, 1941.

The island will be occupied by the armed forces of the German Reich forthwith.

All islanders must be indoors between nine at night and six in the morning.

No boat or vessel may leave any harbor or any other place.

No one is allowed to go near the sea or down to the bays except in the vicinity

of the harbor.

All firearms and all radio receiving sets must be surrendered immediately.

Evening news, evening news. German forces on British soil.

Armoural? Where's that?

India way?

Channel Islands, mate.

Armoural. No attempt to contact successful, it is presumed. Have we got

to have a go at that now? What with?

German forces on British soil.

I heard they got the troops out some time ago.

Well, there weren't many there, so small.

There's nothing there of value, nothing at all.

Evening news, evening news.

Evening news, German forces on British soil.

Anything come through? No.

It's confirmed in the papers. Yes, I know. She must have been got away.

Yes?

Robin's here.

What?

She's still there then?

Have you really checked?

All right, thank you.

This is extremely serious. Of course.

Give me her file.

Oh, excuse me, sir.

Well?

I've had word Venus is still on Armory.

What? But she can't have been left behind. I'm afraid so, sir. But they may

take her to Germany. It's more than likely, sir. Oh, we can't lose her.

She's much too valuable.

I'll go and see the Under-Secretary. Is that the dossier? Yes, sir. Well, give

it to me.

And all these photographs are of the lady in question? Yes, sir.

I am, as you know, Carruthers, as yet inexperienced in the affairs of this

department, but... But even I can see how beautiful she is.

How very beautiful.

Yes, sir.

Nevertheless, we must face the fact she is just a cow.

And I think that the Ministry of Agriculture has more important things to

deal with at the moment.

Excuse me, sir, she is not just a cow.

She is a flawless animal with a pedigree as noble as the kings of Ireland.

She's a triumph of breeding.

There's not another like her in the world.

Oh, I apologize to her. And she's in calf.

Who is the lucky bull? Mars of Millibre III, sir, another champion.

The late, I should say, had the misfortune to tread on an uncharted

landmine shortly after the... Yes, I understand.

But Venus carries within her the result of that union, the Mars-Venus strain.

Something we've been aiming for for a long time.

Very valuable, then. Financially enormous.

A valueless potential breeding stock is hard to overstate, particularly if the

calf is a bull.

Will it be a bull? The islanders say so.

How do they know?

They go by a phase of the moon at the time of the nuptials.

Oh, I see. I do urge you to consider this, sir. It means a great deal to us

here and, if I may say so, to England.

Interesting meeting, sir. Yes, very.

Did you, um, get any decision about...

About that... About Venus?

You can relax, Carruthers. She is now the concern of the armed forces of the

Crown.

Blood, tears, toil and sweat.

Well, we knew we had to expect that, sir, but I must say this cow-catching

comes as a bit of a surprise.

Oh, I know it's quite mad on the face of it, but it does make some sense when

very little else does these days.

Anyway, the powers that be think it important.

What help will I get? Very little, I'm afraid.

Radio operator, Forbes. You've worked with him before.

An intelligence have dug up someone who used to live on the island.

She may be of some use.

She? She's an army cook stationed in Wales. They're bringing her in.

What's the matter?

Don't you like women?

Oh, yes, sir. Very much indeed. But there's a time and a place for

everything, sir.

Where's Falaise?

Fellows?

Yes, Sergeant Major.

Leave that scrubbing and come here.

You're posted.

Posted? Where to?

War office, London.

So get your kit packed at once and report to company office. But Sergeant

Major, why the war office? I'm a cook, not a typist. You can ask them that when

you get there.

For some extraordinary reason, they're flying you up.

Blimey, some brassette must need his rations badly.

I've got a certain amount of stuff for you.

Geographical, mostly.

Oh, and we've found a minesweeper type who knows the waters there very well.

He's supposed to be on leave at the moment. We're trying to locate him for

you. In here.

This is Clark. He's run you up the model.

Are you? Are you?

It's roughly to scale.

Oh, by the way, sir, your ATS girl has arrived. Name of Nicola Falaise.

Have you checked on her at the war office? This is all right. Send her in

there, will you?

So that's what our morale looks like. As far as we know, yes.

And what's that?

That's the abbey, the big house.

Any photographs?

None, worst luck.

Let's hope this Falaise girl can throw some light onto it.

What's she like, by the way?

I've never seen her. Some bandy-legged old baggage, I expect.

Good afternoon.

Come over here, will you?

All yours, Major.

Good afternoon, Miss Falaise.

Do you recognize this?

Yes, it's Amorelle. How well do you know it? Very well. I lived there most of my

life. Oh, that's good.

Tell me, did you do any sailing while you were there?

Yes, sir, a great deal.

Where from?

The harbour, usually. Here?

Yes, sir.

Well, this is the best side, isn't it?

Did you ever land here, for instance?

Sometimes, when the tide was right. It's a bit of a scramble, but you can do it.

The rocks need to come out a bit further there, sir.

They get covered by the tide.

How far?

That's about it.

Now, tell me about the people. How well do you know them?

Pretty well, sir. Who's the head man, so to speak?

The suzerain.

Suzerain? How much?

Suzerain. Wonderful old world stuff, sir, isn't it? What about the rest of

the local inhabitants? A bit primitive?

They're half French, aren't they? Speak some sort of lingo of their own. I don't

know. I think they probably do very well for themselves, selling tomatoes and

what have you to the Bosch. The islanders are as loyal as you are.

They have a tradition of freedom which is very precious to them.

And although our morale may be small, it will do everything it can to resist the

Germans.

We're sorry, Miss Flays. It's just service humor, I'm afraid, and not a

very good example of it, either.

Yes, now let's get on with the geography lesson. Tell us, what happens at the top

of this path? What's this road like here?

You feel very strongly about Amarillo, don't you?

You would, too, if you knew it.

There's nothing much there. There's just the people and their lives and the wind

and the sea.

You got any family there now?

No.

My brother's with the army in the desert, and I'm here.

That's all, except...

Kept who?

I've got a cousin there, the one I used to sail with.

What sort of age is he?

He's quite young, as a matter of fact. We were brought up together.

Tell me about him.

That's your job to answer questions, you know.

Well, he didn't leave when we did. He doesn't feel quite the same about the

war as you or I do.

He's a strange person.

A painter.

Herr Falaise.

Mr. Falaise, please.

There is an order that no inhabitant is allowed to go within 100 metres of the

sea except in the area of the harbour.

Oh, yes, so there is. I forgot.

You forgot two days ago as well.

Did I?

Oh, I'm very forgetful, I'm afraid.

Tell me, why mustn't I go within 100 metres of the sea?

Because it is the Commandant's order.

It's a very stupid order. Nevertheless, you will obey it. Ah, so you agree with

me that it's a stupid order, then.

You are insolent, Herr Falaise. Mr. Falaise, please.

Are you going to do as you are told?

I will, when the light's gone.

You will come to the Commandant at once.

Pick up that letter.

At once!

What a very nasty child you must have been, Mr. Vogel.

And still are, for that matter.

You think so?

Herr Falaise, Herr Hauptmann.

Mr. Falaise, Sergeant.

You may go.

You hurt your face, Mr. Falaise?

No,

it's nothing.

Very tiresome, you know.

Why do you not obey my orders?

Because I hate orders, especially foolish orders.

I mean, do you expect me to signal to the English fleet with a paintbrush or

something? Mr. Falaise, why did you stay on the island?

You are young, healthy.

You could fight for your country.

I'm not interested in fighting.

I'm interested in painting.

You see?

May I see the picture?

If you wish.

Is this how you see this beautiful view?

It's how I interpret it.

It's not a very happy picture, is it?

Well, it's not meant to be.

What will you do when your pains run out?

Oh, I don't know. I shall... Perhaps I could get you some more. Would you like

me to?

Yes, I would. Thank you. Good.

You have never been to our little mess here.

Would you care to drink a glass of beer with me?

No, thank you.

Frankly, I wouldn't enjoy a drink surrounded by so many uniforms.

Or perhaps you're afraid to be unpopular here to be friends with me.

An artist doesn't need friends, Weiss.

That is very sad.

I think I prefer to be a simple soldier.

Well, if you change your mind, the mess will still be here.

Yes.

May I go now?

Mr. Falaise, please try to obey my orders.

There are plenty of places to paint without being disturbed.

Very well.

I'll try to remember.

Vogel!

Superfair, Herr Hoffman.

Did you strike Mr. Falaise, Sergeant?

Herr Hoffman, he was insolent.

And so you hit him?

Yes, Herr Hoffman, I hit him.

And when you hit him, was he expecting the blow?

No, Herr Hoffman.

And were you expecting that blow?

No, Herr Hoffman.

You're a fool and a dolt. It is bullies like you who make the name of Germany

hated throughout the world.

Now get out.

Thank you.

I'm afraid you're not going to have a very quiet night. I know, and aren't you

going to make me sleep in the cellar?

I know a little restaurant that has the best cellar in London.

Are you hungry?

Yes, I am. Hurry up and get changed. I'll come back in half an hour.

Your cigarettes, sir. Thank you. Bring some coffee and some kibble, will you?

Yes, sir. Immediately.

Everything all right?

Lovely. I hope you don't mind me eating so much.

It's simply fascinating. You're just running away with it all. Like some

more? No, thank you.

What do you do when you're not being a soldier?

Oh, I'm sorry.

Sorry, why?

Asking questions against orders.

That's what's different.

What do you mean?

You haven't asked a single question all through dinner.

Oh, I have asked you all I'm going to ask. Now you can relax.

Oh, I've got something to show you. Nearly forgot.

May I show it to you now? Mm-hmm.

What is that?

That's the abbey on Amorelle.

Who's the squat little character in the corner?

Me.

I'm sorry. Must be the lens.

Why do you keep this with you?

It's my home.

But you're not the Sousa thing, are you?

My brother is.

Why didn't you tell me?

I thought you knew.

Who's this?

Oh, that's my brother. And the beautiful creature in the foreground is a cow of

his called Venus.

Do you know Venus?

Very well. She's practically one of the family.

Will you excuse me? I'm just going to tell her.

Whitehall, 9400.

268, please.

Yes? Valentine here.

Uncle George, you know your new niece, the one I met in Oxford this afternoon?

I found out something about her.

The mother-to-be, the lady in the fur coat, is practically one of her family.

Did you know that?

I found it out.

Look, I'd like to take your niece away for a few days. Could you arrange it?

Are you tight?

No. No, I think she could be very useful. I watched her carefully, and

she's a discreet sort of niece.

What are the chances?

Well, you'd have to invite her. She couldn't be ordered.

I can handle that.

Can you take care of her great-uncles and great-aunts?

I can try, if you really want to.

I want my trip to be a success.

All right, ask her. I'll see what can be done this end.

Good. Goodbye.

There's a time and a place for everything.

I've got something very important to talk to you about.

Question time again? I'm afraid so.

Let's get somewhere a little less noisy.

And take him as far as your cellar. Yes, Major. Make yourself comfortable.

It's a grisly sound, isn't it?

Avoid flying glass, they say. Should we avoid the carrot or the South African

port?

Do you know what security means?

I'm not talking.

What I'm going to tell you about now is top security.

I see.

Do you know that Venus is going to have a car?

Venus? Yes, the provost wrote and told me.

Right.

Now, the powers that be, right at the top, like your brother's car, they're

much... They think that she and her baby are much too important to England to be

left to the Germans.

They want her over here.

So one night... One night next week...

I am going to your island of Amaral to try and rescue Venus and her unborn

little one.

And bring her back safely to a quiet English field until the war is over.

What do you think about that?

Well, I... I don't know whether it's because this is my first air raid or the

wine at dinner or what, but... I feel I want to cry.

In the course of air fighting, 34 German airplanes have been brought down by anti

-aircraft fire.

Although confirmation has not yet been received in London, ROIPA reports.

Good evening.

Good evening. May I come in? If you wish.

Thank you.

Ah, good evening.

I hope you will pardon this intrusion.

Well, is there any news?

News? There is no news in Amorelle except what you tell us.

I have discovered something very interesting.

That is why I've taken the liberty of calling on you tonight.

What is that?

I've found out that you have been keeping something from me.

Oh, don't be alarmed.

No orders have been disobeyed.

But I have been going through the lists of the livestock on the island.

Before the war, I was a cattle breeder in Westphalia, so my interest was

professional as well as military.

Venus is quite a remarkable animal.

She is a good cow.

She is much more than that.

Her pedigree reads like that of a princess. I had no idea that our

population included such an aristocrat. All the islands have fine cattle.

I would like to inspect Venus with you and her carmen. Would you be good enough

to come along to my headquarters at about 11 o'clock tomorrow? Among all the

routine jobs, this will be pleasant.

Very well.

Our Luftwaffe is busy tonight.

But here in Amaral, we sleep quietly.

Men and cows.

Good night.

So you see, you're not exactly being invited to a picnic.

But I'd be scared stiff.

Oh, we'd all be scared stiff.

Do you really want to take a girl?

I want to take somebody who knows the island and who knows the people and

knows the cow.

Because it's going to make my job so much easier.

The only person who fits that description happens to be a girl. That's

why I want to take you.

But will they let you?

Well, Uncle George is trying to fix it.

Look, you don't have to make up your mind right away.

And no one's going to think any of the worst of you if you say no.

Just think it over.

Well, it looks as though we're here for the night.

You'd better make yourself comfortable.

Think we could borrow a bottle of Mario's brandy to keep the cold out?

I don't have to think it over.

I'd like to go back to the island with you, if you think I can help.

Look out!

Are you sure you want to come?

I rather wish we were there now.

You ever been to a police court before?

No. You're really seeing light, aren't you?

Hello, Sergeant Forbes. Good morning, sir. Good to see you again.

Sorry your leave was cut short. It's okay, sir. I don't approve of too much

riotous living anyway.

Are we working together again, sir?

Yes, there's a job for you. And for me, too, as a matter of fact. I'm glad to

hear it, sir. Now, you go to room 261. I want to talk to you when I get back.

Right. And by the way, can you milk a cow?

Aye, sir.

Good. First Street, Corporal Pollack.

That's Trawler Langley. Do you know him?

Very well. I've known him all my life. He's a great character on the island.

What's he like?

Oh, sort of wild and Irish. He knows the Amarillo waters.

If you know him so well, it might be better if you talked to him. Would you

do that?

Of course. I'd love to see him again anyway.

Good. I still don't understand.

I'm a peace-loving man, Your Worship. Me father was a peace-loving man before me.

But there are things, sir, things that no man can lay down under.

Things that send the fire to a man's eyes and the sparks to his belly, things

that... But what was he doing with the pram? He was outside the public house,

sir, whirling it round his head. He wanted to throw it. What at?

The German plane, sir.

I see.

Was there a baby in the pram?

No, sir. Oh, no, sir, there was no baby.

The baby was in its mother's lap where I laid it, sleeping its beautiful head

off. Until those... Well, I don't want to use the name I have for them, sir.

Started dropping their bombs and waking it up.

Now, I ask you, sir, I ask you all, was any decent man going to stand by and see

an innocent baby woken from its... Miss Nicola!

Miss Nicola!

Why, all that's at the bottom of the ocean.

I don't think they've quite finished with you, Troll.

Are those people friends of yours?

Friends? Miss Nicola?

I took a mackerel hook out of her seat when she was six.

I see.

And what do you do nowadays?

He's in minesweeper, sir.

Is he?

How old are you?

I take on 37.

Was there much damage?

No, sir. Previous convictions?

None, sir.

Pay five shillings, don't get drunk again.

I'll leave this to you now. Get him to the office at 12 and don't tell him too

much. Thank you, sir.

I hope it didn't leave a scar.

Call the next case.

A cow!

Beyond the powers, a cow!

Do you want to come?

Genital, I... Major.

Major genital, I... Yes, good.

What about you, Forbes?

I've always had a fondness for cows, sir.

They're gentle beasts.

She wouldn't be an airship by any chance, would she?

No, a Sassenach, I'm afraid.

Well, it's a pity, but he can't be helped, I suppose.

When do we go, sir? In a few days.

Now, Trawler, your job is to pilot us in and then out again.

You can spend the next few days at the Admiralty studying those charts.

Charts? I don't need charts, sir. I can smell those rocks with me nose.

Like that.

Nevertheless, you'll study the charts. You might have hay fever when the time

comes.

I had to remind you all to keep your mouths shut.

Especially you, Trawler.

Who, me, sir?

I'll be as silent as the north side of a tombstone.

Miss Nicola, we're going to Armadale.

You're coming too, aren't you?

Aren't you?

Stuart? Yes?

What's the displacement of a cow?

Come again? A cow.

Search me.

Well, we'll have to find out. And quick.

Hello? Could I have the information room at the Ministry of Agriculture?

Could you tell me, please, who I speak to for technical data about a cow?

Who?

Milk marketing board?

As you see, she's constructed with considerable care.

Oh, there you go.

Now, do I need anything else?

No, I don't think so. But now, whatever you do, remember, she's in a delicate

state. Treat her gently.

And if it gets a bit rough, why don't you give her one of these? It'll settle

her stomach.

How many stomachs has she got?

Four. How do I get it down?

Well, you blow it down a bit.

With this? Yeah.

Let's hope the cow doesn't blow first.

I just run through the main points again.

The submarine, piloted by Trawler, comes from a point here, west of the caskets,

to Petit Pigeon Bay.

There we get into the rubber dinghy. That'll be at two o'clock tomorrow

morning. Trawler, you will come to the beach with us, then return to the

submarine, pilot her out again, and beetle off home. I don't like it, sir.

I'm against doing any beetling.

Nevertheless, you'll beetle.

But don't worry, you'll be coming back again.

Then the day after tomorrow, at high tide, that is 0420 just before dawn,

this officer, um... Wilson with two L's.

You will bring your MTB, again piloted by a trawler, and all being well, we'll

be on the beach with Venus.

And we put her on board and shove off as quick as we can. Any questions?

Well, I don't want to be gloomy, sir, but suppose you're not there on time.

Yes, the tide goes out like a mill race.

Well, we will have had 24 hours. If we're not there, it means that Operation

Venus has flopped, and you just beat it, no hanging about. Any other questions?

I expect you on board at 20, 30 hours. Well, shall we go over to the boardroom?

I've got a meal laid out.

Have a drink if you want it, too.

He forgot this.

Oh, thank you.

Well, the weather experts are right. It's going to be as flat as a pancake.

Well, that's something.

Somebody inside just told me that Plymouth got badly hit again last night.

Sweater itches.

Are you quite sure you can find that path?

I think so.

Look, there's Venus.

She's very bright and clear.

That's an omen.

What do you think you look like in those clothes?

It's very rustic.

It's Mary calling the cattle in.

Don't call them too loud.

Oh, Nicola, don't you wish you were still a cook in Wales?

Yes, I do.

My mother had a cook once. She used to play the trombone.

What was her name?

Ethel Roast, oddly enough.

Well, here we go, laughing and scratching.

Well, we should be shoving off at once, and I expect we shall have a quiet trip.

It depends on our pals in the Luftwaffe.

We'll remain on the surface as long as possible, actually, because there are

some rather complicated and tiresome minefields about.

Navigation underwater through minefields is a bit of a bore.

Of course, if the master race shows up, we shall have to dive.

Quite quickly, actually.

Bells ring and hooters hoot and that sort of thing. That's how you'll know.

But I think you'll find it quite comfortable down here. If a bit stuffy

after a bit, I'm sorry, I'm afraid you can't smoke.

But there are some drinks in the cabinet there, if you'd like them.

It's the first time we've had a woman passenger on board.

My hat off to you, ma'am.

Save it for the return trip, Trawler.

It's very good for seasickness, Captain. We have some pills for that.

Ah.

All right with time, aren't we?

Yes, right.

There she is.

Have a look.

There's searchlights. That's one good thing. Not so far. All right.

Stand by to service.

Down periscope.

Off you go. Now, Major, let me come too. You need me. We'll need you tomorrow

night. Now go on, beat it.

Now then, up we go.

This is the cave I told you about.

It's about the best hiding place this side of the island.

Well, where is this from the beach where we're going to take Venus off?

It's about 600 yards down that path.

And the cow shed is where?

Well, that's a little over a mile straight towards the middle of the

island. All right, well, we'll use this place as a rendezvous in case we get

split up when anything goes wrong.

All set?

Yes. Let's go find the lady.

She should be in here.

Take all this stuff out to the loft at the end.

That's Venus.

Hello, beautiful.

We're going to take you back to England.

Venus, this is visitors' night.

I'm through now, sir.

Send them. Venus contacted.

Proceeding according to plan. It's number four, isn't it? Yes, sir. Send

them forth.

We're practically in their barracks. You'd better go out of here. Now, sir,

as soon as they're finished. There's a way out through the other window.

Out of sight of them? Yes, we use this as children playing pirates.

Get ready to play pirates.

Hold it.

Well, son? Oh, it's my darling.

Ah, very well, I see.

She looks as if she will have her calf very soon. What a pity that she will not

have it here.

Not here? Why not?

Ah, there are other plans for her.

I hate to move her at a time like this, but... They tether her in the top field

today. I like to look out of my window and see her.

You may not sleep here tonight, my darling.

I shall be very sorry to say goodbye to you.

Pack up her pedigree and prize ribbons and bring her to practice.

What has your dog found?

A rat, probably.

Come on.

Come on, boy.

What has he found?

A rat, I think.

What is the matter? Surely you're not too old to climb ladders yet?

Come with me. I wish to see the other calves. And then you may take Venus out

again. Perhaps for the last time.

Where are you sending them?

Your Provost will tell you he knows all about it. Come.

Did you hear that? They're sending Venus away.

Yes, I did.

Well, that alters everything. What do we do?

Go as quick as we can and see the Provost.

Let's hope he's home.

Thank you. I'll bring the rest of the phones when I come to the commandant.

Thank you.

It is a beautiful morning, yes?

Philip.

Miss Nicola.

Miss Nicola.

Jawohl, Herr Oberst. Das Boot kommt nachmittag ein.

Jawohl. Heil Hitler.

What is it, sir?

What is it, sir?

There's an e-boat coming here this afternoon for exercises and secret

trials. We'll be in the harbor two or three days. There will be sailors to

cater for. We must make preparations.

Yes, sir.

There will be a full crew, 20 marines extra. We must supply them with the

fuel, rations, and so forth. Yes, sir.

Can you tell us anything more?

I know he's sending Venus away soon, but not today, he would have told me.

He knows this may cause trouble with our people, and I shall have to control

them. As long as he's there tonight, that's all we want. Well, I have to see

the commandant every day at ten. I shall find out more.

Good. Well, I'll get down to the beach and set the time, Fuses. What for?

Oh, a little something to draw the Germans off at the right moment.

Can you meet us again at eleven o'clock and tell us if anything else you find

out? Yes, but not here.

Where?

Down at the sunken road just behind the old farm. Miss Nicola knows where.

Nicola, mark it on my map for me, please. Will you please tell the

sergeant here anything you can about the sentries and the guard posts?

Forbes, when you've got that, you two get up to the sunken road and lie low.

Now, take care. There are a great number of Germans about.

Don't run any risks. No, I won't. I'm much more worried about the islanders.

Within an hour, every islander will know all about you. I'll see to that.

Don't be afraid. They'll help you.

You came with Miss Nicola.

Now, tell me, how is the war going?

Come here Thank you

Hello. Hello again.

I saw you come to my grandfather's with Miss Nicolau and your friend.

What are you doing?

May I put my hands down?

Yes, but I warn you, I still have my pistol.

Yes, yes, I see you have.

Look, I'm a friend of your grandfather's and old Miss Nicolau's.

What are you bearing there? A German?

No, not yet.

What's that?

It is the soldiers. They come here to swim sometimes.

Is there any other way up the cliff? No, you are caught, monsieur.

Take these.

If you're a friend of ours, hide these and then bring them over to that next

bay, will you? Right.

What's your name?

George.

Now, listen, George.

You won't tell anybody about me or Miss Nicola or my friend, will you? Do you

think I'm an imbecile?

No, I think you're a brave boy and a good friend, and I'm very grateful to

you. Will you take me back to England with you?

To England?

What makes you think I'd come from England?

I heard you talking to my grandfather. And besides, Miss Nicola comes from

England, and you came with her.

Now, I'm relying on you to keep this secret.

I will... if... If what? If you take me back to England with you.

I can't do that. Oh, please, monsieur.

You see, my father's fighting for King George in Africa.

Where's your mother?

Well, she was in London when the Germans came. Now she's all alone.

I'm afraid that she might get hurt in one of the air raids, so I think I ought

to be with her.

I would swim if I could, but it's such a long way. Oh, please take me with you,

monsieur. I won't be in the way, I promise.

I tell you what.

If you don't breathe a word of this to anybody, I'll think it over.

When will you tell me? Tonight. What time?

After dark, after curfew. Where will you be?

I'll find you on the pointe de joie.

I'll be there.

Up here.

Listen, Miss Nicola, there's bad news.

They're taking Venus away.

When? This afternoon.

The coal boat will take her.

That's very awkward. She'll be gone by tonight. You must think of some other

plan. Where is she now? Outside the Commandant's office.

How long for, I don't know.

They mustn't take Venus to Germany, Miss Nicola.

No, they mustn't.

I'll be home later if you want me.

We'll have to take her away in daylight.

Come up here.

Quick! One of my lobster pots has drifted. I was looking for it.

Don't you know that all you men are wanted?

Nowhere. Down on the quay.

Get on down. Join the working party.

But I have to find my partner.

Don't argue.

Always you men argue.

You tell us to fish and we have no partner. Do as you are told.

Quick! Quick!

Don't stand around!

You are there to work!

Move, man! Move!

No. Hello.

Hello. Pull those curtains, will you?

Where the heck have you come from? London.

Well, don't tell me the war's over during the night. No, I've come to fetch

something. But don't you realize the Germans are here?

Yes, I know. That's why I came by submarine.

What are they like? Well, they're tolerable, some of them.

Good heavens, Nicola, are you crazy? If they find you, you'll be shot.

I know, but I'm not going to stay long. Now, look, Lana, I want you to help me.

Me? How?

I want you to camouflage old Mrs. Dubois' cow to look like Venus.

Look like Venus?

What are you raving about? We're going to take Venus back to England.

And I thought you might help a bit in that way.

Oh, I'm sorry. You've come to the wrong shop. Why?

Well, it's ridiculous. You'd never get away with it.

Hey, you!

Come back here!

I'm not finished yet.

I won't have it.

I won't have any part of war or violence.

You know how I've always felt.

I told you and your brother that before you left for England.

I remember.

The others have helped. Well, that's their concern.

I'm afraid you must count me out.

I see.

Do you mind if I have some milk? I'm thirsty.

No, of course not.

I'll have to think of something else.

You won't tell anyone you've seen me, will you? Nicola, I'm not a traitor.

I'll give your love to your mother when I get back, if you like.

I bumped into her the other day. She's bearing up awfully well through the

blitz.

We spent last night in the loft. It's almost like playing pirates again.

Well, thanks for the milk.

Nicola!

Why have you always been the one who could twist me?

You twist yourself, Lionel.

You always have done.

I suppose it's got its funny side.

Painting a cow.

Well, I can't even remember what Venus's markings are.

Well, she's tethered outside the abbey.

Where's the substitute?

Just coming.

I couldn't use oils. The surface would be wrong.

Poster paint, that's the stuff. It dries quickly. I've got some somewhere.

Well, I don't care, but just get a mover. Let's see.

Is that coming in here?

That's right.

Well, I've had some pretty queer models in my time.

Good afternoon, Mr. Falaise.

May I look?

Ah, but this is wonderful. You're changing your style. You're forsaking

your skulls and nightmares.

No, that's only a sketch. You wait till I finish with it. Please, Mr. Falaise,

do me a favor. What?

Paint Venus for me. Just an ordinary picture. They're ticking away, you know.

Paint and give it to me. Then I will have a souvenir of her. Ah, she's a

beautiful animal.

Here, Commandant. It'll be a pleasure. Please, paint her from this side. Look,

she has quite a beautiful marking, like a tree in bloom. It's quite distinctive.

Ah, you think I'm silly to be so sentimental of a cow.

No.

But I've never seen you laugh before, Mr. Follet.

The Germans are taking Venus away tonight.

The Germans are taking Venus away tonight.

They're taking Venus away tonight.

They're taking Venus away tonight.

The Germans are taking Venus away tonight.

Hey, you two, get on board the ship.

They need extra help.

Close up.

Come on.

Oh, you can't rush a job like this.

It's quite a nice texture.

Have you thought what's going to happen to me after you've gone?

Yes, have you? I was just beginning to.

Found him?

There's not a sign of him.

Well, what's happened?

Your pal.

They probably caught him.

I hope not. He's a sweet person.

Don't worry. He'll turn up all right.

He's quite the artist.

Thank you.

It's time for me to transmit now, miss. I'll have to report that he's missing.

Why don't you go and make a cup of tea?

He'll be thirsty when he gets here.

Yes, Mr. Vales, what is it? I'm rather busy. Well, I just wanted to remind you,

you said you could get me some more paints. Ah, yes, you have the list

there? Yes, here.

What's your... You need all these paints to paint the cow? I'm afraid I do.

I'm particularly short of burnt sienna and cobalt blue. Cobalt blue? You don't

need cobalt blue to paint Venus. All I need is a simple, conventional picture.

That's all.

Commandant, do you realize there is a painting by Durer in this house?

Huh? Durer? Yes.

Show me. Certainly.

Oh, excuse me.

Hello. Yes, yes. I thought he was coming here.

No. Good.

I'll wait.

Durer. Yes.

He should be in the homeland of Durer. He's a great man. He was indeed.

You should learn to paint more like Durer, Mr. Falaise.

Well, that wouldn't be easy. He was unique.

I agree.

Yes. Yes. Good, good.

You must excuse me. I have to go to the harbor.

Dear, yes, he would have painted Venus beautifully.

But you, you will do your best, eh? Well, I'll certainly try.

And I will try to get you those paints. Thank you very much, Commandant.

I hope that everything will be ready.

The crew must definitely go to Germany today.

I understand, Commander.

The hotel is near.

Hopefully she won't be sick. She can be.

I didn't think we'd make it. I feel sick. It's okay. There's no one around.

Nobody spotted us. Any sign of Major Morland? No, miss.

These sailors will be carrying out firing exercises around the island.

I wish certain arrangements to be made.

First, the curfew will be temporarily lengthened one hour.

Second, the area affected by the exercises will be out of bounds for all

the population.

What area is that?

Here. The point de joie.

The exercises may involve a boat landing and blank ammunition will be used. I

wish the people informed so that there will be no alarm.

What time will the exercise take place?

Tomorrow, just before dawn.

I will attend to it.

Monsieur, may I take Sergeant Fogel with you in case of difficulty?

I'm worried. I don't think that climb did her any good. Didn't do me much good

either.

He's here.

What's that?

Venus, sir.

Then what's this?

She's Venus's cousin. We had to camouflage her so they wouldn't miss

Venus.

I'd better take her back quick before they miss her.

But I saw her in the field, tied up, not half an hour ago. She can't have strayed

far, unless she has been stolen.

Send out a search party immediately.

Jawohl, Herr Commandant. I want her here before the boat leaves, without fail.

gefunden.

So she has not strayed again?

No, Herr Hauptmann. My sentry discouraged her, perhaps, or discouraged

her friends.

Dismount her from her chariot, if you please.

Get the cow out.

These people do not like to see their goddess go.

I'm sorry I said that these people are fond of their cow.

So, lead her over here.

I shall miss you, my beautiful, but where we are taking you will be happy,

well cared for.

I've located the telephone line, sir. They'll be easy to deal with. Good. Do

you see anything else? Aye, there was a bit of excitement down in the abbey. I

saw the provost going in with the sergeant.

Something's up, sir.

Yes, it wouldn't be a surprise.

But as soon as it's dark, we get down to the beach. It's not going to be very

healthy up here. Start getting the stuff together. Very good, sir.

What's the matter?

Venus.

You won't be able to move her now, sir.

Not till she's had her bear.

Your people are very foolish.

They cannot hide a cow here for long. You know that. I appreciate their

feelings, but they're only making trouble for themselves.

It is not a large island to search.

I shall find her.

Well? He is not in his cottage, Herr Commandant.

Where is Mr. Falaise, Monsieur?

I don't know.

Find him, Vogel.

Yes, Herr Commandant.

It seems Mr. Falaise is forgetting his neutrality.

I don't know whether to be glad or sorry.

This is a serious matter, Monsieur. You understand that, I hope?

I will go and speak to the people, monsieur.

They take my advice.

That I know.

What your advice would be on this matter, I am not sure.

You stay with me.

Here.

Am I a prisoner?

Yes, monsieur le provost of Armaren.

We have orders to search this house.

Take upstairs, Coppola.

How long have you been sitting there, my little boy?

Since curfew. All the time?

No.

Well, where have you been?

Down the garden. Down the garden.

Oh.

Go on now.

Good grief, I'd forgotten all about you. Monsieur, I've come.

Yes, you nearly went.

All aboard the Skylar.

Well, we've got another passenger.

Miss Nicola. Hello, George.

I'm coming to England with you to fight the Germans.

Are you? Are you coming too, Monsieur Lionel? No.

Herr Falaise is not going to England.

Up! Hands up!

Or I shoot.

Still!

Come out, you two.

No, we wait until daylight you

backwards

Back

to the wall

Maybe a fraction off the course. Not at all, sir.

I don't know. I recognize that bunch of waves from the last trip.

We're in a sub.

So I was.

They'd better be there on time.

I'm not hanging about in the sunrise with the tide ebbing through all the

cows in China.

Venus.

What is the matter with the cow?

She started to have her baby.

Stevie, what?

She needs help.

Come back.

It's all right, Venus.

I'm here.

The commandant in Guernsey is extremely angry. He orders that the animal be

produced within 12 hours.

I can do nothing while I'm here. Nothing can be done till daylight.

Then a lot of lost property must be found. A sergeant of this garrison, a

clever artist, and a pedigree cow.

I hope for all our sakes that no harm has come to any of them.

It's all over, Venus.

Funny we think.

Now, let the cow look after it herself.

Come back here, all of you, against the wall.

Now!

You comfortable?

Yes, thank you, Major.

I think it's what you chaps call a flesh wound.

I must say, for a man of peace, you did all right.

Well, it's against my principles, but my instincts seem to enjoy it rather.

Right, cut in the dumb flows.

Aye, aye, sir.

The what?

Dumb flows.

Dumb flows? What's them?

They're quiet in the engines.

Oh.

My charges ought to be going off soon.

Too soon, as it turns out.

When can we move, Venus?

Well, not yet. We'll just have to wait and see. There's nothing to be done.

What are you going to do about Lionel?

Oh, he can come with us, but he had to make up his own mind. I've told him

that.

It's funny.

We thought we were going to be married once, when we were children.

What happened?

We grew up.

I like your island.

I'd like to come back here one day after the war.

Well, come.

Will you be here?

I suppose so.

Where's your home?

Scotland.

Dalmally and Argyllshire.

I've never been to Scotland.

Nicola.

If we do get back all right after all this, will you be glad that you came on

this trip? Because I will.

Even if we don't get back, I'll still be glad.

That's it.

Let's get inside.

That's it, we go in now.

Stand by the raft.

Right, take us in, trawler. And for Pete's sake, watch those rocks.

Oh, soothe yourself, Admiral Sutton. I know every tan and little pepper.

I know.

Twelve. That's a lot.

I'm dead on time. Too worse luck. Can't we move her yet?

She'll get up when she's ready. You'll have to give her a bit more time. We

haven't got much more time. That tyre's going to start running in a minute.

She's just had a cough.

Oh, I know, nurse. I noticed. It was quite a moment.

Sir, have you done it? I don't want too many telephones working around here for

a wee while. Are we off now? Not yet, unfortunately.

It's not getting any darker outside, sir. Oh, I know.

George.

Now, I want you to do something.

Herr Hauptmann.

Ja, was ist los?

Da ist ein englisches torpedo-booten dabei.

Behind the pointe de joie.

Commander! What do you have there?

Nothing. Come, I'll tell you.

Nothing special.

Run over and get the people. I'll be right there.

Come with me.

I have.

Have you got a cow? Sir Chawler, it is you.

I have a message from the Englishman. What's he say?

They are delayed, but they are coming.

Keep the boat as long as possible. Anything else? There will be seven

passengers. Seven?

Five grown up and two children. Children?

What does he think we've got, the Queen Mary?

Go on along and tell him we'll keep the boat as long as he wants.

How does she look now?

You should be fit to walk soon. I hope so, because the Navy won't be there much

longer. Go by him, sir. We'll take him with us. Uncle George will want to talk

to him.

Major? Yeah?

Do you think you could possibly find room for me?

I shan't get any more paints now, and... Well, I'm sure I could be of some use.

Camouflage and things.

Your passage has been booked a long time. You're with us. Thank you. You're

with us all right, Lionel, but we're here.

Look at Venus, sir.

You've had a word with the tide control, have you?

Chief, there's not much cover from the top of the cliff.

Have you been shot by a sentry trawler? Hundreds of times, sir.

You get used to it.

Miss Nicola.

All is well. Look, it's a bull.

A bull.

We must go quickly.

George is coming with us.

I know.

He's going to fight for England.

You will look after him. He's going to look after me.

Miss Nicola, please.

Tell the suzerain the island fights.

I will.

George.

God save the king.

God save the king, Grandpa.

That's him.

Bacher!

Holy smoke, it's a circus.

That's them.

We'll just about do it with luck.

I was hoping there might be a Jerry or two around to have a few words with.

This is no time to be temperamental.

I don't want to be depressing, but there's an E-boat in the harbor.

Blimey. BOOM!

There they are They've got the heels on us we'll have to fight

Alarm

starving

Range zero, zero, zero, one, zero.

Bearing green, six, zero.

Rapids, elbows, shoot.

Caller? Sure.

Can we get through there?

Well, sir, it's been a grave of money, your boat.

But if the skipper don't let me take the wheel, he'd go too late. Green from a

joke. What about them with air draft? Can they make it? Well, they're little

sharp rocks. They're rather near the surface.

Look out, they part on us.

Let's try it. Maybe they'll follow.

Okay, here we go.

Stand by, depth charges.

Let go, depth charges.