Original subtitles

TELEWlZJ A POLSKA

presents

Playing for High Stakes

Password

written by

music by

as Lieutenant Kloss

starring

production manager

photography

directed by

Attention, attention ! The fast train for Berlin.. .

departures from platform two at 1 1 .1 5.

Please get on and close the door.

May l have a light?

There is a message from France. ln Saint Gille prison is the second.. .

in command of the Nord group. Bogdan, a Pole. He has to be rescued.

lmmediately after the arrival establish contact with our agent: the password is:

''ln Paris the best chestnuts are sold in Pigal le Sq''

''Zuzanna likes them only in the fal l. She is sending you a fresh batch.''

The one who answers it knows the date of the arrival ...

and knows that you are an officer.

Thank you.

We are almost there, lieutenant.

Well , lieutenant? How do you like Saint Gil le?

- Just a little town. - An important little town.

l'd even say it's very important for our defense system.

And you must remember that these quiet fishermen can shoot.

- l' ll remember, major. - Our Abwehr agency is quite busy here.

May l?

- Do you know lieutenant Kloss? - No, l don't, major.

He will be working with us.

He was going from Poland, just like you and got injured in an air raid.

He wil l be here in a few days. Don't bother about me, lietenant.

Excuse me, lieutenant.

- Pardon? - May l join you?

l arrived only a few days ago and l don't know anybody here.

My name is Ormel. Would you care for a drink?

No, l wouldn't. l'm von Vorman and l like solitude.

l understand, lieutenant. So you arrived here two days ago, didn't you?

Yes, l did. You don't get discouraged easily, do you?

l'm very sorry.. .

ln Paris the best chestnuts are sold in Pigalle Sq.

ln Paris the best chestnuts are sold in Pigalle Sq.. .

Why do you find it necessary to inform me about that?

lt shows immediately that you've been in France for only two days.

ln Pigalle Sq. it's not the chestnuts but the brothels that are best.

l'm not interested in such things.

Please, excuse me, lieutenant.

- You are at last. Hugo is waiting. - And what?

Not good.

- l said the password to a wrong person. - How was it?

Everything seemed al l right.

He was the only one who arrived from Poland on 3rd of May.

A young lieutenant working for Abwehr. We had been given no other clues.

- Am l right, Joanna? - Yes.. .

- Did he twig anything? - God knows.

l told him there was a brothel in Pigalle Sq. But he followed me.

l guess l shook him off but l'm not sure.

Take it easy.

l can't see anybody. After all so many people come here.

We were supposed to talk about that prison operation.

lt's necessary to transport arms for the people in the district.

l remember about that. But to be honest, Hubert can't participate in it.

Hubert is the only man.. .

who knows German that wel l. lf we get stopped.. .

- Sure, l have to go. - O.K. What time is the transport?

Tomorrow, at 1 1 .30.

One more check-point and we' ll be there.

- Where is that check-point? - Just round the corner.

Documents!

- What are you carrying? - Some women from a farm.

- And what's that? - Milk.

Unconscious. He won't answer any questions.

- Was anybody else caught? - Nobody.

The rest escaped in the lorry. Only he remained on the road.

- So you say, Mr. Vorman. .. - l'm von Vorman, major.

So you say, Mr. Vorman that the fellow in the uniform of the Todt organization,

seemed somewhat strange, somewhat suspicious from the very beginning.

- That's right, major. - What was that sentence?

''ln Paris the best chestnuts are sold in Pigalle Sq.''

And then he added that there was a brothel in Pigalle Sq.

We must have a look at that man.

- Agony. - Give him some shot, man.

Give him some shot so that he can say something. l have no interst in dead.

Faster.

Where am l?

- lt won't work. - Let's try.

l like simple methods.

- Spirit? - lt means death.

- Any drop of it means death. - Major.. .

Did you want to say anything?

No, sir.

ln Paris the best chestnuts are sold in Pigalle Sq.

Zuzanna likes them only in the fall.

She is sending you a fresh batch.

lt's over, major.

Damn it.

For me, you wil l be lieutenant Vorman.

l'm sorry but l don't fancy using that ''von''.

Now, coming back to the point. ..

You should make acquitances with various people. ..

and try out the password. You don't like this mission, do you?

lf anyone gives the correct response let me know immediately.

Yes, sir.

We've caught a man whose pseudonym is Bogdan. A big fish.

He keeps silent but l' l l make him speak. And maybe that Pigalle Sq. will help.

Anyway l' ll check it myself.

Cheers, lieutenant.

lt's only in France that you can feel you are living. Wine, women.

ln that damned Poland you don't even feel like stirring yourself from home.

- How long have you been here? - For two weeks and l've been to Paris.

Of course our Fuhrer is right that it is all rotten but it's worth trying.

ln Paris the best chestnuts are sold in Pigalle Sq.

Chestnuts? ln Pigalle Sq.? l don't eat chestnuts, lieutenant.

lt shows immediately that you've been in France for a short time.

l've been waiting for you for a week, lieutenant Kloss.

- l've arrived straight from hospital. - What was it?

An arm . But everything is all right now.

Good. ..

My name is Elert, no ''von''.

l was born in a good middle-class family in Hamburg and l don't like aristocracy.

l don't like aristocracy either, major.

So at least we know something about each other.

Ourjob is not for those with clean hands and gentle manners.

- Yes, sir. - So, to the point.

My department of Abwehr has a double mission here. Protecting the rampart...

and organizing transfers across the Channel .

We train people who should be able to cause some disturbance in England.

You will take care of that too.

You will have the company of lieutenant Vorman.. .

von Vorman.

His dad was a general but he won't get that high.

- Do you understand? - l do, major.

l found it specially for you in Paris. Nice, isn't it?

- How much is it? - Not so much.

- How old is your wife? - Over forty.

- What about her size? - Much larger than yours.

Then this fabric will be perfect.

And what about perfumes? What perfume do you like?

The one you use.

That wil l cost slightly more.

- Come in. - They've brought in fish, madam.

Please come here tonight.

- l' m expecting a few guests. - And what next?

Next we' ll conclude our deal.

Do you know anything?

l don't even know if Hubert is alive. Or if he has told them anything.

He's dead.

We've managed to establish contact with our HQ at last.

He has arrived - the right one.

lf Hubert has told them anything more we may have troubles.

We have to lurk for some time.

- We have to warn that man. - But how shal l we do that?

lf only the HQ had sent us the data earlier.. .

Tel l me what his name is, what he looks like and l' ll try to do that.

That's lack of caution.

Frenchmen are said to be more cautious than Poles. This time it won't be true.

Come in.

Let me introduce myself, lieutenant. My name is von Vorman.

Elert told me we would be working together.

Have a seat, please.

ls it your first visit to France?

Yes, it is. l was never here before the war.

l was in Paris. Before the war.

The best chestnuts are there.

ln Paris the best chestnuts are sold in Pigalle Sq.

Zuzanna likes them only in the fall.

She is sending you a fresh batch.

So there we are, lieutenant Kloss. Your first name is Hans, isn't it?

Yes, it is. What message do you have for me?

You are late. You are very late. That's bad.

What do you mean?

Come in.

Lieutenant Vorman is requested to report to major Elert.

We' l l meet in the mess tonight.

An old woman lives in this house. We've left the kitchen to her.

She doesn't use the front door.

Excuse me. Are you the owner of this house?

l've been allotted this place. Don't you understand me?

l was told the owner of this house was an elderly woman.

l'm not the owner. l've heard that in this house...

a young German officer has been given a room.

You are not the owner. ..

Then what are you doing here?

The window was open. l came in through the window.

ln Paris the best chestnuts are sold in Pigalle Sq.

l don't understand.

You've come here to inform me about the chestnuts in Pigalle Sq.?

Please stop playing a fool , lieutenant.

You know the two other parts of the password as wel l as l do.

The password?

Passwords are used in the secret service.

Do you realize that if l don't get satisfactory explanations. ..

l will have you arrested?

You are too cautious, lieutenant Kloss.

But maybe you've already managed to be incautious.

Has anyone else said this password to you?

Most probably the password is out.

Anyone who has used it in your presence is a provocateur.

And what about you?

You wil l find me in the villa Le Trou.

lt's a safe place. l entertain many German officers.

l don't understand. What are you talking about?

Do come over when you've understood.

- What if l decide to have you arrested? - You will have enough time to do that.

ln Paris the best chestnuts are sold in Pigalle Sq.

Zuzanna likes them only in the fall. She is sending you a fresh batch.

ln the future l will be able to visit you safely.

l'm one of those women who are used to being in the company of German officers.

ln Paris the best chestnuts are sold in Pigalle Sq.

- Exactly, what was it supposed mean? - You've chosen the wrong tactics.

This morning you responded correctly.

l guess major Elert would be very glad to hear.. .

that there is someone who knows this password too.

What password?

You think l'm a fool . You've been warned, haven't you.

Warned about what?

Listen carefully.

The password was known only to the two of us - Elert and me.

We examined a man who said the password to us instead of you.

ls that clear?

Yes, it is.

We were waiting for someone who would know the correct response.

You turned up. lt's enough to tell Elert.. .

- Do you think he will believe you? - Do you think he won't?

Anyway your career is over.

l like clear situations. Who are you working for?

- Have you reported to Elert? - l still have time for that.

l have a lot of time but not enough to let you take your time.

What are you driving at?

Suppose l don't fancy talking to Elert.

Suppose l don't fancy disturbing you at al l.

As you see l've put my cards on the table. lt's your turn now.

A blackmail?

The von Vormans have nevr stained their hands with blackmail.

Maybe l just don't believe in the victory of Germany.. .

al l those Hitlers, Elerts and the rest of that rabble.

Maybe l would gladly conspire against them?

l'm going to lay down my conditions to you.

First, the information. With whom and for whom are you working?

Do you think l' l l tel l you?

Wel l, l don't think you will tel l me that at once.

But you don't have much choice. And one more thing.

Our family estate in Prussia requires a lot of money.

The prosperity of the von Vormans' estate is in the interest of Germany.

- l need 1 0,000 dollars. - You value yourself very high.

This time l also value you very high. Do you think you aren't worth so much?

l'm giving you two days.

You are to give me both the money and the information then.

And if l don't?

Wel l, then l' l l have to inform Elert about everything.

And in case you want to do away with me,

or l get killed by the French partisans.

l've prepared a precise account of our morning conversation.

Major Elert wil l receive this document after my death.

So you have to take care of my life as much as you do of yours.

Wel l, gentlemen. .. the party is over.

Tomorrow is a day too.

Well, girls go home.

Good-night.

You are drunk, captain. We're al l drunk.

- And what about him? - Captain ! Who are you jealous of?

lt's just a trouble for me as l' ll have to do something with him.

See you tomorrow, captain.

Tomorrow all Saint Gil le will know that l have a new lover.

- Have you told Hugo about our plan? - Yes, l have.

- Do you trust me now? - What did Hugo say?

He is hasitating. He hasn't made up his mind yet.

- When is he coming? - He's already here.

Your plan is risky. Very risky.

But we have no choice.

l agree but l leave the final decision to Jeanne.

Don't worry about me. lf it saves Bogdan...

What about him?

He's still alive. But that's al l we know.

Elert is examining him : he won't make him speak.

We shouldn't regard Elert as an idiot. Remember. We're groping in the dark.

l assume that Vorman hasn't spoken to Elert yet.

But it's not unlikely that Vorman works for Gestapo and. ..

the blackmail is only a provocation. Anyway he knows too much about us.

As a matter of fact he knows enough to be done away with.

So we have to attack as first.

We have set the place and the date of the transfer.

We have set the place and the date of the transfer.

You and Vorman will prepare an order containing tactical data.

Did you have a good time, lieutenant?

l know where my officers spend their nights.

That's exactly what l would like to talk to you about.

Have l been promoted to the position of a confidant for your love affairs?

A microfilm? What is it?

A fragment of our instruction concerning the transfer of guerillas to England.

Where did you get it from?

This is the result of a well spent night.

l found it in the compact of some Jeanne Mol le.

- Did she notice anything? - l just cut off a piece for checking.

lt's a great success, Kloss.

Only three people had access to our instruction :.. .

Me, you. ..

and lieutenant Vorman.

What do you think?

Which of us delivered this instruction to that pretty French woman?

l leave conclusions to you, major.

Please don't be angry, Kloss. You've done a greatjob.

You. ..

me...

and Vorman.. .

You brought it to me. So we are left with Vorman.

Are you sure that noone else had access to this instruction?

- lt's been here al l the time, major. - Yes, l know.

- What are your suggestions? - Observing and waiting...

and of course changing the date and the place of the transfer.

Vorman isn't to be informed about anything.

How about arresting Miss Molle right away?

l'm afraid we don't have enough evidence against Vorman.

l' ll give further orders later on. You may leave.

Send Edda and Franz to me at once.

Come in!

l told you Franz to change this coat.

Every Frenchman will spot you at once as our man.

Yes, sir.

''Yes, sir''.. . You keep clicking your heels and bungling every job.

There is a task for you.

- Keep an eye on him, Edda. - You can count on me, major.

Here they are. Elert had no better agents.

Have a look at them .

You can go now.

There are 1 2 hours left. Declare the state of emergency in the district.

We take the rest on ourselves. You and me.. .

- Your lieutenant is coming here. - We have an appointment here. Go now.

Try to shake these two off. They should inform Elert about your disappearance.

l' ll be waiting for you here.

Come in.

My name is von Vorman. My visit must be a surprise to you, madam.

The visits of German officers have long stopped surprising me.

- Please, do come in. - Leave us alone, Jeanne.

lt's a great place. A perfect meeting-point.

At least half the garrison come here and noone is suspected.

Noone? Too much self-confidence.

The von Vormans never lose their self-confidence.

l've got money for you.

l said 1 0,000, Hans.

- Yes, you did. - There isn't even a half of it.

You can cheat Elert or those fools from Gestapo but not me.

You have time until 1 1 p.m. Wait for me in your room.

l'm supposed to report to Elert at 1 1 .30 p.m. Remember.

That Molle has disappeared.

My agents tried to follow her but she shook them off.

lt happens so when you listen to the advice of others.

We should have arrested her at once.

Lieutenant Vorman visited her this afternoon.

So did you, lieutenant Kloss.

Unfortunately l didn't manage to hear what they were talking about.

Let's go. Maybe we' l l manage to arrest her. Maybe she is already at home.

The lights are out.

l'm so glad to see you. Come in, please.

What am l accused of? llligal trading?

That's something for the French police.

l'm going to give you a chance. Names.. .

From whom did you get the microfilm you later hid in your compact?

Who did you pass it on to? The meeting-points?

The communication system? There is no time for dodging.

- What if l don't say anything? - You have no choice, Jeanne.

lt was me who found the microfilm in your compact.

We know that you are working for the English.

lf you don't say anything you' l l see what examining looks like.

l' ll tel l you.. .

A nice girl .

l expected you would be nice. The ones like you can't withstand much.

How long have you been working for them?

Two or three months, not more. l don't do much : l convey information only.

That's enough. To whom? How?

On the way to Dauvil le there is such a small cottage.

The hiding-place is under the stairs.

There l find orders...

and leave acknowledgements of receipt.

Who did you get the microfilm from?

l don't know his name. lt was a German officer.

You know nobody and nothing.

And you want me to believe you?

- l'm tel ling the truth. - Convince me about that.

What is this?

- An acknowledgement of receipt. - But of what? Speak.. .

The date of the drop of people and equipment.

The glade of the Carnisch wood.. .

1 2th May, at 4.1 5 a.m.

Liberator...

red lights...

tomorrow morning.

Great!

You' l l work for us and you won't regret it.

We don't have much time, Kloss.

- 25 kilometers. - A half an hour's drive.

A half an hour's drive and the English drop will be in our hands.

We' l l surround Carnische so that even a mouse won't slip away.

What about Vorman?

There will be time for that, lieutenant. And now.. .

The garrison battalion on their feet! Readiness for departure at 1 .00 a.m.

Taking positions at 2.50 a.m.

The reports concerning readiness of sub-units at 3.00 a.m.

You' l l prepare the operational order and send it to the subordinate units.

Thank you.

- Don't turn on the light. - You are here?

Yes, l am. Haven't you seen Vorman?

- No, l haven't. Why? - He has disappeared.

He's supposed to see Elert at 1 1 .30 p.m. lf he turns up it won't be good.

lf he doesn't, Elert will receive his report.

What are you going to do with him?

l still don't know what Vorman is going to do now. And what Elert really thinks.

l have to give him some decisive proof.

They are stil l standing there.

- Are you nervous? - A little bit.

Please, be careful during the operation, Jeanne.

And when it's over escape with the others to the woods.

- This place is no longer safe for you. - And you?

l' l l stay here. l only have to secure myself somehow.

That Vorman. ..

l'd like to meet you some day when al l this is over.

So.. .

would l, Jeanne.

But l' m afraid l' ll be. ..

very old then.

Come in.

The orders have been sent and confirmed by the units.

The operative group is ready.

l can see that. We're leaving soon.

l've received an important report. Our agent in England, H-1 4 informs us. ..

that the stretches of coast mentioned in our instruction. ..

have been surrounded by the British.

- So Miss Molle didn't lie. - No, she didn't.

l've sent Vorman to the divisional HQ. l don't want him to disturb us.

He should be back by the time of our departure. l' l l arrest him then.

- lsn't it too early? - No, it isn't, lieutenant Kloss.

My methods are boorish but effective.

Since Vorman is away.. . maybe we could search his place.

Quite a good idea. Though l doubt that he keeps anything at home.

Do you that know the code-name of that German officer...

who conveys information to our Molle is J-23.

Kloss.

Of course Vorman has got the key.

When l've arrested him we' ll open this box.

Do you want to have a try? Here you are.

But it seems to me that Vorman is too clever to let us find anything here.

l've never trusted the Prussian nobility.

But conspiring with the English is something l would never expect.

Wel l, have you opened it?

Not yet.

lt seems our friend has arrived at last.

lt's too dark to see anything.

lt's a dispatch-rider. Well, what's there inside?

An envelope.

You should use a handkerchief. The fingerprints are very important.

So it's true. He's been doing that only for money.

A nice sum of dol lars.

Of course we' ll check the fingerprints. But that's just a mere formality.

Now Mr. von Vorman won't slip away. We just have to wait for him.

l' l l be in my office. And you' ll see to the loading, lieutenant.

- l want to see you in an hour's time. - Yes, sir.

You. .. What's up?

l've been waiting for you. As you see l'm punctual .

l have no time. l am to see Elert in a minute.

- First you' ll come with me. - Where?

You' ll see.

Are you kidding? You can give me the money later on.

Let's go.

Don't try to shoot.

Your coer is bIown. EIert has aII the eidence against you.

What evidence?

Of your collaboration with a foreign intel ligence service.

The statement of Jeanne Mol le, dollar banknotes with your fingerprints.. .

and the microfilm with the instruction.

- You've forgotten about my letter. - The letter is with me.

Faster.

Next one.

- What about the rest? - Already gone.

Vorman hasn't turned up yet. But we won't be waiting for him.

Others will greet him when he returns. Let's go.

According to Miss Molle's information the drop is due in 1 5 minutes.

- We are going to have a great catch. - Major!

Can you see that, Kloss? We should hear the aeroplane soon.

The fire is dying out. lf she has put us on...

Major. ..

it's them who made the fire. They were baking potatoes.

Take them away. What is it now?

The prison-van got raided in the town. One prisoner got rescued.

- Was it Bogdan? - Yes, sir.

- What about Vorman? - He isn't in the town, sir.

And he won't be. He was J-23. He has deceived us once more.

But one thing is certain : he' l l never appear in a German uniform again.