Original subtitles

[narrator] Hans Brinker was a Dutch boy

who lived in a small village by the Zuider Zee.

His story takes place about 100 years ago.

In those days, Holland had all the quaint characteristics

we have come to think of as typically Dutch.

All the charm and the beauty captured and passed on to us

in the paintings of the great Dutch masters,

such as Vermeer, Ruisdael, and Rembrandt.

Here, in the fishing village of our story,

the men pursued their livelihood on the sea

for six hardworking days each week.

But on the seventh, they took their folks to church.

And that is where they'd been on the particular Sunday in spring

when our story begins.

Among the good burghers on their way home from Sunday Mass,

was a humble family of fisherfolk called Brinker.

What a wonderful day for a sail.

- On Sunday? - Why not? We've been to church.

- We can go to the coast for a picnic. - Please, Mother.

All right. l'll pack a basket lunch.

- May l invite Hilda van Gleck? - [Raff] Of course.

Do you think the burgomaster will approve?

Why shouldn't he?

Good day, Mevrouw. Burgomaster.

We wondered if Hilda would like to come sailing.

- May l, please? - No, it's out of the question.

Besides, we're taking coffee with the Schimmels.

- l'm sorry, Hans. - So am l.

- Come in, Hilda. - Another time, perhaps.

l would have liked to have gone sailing with Hans.

lt's right that you're polite to persons like the Brinkers,

but you must not associate with them.

Why not? They're decent, honest folk and it's fun to be with them.

Father means you should choose companions from your own class.

Oh, Mother. l suppose he means someone like Ludwig Schimmel.

He bores me.

l much prefer the company of Hans Brinker.

[man] Ahoy! Ahoy there!

* [accordion playing]

Have you ever heard people say that the Lord created the earth,

- but the Dutch made Holland? - No.

Well, once upon a time, all the land where we now live

was covered by water.

Then our great-great-grandfathers came

and decided to take it from the sea.

- Take it from the sea? - Yes.

First, they built a big dike, like this, to keep the ocean back.

Then they used windmills to pump the water out,

so they could raise crops and build towns

- where the sea used to be. - lt's called the watcher.

Because it always keeps both eyes open, watching the sea.

But sometimes a storm drives the waves over the watcher,

- so they built a second dike. - lt's called the dreamer.

lt's only half awake, until it's needed.

But then it stands there, holding the water back.

And that one?

That last one is called the sleeper.

lt just lies there, snoozing like our old cat in front of the fire.

But if the sea ever broke through the two other dikes,

the sleeper would wake up and save us from being drowned.

Now you understand what people mean when they say,

''The Lord created the earth, but the Dutch made Holland.''

- Let me see. - lt's not very good.

Well, l don't know much about it, but l think you have talent.

l want to learn. l want to be a good artist.

Then you shall be. They say a man can do anything if he puts his mind to it.

- Now, what about a race? - Good. Where?

Over the dike, around the windmill over there, and then back.

- l'll get back first. - You mean you'll try.

Get ready. Go!

[bleating]

[cows mooing]

[clucking]

Beat him, Father!

That wasn't fair. You pulled me back.

l can't let you beat me yet.

- [boy crying] - [girl] Father, come quickly!

Yes, you see what can happen if you don't keep a close watch.

The sea is our friend because we live by it.

But it could also be our enemy,

and if we are not careful, we might die by it.

We better be starting for home.

Even on Sunday, the devil can brew a storm.

lt's time you two went to bed.

Otherwise, you'll be sleepy for school tomorrow.

Just a little while longer, Mother.

- [thunder] - [Raff] Gretel...

[mother] To the loft, both of you.

- Good night, Mother. - Good night, darling.

- [Gretel] Good night, Father. - Good night.

- Good night, Mother. - Good night, darling.

Good night, Father.

Don't forget your prayers.

[thunder]

Metje, have you seen all these drawings Hans has made?

- l've seen them. - Don't you think they're good?

Perhaps, but he should be learning a useful trade,

not wasting his time making pictures.

Wasting his time? He wants to be an artist.

Holland has too many artists, all poor.

lsn't that better than being a poor fisherman, like his father?

l'm serious, Raff. l'm worried about Hans.

Gretel will be all right. She can cook and sew.

She'll find a husband. But what will be the future for Hans?

l think a man should work at what he enjoys.

l want our children to have a better life than we've had.

But we are getting along fine.

Now, perhaps. But when winter comes and fishing is poor,

there will be hardly enough to eat again.

Metje, you don't have to worry anymore.

l've been keeping a surprise for you.

- [thunder] - [Tiel] Mother.

- Mother, what is it? - Oh, darling. Did it frighten you?

Oh, it's such an awful weather.

Come, darling.

See? See how it rains.

lt was so loud.

Look.

[coins jingling]

Where did you get all that money?

For years, ever since Gretel was born,

whenever l made an extra guilder, l put it aside.

First, l filled my tobacco pouch. Then a sock.

And now, do you know how much we have?

No.

- Exactly one thousand guilder. - Oh, Raff.

Now you don't have to work so hard in your old age.

l like to work. Who would want to sit and just do nothing?

This is for you and the children.

lf Hans wants to be an artist, all l ask is that he's a good one.

- Where are you going? - To hide this where it's safe.

Now you're going to bed, darling.

Like...

that.

- Now, you go to sleep. - [knocking]

[Kaps] Raff! Open up!

Kaps, come in. You, too, Peter.

What brings you out on a night like this?

The dike at Sloterdam has broken.

- They need men to repair it. - Let's get started then.

- May l go, too, Father? - Why not? Get dressed.

They say it's the worst storm in 40 years.

The waves are breaking over the seawall.

[Raff] Hurry up, Hans.

[thunder]

[man] Put your backs into it, men!

[wind howling, waves crashing]

[man] Keep them coming!

More bags.

Ah!

- [Hans] Father! - [thud]

[Hans] Help!

After him!

[man] He's hurt bad.

Fortunately, the skull wasn't broken.

l think he will be all right in time.

When they brought him home, he didn't even recognize us.

That should pass soon.

Of course, he has to be in bed for a while.

l'll look in again this evening.

Peter and l will be glad to share our catch with you

till Raff is on his feet again.

Thank you, Kaps. You are a good friend.

But we'll get along. Raff managed to put something aside.

That's good. We fishermen live from hand to mouth.

Come on, Peter.

You mustn't worry. l'll take the Sea Beggar out tomorrow.

We must ask the good Lord to make your father well again soon.

[narrator] But as the weeks went by, Raff didn't improve.

He could sit by the window now, but he was listless and vacant.

His memory was gone,

and with it any recollection of his savings and their secret hiding place.

lf we could only find the money your father hid,

we'd have more than enough to live on.

Why don't you ask him again?

Perhaps he'll remember this time.

Raff, it's me, your wife.

Darling, do you remember the money you saved?

- Money? - Yes. A thousand guilders.

You hid them in a leather bag the night of the big storm.

Storm?

You took it into the storeroom, but we can't find it.

We searched everywhere.

You must have hidden it well. Where is it?

Love, do you understand?

Where is the money in the leather bag?

You must remember. We need the money desperately!

[sobbing]

Don't cry, Mother. Please don't cry.

l'm sorry.

You eat your soup. You must be hungry.

[narrator] Summer and fall went by,

and somehow the Brinkers survived.

But then...

[wind blowing]

to make matters worse, winter, bitter and severe,

came very early that year.

Hans quit school,

for though he was too young for a steady job,

the responsibility for his family's support now rested on him.

No job was too lowly nor too hard.

There were five mouths to feed,

and the medicines for his sick father were costly.

[shouting, laughing]

Hans, wait!

l haven't seen you for a long time. Where are you going?

l'm taking wood to the tavern.

How's your father?

Much better, thank you. He's able to sit up now.

That's good. l missed seeing you.

When are you and Gretel coming back to school?

Not for a while. We have to help out till Father's on his feet.

l hope you're keeping up with your drawing.

l've been too busy fishing all summer and now doing odd jobs.

You mustn't give up your drawing.

There are so many artists much better than l'll ever be.

You're too modest. My father's bought a lot of pictures,

and l don't like them as well as yours.

Promise me that no matter how difficult it is,

you won't give it up.

l'll keep on with it then.

Hilda, l thought you were coming with us.

Just a minute, Ludwig.

lt was good to see you again.

Yes.

- Good-bye. - Good-bye.

Too bad about Hans's father, isn't it?

- But he is getting better. - Better?

He's a helpless idiot.

Ludwig, what a terrible thing to say.

lt's true. l've seen him sitting in his window, just staring.

They say he doesn't even know his own wife and children.

Dr. Krupp will cure him.

How can anyone cure a man who's lost his mind?

We can hope, can't we?

- Good-bye. - See you tomorrow, Hilda.

Bye.

l can carry my own books home, thank you.

[* accordion playing]

[men singing] * Sing to the sturdy men Who pull the heavy barges

* Sing to the captain And the mate and all the crew

* Sing to the taverns where We stop to wet our whistles

* Sing to the pretty maids Who serve the golden brew

* Though the jolly bargemen Lead a merry, merry life

* With never-ending strife From a nagging wife

* Though the jolly bargemen Lead a merry, merry life...

- Find any work? - Nothing but this.

Try the woodcutting mill?

They don't need anyone. Neither does Schimmel.

Times are bad. l'm lucky to wash pots here.

Maybe Captain Jansen will take you on. He's on his way back to Hoorn.

l'll ask him.

[singing, indistinct]

- * Drink, brothers, drink - * Drink to the sturdy men

* Drink, brother, drink, brother Drink, brother, drink, brother

* Drink *

Excuse me, Captain. l'm Raff Brinker's son.

Oh, is he getting any better?

Dr. Krupp says it'll take time.

He ought to see a brain doctor.

- A brain doctor? - Dr. Boekman.

Saved my brother when the others gave him up.

- But he'll be expensive. - He's the best in all the Netherlands.

- Can you give me work? - Pulling my barge?

- That's man's work. - But l'm strong.

Next year maybe. See Dr. Boekman. lf anybody can cure your father, he can.

- Yes, sir. Thank you. - From the beginning. All together.

* Drink to the sturdy men Who pull the heavy barges

* Drink to the captain And the mate and all the crew...

Good evening, Father.

- [Metje] You are late. - l've been looking for work.

Didn't you find anything?

l made a little delivering wood, but it won't pay for Father's medicine.

We saved some soup for you.

You mustn't feel badly, son. We'll manage somehow.

We can't keep taking charity.

l know. lf we could only find the money your father hid,

we would have more than enough to live on.

- l'm going to Amsterdam in the morning. - Why would you go there?

l've heard about a famous brain doctor. A Dr. Boekman.

We can't even pay old Dr. Krupp.

How can we afford a famous city doctor?

l'm hoping someone might buy my drawings.

l'll take our lace and sell it.

We should get a better price in the big city.

[narrator] So early next morning, Hans and Gretel went to Amsterdam.

The Dutch metropolis is not only Holland's capital,

it's also one of the world's most exciting places,

proudly called ''the Venice of the north, ''

for it, too, is a city of islands, bridges and canals.

It, too, is a seat of learning and the arts,

of soaring buildings and mighty churches,

dynamic with the bustle of business and world commerce.

[organ playing]

Under any other circumstances, this first glimpse of the big city

would have been sheer magic for Hans and Gretel.

But even so, it held out hope.

Hope to turn their handiwork into cash.

Hope to find the celebrated doctor.

Excuse me. Can you tell us how to find the marketplace?

Just cross that bridge there.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

[indistinct chatter]

There's a place over there.

Oh, look, Henry! What exquisite lace!

Perhaps you'd be interested in a drawing, sir.

This is hardly the place to show pictures.

Where should l go?

- To the street of the art dealers. - Thank you.

lf l have any luck, l'll call on Dr. Boekman.

l'll be waiting for you.

Look, l want this, and perhaps this.

Oh, don't be so bored, Henry.

Excuse me. Do you know the way to the street of the art dealers?

- Over there. - Thank you.

Not at all.

Well, what do you think of it?

lt's wonderful, sir.

l've never seen anyone use oils before. ls it difficult?

Yes, at first.

Can you tell me where to find the art dealers?

- Are you an artist, too? - l hope to be.

Now l only draw with a pencil.

May l see one?

Hmm. They're not bad.

There's a strong feeling for the land here.

- ls this your village? - Yes, sir.

l suppose you have come to Amsterdam to sell them.

lf anyone would want such plain sketches.

The old masters often worked in black and white.

Even the greatest, who once lived in that house l'm painting.

- Who's that, sir? - Who was...

Why, Rembrandt van Rijn, of course.

Did Rembrandt really live there?

[Ruisdael] For 20 years.

That was his happy period, when he was married to Saskia.

Didn't he die in poverty?

Yes. But l think he was happy even then,

for he had fulfilled his ambitions.

- Do you understand that? - l think l do, sir.

Come. l'll introduce you to a friend of mine

who has helped a lot of artists to get started, including me.

Will you take this?

No. No.

Think you might take a few on consignment, Mynheer Dionne?

Well, maybe one.

lf he sells it, you can give him a commission.

Thank you, sir.

Do you know where l can find a Dr. Boekman?

He's living in the big house on Princengracht.

Why do you want to see him?

My father was in an accident last spring and lost his memory.

Hmm. So, maybe l can take two more.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you.

l'm very grateful to you, sir, but l don't even know your name.

Frans Ruisdael.

Here's a little present so you can begin to experiment with colors.

Colors! lt's a wonderful gift.

- But you are too generous. - Oh, no, no, no.

Thank you again, sir.

l'll come back as soon as my paintings are worthy enough.

- What's his name? - Hans. Hans Brinker.

Who knows. He might turn out to be good someday.

- Oh, yes. l want to pay for this. - Put your money away.

You think you are the only one who wants to encourage young talents?

[bell ringing]

- What is it? - l'd like to see Dr. Boekman.

The doctor sailed for London.

London? When will he be back?

- He'll be away at least two weeks. - l'll come back then.

- What happened? - The doctor won't be back for weeks.

Too bad. l sold everything.

The rich lady bought the lace. The rest went for a good price.

- Look. - You did well.

- You'd better carry the money home. - All right.

- l saw where Rembrandt lived. - You did?

And l met a real artist. Frans Ruisdael.

He liked my drawings enough to introduce me to an art dealer

- who will try to sell some for me. - That's wonderful.

And the artist gave me these paints. Good ones, too. Now l can try colors.

People are kind here. The rich lady asked about me,

and when l told her how hard it had been for Mother,

she said she'd call on us.

That's nice of her, but why?

l don't know, but l think she means to help us.

We must celebrate tonight.

Let's ask Kaps and Peter to have dinner with us for a change.

[belches] Ahhh!

[laughs]

What a good meal, Metje!

Like old times, eh, Raff?

Want to play your accordion? Hmm?

[chuckles]

Oh, you want me to play it, huh?

[accordion playing]

* There's an old sailor song That we sing all day long

* And we call it ''The wooden shoe waltz''

* When we're far out at sea This gay melody

* Makes us dream Of our sweethearts

* By the old Zuider Zee

* Oh, my darling, my darling, My Hollander miss

* I'm longing to hug you And give you a kiss

* Then whirl you around while The band plays with schmaltz

* As we dance to the tune of ''The wooden shoe waltz''

- * Like this - [taps shoes]

- * Like this - [taps shoes]

* Then whirl you around And give you a big kiss

- * Like this - [kisses]

- * Like this - [kisses]

* The tune of ''The wooden shoe waltz'' *

[laughs]

[narrator] But Raff's smile was only fleeting.

The harsh gray winter months marched by.

In those days, when the ice locked up canals and waterways,

the pulse in those busy arteries of Holland

came almost to a standstill.

No wonder it became ever more difficult for Hans to find work,

though he tried everything in his power to help out.

But the urge to be an artist was equally strong in him.

He devoted each leisure hour to canvas and brush.

Hadn't it been the lot of many a Dutch artist

to suffer privations before attaining fame?

And anyway, he'd promised Hilda

that he would not neglect his talent.

[laughing, chattering]

l suppose you want to see what Hans is painting.

l'll join you later.

[boy] Come on. The ice is better over there.

Hello, Hans.

- Hello, Hilda. - May l see?

Oh, it's wonderful!

lt's so exciting to work in colors.

Things used to seem dull and gray, but now l see everything differently.

- Do you, Hans? - lt's all because of you.

Now l feel confident. l believe in myself.

l'm glad.

l am anxious to try a portrait next.

How would you like to paint me?

l'd like to very much. When?

ls tomorrow all right, after school?

Fine. l'd ask you to come to our house,

but Father isn't feeling too well these days.

l know where we can go. lnside the mill.

- lt's warm, and boss won't mind. - l'll be waiting.

l'd like to surprise Father with it on St. Nicholas Day.

Maybe he'll want to buy it.

Oh, l wouldn't feel right about selling it to you.

Good evening, sir.

Good evening.

- Very good coffee. Thank you. - [knock on door]

Come in, young man.

As l was saying, my husband and l have no children.

We are quite well-to-do.

We live in a house with more rooms than we can use.

Mynheer Korbes has consented to let me investigate conditions here.

l admit, l expected to find a sordid atmosphere.

Even drunkenness, perhaps.

[Mrs. Korbes] But l must say, l'm relieved.

Everything is quite clean and tidy, despite your poverty.

Gretel, you would like to live in a big nice house

with servants and good food, wouldn't you?

l hardly need to remind you of the advantages

that Gretel would have that's she's missing now.

But, Mevrouw Korbes, l couldn't leave my family.

Do you mean...

You mean that you would prefer to live here?

We're very happy together.

Of course, you could visit Gretel whenever you wish.

My husband is prepared to send you a sum from time to time,

until your husband is able to work.

Thank you for your good intentions, Mevrouw Korbes,

but l could never give up one of my children.

But...

l hope you understand. We are all so close...

Perhaps if you raised children of your own, you'd know what l mean.

A family is something you never separate,

no matter how poor you are.

Well, it's your decision. l only wanted to help you.

l think you'll come to realize you're not being fair to Gretel.

Here's my husband's card if you change your mind.

- Gretel. - Good evening.

And l thought she came to help us.

Oh, she meant well, Hans.

You can't blame one who can't understand what a family means to each other.

- Hello, boss. - Hello.

Hello, boss.

Hans is going to do my portrait as a surprise for Father.

Ah, it should be interesting.

lt may not turn out like Rembrandt,

but the light and shadows are the same.

Well, well. What's the matter, Ludwig?

You haven't carried Hilda's books home lately.

- No, sir. - Have you had a falling out?

l don't think l should tell you, sir.

Tell me what? lf it concerns my daughter, speak up.

Well, l don't believe in carrying tales, sir.

Tales? Tales? What do you mean?

Well...

Hilda's been meeting secretly with Hans Brinker.

What?

l just saw them go into Boss' windmill alone.

Boss' windmill alone?

Ja, it's coming pretty good. lt even looks like her.

[laughs]

l'll get some more firewood.

Mind if l rest a moment?

No, of course not.

Oh, it's going to be good. Father will be very pleased.

So, this is how you abuse my confidence, Hilda?

- l'm ashamed of you. - But, Father!

Go home at once. You'll be punished later.

[sobs]

Hans Brinker, l forbid you to ever see my daughter again.

But you don't understand, sir.

Silence!

You're an insolent peasant.

lf l ever hear you're meeting secretly with Hilda again,

l'll have you horsewhipped!

[growls]

Oh, what's the good burgomaster so upset about?

Didn't he like your painting?

Hans, have you seen your father?

- No. - He's wandered off somewhere.

l'm afraid something terrible happened.

- l'll find him. Take this and go home. - All right.

lt's the idiot!

Where is he?

Down by the canal.

You stay here. l'll get the watchman.

[dog barks]

[barking continues]

Father!

lt's me, Father. Come back home, won't you, please?

There he is.

Arrest him.

lt's Raff! Come on and help!

lt's me, Raff. Your old friend.

Come on. Let's go home.

[woman] They shouldn't let him run around like this.

[man] He should be put away.

- [woman #2] Oh, it's terrible. - Poor Metje.

Well, he's quiet now. You should all take some rest.

How can we rest?

l'm afraid, Kaps. Poor Raff doesn't know what he's done.

[knock on door]

You know what they're saying in the tavern?

That they're going to send your father to an asylum.

l'm sorry. l wish we could help.

You've done everything you could. Thank you.

We better be going, Peter.

You mustn't worry. Dr. Boekman is due back soon.

l am going to see him.

How are we going to pay such an expensive doctor?

- l hope the dealer sold my drawings. - You mustn't count on that.

lf worst comes to worst, l can let the rich lady adopt me.

- Oh, no. - No, Gretel, you won't have to do that.

l'll find something.

[narrator] Hans and Gretel redoubled their efforts,

but the promise of a solution for their troubles

came from an entirely unexpected source.

Hans! Gretel!

Have you heard about the competition on St. Nicholas Day?

That's the one with the prize of the silver skates.

There's 300 guilders, too, for the boy and girl who wins it.

This is the miracle we've been waiting for.

Even if we get in the finals,

we'll be up against the best skaters on the whole Zuider Zee.

Who cares? We all have the same chance.

lf one of us wins, our problems will be solved.

We better go sign up now.

Come on. l'll race you to the town hall.

Go!

[narrator] And so the possibility of winning the prize in the great race

kindled new hope in Hans and Gretel.

Here, indeed, was a possible solution to their many problems.

This coming event added, also,

more excitement to one of the most delightful Dutch holidays,

St. Nicholas Day, the time when St. Nick appears on his handsome white steed.

It is a time for parties and the giving of gifts,

much like our Christmas.

At the mayor's house, as in most homes along the Zuider Zee,

there was only one topic of conversation that evening:

tomorrow's qualifying races to pick the contestants

for the big silver skate event just two weeks away.

Hilda and l are going to win first places in the competition tomorrow.

Don't be so sure. Our town is famous for good skaters.

- Like Hans Brinker? - Yes, like Hans and his sister.

- Cakes? - [Ludwig] They shouldn't be allowed.

- Why not? - They only have wooden skates.

- l don't see why it makes a difference. - Wooden skates are dangerous.

They can cause an accident.

Hans and Gretel seem to do all right on theirs.

lt's almost time for St. Nicholas to be arriving on his white steed.

So let's sing a welcome song for him. All together.

* Hear the hoof beats on the roof

* We don't need more further proof

* Good St. Nick is coming

* He will fill each little wooden shoe

* If you're good you'll be Getting something too

* Good St. Nick is coming

* Welcome, St. Nicholas

* Bring us cheer

* For we only see you but once a year

* Hear the hoof beats on the roof

* We don't need more further proof

* Good St. Nick is coming

* He will fill...

- [children shouting] - Come, children.

Well, hello, little boys and girls.

l hope you've all been good children during the year.

- Oh, yes. - We've been good.

So have l.

[laughing] l'm glad to hear it, for tonight, when you're asleep,

l'll bring presents down the chimney

into the shoes of all the good boys and girls.

But l will bring switches to those who have been bad.

You see, l know everything that's gone on,

like not studying your lessons, or squirming in church,

or not obeying your parents.

Some of you could even be guilty of throwing snowballs

at gentlemen in high hats.

But next year, l'm sure you will all be little angels again.

Now l must be off to visit other children all over the country.

So help yourself to the sweets,

and l wish you all a happy and merry St. Nicholas Day.

Hurry up, children. You mustn't catch cold.

What are you doing?

What are you doing sneaking around in the dark like a thief?

l was just passing, Your Honor. l mean, Your Holiness.

l have this present for the burgomaster.

Present?

l am the one who gives presents, my boy.

When did you do this?

The last few nights. l painted it from memory.

Well, l'm sure the burgomaster will like it.

But now you better be off home.

Yes, Your Holiness... Uh, Your Grace.

l thought everyone had a good time.

- Oh, yes, especially Father. - How he loves to play St. Nicholas.

Hilda, have you been seeing the Brinker boy lately?

No, not since you forbade me to.

Hmm. Why don't you let those go and get some sleep.

- You want to be fresh for the contest. - All right.

Good night. Thanks for the party.

- Good night, Father. - Good night, dear.

l saw that Brinker boy outside looking in on the party.

- What did you do? - Sent him away, of course.

We really should've invited the Brinkers this year.

lt's been a trying time for them.

Hilda says Hans and Gretel are entered in the competition.

But they only have their wooden skates.

Why don't you send Hilda's old ones to the girl?

That's what l hoped you'd say.

Wasn't it nice of Kaps and Peter to remember Tiel?

They've had a hard winter, too.

- l carved these for him. - He'll love them.

lt isn't much.

We have a lot to be grateful for.

Raff used to look forward to St. Nicholas Day as much as you did.

l remember how excited you used to be to wake up in the morning

and find your shoes overflowing.

Sometimes he'd go without tobacco for a month

so he could bring you apples and gingerbread men.

[knocking]

- Who brought it? - l don't know.

Perhaps there's a card inside.

- Oh. - Look.

What it this?

Oh, it must be for you, Gretel.

Now l have a chance to win tomorrow.

- lsn't it wonder... - l can skate fine on wooden ones.

Let's show your father.

Look, Raff. We have good friends who remembered us.

All this wonderful food you need to make you strong.

Tomorrow Hans and Gretel are going to enter the competition, and they may win.

Look. Gretel has real skates.

The competition has narrowed down to six boys and six girls.

We shall now select the finalists for the big race.

The girls will take their starting positions.

Good luck.

You'll race out to the barrel, circle it, and return.

The first three to finish will have the honor

of representing our village in the big race, the 20th.

On your marks.

Get ready. Go!

[all cheering]

Come on, Gretel. Come on.

[all cheering]

Wonderful, Gretel. You did it.

Congratulations, Hilda. lt was a good race.

The winners are:

Hilda van Gleck, Gretel Brinker, and Katrinka Flack.

And now, the boys will take their starting positions.

Good luck, Hans.

At least get in the finals like l did.

You'll race across the bay, up the canal as far as the marker, then return.

Don't get behind Brinker.

lf he hits rough ice with those snowplows, he'll break his neck.

On your marks.

Get ready.

Hey! Come back and wait for my signal!

On your marks.

Get ready.

Go!

Hans is keeping up.

But it's a long way to go. Come on, Hans.

Beat him, Hans!

Never mind, Hans! You can catch up!

That's my boy in the lead.

Beat him! Beat him!

Ludwig, what happened?

You were first. You were in the lead. Why did you let him beat you?

And the winners are: Hans Brink...

Hans Brinker, Ludwig Schimmel, and Peter Bouman.

lf my son had tried, he could easily have come in first.

But he didn't. Hans Brinker beat him, and on wooden skates.

ln the big race, Brinker won't have a chance.

Who do you think'll win, Mynheer Schimmel?

My Ludwig, of course. l've been giving him some pointers.

l'd put my money on Peter, not because he is my son,

but it takes endurance to skate 26 miles.

And Peter is a strong lad, big for his age.

l'll wager 20 guilders that Ludwig comes in ahead.

l'll take that bet.

Make a note of that.

Forgive me, but l hope that spoiled brat of his falls and breaks...

Ah, ah, ah, Kaps.

At least we all agree that someone from our village will win.

l think you're all crowing a little too soon.

Have you heard of a boy at Hoorn they call ''Charles the Champion''?

He won the last two years.

That's right. And he won't be 1 9 until next month.

So, he's entered again.

[bargemen laughing]

[narrator] On the day the famous surgeon was due back,

Hans went to Amsterdam.

With skates like those, how much better would be his chances

to win the race and pay for the doctor's services.

Perhaps the art dealer had sold one of his drawings.

You won't find anyone in there. The shopkeeper is ill.

He went home.

[bell ringing]

- lt's you. - Has the doctor returned?

This morning, but l'd advise to come back tomorrow.

But l must see him today.

l'm sorry. He has given strict orders to admit no one.

He is not feeling well. He had a rough crossing.

l can't leave without talking to him. Please.

My father needs help badly.

Very well, but l warn you, he'll be furious with both of us.

Excuse me, Dr. Boekman.

Didn't l tell you l was not to be disturbed?

Whatever you're selling, l don't want it.

- l'm not selling anything, sir. - What's that you carry?

- Paintings to show an art dealer. - l'm much too busy to see anyone.

But this can't wait, sir. lt's about my father.

He had a head injury last spring and lost his memory.

l'm sorry. l can't take on any new patients at this time.

Couldn't you just come and look at him?

Frankly, no. My work has piled up since l've been away.

Captain Jansen said if anyone could cure him, you could.

- Who's Captain Jansen? - Commander of a barge over at Hoorn.

You cured his brother when everyone gave up.

Oh, yes. lnteresting case. Amnesia.

Won't you see if there's any hope?

- You're very persistent. - l have to be.

People in our village think he's dangerous.

They want him locked up in an institution.

- Order my sleigh at once. - Yes, doctor.

Well, come on. You've got to show me where you live.

[indistinct murmuring]

Well, l think the children should be consulted.

What is it, Mother?

The doctor says an operation may restore his memory,

but it's very dangerous.

You mean Father might die?

Any operation where pressure on the brain is concerned is highly delicate.

Fortunately, the patient appears to be strong physically.

l think he has a good chance of getting through it.

But we know that no matter how dangerous, it's necessary.

Don't we?

- Yes, Mother. - Yes.

When will you do it, doctor?

l have a very full schedule since l've been away.

Let me see. Two amputations and, uh...

Well, there's no opening until the 20th.

Bring him to the Amsterdam hospital the day before.

Yes, l will.

l'm prescribing some medicine to quiet his nerves

if he should be restless again.

See he has plenty of good nourishing food.

Meat, preferably red wine.

- Thank you for coming, Doctor. - Oh, not at all.

Well, this will be all for today.

- Doctor... - Huh?

l know you're expensive, so it's only fair to tell you,

we can't pay for a while.

lt's not my custom to send a bill until after l have rendered my services.

Good day.

[narrator] As the day of the great race drew near,

the contestants in the participating villages by the Zuider Zee

spent every spare moment practicing for the event.

- Have you seen Hans anywhere? - He's embarrassed on his wooden skates,

so he's practicing at the point where no one can see him.

Thanks.

Did you hurt yourself?

lt's these old wooden skates, but l'm getting better.

lt's just a question of jumping over the rough spots.

Still meeting secretly, huh?

What do you mean?

A pretty little scene. Not as comfortable as the mill, is it?

How did you know about that?

Everyone knows that Hilda's father forbade her to see you again.

But he didn't know about the mill.

You're the one who told the burgomaster.

What if l did?

You are contemptible.

Get your skates off.

My Ludwig was attacked today by the son of that madman Brinker.

Without provocation, mind you.

As a member of the town council, l strongly feel

that a boy like Hans Brinker should not be allowed

to represent our town in the race.

- You sure it was without provocation? - l have Ludwig's word for it.

l heard from my daughter, who happened to be present,

and she feels that young Brinker was entirely justified.

And, frankly, so do l. Good evening.

[narrator] On the eve of Raff's removal to the hospital,

the Brinkers faced two of the most critical situations of their lives:

Raff's operation and the race for the big prize.

No wonder the immediate future held for the little family

a mixture of fear and of hope.

You are going to shave before we take you to the hospital.

l can't let you frighten the nurses.

Dr. Boekman is going to make you well again. l know.

Who's going to take care of Tiel when we go?

Old Maria's going to take care of him.

Amsterdam hospital, at your service.

Thank you very much for the ride.

Will you pick up Hans and be at the marketplace this afternoon?

But not later than 4:00.

l hope everything goes well.

l think it's best you say good-bye to your father now.

Good-bye, Father.

[Gretel] Mother, we hate to leave you.

lf it wasn't for the money we may win, we'd give it up.

Of course you won't. There's nothing you can do now.

What time are the races tomorrow?

Girls start at 1 0:00 and the boys go right after us.

Hans, when do you think you will be reaching Amsterdam?

Early afternoon. We turn back when at King's Bridge.

lf the operation is over and if your father is out of danger,

l'll wave to you from the bridge.

God be with you.

God be with you.

Come on, darling.

l'll come to the marketplace as soon as l can.

All right.

Can you help a poor cripple?

Can you help a poor cripple?

No, l am sorry.

Beggars are not allowed in here.

l am not a beggar, sir. l am an artist.

- [laughing] - Aren't they the same?

You made a good purchase.

Ruisdael is becoming quite popular.

- Yes, so l understand. Good day. - Good day, sir.

- ls Mynheer Dionne around? - Oh, he died two weeks ago.

Went home ill and never recovered.

- l'm sorry. - Everything's in quite a mess.

l'm his nephew. l'm here to take over.

Do you know if he sold my drawings? l left some pencil sketches.

Oh, those. Yes.

l'm glad to get rid of them. They take up space.

- Are these yours? - Yes.

Now l have better ones. ln oils. See?

- Perhaps you'd be interested in these? - l'm selling out. Not buying.

Thank you, sir.

- Are you badly hurt? - A thief! He stole all my money!

Open the door! Open up!

Help!

Help! Police! l'm in here! Help me get out!

What did the boy who ran after him look like?

Like any beggar.

l wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't in league with that cutthroat.

They often work in pairs.

- Did the boy leave these paintings? - And those dreadful drawings, too.

He's no thief. l know him. He's a friend of mine.

Try and find him. He might be in trouble.

Yes. Come on.

l am sorry, but l can't wait any longer.

l can't understand what's happened to Hans.

He knows we have to be back for the races tomorrow.

lf he doesn't come soon, l think you'd better go to the police.

[narrator] Exhausted by his vain efforts to get free,

his troubled mind filled with concern for tomorrow's events,

Hans spent a night of frustration and anxiety.

[Hans] Help me! Help me!

[man] Who called for help? Where are you?

Here! l'm locked in, and can't get out!

Oh, ho! You must be the boy the police are looking for.

Wait till l call them, and we'll have you out in a jiffy.

We've been looking all night for you.

Can you show us the ship where you saw this cripple?

- First l must find my sister. - Don't worry about her.

She's sleeping in a warm police station.

Well, come on then. lt's nearby.

What do you want?

May l speak to the man with the crutch, please?

Someone wants to see you.

How did you...

l can't thank you enough, Brinker.

l'll even take your paintings. On consignment, of course.

Doesn't he get a reward for recovering the money?

- Certainly. Here you are. - [coins jingling]

Five guilders.

Gretel, it's almost enough to buy some new skates l saw.

- How much more do you need? - Two more guilders.

Two more guilders.

[Gretel] We have to pick up my skates.

- We'll never get to the dike by 1 0:00. - Unless we find a sleigh.

l'm sure Mynheer Dionne will be happy to loan us his. Come on.

[* band playing folk tune]

- l don't think they're coming. - Why wouldn't they?

Maybe they realized Hans doesn't have a chance.

They had to take their father to Amsterdam, but they'll be here.

As soon as the dance is over, l shall call the girls' race.

But, Your Lordship, two of our contestants are missing.

- Nevertheless, we shall proceed. - But...

- Where are Hans and Gretel? - We'll be called any minute.

Silence!

The girls get ready for the first race.

[horn blowing]

l wish l knew what's happened to them.

[crowd murmuring]

[bells jingling]

[woman] Look over there! Here comes someone now!

Here they come!

[man] The girls will take their starting positions.

That's you, Gretel. Hurry!

Good luck!

- Oh! - What happened to you?

- l've been to Amsterdam... - There isn't time. Get ready.

Look, they're even better than yours.

When the horn blows, you will start.

The girls' race is four miles out to the Zuider Zee and back.

The winner will receive these silver skates

and 300 guilders.

Good luck to all of you!

[horn blows]

[cheering]

[cheering]

Come on! You can do it!

Please don't feel bad about it.

[man] silence!

The winner is Wilhelmina Vooster of Sparkenburg.

- [applause] - [all] Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!

Will you please come forward and receive your prize?

[crowd murmuring]

[man] The prize.

Never mind. You nearly won.

Anyway, you still have a chance.

[man] And now the boys will take their starting positions.

Go on, Hans. l'm sure you can win.

Good luck, Hans.

[man] You are about to begin a long-distance race of 26 miles,

across the Zuider Zee to Amsterdam and return.

The one we have to worry about is that fellow from Hoorn.

- Which is he? - The tall one with the fur cap.

They don't call him Charles the Champion for nothing.

l expect every one of you to finish,

whether he wins or not.

You will start on the horn.

After that, it's every one for himself.

May the best Hollander win.

[whispering]

Oh. lt has been called to my attention that there is

a dangerous patch of thin ice in the south basin.

So heed the warning and be certain that you all go around it.

Good luck!

[horn blowing]

[cheering]

Even with the best possible speeds, they won't be back for a long time.

Come. l invite you to the tavern for a drink.

[all laughing]

[cheering]

- Hurry! Come on! - Hurry!

Hans! Here l am!

Your father is out of danger!

That's it, Henry! Go, boy, go! Go!

[grunts]

[screeching]

[horn blowing]

l don't see Hans anywhere.

- But Peter is second. - Come on, Peter!

[loud cheers]

[all] Hooray! Hooray!

Hooray!

- Where's my boy? - What happened to Hans Brinker?

They were both behind me when we left the canal.

[man] The winner is Peter Bouman of Volendam.

Will you please come forward and receive your prize?

My 20 guilders, if you please.

l don't understand it. There must be foul play here somewhere.

Here they come!

- [woman] Get a blanket. - [man] They're hurt?

Something must have happened.

Hans! Ludwig!

What happened?

Peter! You won?

Yeah. But what happened to you?

- Well, tell us now. - Out with it.

lt was all my fault.

l tried to take a shortcut across the thin ice,

and it wouldn't hold me. Hans pulled me out.

And what do you have to say to that?

l say...

l say we should both be glad that our town won.

Come on, Ludwig.

l am sorry.

Thanks for everything you've done.

You're recovering quickly, l don't l have to call on you again.

- lt's that thick Dutch head of mine. - [all laugh]

- We can't thank you enough, Doctor. - No.

Peter Bouman has offered to lend us his prize money.

- So we can pay your fee. - l warn you. lt's pretty high.

This is my fee.

And l won't take anything less.

A genuine Hans Brinker is going to be worth a lot of money one of these days.

By the way, someone has taken care of your hospital bill.

- Who was that? - Mynheer Schimmel

said it had something to do with Hans and his son.

- Well, good day. - [laughs]

What's all of this about money?

Why didn't you use the thousand guilders l saved?

Oh, Raff.

We ransacked the storeroom. We looked everywhere.

Somebody must have stolen it.

But you didn't look under the loose board, did you? Huh?

Oh, Raff.

Do you call that a safe place to hide so much money?

- Anyone could have found it. - But you didn't, did you?

No, because it was too easy.

Oh, you silly man!

[* accordion playing]

* There's an old sailor song That we sing all day long

* And we call it ''The wooden shoe waltz''

* When we're far out at sea This gay melody

* Makes us dream of our sweethearts

* By the old Zuider Zee

* Oh, my darling, my darling, My Hollander miss

* I'm longing to hug you And give you a kiss

* Then whirl you around while The band plays with schmaltz

* And dance to the strains of ''The wooden shoe waltz''

- * Like this - [taps shoes]

- * Like this - [taps shoes]

* Then whirl you around And give you a big kiss

- * Like this - [smooching]

- * Like this - [smooching]

* The dance of ''The wooden shoe waltz'' *