Original subtitles

What supplies have you got left? -Hardly any at all.

I'm being followed.

You sure? -Yes.

It's not an accident or a chance move? It's me they're following.

You thought I was being tailed yesterday.

Yeah, I didn't see anybody. You know, just a feeling I had.

But if you felt it, the chances are you're right.

Where is he? -Outside in the square.

The one with the fair hair and the newspaper.

Doctor, have you had any such intimations? -I can't say that I have.

But at my age, the senses are not all that acute.

And my sight leaves much to be desired.

Did you walk here? -Of course, I haven't got any petrol

and my shoes are wearing out and I can't get any more of them either.

Right. Would you mind walking back to your surgery now please?

Your bloke isn't interested. I think he's after you only.

Aha. Number two.

Alain, go down to the Bourse. See if you can get some fags.

They've left Alain alone. How often does he come here?

Two or three times a week. Usually in the mornings and always carrying vegetables.

Then he could be the one they've accepted as genuine.

Do you think they're onto Lifeline, Monique?

No. No. They would have rounded us all up before now they were. -Right.

No, I think they're sniffing. No more. -Even sniffing is too much.

Why have they come here? Why us?

They've got to have a reason. There aren't enough men left to do it out of chance.

Right again.

When do you see Albert? -Wednesday. Why?

I think he should know. -No. Albert stays out of this.

I don't intend to worry him more than necessary.

You mean you don't want him to think you can't handle it?

Can you? Handle it?

Enough to keep it in operation.

Alright. Now, tell me about this rocket site.

Dirk Maas showed me the place, but I didn't go close. I used binoculars.

Now, it's a large area. Concrete, I think, and there was a big shed.

And a little way off there was a shelter or a bunker or something.

It was heavily guarded. -That's a permanent site.

But it's not like the flying bombs. -No, much more deadly. V2 rockets.

And if we've found a permanent site I'm going to do something about it.

I shall want to use some of these flyers you've got camped out.

They're in the Ardennes.

None up North?

One group. Not far from the Dutch border.

They'll do. -What about our tails?

Well, we'll have to lose them, won't we.

Well, Guissard? -Sit down Monsieur Foiret. I will make my report.

I take it you are in reasonable health still. -Yes yes yes.

Well then, now my case. When do I get out?

Not so fast Monsieur Foiret. The mills of justice. You understand?

Damn it, man, spare me your turn of phrase. What is happening?

They have no real case, Monsieur.

As I told you, it remains entirely circumstantial based upon

gossip and hearsay. Larded with envy.

But, there were

German military personnel present at the time of your late wife's death.

I wish to apply to the German authorities for their military report on the incident.

Mademoiselle Duchamps, Monique was there and -- why don't you...

She is, alas, an interested party. Little credence would be given to her testimony.

My wife slipped, fell down the narrow stairs and broke her neck.

Monsieur Foiret. Is there any reason why you should not wish me

to bring the matter to the attention of the German authorities

by asking for access to their civil files?

Consider well, my friend.

But I would remind you it is necessary for you to prove your innocence.

Unless there is grave reason to forbid it,

I should like your permission to seek access to the German files.

Good evening, Sir. What do you think you're doing now?

I thought I'd come in to dinner. I have to be somewhere. Why not here?

Because you don't pay for the food for one thing.

For another, this table is usually reserved for German officers.

I don't mind if they join me.

I don't like them much, but their table manners are faultless. -Bradley...

Just tell Natalie to bring me the wine list. I know what I'm doing.

Good evening, Herr Standartenfuhrer.

Good evening, mademoiselle. -Good evening, Herr Standartenfuhrer.

I was just telling this gentleman. This table is reserved.

Luc De Vriendt. -Kessler. Standartenfuhrer.

You must forgive me. I didn't properly understand.

A seat for the Standartenfuhrer. -Yes, of course. -Thank you.

The wine list, sir. -Please.

I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Herr Standartenfuhrer.

We know of your work here in Belgium.

Indeed, may I know exactly who you are, please.

Oh, I see. Organization Todt.

I am here in Brussels for a few days on business,

connected with our latest secret weapon.

Before we talk, perhaps you would like to order.

Mademoiselle, the Standartenfuhrer will be my guest this evening

and we will begin with a bottle of the Montrachet.

Is that to your taste, Herr Standartenfuhrer?

Montrachet would be a very considerable treat, Herr De Vriendt. Thank you.

Thank you.

He's got a lot of cheek. Perhaps that's how he's survived over the years.

Montrachet. We've only got 4 bottles left.

I spent two years at the research laboratories perfecting the long range ...

You probably know all about them.

Recently they were redeveloped for the high accuracy 105 millimeter flak guns.

They're very accurate, you know. The velocity is quite extraordinary.

However, I am here now in connection with our latest V2 rocket.

They have been only tested, Herr Standartenfuhrer, but

we are about to launch over 1000 missiles against France.

I was naturally aware that this was in progress. Indeed, I witnessed

a demonstration recently from one of our more permanent sites.

Which site was that? -Zandvliet not far from Antwerp.

Zandvliet. Ah yes, I am due to inspect that site on one of its firing days,

but unfortunately no one saw fit to tell me when they were.

I shall have to apply to the Kommandantur in the morning.

See Oversturmbannfuhrer Stroem. He'll help you.

Stroem, Thank you. I will see him, but

I'm talking too much.

Tell me of your work here. Your name is well known, Herr Standartenfuhrer.

You have done great things here in Belgium.

The Candide. It is the Candide.

It's not the cost of the meal, it's the way you walk around expecting

everyone to follow without question. The way you take everything for granted.

And the wine wasn't properly chilled.

Never mind the wine. Last night you were skating on thin ice.

Kessler is not a fool. You would do well not underestimate him.

Monique.

This is between Bradley and me.

While you were trying to be clever with Kessler

he could just as easily have been playing the same game with you.

Avoid contact whenever possible.

And how would I get the rocket site schedule if I didn't ask for it?

What schedule?

The rocket delivery schedule.

If we aren't going to waste a hell of a lot of time, we need to know

when the maximum number of rockets are present at that site.

I needed to know who had that information, and Kessler told me. -Kessler?

He thinks I worked at the Todt site

at Peenemunde. Well, I did, but not for Germany.

Alright, so you're being very clever. -Now I need your help.

On the third floor of the Kommandantur

a certain OberSturmbannfuhrer Stroem has an office.

He has the information I need. Who do you have in the Kommandantur?

Willy de Hooch. He's on the civil administration staff.

The Germans are packing up. Half of them went last week.

They don't really know what's going on. He can do it today.

Right, anything else?

You said you had a bunch of evaders in a wood somewhere Southwest of Antwerp.

Yes. -Can I go meet them this afternoon? -I can take Major Bradley.

Very well. But you'll need special moving papers. I've got some.

They just need filling in. They've got yesterday's date on them.

You see. It can be relatively painless.

The second one's gone to a tobacconist across the square.

We should go now while we have a chance.

See you later, Monique. -Alright.

The name's still Nick. It's quite easy to say. You should try it sometime.

This is Major Bradley, of the SOE.

This is Wing Commander Newman, he's in charge.

This is Jerry Wade, American Air Force. -Major,

My name is Tony. Well, come and take a pew. Thank you.

Wing Commander, Major Bradley's been sent over by London.

Tony, the most important thing I have to do

at the moment is knock out as many V2 sites as I possibly can.

They're the rocket things? -Right.

They superseded the doodle bugs and they're making a hell of a mess.

If they aren't stopped, it could make a difference.

I get the picture. Right. Fire away. -Well, they're based in the low countries,

fired from mobile sites, usually, that means we can't bomb the bastards.

So it's a job for the blokes on the spot. Well, that's me.

And I want it to be us because we've found a permanent site.

Ah, Muller, do you have a copy of the agenda? -Yes, in the office.

The Sturmbannfuhrer's left the rocket site schedule. Please, he's waiting.

The Standartenfuhrer has ordered meeting for 10:30 hours.

I was on my way to inspect Section one. Is it important?

This will ruin my day. I'd better let my staff know. -Yes, Sir.

Yes, I could've done without it as well. I'd better inform the Major.

Rolf, our outing has been called off.

A meeting has been scheduled by the Standartenfuhrer. See you later.

I'll get you the forms later. After the meeting. Get this cleared for me will you.

Thank you.

If anyone wants me, I shall be in a meeting in the Standartenfuhrer's office.

Wullner. -Herr Standartenfuhrer! -Take this jacket and have it cleaned and fumigated.

You must do with the cap as best you can.

And bring me my other jacket, at once.

Resume your places.

Very well. Be seated gentlemen.

Perhaps you would care to join us, Herr Major?

Or is it the habit of the Luftwaffe

to hold back in the office as it does in the air?

You must try and forgive us, Standartenfuhrer.

If you're trying to adjust to a front line desk in Brussels,

it's such a shock, after the nursery slopes of the Russian Front.

Gentlemen. I asked you to join me here this morning

to give you the latest military information in my possession.

And to draw certain conclusions and to act upon those conclusions.

Contrary to the information disseminated by our radio broadcasts,

the Allied advance has not halted,

nor has it been turned back upon itself.

It's time that we faced up to the truth of the situation

and reacted as military men and Germans of the Third Reich.

Yesterday Amiens fell to the enemy.

This morning the American forces are 30 kilometers from the Belgian border.

The British armored units are thrusting through here and here.

And we must assume that they will be in Brussels within one week.

Sir, is it not possible to make a stand? Better here than at the Rhine.

What are you going to fight with?

Are you expecting your small arms issue to reply to artillery?

To stand up to tanks and aircraft?

This is not the time to air defeatist attitudes, Herr Major.

They're not defeatist, they're realist.

If you can't accept opinions, then listen to some facts.

There's enough ammunition in the Brussels area

to supply the present garrison and volunteers with six rounds per man.

The dump at Molenbeek was destroyed three days ago.

The military garrison was depleted

to sustain the Russian front at the same time as were the security forces.

Here in this building we have the equivalent of

three companies. It's not a very impressive force.

Surely there'll be superior forces retreating to add to the complement.

If they were superior forces they would not be retreating.

That is quite enough.

Major Reinhardt, may be somewhat brutal in his approach,

but I believe him to be realistic.

Thank you.

We must assume that the Allied forces will enter Brussels almost unopposed.

With due respect to Hauptmann Muller

we are not equipped to form a fighting unit.

It has nothing to do with courage or experience. It's a matter of logistics.

What we have to decide is our present and best course of action.

With respect, Sir, is that decision not for the military commandant?

The military commandant is no longer in Brussels.

The Reichskommissar has an unenviable task.

I am trying to be both realistic and constructive.

It's my belief that we must use our initiative

and muster all our forces towards a delaying tactic.

is there any disagreement? -Sir, some of them are already looting.

What are your orders in this matter?

They won't get far with their clocks and rocking chairs.

Advancing armies have a very unpleasant habit of moving quicker than you expect.

The Herr Major is not allowing for an organized withdrawal by seasoned troops.

You're damn right, I'm not.

I've retreated too many times to put much faith in last ditch miracles.

In the matter of looting. You have my authority to shoot the offenders.

I will not have the Reich's armies looking a disgusting rabble.

Then it's clearly understood that our sole function

as military men will be to perform a delaying action

to force the enemy to street fighting that is time consuming.

I know it's not my field, Standartenfuhrer, but I would suggest

that explosive charges

placed in the South and Southwest of the city

could imply that the entire city has been similarly mined.

Yes, I agree. Stroem. -Sir.

You will take charge of this assignment. Deploy the charges intelligently.

Use as many men as you have in the SS units.

And furthermore, place the real charges

where we expect the enemy to enter the city.

Pretend to lay charges in as many places as possible

in the remainder, especially in the central area.

Be seen doing it. There will be eyes watching.

Those eyes will report and that report conveyed to the advancing British.

With any luck, anticipation will hold them up more than small arms,

especially if there are enough real explosions

to give credence to the reports. Understood? -Sir.

Heller. You will coordinate the transference

of files and records from this building.

They are to be accorded priority in vehicle

transport from the city. Nothing is to be omitted.

The structure of the Reich is founded on thorough and accurate records.

No personnel are to have priority over records. Is that quite clear?

Yes, Herr Standartenfuhrer.

Very well. That will be all.

Major Reinhardt? You have orders from your own Luftwaffe command?

Yes, I've been ordered to have all my Luftwaffe forces reports to Area Command.

Apart from Muller, I dispatched them all,

all three of them, the day before yesterday.

And the remainder? -There is no remainder Herr, Standartenfuhrer.

Last month I had 18 men under my command.

Six, I myself sent to Wing Headquarters.

Four have been killed by partisans. Three have gone to Maultier. Four have deserted.

I am the Luftwaffe presence in Brussels. Not perhaps our finest hour.

Major Reinhardt. We were sent here to accomplish a certain task.

The elimination of the evasion lines in Western Europe. -A task I shall complete.

I shall soon know who is running Lifeline.

Are you serious?

It's academic now, of course, but I could never resist a good puzzle.

It's not academic.

I want their leader. I want to see him.

And I want to see him dead.

We can't just do nothing. My train leaves in an hour and a half.

He is suspicious. -But that's all it is.

If it was anything else we'd be swinging on the end of a rope now, or worse.

Your chap got us these schedules. Let's use them now.

If I read this right, Jerry is preparing

the rocket platform at Zandvliet for tomorrow.

It has to be now.

He's been joined by the other one. -So nobody's watching the side door?

They're asking us to try it again. We'll sit it out.

You go back in there, Natalie. Fuss over them. Smile.

They'll watch you. Well, I would.

You like her, don't you?

Yes, don't you? -You know what I mean?

Careful, Major, she's been hurt more than once. -I need that man off Natalie's back.

Can you do anything. -Well, we close in 10 minutes.

They'll be outside then.

I'm defending my client in a case of murder, Herr Major.

A most curious and interesting case with nothing much to aid the prosecution

except circumstantial evidence and a deal

of envious gossip mostly from friends of the victim.

If indeed there is a victim.

I still don't see how the German files can assist you, Monsieur Guissard.

I said it was an interesting case, Major Reinhardt.

It is.

At the exact moment the body was discovered,

by accident or artifice is yet to be established,

the German authorities were conducting a search of the premises.

And the sole witnesses to that event that can be considered in any way independent

are the officer and trooper who were conducting that search.

Knowing the thoroughness of German records,

I assume the relative report will be on file.

I wish to consult that file. -Yes, so you shall, Monsieur Guissard.

Can you give me details of date, time and unit?

The 9th of April 1943.

The searching unit was, I understand part of

their marker division en route to the front line

and used by the occupying authorities for a massive scouring of the city.

I actually remember the searches.

Quite staggering in sheer size of operation, as I recall.

Before my time here, Monsieur. However, I will see what we can do.

Muller. Do you remember a massive search operation here in Brussels? April, 1943?

Yes, Standartenfuhrer Kessler mounted a big search once. Very big.

Kessler? Ask his office to send over the files.

I should have them ready for you this afternoon.

The clerk will have a copy made.

That is, if I have a clerk this afternoon.

Now Monsieur, so far I have the date, I need premises, persons involved.

Cafe Candide. -Candide?

Rue Deschanel. Ninove.

The person concerned Albert Foiret, proprietor.

This Foiret, now the patron of the Restaurant Candide in the Grand Place?

The same, detained in a prison in Haven.

I'm grateful to you, Herr Major.

We help each other, Monsieur.

Muller. That file he wants to look at. I want to see it now. -Right.

We need to check all passes and permits. The date on mine

expires in three days. The others are probably the same.

The new permits are ready. They're in a safe place

I'll issue them the day they become valid.

Natalie, you can't possibly wear that dress. They could spot it a mile away.

That's the whole point of wearing it, Major.

Very good. Let's try it.

Take care. -I will.

Will you show us out, Natalie.

Yes, this is an ambiguous position, Herr General.

I would much prefer Major Reinhardt to be directly under my command.

Yes yes yes I see.

Very well Herr General -- only "in extremis".

Get me Obersturmbannfuhrer Stroem. Wullner.

What's that shooting? Then find out.

Wullner, that file requested by Major Reinhardt, has it been returned?

No Sir, Major Reinhardt was intending to make 2 copies before returning it.

2 copies? But I understood only the civil police were to be consulted about this.

The files are to be packed this afternoon. I shall expect

that file to be in its proper place at such a time. See to it. -Sir.

Ah. Heller.

Resistance with arms. In broad daylight.

Then send a party of troopers and flush out the partisans.

Why not?

What do you mean gone?

I see. Thank you.

There isn't much time and we've a long way to go.

Get me that plastic explosive I left with you.

Tony. I want those guerrilla fighters now. -Sergeant, get your men.

Jacko, get your guys over here.

Tony, if things don't work out, your men are

to liaise with Lifeline and continue the job.

Word is that Jerry intends to step up this rocket business and let all hell loose.

He just mustn't be allowed to do it, clear? -How many Krauts are in there Major?

My guess is around 30. No prisoners. No survivors. Clear?

Guissard.

I don't want to worry you Monsieur Foiret,

but I've recently seen Major Reinhardt at Security Headquarters.

I had gone to request sight of the German security files concerning

the report of the house search at the time of your wife's accident.

I told you, frankly, it is our best defense, or so I believe.

Indeed, I'm sure of it. -But?

Major Reinhardt seemed unusually interested in the file.

I imagine he had not been aware of its existence. My friend, I must ask you again.

Is anything likely to be in that file

which could implicate you in -- other activities?

What are you doing here? This is a restricted area.

I got lost on my bicycle. I think I've broken my leg.

Papers.

Get the bike.

They've gone now. -I know.

I must go.

Be careful.

Are you OK? -Yes.

There's two Krauts with a machine gun up there.

It won't be long.

When you get to the road block, just keep looking straight ahead.

Don't salute. Don't try phoney German. -Right.

Right. Here we go.

It's time. -Wait til you hear Bradley.

We should hit them now. -No, wait.

What's all this about the V2 sites?

We understand it's the main site at Zandvliet.

All communications been cut. We gather it's being attacked.

Attcked? Who by?

Probably resistance.

Reinhardt. You go there immediately and see what can be done here.

Get me a car and some men.

Hey Major, are we going to blow these too?

Where is everyone this morning?

I want a full report on this Zandvliet attack at once. See to it.

Standartenfuhrer. -Yes, what is it man?

Sir, have you been told --

the Reichskommissar has withdrawn? -Withdrawn?

I don't understand. Explain yourself.

Sir. Reichescommissar left Brussels during the night.

He requisitioned a squad of SS troopers to accompany him.

I want to see Obersturmbannfuhrer Stroem immediately. -Sir.

Get me a line to Berlin.

No, no, he's already left.

Luftwaffe Polizei.

No, I'm sorry, Major Reinhardt has just left for Antwerp.

No, he won't be back until later this evening.

No, I'm sorry there is no telephone number I can give you.

Yes. Yes. I see.

How bad was it? -Total write off.

Whoever it was did a very thorough job.

We won't be using Zandvliet again, I fancy. -Herr Major.

I suppose I should write a report, but it can wait until the morning.

Herr Major, there was a telephone call for you.

When did this come? -About 10 minutes after you left this morning.

Damn. -There was no way to contact you.

No, you can't persuade me, Ludwig. I don't want to go.

I know you mean well. You have my interests at heart.

I don't want to leave you.

You've no idea how proud and grateful I am to hear you say that.

I love you so much and I want you to be my wife.

As things stand, it would be much better.

You'd be safer if you're not the wife of a German officer.

Everyone knows I'm your mistress.

Would it make any difference to them when the day comes?

That day has not come yet.

It may not.

The new weapons are creating havoc in England already.

And I've heard reports of a new bomb of unimaginable power.

Biological weapons and nerve gases which are ready.

Only awaiting the word of the Fuhrer.

It is not over. It is not.

Another schnapps, Mein Herr?

Ludwig, I think you've always been honest with me. -Yes.

Then please treat me as a grown up woman who you care for.

Tell me the truth. Please,

I want to know. It matters to me that you should tell me.

Do you understand that?

I do understand.

You have the right to hear my innermost thoughts, if anyone has.

When I was in Berlin, I attended a small function.

There I met Speer and Boorman. They let me talk directly.

I have known them both for a long time.

They know my loyalty and they trust my judgement as I do their's.

The war is lost to Germany.

There may be delays. There may be small victories, but the war,

the war, is lost.

Does Hit... the Fuhrer, does he accept it himself? -No, he doesn't.

If what I am told is the truth and I have no reason at all to doubt it,

our great leader is no longer himself. The strain has been too much even for him.

You still speak of him as if he were God. -To many of us he was no less.

I've been privileged to meet him on several occasions.

You cannot understand personal magnetism magnetism and charisma.

I think I can. I can see it in your face.

I would have given my life for him, willingly, and with pride.

What happened? -She is not here.

I'm glad you're back.

Standartenführer. Excuse me Mademoiselle. -Herr Major?

I would wish to question her. -I'm sure you're mistaken.

I must insist. -Very well. Continue if you wish.

Thank you.

Oh, good evening Herr Major. Can I help you?

I wish to speak with Natalie Chantrens.

Of course. Excuse me

Ah, Genevieve, would you call Natalie and ask her to come down please.

Major Reinhardt would like a word with her.

Yes, mademoiselle. -Thank you.

I'm afraid she may be a few moments, Herr Major.

She's not been feeling very well.

In fact, while we were out yesterday, well, we had to return quite quickly.

Indeed? My sympathies. -I thank you.

Herr Major?

Forgive me mademoiselle, I'm told you're unwell.

It's nothing, Herr Major. It happens every month.

I'll not trouble you any more.

Paul, play something happy would you.

Perfect.

Good evening, Herr Standartenführer.

Herr De Vriendt. You're very late this evening. -Yes, it is late for us all.