All language subtitles for The Girl from the Marsh Croft

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An UFA-Film Production.

The Girl from the Marsh Croft.

Based on the novel with the same name
by Selma Lagerl6f.

Script: Lothar M. Mayring.

Music: Hans-Otto Borgmann.

Photography: Willi Winterstein
Set Design: C. L. Kirmse.

Directed by: Detlef Sierck.

Production Team:
Peter Paul Brauer.

Actors:

Also Starring:

Recorded on "Klangfilm-Gerat"
sound recording equipment.

Today on the Village Green:
Maid and Farmhand Recruitment Fair.

She's too young,
not fit for my work.

Redheads are too chatty.

If she cannot take care of her garments,
she won't take care of our livestock.

- Don't you like your work?
- Why?

You don't seem to get along
on any farm.

I see you at the recruitment fair
every year.

It takes two to get along.

There are farmers' wives
who cannot keep their maids.

Come.

Hey, I'd happily serve that one.

Sure.

I'd accept his offer any time.

Sir, are you looking for a maid?

Yes, I am.

- What's your name?
- Helga.

You are rather young
and don't look very strong.

But you'd be alright
for minor duties, I think.

I'm not here for
the recruitment fair.

What's wrong with her?

Her? I don't think
she'll find a position,

not on a reputable farm anyway.

On no farm at all!

This is Helga Christmann.

The one from the Marsh Croft.

She was in service with
Peter Nolde.

But she had to leave

when Nolde got married.

- So, this is her?
- Yes.

How long have you
been in service?

Almost three years.

And what are you trained in?

All jobs, in the house
and on the field.

We don't send you to the field.

Where did you serve
most recently?

With the Mayor, Jens Willgraff.

Hm, I'll ask him
for a reference.

He is in the Parish Hall right now,
today is Court Day.

Leave the window closed!

Or my gout will get you!

The judge wants
the windows open.

Jens Willgraff!

So?

Says he can't breathe
in this stuffy place.

Must be the dirty proceedings
that got up his nose.

Slander, rustling,
inheritance fraud!

Forgery!

Yes, Mr. Willgraff, the judge
is not the only one today

who's had enough of
court business.

I can imagine that!

Is Jens Willgraff here?

- Willgraff!
- Willgraff!

He was here just now.

Stop playing pranks!

What pranks?

How can I help you,
Karsten Dittmar?

Here's one looking for you,
Jens Willgraff.

Just wanted to
ask you a question.

See you later in the tavern,
over a good grog.

There's only one case left.

And the judge will run through it
like the Lord's Prayer.

He's had enough
of this drudgery.

He knows what's important,
that judge.

The money,

always the money...

Next is the lawsuit

of the unmarried maid
Helga Christmann of March Croft

against the full farmer
Peter Nolde.

Married.

That's me.

Is the complainant not present?

She's outside, crying.

Must be ashamed to come in.

She should have been
ashamed before.

Come in.

Come. Come.

What are you doing outside?

You called upon this court.

It won't serve your case
if you don't speak up.

So, Helga Christmann,

you filed this case against the father
of your child, born on 5 December.

Yes.

You stated that the father of the child
is your former employer Peter Nolde.

Yes.

I am not the father.

It was the obvious choice for you
to accuse your former employer.

You think you can be sure
that he's paying.

But... do you still want to
stick to your statement?

Well, don't you want to answer?

He is the father of the child!

As Mr. Nolde denies this,
you'll have to make him swear an oath.

Peter Nolde, are you prepared
to take this oath?

Yes.

Do you fully understand
the severity of this oath?

You know that swearing a false oath
is a serious sin,

carrying strict punishment.

Yes.

A married man may be tempted

to take this oath and be free.

Following this official caution,
do you still want to take the oath?

I do want to take it

on the Bible.

He cannot swear.
He must not swear!

Do not interrupt.

She's afraid of losing her case.

Peter Nolde,

put your right hand
on the Bible.

And repeat after me: "I swear,

by God,

the Almighty

and All-knowing"

I swear by God,

the Almighty

and All-knowing

"that I and the maid
Helga Christmann have never"

that I and the maid
Helga Christmann have never...

What does she want
with the Bible?

Doesn't she want the oath?

Silence!

Let the law take its course.

Now you cannot stop it.

He must not swear.

I withdraw my claim.
He is the father of the child.

But I don't want my child's father
to be a perjurer.

This is why he must not swear.

It will be as you say, Helga.

The claim is withdrawn.

Are you satisfied?

Yes.

It may be for the best.

I thank you, Helga.

You did a good deed.

- What did he say?
- did a good deed.

He said she did a good deed.

I didn't think she would do that.
Good for her!

Helga, don't you want to getin?

I can give you a lift.

Hope you're having fun on the way,
with that one.

Shut up, scandalmonger.

You would be glad
to have a daughter like her.

Hey, Karsten Dittmar,
what about a grog in the tavern?

You wanted to ask me something.

Ah, nothing, I changed my mind.

I don't need a maid yet.

Alright, maybe another time.

Karsten!

If you go past the bailiff,
pass my regards to Gertrud.

Will do.

Tell her I hope she'll soon order
her wedding jewelry from me.

She chose it already.

Why don't you take care of the horse,
before unloading the cart?

If the young farmhand
neglects his work

the old farmhand has to neglect
the horse, I see.

Ah, Gertrud.

Since when does the bailiff's daughter
handle the horses herself?

If the young farmhand
neglects his work...

She'll grow into a good woman.

But I won't let go of you
any time soon.

Karsten, where are you
coming from?

Been shopping in the village?

Have you been to court or
at the recruitment fair?

I did all of these things.

But the most important one
is still to come.

What? What is it?

Well, the one between us...

Father, Karsten is staying
for lunch.

So? Does he now...

Good day, Karsten.

Your father will never forgive me
for coming from a small farm.

He will get used to it,
take my word for it.

What we think of each other
is our business alone.

Nothing can come between us.

Well, if he's the only one
separating us

then it's time to
have our meal.

Let's forget about it, Gertrud.

As long as your father doesn't
give me a friendlier welcome,

I'd better have my meal at home.

Soon we will know,

if the wedding is on

or not.

Karsten would be a lucky man.

But the bailiff seems to
have bigger plans for his daughter.

What do you think, Father?

It would be best you
had a word with the bailiff.

But you can hardly string
two words together.

She's rich, she's beautiful
and she loves him.

If those two don't get together,

it will be your fault.

Oh, it would be so nice!

A marriage is like a bacon:

If it's lean, it's not too bad.

But real bacon is something
completely different.

Hello, Mother.

Hello, Karsten.

Ah, Father, hello.

Food is almost ready, Karsten.

Gertrud sends her regards.

- Did you go and see her?
- Hm.

How did the bailiff treat you?

He takes his time to warm up.

As long as Gertrud is ready.

She will have her way.

Did you find a maid for me?

At the recruitment fair,

I didn't see anyone good enough.

But then I was in court.

In court?

Yes, a girl had her case heard.

At first, everyone
was against her.

No wonder, she's got
a bad reputation.

But then,
even the judge shook her hand.

And who was this?

Oh, Helga Christmann,
of Marsh Croft.

The fog is hanging low
above the marsh.

The fog carries
the sound of voices,

searching for
the people out there.

I wonder when Helga
will be back.

This wood is full of worm holes,
it's no good.

Here, this will make
a good pair of clogs.

What's that sign
you're carving into the soles?

It's meant to bring good luck.

The one wearing them
will not lose his way and will not sink in.

Do you think they
will sell better with that?

I cannot sell them,
or the sign will be lost.

Who did you make them for?

They can only be worn by a person
carrying the sign inside them.

What's wrong?
Why don't you go inside?

I'm afraid to go inside.

You showed so much
courage in court.

And now you're afraid

of your own parent?

They expect me to
come back with the money.

Stop that crying, there are enough
people worse off than you.

I don't think so.

Nobody wants to know me.

Oh, that's nonsense.

Why, do you think I am here?

Mother is asking for you.

She wants to ask you whether you
want to join us as a minor maid.

And does she know...?

She knows just as much about you
as everyone else.

What is all this about?

I was already prepared
to go away from here,

because of my reputation.

And away you are going,
coming to us, to the Dittmar Farm.

Well, are you still afraid
to go and see your parents?

Come on.

And tomorrow,
you'll come over to us, won't you?

Yes.

I thank you.

Good evening.

Have you finally returned,
Helga?

Now come.

Hello, Helga.

Sit down here.

I kept some soup for you.

You can have it right now.

I won't get the money.

I withdrew my case.

We've already heard, Helga.

Somebody came by
who was in court.

These shoes here are for you.

For me?

What kind of sign is this?

It will bring you luck,
says Father.

Hm.

I have some good news
for you as well.

I found a new position

as a minor maid

at the Dittmar Farm.

What's wrong?
Why don't you eat with us?

Don't we treat you well enough?

I've never had a life
as good as this.

Looking at you,
one might think the opposite.

You are withdrawn, hiding away,
as if you weren't one of us.

I spoke to my mother.

If you want to,
we can raise the child here.

No, the child is
with my mother's sister.

I'm too young to raise a child,
she says.

And I must have nothing
to do with it, she says.

But it is not only the child
I am missing.

In that case, I cannot help you.

Gertrud!

Karsten!

Yesterday, I went
to the Marsh Croft.

It is nice up there, Helga,

when the summer
comes to the marsh.

And at night,
the trenches are covered in fog.

The reed grass
is getting hard already.

You can smell it

all over the marsh.

And you can hear voices,

if you have an ear for it.

Isn't that so, Helga?

Your parents would
accept you back, Helga.

If you wanted to go back.

No, I'm not allowed to.
I'm not allowed to.

I have work to do here.

Karsten, I have
good news for you.

I have spoken to Father.

- Did he say Yes?
- Hm!

Tomorrow, he wants
to inspect the farm

I am going to marry into.

And what if he disapproves?

He will approve,
you can be sure of that.

And then he will talk to
your parents about the wedding.

- Gertrud!
- Of course he will.

Mother will be excited.

- Helga.
- Yes?

- Mother Dittmar?
- Hm?

I would like to ask you
a favor, Mother Dittmar.

Goon

I only wanted to ask if I could
go home one day after work.

Into the marsh? You'd better hurry
to be there before dark.

Thank you!

But don't forget to
water the horses before you leave.

Yes.

Mother!

- Good afternoon, Gertrud.
- Good afternoon, Mother Dittmar.

This is not what
you are used to.

But it is homely, isn't it?

The only thing the Dittmar Farm
is missing is a wife for Karsten.

And I'm determined
to put that right.

And that's why you deserve
a fine coffee.

We can ask Helga
to make the coffee.

I sent her home.
She wanted to visit her parents.

But I can help.
Where's the coffee?

Here.

Uhm, I would like to know
what you think of Helga.

- Is that your new maid?
- Yes, it's Helga Christmann.

Ah... She's here now?

The girl from the Marsh Croft.

I'm not too bad, Helga.

You don't need to worry.

You have to be on your way,
it's getting dark soon.

I know.

I have to leave you now.

If you would only tell me
what's wrong with you.

It's nothing,
nobody can help me.

Are you homesick?

You are much better off there
than with us.

- Good night, Mother.
- Good night.

- Be safe across the marsh.
- Yes, Mother.

Nice of you to take me home.

- Karsten?
- Hm.

"Hm." You are just
as talkative as your Father.

Now say something.

Well, you know, Gertrud,

if I didn't have to
steer this cart.

What would you do then?

Then I'd have a hand free.

To talk???

Let me take the lead!

What are you doing, Helga?

What secrets are you keeping?

- I didn't do anything wrong.
- So?

And why did you startle?

Did you want to sneak some food?

Don't we give you enough?

Is this why you're
crying so much?

I will stop crying.

Ah? Has anything changed?

No, I simply won't cry anymore.

And what are you doing
at the fireplace?

In the middle of the night?

I poured ashes into it.

That's why I won't cry anymore.

What kind of nonsense is this?

Ashes will stop you crying?

Yes. That's a fact.

If you take ashes from your home

and take it into
the new house

your homesickness
is suddenly gone.

Yes.

Now it is here, every morning.

Do you want to curse the house?

Not so loud,
somebody might hear us.

Nobody can hear us,
they are all asleep.

There are some who never sleep.

They see everything you do
and hear each word you say.

I didn't think you'd believe
in such spooky superstitions.

Jens Uhl says the same.

The peat skipper who makes the ignorant
even more ignorant with his stories?

They all know that
you must believe in them.

But Helga, you've lived
with strangers before.

Didn't you feel homesick
when you were with them?

I did, always.

And you didn't use your remedy?

No, I never thought of it.

You can use it only once.

And then you can never
leave the new house,

because you will always
want to come back to it.

And why did you put
your ashes into our fireplace?

Fidirallalala, fidirallala!

Lutt Matteo the bun'
is having such fun.

He's dancing around
with his feet off the ground.

Fidirallalala, fidirallala!

Oi, so cheerful today?

You look like
you've won the lottery.

Don't ask questions and you don't
have to wait for answers.

Try and say something
when the bailiff is here.

Did you say something?

Talking little doesn't
do any harm in a marriage.

But it doesn't help
getting your children married.

There they are. Come.

Come, hurry up.

Say something!

Come in and have
a good look around.

Well...

Good livestock.

One ox, five cows.

And over there
we keep the calves.

Father could really be
a bit more friendly.

Yours? Mine as well.

Our horses.

This is Hans.

This is the one
Father likes to talk to.

Quickly go to the oven
and check if your cake is ready.

Nobody needs to suffer
from starvation here.

Mother made all this herself.

And this here is still
from the grandparents.

And it will be enough
for our grandchildren.

Everything well-maintained.
I like that.

And there, behind the garden,
you can see the fields.

What did he say?

He said: "I like that."

Can't blame him.

Are the meadows yours as well?

You have it very nice here.

Where are you?

You're dressed up as if you're
going to your own wedding.

I am part of the farm.

You would have taken Karsten
as well, given a chance.

How can you say that:
Karsten Dittmar and me!

Please, sit down.

- Helga!
- Yes?

- The coffee!
- On my way.

Tomorrow, we can set up
the marriage contract, if you want to.

And we will call the banns.

If we come to an agreement.

But we have agreed
a long time ago.

We would take Gertrud
even if she was poor.

- Isn't that so, Father?
- Hm.

You see, Father says the same.

Anyway, we will put
in the marriage contract

a detailed inventory
of everything she brings in.

And in four weeks' time,
we'll get married and

Helga, you're dressed up nicely.

She's turned really pretty
since she joined us.

- How much milk?
- Thank you.

When you're laughing, Helga,
you look much nicer.

Leave that, I will serve coffee!

- Thank you.
- You're welcome.

- Hm!
- Yes, Helga made the cake.

So?

Yes, the man who's going
to marry her should be lucky.

Her, who took
her business to court?

What are you doing?
Why are you running away?

I only want to know
what Miss Gertrud has against me.

Come back,
let's have some coffee.

Perhaps it is
because I have that child.

Oh, don't put too much into it.

I don't understand why you are
making a big thing of it.

It is only natural that I choose
my own servants, when I move in here.

Last night you didn't mind
Helga being here.

I changed my mind.

But Gertrud, I cannot send
Helga away like that.

Where is she supposed to go?

Karsten, if you want me to live
at your farm as your wife,

you cannot deny me
my first wish.

Maybe you're right, Gertrud.

I will tell her to leave.

Gertrud!

Safe journey home!
Say something...

Helga

- I must tell you something.
- Yes?

Ah, nothing.
Go back to your work.

What are you looking for?

Somebody has taken the knife
I am supposed to make kindling with.

Come, you can use my knife.

Here, put it back
in my pocket later.

Thank you.

Helga?

You know, Helga

I have...

Yes?

Ah, never mind!

Mother, Gertrud has demanded
Helga to leave.

But I want to make this clear:
It is my wish for her to stay.

So? But if Gertrud wants it?

We have no reason
to sack the girl.

- But Karsten!
- No, Mother.

Gertrud doesn't understand.

I don't know, Karsten,
if you are right.

Right?
Helga has the right to stay.

That's it.

Helga, come, sit with me.

Just put it aside.

You can help me with the beans.

I must tell you something.

Look at your small hands!

But I can work hard with them.

When Karsten gets married,
I no longer make the rules.

Some things will change
on the farm.

Yes, of course, but I will do my best
to please the young lady as well.

- You do seem to like Karsten.
- Yes.

You see, Helga, Gertrud does not
know you as well as we do.

In four weeks' time,
she is in charge.

A loving heart
is a foolish heart.

It easily gets jealous.

That's not good
for a young marriage,

in your own house.

Yes, I understand.

When the young lady comes,
four Sundays from now,

I must leave the farm.

My child,
I will take care of you.

What's up?

Anyone wants a lift?
We're on our way to church.

Father is there already,
but wait, you can take Helga along.

Helga!

Helga?

Do you want to take a ride
to church?

There's a cart waiting outside.

I'm not going to church.

What's in that bundle?

- My things.
- What?

I'm going to leave before
Miss Gertrud comes to the farm.

So? Did somebody tell you to?

But I order you to stay!

Hey, you can go on.

Let's go, we're late already
for church.

Your things stay here.

Who told Helga to leave?

Don't you want to do
as Gertrud asks you to?

I don't care about Gertrud's wishes,
my wishes come first.

Helga is not leaving the farm.

I don't know why you
are so upset, Karsten.

Is she sent away for having a child?
What nonsense!

She stays! And I will take her
to church in my cart!

For everyone to see!

Come.

Come on, get in.
You don't want to?

I cannot go to church with you.

Don't!
I cannot go to church with you!

Isn't Karsten coming to the last
service before our wedding?

Keep calm, come.

Helga!

Helga!

Helga... Helga!

Helga!

Why are you running away?

It is not good for me
to go to church with you.

It is not good!
It is not good!!!

Do you think I forgot that you
poured the ashes into our fireplace?

The ashes...

It is not good.

It cannot be good.

I watched your horses, Karsten.

Ah, Helga, you are here as well.

Stay! I order you to get in.

Do you want to
come to church, Jens Uhl?

No, my ugly face is not suited
for sitting in a pew.

It is for people who wait:

Mothers for children,
old people for their graves.

Brides for their sweethearts.

You, too, have a bride
waiting in church, Karsten,

and go to the marsh instead?
Tsss... Haha!

I think it is better, Mr. Karsten,
if you enter on your own.

The church is full of people,
everyone will look at us.

And in two days' time,
there's your wedding.

And this is why you are coming with me,
in front of all the people.

We are too late,
Mass has finished.

I have to go,
there is your bride.

You stay.

Gertrud...

Gertrud!

Helga!

- Why don't you get in, Gertrud?
- In a moment, Father.

Gertrud.

Didn't you see me?

I thought the maid was leaving.

- Gertrud!
- I want to know where I stand.

Is she leaving? Yes or no?

But Gertrud, you can't...

It is not too late, Karsten.

Perhaps we both
had the wrong idea...

If you insist, Gertrude,
I cannot keep her.

Karsten... Karsten!

Come, Karsten, get in the cart.

Our lunch will be cold.

See?
This time, Father invited you.

Stop, Karsten, you can't
get away like that!

Today you're coming with us.

Let's go to the tavern,
have a stag night.

You can't deny us!

Let him go, Gertrud. Gee!

- See you, Gertrud.
- See you, Karsten.

Come, the first round is on you!

Father, you'll have
to go without me.

- Karsten.
- Coming

- I'll be with you later.
- Ah.

Stop it, boys, I've had enough
for tonight, I need some sleep.

Oi, come with us...

You can sleep
the day after tomorrow?

Sleep? You must be joking.

That's right,
the day after tomorrow.

Let's have one more.

But that's the last jar for me.

Go on! Music!

Music!

Where's Fanny?

Yes, Fanny must sing!

Fanny, sing something!

My love is only something
for the sailors.

Mate, you steer better here!

He's got to have white trousers,
sailor fashion.

Ship-shape and full of passion.

Get going,
and don't go on about love.

Ship ahoy! Ship ahoy!
Come over here!

My love is only something
for the sailors.

Ship-shape and full of passion.

What a funny joint!

Waitress: Schnapps...
and beer!

Look at her!

My love is only something for the...

Mate, you steer better here!

He's got to have white trousers,
ah...

Ship-shape and full of passion.

Get going,
and don't go on about love.

Ship Ahoy, come over here.

My love is only something for the...

Ship-shape and... Cheers!

Hey, Karsten, wake up?
What are you thinking about?

What about? His bride!

What's wrong?

Hey, you!

Hey, you! Oh... it's not you...

Watcha saying, my boy...

Of these, the last two loads
would be at night...

Karsten, there you are, finally.

You are rather late
for breakfast.

The others are already
working in the peat.

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

Got home rather late last night.

Please, Mother, can you mend
that tear in my sleeve?

I must have got stuck
somewhere last night.

Got stuck drinking beer,
you mean.

This looks like
you've had a fight.

Don't ask me, Mother.

The boys led me
astray last night.

From one tavern to the next,
glasses never empty.

Schnapps and beer, all mixed up.

I can't remember a thing.

It was a cursed night,
last night.

A full moon, driving
wild things mad.

In the next village,
a calf was born with five legs.

And someone was
stabbed by the river.

Evil folks over there,
very quick with their knives.

It must have started
in the sailor's bar.

A few farmers' boys were said
to have been involved.

- And what else?
- Nothing else.

They found the body
by the river this morning.

- By the river...
- Yes.

He had a broken knife blade
in his head.

I have to go to work.

Into the marsh.

Karsten, you've hardly
touched your coffee.

So, my time is up as well.

Please stay a little longer.

A five-legged calf?

That's a bad omen.

The trench over there
is too shallow.

The water doesn't flow away.

Tomorrow, we'll have to drain it
and cut it deeper.

On the morning of
my wedding day?

It can wait.

Yes, but the weather can turn.

Yes, alright then.

I just meant to give you a day off
on my wedding day.

And when we're talking
to the priest,

ask him to make the best
of Karsten in his speech.

Honest and sincere
and hard-working.

Yes, Father, don't forget to
tell him he is hard-working.

He knows what I mean.

And isn't he supposed to say
anything about you?

About me?
He won't stop praising me anyway.

The money and the big farm
and the livestock and the fields.

But I don't want Karsten
to look small next to me.

Shall I help you, Karsten?
Shall I help you?

Help? No, I don't need any help.

It's nothing, Father.
I don't need your help.

Why are you standing there?

Here, put the milk outside.

There is nobody,
nobody who would need it.

Isn't the bowl empty
each morning?

It's perhaps the goat.

Or a wild animal coming
from the marsh to drink the milk.

Is that what they taught you
at the Dittmar Farm?

As if there wasn't a house ghost,
only because of animals from the marsh.

Do you really believe
we have one of these in our house?

Who else is supposed to help us?

What will you say to him, Gertrud,
when he comes?

Don't be silly.
She will say "yes."

Only "yes"? That's very little.

Don't you know that the bride
isn't allowed to say a single word

to her groom on their wedding day,
before he's given his speech?

Ah, so he's allowed to talk,
giving a whole speech?

What is he going to say?

The bride waits for the groom
behind the stove.

And then she takes a flower from her
bridal headwear and gives it to him.

But before, he's got
to give his speech!

Of course!

It goes like this:
The groom steps in front of the bride.

And then he will say:

Gertrud Gerhart,
I, Karsten Dittmair,

have come here to ask you
whether you want to be my spouse.

"Spouse"?
Does he really say "spouse"?

That sounds rather odd.

It's an old tradition.

Karsten and I,
we want to carry it forth.

Good luck, Karsten.

Good luck.

Mother...

Is something wrong with you,
my son?

It's nothing, Mother.

Did you forget something?

It's nothing.

We have to go,
they will be waiting.

I was waiting for you, because
I wanted to wish you good luck.

Why didn't you come to the farm?

I thank you, Helga.

Helga...

Have you got anything
to say to Helga?

No... No, it's nothing.

When I married Mother,

we came the same way,

My Father and me.

Back then, Father was
taking me to Mother.

Today, I can do
the same for you.

Perhaps you will remember,
later, when you are in my place.

Do you have something
to tell me, Karsten?

You...
You are all so good to me.

Father, I have to tell you...
something horrific!

You don't need
to tell me, Karsten.

I know.

But I am glad
you finally want to talk.

And when Gertrud reaches
into her bridal headwear

in order to give
a flower to the groom

- the music must start.
- Yes.

There they are.

Now he is about to say:
"Gertrud Gerhart,

I, Karsten Dittmair,
have come here..."

Gertrud Gerhart, I, Karsten Dittmar,
have come here to tell you

to tell you...
that I have to reject your promise,

because I killed a man
while I was drunk.

I don't even know his name,

what he looked like,
how it happened.

But it must have been me.

You do not know
whether you killed a man?

I only know that a knife blade
was found in his head

and that the blade on my knife
has broken off.

It has not been proven yet
that Karsten did it.

But of course you will demand
the wedding be postponed

until the matter is resolved.

Gertrud.

I think...
Karsten is sure of his case.

Gertrud is right, Father, there is no
point in postponing the wedding.

You could have
come out with all this before.

There was no need
to drag us into this.

Please go straight to the court
and report the matter.

I want to go and see
Mother before I follow you.

Hey, Helga.
The wedding spectacle is off.

- The wedding is off?
- He stabbed a man.

Of course, he claims
he can't remember.

But his knife
is missing its blade.

The blade? From his knife?

We want to get
married, married, married.

We want to get married.
Ree-raa-roo!

We want to get
married, married, married.

We want to get married.
Ree-raa-roo!

A lovely groom,
that Karsten Dittmar, isn't he?

Yes, I think so,
Gertrud should be happy

that the wedding was canceled.

Getting so drunk that
he didn't know what he was doing!

Perhaps he didn't do it?

I must speak to Karsten Dittmar!

He's gone.

Miss Gertrud, Miss Gertrud!
You must come with me to Karsten.

Karsten?

He is innocent!
It was all my fault!

He lent me his knife
to cut some wood.

And I snapped the blade!

And that was the same knife?

But Miss Gertrud!
Karsten cannot kill a man!

Come with me.
But you mustn't tell him I was here.

Go to him all by yourself and
tell him everything is fine

and that you love him,

even if he was guilty.

Helga, do you know it was me

who sent you away from the farm?

Yes, I do know it wasn't Karsten
or his parents

who wanted me to go.

But you must go!

Oi, you! My cart!

It wasn't you.

By the time I reached the court,
they had already arrested someone.

A sailor.

You didn't kill the man
by the river.

Helga!

You should have been sitting
at the wedding table by now,

with Gertrud next to you,
as your bride.

Gertrud!

Karsten.

I am sorry for the way
I treated you this morning.

Karsten.

I am here to tell you...
I want to tell you

that I will always
stand by you, even...

Gertrud, it is nice of you
to come.

- But...
- No!

I don't want you to think
that I am better than I am.

Helga told me you are innocent.

And it was her who sent me here

to make up with you.

Helga wants us to make up?

Because she loves you.

Karsten, no one in the whole world
can love you more than she does.

And you are telling me this?

Yes, because I, Gertrud Gerhart,

am not going to be put to shame
by another woman!

Gertrud, I only wanted
to tell you,

because you don't know...
you really don't know

how much I admire you now.

Is Gertrud gone?

Mother, what would you say if I was
to bring you another daughter-in-law?

I would take anyone who loves you
like a woman should love her man.

Tell father I'm off
to find Helga.

Karsten went to Helga!
What are you saying to that?

I say that I can now
keep quiet for a long time.

Time for me to shut up.

Ah, Helga, here you are.

I just wanted to tell you,
my wedding is off.

Why? It was all prepared?

Yes, and that's why
Mother still wants me to go ahead.

But not with Gertrud, because
today I learned I love someone else.

And this person, Helga, is you.

- Me?
- Yes.

And now I am here
to ask the girl from the Marsh Croft

whether she wants to be
Karsten Dittmar's wife.

But why are you running
away from me, Helga?

Are you afraid of me?

No! Well... I think I am.

Because... because...
I love you so much!

Karsten!!!

The End.

Digitization Co-ordinated by:
F. W. Murnau Foundation.

Material:
German Federal Film Archives.

Digital Mastering 2K:
CINE POST Production.

F. W. Murnau Foundation (c) 2017