Original subtitles

Umm. Uh.

Oh, God.

Mmm.

All right?

Yeah, it's just this wretched tooth of mine.

-Well, you'd better get it seen to. -I'll be all right.

You won't find any dentist once you're over the wall.

(SOLDIERS SHOUTING IN DISTANCE)

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

Come in.

Good morning, sir.

Lieutenant Player needs dental treatment.

He's in bad pain most of the time.

Well, tell him to go to the dentist.

We've had a bit of luck, sir.

The French officer who was the dentist, has been transferred.

So Player will need permission to visit the German dentist in the town.

Yeah.

Now, with his escape record, sir,

I think they're likely to be a bit sticky about it.

Well, tell them to give his parole.

I know, sir. The point is that if he does get permission,

I think he should try to make a break for it.

Well, in that case, he'll have to go to the camp doctor

and get conformation that he needs urgent treatment.

That's simple enough, isn't it, Pat?

You're the escape officer, can't you get on with it?

Yes, sir.

I just thought you should be informed, that's all.

The tunnel's not the problem.

The tunnel's finished and the Red Cross supplies are safely hoarded.

CARTER: What about the sentry?

PAT: Now, every man will carry enough food to see him safely to the frontier.

-DOWNING: How many can go? -PAT: As many as possible.

-What about the sentry? -PAT: I think we should aim at eight.

Well, I can go with eight as far as Phil is concerned.

If Phil should have enough papers.

-Yes, I do. -Good. Right. Let's go over it again.

Now, the tunnel comes out on the grass, terrace to the German section.

BRENT: Once there we can get over the wall easily enough.

PAT: That's no trouble. A square of turf has been cut.

We can lift it at any time.

Yeah, but how do you get rid of the sentry?

I thought they were supposed to take him off of there.

PAT: That's what we hoped, but they haven't done it.

-Why haven't they? Any idea? -PAT: No.

But we'll solve it.

-How long's the patrol take? -PAT: About a minute each way.

DOWNING: Well, in that case we could space it out. Two men at a time.

-While his back's turned. -No, it's too risky.

Why not?

DOWNING: He's never out of sight of the place where the tunnel comes up.

(TUNEFUL WHISTLING)

It's Heller.

What's the latest news, Heller?

The RAF attempted to bomb Berlin last night,

but failed to penetrate our defences.

Seventy-five bombers were shot down.

MUIR: What a lie!

CARTER: Yeah, if you believe that you'll believe anything.

HELLER: It is on the radio.

PLAYER: You should try listening to the BBC.

Even the BBC admitted 35 of your aircraft failed to return.

I did not hear it myself, of course.

So your propaganda boys just double the real figure

and add five for luck, eh?

It is the German radio which tells the truth.

Where's Lieutenant Player?

Try the washroom again.

Thank you.

(COUGHING)

We can't afford to lose 35 a night.

Yeah. There won't be many air crews

to get through one tour of ops at that rate.

So, you will be ready 9:00 in the morning?

-All right. -Good.

-Everything okay? -Yes, fine.

That's marvellous. I'll see you're prepared and ready to go.

I've decided that Dick should take this opportunity.

The Germans are getting him out of the castle.

Under armed guard.

PAT: Admittedly. But still, he'll be out.

PLAYER: Right. Well, I'll have this blasted tooth fixed.

After that, don't expect me back.

Don't take out too many.

Lucky devil.

DENTIST: Open your mouth, please.

Mmm-hmm.

Mmm.

Please tell me at once if it hurts.

Right.

(DRILL WHIRRING)

(SPEAKING IN GERMAN)

(PLAYER GRUNTING)

PLAYER: (MUFFLED) That hurts like hell!

DENTIST: You must speak up, please! My hearing's not good.

PLAYER: That hurt!

No, not long now.

Mmm.

Ah.

(SPEAKING IN GERMAN)

(ALL CHATTER INDISTINCTLY)

Get it! Come on, Simon!

Right, Charlie!

(ALL SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)

Thanks for the trip.

Simon!

Thanks, Simon.

No luck?

I think I could have made it when we came out of the dentist.

Well, why didn't you?

What happened?

How much German money have we got in the kitty?

Why?

I think I know how we can use the canteen tunnel.

Let's go upstairs.

(MAN SPEAKING IN GERMAN ON RADIO)

(MUSIC PLAYING)

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

Come.

Colonel Preston, sir.

Thank you.

Please sit down, Colonel.

Sometimes I become aware of certain events in England

before you do, Colonel.

The prisoner's incoming mail is censored, of course.

And occasionally, the censor draws my attention

to some item which I should know about.

You will, no doubt, be pleased to learn

that you have been awarded the Distinguished Service Order

for gallantry during the retreat to Dunkirk.

I remember my own feelings when I was awarded

the Iron Cross 1 st Class during the great war.

Allow me to offer my congratulations to a fellow soldier.

Thank you, Kommandant.

There's no medal or medal ribbon, of course.

But the honour is the same.

There is another matter.

(CLEARS THROAT)

Your wife has been driving an ambulance in London, I understand.

Driving in total blackout, unable to use headlights,

must be very difficult.

I had a letter, 1 0 days ago,

saying that she'd been involved in an accident.

She was taken to the hospital. There, they operated upon her.

This letter informs you that the operation was unsuccessful.

You wife never regained consciousness.

Unfortunately, there was a delay.

That letter was posted only two days after your previous letter.

I am sorry

that things like this have to be seen by eyes other than yours, Colonel.

I would like to offer my condolences.

Is...

(CLEARS THROAT)

Is there anything else, Kommandant?

No, thank you, Colonel.

PLAYER: From the observations we've been keeping on the guards on the terrace,

they change their rota every second day.

So I calculate Heller will be on that terrace

at least once a week.

Now, all he has to agree to

is to keep at the far end for five minutes.

Keep his back turned and we're out of the tunnel and over the wall.

Yes.

Well, Heller seems a very straight sort of chap to me.

Precisely. So is he the type that would take a bribe?

PLAYER: I listened to him and the girl talking.

He's desperate for 1 ,000 marks.

-Does it have to be 1 ,000? -PLAYER: That's what she needs.

It'll take all the German money we've got.

If we can get away without the tunnel being discovered,

we can use it again.

Right. As Dick said, we could empty the whole place in a week.

You know, if Heller does take the bribe,

he'd have to keep his mouth shut afterwards.

It's a risk.

PLAYER: Well, I think it's a risk worth taking.

We'll show them whether this place is escape-proof or not.

PAT: Right. Someone's got to gain Heller's confidence. Any suggestions?

MUIR: Player speaks German.

Right.

Now, I think it's best if he didn't realise how we knew.

I think Tim's right.

(COUGHING)

-Hasn't he got relatives in America? -PAT: That's right.

PAT: Phil, do you think you could do it?

Yeah, that would give me an opening, wouldn't it?

PAT: Good. That's settled.

All that remains is to clear this with the old man.

(KNOCKS ON DOOR)

Could I have a word with you, sir? Something that needs your approval.

Sir?

I've just been told that my wife is dead.

I'm sorry, sir.

I knew she'd been involved in an accident but...

By some irony I've also just been told

I've been awarded the DSO.

She'd have been very proud of that.

You've never mentioned your wife before, sir.

No.

For in this bloody place

everyone has some private grief or worry at home.

If we all talked about it, life would become intolerable.

If there's anything I can do, sir.

No, thank you.

You wanted to see me.

I won't bother you with that now, sir.

Now or later doesn't make any difference, Pat.

Well, it's just that I wanted permission

to use all the German money that we've got.

Why?

Well, the canteen tunnels are finished, preparations are made.

But we need one sentry out of the way.

-Do we know him? -Heller.

-Do you think it'll work? -Yes.

Well, it seems a good way of investing our money, Pat.

Thank you, sir.

I don't want to intrude, sir, but I could stay if you like.

No, thank you.

I have some letters to write, anyway.

Right, sir.

Do you fellas get as bored as we do?

Probably.

Heard any news from the States lately?

Somebody said you had relatives there.

Ja, an uncle.

Whereabouts is he in America?

Cleveland, Ohio. He is a baker.

I know Cleveland.

He has a shop on West 4 3rd Street.

No kidding!

I know West 4 3rd Street, too.

It's a small world, isn't it?

PLAYER: Gently does it.

Phil knows. He'll take his time.

He ought to talk about it.

I wish he would.

You don't have any American newspapers, do you?

Ja. The Cleveland Herald.

You couldn't get a couple of copies for me, could you?

I've only got old ones.

I used to read them to improve my English.

Boy, would I love to see an American newspaper.

Do you think you could get me some copies?

I don't see why not.

Well, I don't want to get you in any trouble,

but I really would appreciate it.

Well?

How about a few bars of Red Cross chocolate

to cement our newfound friendship?

You can have the keys of the castle if you pull it off.

(FOOTSTEPS PASSING BY)

What that man needs is to get good and drunk.

-You're holding a what? -PAT: A dinner party.

In this place?

On Monday.

By that time we should know whether we've got Heller lined up,

so we hope it'll be a celebration.

Naturally, you're invited, sir.

Uh, no. Not me. Thank you, Pat.

Now, that's a bit difficult, sir, because you're the guest of honour.

I'd rather not, if you don't mind.

You just go ahead and enjoy yourselves.

We just thought it would be an opportunity to say,

''Goodbye. Get home safely.'' to the eight lucky ones.

All right. Point taken.

(TUNEFUL WHISTLING)

Heller's coming, and he's got the paper.

PAT: Right. We'll get out.

Heller's coming.

Try and make it natural.

(GUARDS SPEAKING IN GERMAN)

You shouldn't believe everything your Goebbels tells you.

Mate.

You should have protected your king with your bishop.

-Well, it's too late now. -Thanks very much, Heller.

Fancy a stroll, Simon?

Yeah, I could do with some fresh air.

-Do you want anything, Pat? -Yeah, some oil paints.

And a needle and thread. I'll come with you.

-Hello. -Oh, hello. The American newspapers.

Ah! Thanks very much. That's very kind of you.

I hope it doesn't get you in any trouble.

Why should it?

America's not at war with Germany.

But you are, Mr Carrington.

You were in the Royal Air Force.

Yeah, well, I didn't expect to wind up in Colditz.

Then you should not have joined.

-Is that what they say? -In the RAF, yes.

-How'd you happen to join up? -Oh, it was necessary.

How'd you wind up in Colditz?

I was wounded. Just when France surrendered. A shell.

You know, some of those French gunners, they're very good.

Yeah, that's what I heard.

In the lungs. So I'm not fit for active service.

Well, that must make your wife very happy.

My wife?

You are married, aren't you?

Oh, yeah. I see.

Yeah, my wife, she lives in Augsburg. That's my home.

-American funny papers. -Yeah?

Yeah, the kids love those.

-Oh. -Do you have any children?

Yeah, I have two.

Boy is five years old, my daughter, she's three.

-Really? -Yeah.

You have any pictures of them?

Oh, yeah. But not with me.

Oh.

Well, I'd like to see them sometime.

-You would? -Yeah, very much.

All right. One day I will show them.

They're very beautiful children.

Do they look like you or your wife?

Mmm, the boy... ja, he looks like me.

-Is your wife pretty? -ja, very.

You know what's the worst part of this war? Being away for so long.

-It's not natural, is it? -No.

I miss her.

All the time.

Heller, just a minute.

I...

I don't eat chocolate. Here, take these.

Mr Carrington, they're yours.

Well, you can't get chocolate in Augsburg, can you?

-No, not now. But... -Take them.

This war's hard on kids, too.

-You're very kind. -No, it's nothing.

And thanks for the newspapers.

That is nothing. Thank you.

I shall not forget this.

You send those home the next time you write.

Ja, I will. I'll see you around.

-See you. -Yeah.

(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)

PAT: How is he?

CARRINGTON: Getting friendly.

How long is it going to take?

Next time.

It's not bad.

When you get around to darning socks let me know, huh?

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

Come in.

Sorry to disturb you, sir, but we need some of that money now.

-How much? -1 00 marks.

-It's on account, is it? -Yes, sir.

-How's it going, Pat? -Well, we'll know soon.

PAT: Those your children, sir?

Yes. I'm trying to write to them.

I don't know if they can read. Someone will have to read it to them.

They're nice children.

Who's looking after them, sir?

Well, that's the trouble, Pat, I don't know.

-Here you are. -Thank you, sir.

-Anything else? -No, sir.

Hello, Phil.

I think Heller is coming to show me some of his family snapshots.

PAT: I'll see you're not disturbed.

-How are you? -Oh, quite well. Thank you.

PAT: Good.

Hello.

Now, I'm gonna go upstairs and finish my book.

Oh, no, you're not. You're gonna play cards.

My deal, I think.

-What are we playing for? 1 ,000 marks? -And a home run.

CARRINGTON: This is a good one.

HELLER: Ah, that's not so good.

CARRINGTON: Your wife has a lovely smile.

-ja, she does. -And those kids.

You should be very proud of them. You're a very lucky man.

Yeah, I'm very proud.

Are you Catholic?

I thought because you come from Augsburg, you might be Catholic.

Isn't that a Catholic part of Germany?

Yeah, I was brought up as that way, but now, you know.

How about your wife? Is she Catholic?

Oh, ja. She is a good Catholic.

You know, when I go home to Augsburg, I go to mass with her.

She likes that.

I hear you could use 1 ,000 marks.

For an abortion.

Someone has been telling you lies, Mr Carrington.

A girl in the town. She's pregnant.

It's your child.

She's found a doctor, but she needs 1 ,000 marks.

You've got to find that money or you're in trouble.

What are you gonna do?

I don't know.

Well,

you can't tell your wife, your kids can't find out about it.

What are you gonna do?

You know, she was just someone to talk to, to drink with, that's all.

She lived alone.

I used to visit her just for somewhere to go.

Then one night, we...

We had a lot to drink.

It was a very happy evening.

And I stayed.

And then...

I wish I had never touched her.

Well, you could get a divorce.

No.

Oh, yeah. Your wife is a good Catholic.

That, and I love her.

(SOFTLY) Yeah.

Well, you've got problems.

How did you find out about it?

Oh, that's not important. The important thing is to get you out of this.

It's the dentist.

That's right, were talking about it at the dentist.

But he is deaf.

Does Mr Player understand German?

I see.

So, he told you.

How many others?

Not many.

Mr Carrington, I do not like being talked about.

The next time Mr Player makes one a small mistake...

Mr Player is not going to make one small mistake.

Or we'll see that your wife gets a letter about it.

We can help you.

-How? -The 1 ,000 marks.

-We can get it for you. -You?

That's right.

-1 ,000 marks? -We've got money, German money.

We can help you.

And what do I have to do to help you, Mr Carrington?

Your sentry duties are posted every week, right?

Ja.

Are you on duty next Wednesday?

-ja. -At night?

Yeah.

At 1 0:00, all you have to do is

to walk to the far end of your beat and wait for five minutes. That's all.

Why?

We want to help you.

-(SIGHS) I can't. -Why not?

-It's a risk. -There isn't any risk.

Nobody's gonna find out what happened. They can't connect you with anything.

I can't.

All right, you tell your wife how much you loved her.

How you only thought about her and how lonely you were.

And how she was the only one you thought about

when you took that other girl to bed with you

and gave her your child.

You explain that.

And see if she understands how much you loved her all that time.

We can get you off the hook.

In a second.

How do I get the money?

At five minutes after 1 0,

the money will be lowered to you on a string from a window.

There's one, two storeys above your head, from that window.

How do I know you'll keep your promise?

At five minutes after 1 0, if you don't get the money

all you have to do is to sound the alarm,

we've got to keep our promise.

Have another bar of chocolate.

1 00 marks in advance.

When you agree.

Keep in touch.

We'll want to be sure you know what you're doing.

See you around.

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

Come in.

Come to see if you're ready for dinner, sir.

Well, I said I'd come, Pat.

Yeah, but you're the guest of honour, sir.

It's customary to provide an escort.

You're going a bit far, aren't you?

PAT: I think we better hurry, sir. The chef's a bit temperamental.

-All right. -Something about the smoked salmon

not being up to standard.

(SOLDIERS CHATTERING)

PAT: Would you care to try the wine, sir?

All right. Thank you, Pat.

The label's come off the bottle

but we understand it's a very good vintage.

Hmm.

To your taste, sir?

-It must be a 1 00% proof. -It's more, quite likely.

Yeah, 400.

Excuse me, sir.

You're serving from the wrong side, my man.

Sorry, sir.

(ALL CHATTERING)

What's this stuff made of, eh?

Well, it's made from dried Red Cross raisins.

Actually, we got it from a Pole.

They must have cast iron bellies, that's all I say.

You get used to it, sir.

You know, I doubt that very much.

The soup's a sort of minestrone, sir.

Yeah, very ''sort of''.

-Shall I try it? -Do, sir. At your own risk.

Very good under the circumstances.

-My compliments to the chef. -Oh, thank you, sir.

(EXHALES)

-(KNOCKING ON DOOR) -Come.

Everything all right?

Some noise from the British quarters, sir.

They seem to be having a party.

Well, it's dinner time. What's on the menu tonight?

-I don't know. Pork, I think. -What again? Let's have a drink.

MUIR: Do start, sir. Don't let it go cold.

-All right. Thank you, Muir. -Do hurry up, Muir. Where's mine?

You'll have to wait. You try doing it with no proper equipment.

-Here, have another drink. -Thank you.

(CUTLERY CRASHING)

DOWNING: Pat, do you think I ought to give him a hand?

Pat? Do you think I ought to give him a hand.

No, no, they volunteered.

It's worth it. We get three corn beef fritters each.

(SOLDIERS LAUGHING)

(SOLDIERS LAUGHING LOUDLY)

Oh, I'm terribly sorry, sir.

Oh, that's all right. Not to worry. It'll be all right.

No, give it to me and I'll sponge it off in the kitchen.

Oh, no, I'll get Baker to do it.

There's lots of hot water. It won't take a minute.

Oh, all right, if you insist.

Sorry about that.

-Oh, it's okay. -It won't be a jiffy.

PAT: This will keep you warm, sir.

It's not a matter of keeping warm, it's a matter of keeping sober.

It's been a very good idea of yours, Pat. Very pleasant.

I'm glad you're enjoying it, sir.

I think we've all enjoyed it, haven't we?

Yes, indeed.

Come on, how long does it take to sew on a DSO?

I've nearly finished.

(GRUNTING)

Hurry up!

There. Now, how is that?

You're a bloody marvel. You can take the rest of the night off.

Thank you.

-Come on! -Oh, yes, okay!

As soon as I'm properly dressed again,

then I'll take my leave and let you all get on with the party.

PAT: Oh, we'd like you to stay for the toast, sir.

-Toast? What toast? -Here you are, sir.

-Oh. -Good as new.

Dry cleaning by Pilot Officer Muir and company ltd.

Pilot Officer Muir seems to have done more than his fair share

this evening, hasn't he? Thank you.

Whose idea was this?

Captain Grant suggested it, sir.

But we all wanted to join in.

Colonel, from all of us,

congratulations on your decoration and well done.

-SOLDIERS: Yeah. -Thank you, gentlemen.

MUIR: To Colonel Preston.

ALL: To Colonel Preston.

Thank you, gentlemen.

ALL: Speech, speech...

No, no, no, no. No speeches.

But thank you all very much indeed.

PAT: There is one other thing, sir. About your recent loss.

We'd all like to say how very sorry we are.

ALL: Hear, hear.

Thank you.

Simon, is there any more of that Polish plonk left?

CARRINGTON: How are your children, Colonel?

Anybody taking care of them?

I don't know. That's the rouble.

They're very young, you see. They're only six and four.

They've been living with my sister in Cheltenham.

She's married to a civil servant.

He's been posted abroad and she's going with him.

There's my mother, of course, but she's getting on and rather frail.

I don't know if she can cope or for how long.

So if I've been a bit offhand lately, I'm sorry.

There's nothing I can do about it, I know that.

The canteen tunnel is completed, sir.

Dress rehearsal is on Tuesday.

They're going on Wednesday.

I've got to drop out, sir.

This cough, the quack can't shift it.

I can't risk a coughing fit at the wrong time.

I'll go next time.

We'd like to invite you to lead the escape on Wednesday, Colonel.

I can't, Downing. It's out of the question. I can't.

Why not?

Well, I'm the Senior British Officer.

My duty is here. I'm responsible for all of you,

to look after your interests as best I can.

Those of you who don't get away.

Now, that's my job. Not to escape.

The Germans will damn soon find another Senior British Officer.

-That's no problem. -Well, that's true.

You've got better personal reasons for escaping than any man here, sir.

You could be back in England in three weeks

and see if your boys are being taken care of.

We think it's more important for you to be with them

than to be in here with us.

PAT: (WHISPERING) Player will open up at 1 0:00 on the dot.

One by one across the terrace, over the wall.

Then make sure that everyone's clear and replace the turf from outside.

I'm going back to close up the canteen end now.

Good luck, sir.

And you.

If this works, I'll see you back in England before you think.

(BRENT COUGHING)

(DOOR OPENS)

-All right? -So far so good.

They're safely in the tunnel.

-You okay? -Yes.

(BRENT CONTINUES COUGHING)

Damn this cough.

Next time, for you and me.

Yeah.

(COUGHING)

(WHISPERS) Right.

(RUSTLING)

Back! Go on, get back!

Get back!

Stay where you are, Mr Player.

Or I shoot.

This way out, Mr Player.

Come on, hurry it up.

You, Colonel?

May I take it that you are in command of this escape?

Are any men hiding down there?

No.

I will ask you again.

No one.

I shall immediately inform the Kommandant

that you've tried to escape.

Colonel, no one ever thought you would do a thing like this.

Your conduct in reporting the bribery attempt

is exactly what I would expect from a good soldier like yourself, Heller.

Thank you, sir.

Was there any special reason why they chose to approach you?

I really could not say, sir.

Are you short of money, for some reason?

Why?

It is something personal, sir.

Can you tell me about it?

Sir, with your permission, I'd rather not.

Well, if it's a personal matter, that's up to you.

I don't know the amount involved, of course.

Or whether a corporal's pay would solve your problem.

In recognition of your conduct, Heller, you are promoted to Corporal.

Thank you, sir.

It would also be as well

if you were transferred to another camp, hmm?

You will leave tomorrow morning.

Thank you, sir.

The camp in question is near Augsburg.

-That is your home, huh? -Yes, sir.

You'll be near your family.

Thank you very much, sir.

-(KNOCKING ON DOOR) -KOMMANDANT: Come.

Colonel Preston, sir.

All right.

Corporal Heller.

ULMANN: Come on.

Hmm.

All the men involved in the escape attempt

will each receive 30 days solitary confinement

except you, Colonel.

A great deal of Red Cross supplies were found in the tunnel.

They will be confiscated.

The men seem to have done without their Red Cross parcels

for several months, whilst planning this escape.

They can do without them for good.

That will be a severe hardship to my men.

Your men?

You talk of your men?

I had hoped that some sort of esteem and respect

could exist between us, Colonel.

In fact, I had come to believe that it did.

But I can have no respect for a senior officer

who deserts the men for whom he is responsible

and attempts to escape himself.

You are not just another prisoner-of-war, Colonel.

You have failed your men.

You have abandoned your duty.

Have you anything to say?

No.

1 00 marks in advance.

Another 900 marks to be lowered on a piece of sting

from a second storey window.

We knew where to find your officer with his piece of string.

Who was responsible for attempting to bribe a German soldier?

Flight Lieutenant Carrington made the offer. We know that from Heller.

And for his part in this affair, he will be dealt with.

But since you were the highest ranking officer

amongst the escapers,

I presume that you will not attempt to deny that you were the leader.

No.

Then I hold you personally responsible, Colonel.

Offering a bribe to the member of the Wehrmacht

is an offence against German military discipline.

And as such, you will be court-martialled, Colonel.

Previous sentences for prisoners-of-war at courts-martial in Leipzig

have varied from six months solitary confinement

to life imprisonment or death.

I will not try to anticipate the verdict of the court.

You may go, Colonel.

Out! Out, or I fire!

(GUN FIRES)

(SHOUTING IN GERMAN)

CARRINGTON: I want to see the Kommandant.

Are you trying to get yourself killed on your way to solitary confinement?

I want to see the Kommandant.

The Kommandant does not give individual interviews, you know that.

All I need is three minutes on urgent compassionate grounds.

-An individual case? -Yes, that's right.

It has to do with Colonel Preston's court-martial.

-KOMMANDANT: Why? -Urgent compassionate grounds, sir.

When he is in solitary confinement, it's impossible.

He made his request on the way to the solitary confinement, sir.

Flight Lieutenant Carrington is waiting

in case it would be convenient to see him now, sir.

Very well, send him in.

Thanks, sir.

What are your urgent compassionate grounds, Flight Lieutenant?

You have three minutes.

Suppose you were taken prisoner by the British.

Suppose you were a senior German officer of some camp in Scotland.

Suppose you heard that your wife was dead,

that you had two small boys,

and that you were worried sick about them.

What would you have done?

Hypothetical questions are neither urgent nor compassionate.

It was urgent to Colonel Preston.

You knew what the circumstances were from his letters.

I am not a camp censor.

Very few letters are brought to my attention.

He didn't know what was happening to his children.

He didn't know whether anybody was taking care of them.

I am in command of Colditz. That is none of my concern.

I was the one who bribed Corporal Heller.

Shouldn't I be the one to be court-martialled?

I decide who is to be court-martialled.

I do not accept volunteers.

These are some letters I found in Colonel Preston's room.

They're from his mother.

-I think you should read them. -Hauptmann Ulmann!

I think if you read them, sir, you'll see how feeble she is.

ULMANN: Sir?

I think you should read them, sir.

Ulmann.

(DOOR OPENING)

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

I have come to inform you that I have reviewed your case.

In the light of certain extenuating circumstances

which have been brought to my notice,

you will not now be sent for court-martial.

Instead, you will consider yourself severely reprimanded

and that will be entered on your record.

Do you understand, Lieutenant Colonel Preston?

Yes.

You will, of course, receive the same punishment as the other officers

involved in this stupid escape attempt.

If it happens again, I will not be so lenient.

Some letters came into my hands. They appear to be yours.

Mine?

On compassionate grounds, you will be permitted to write home

during your period of solitary confinement.

I hope you will soon hear

that suitable arrangements for your children have been made.

Kommandant...

Thank you for returning my letters.