Original subtitles

That's heavy?

If you gave me a tree, the barge would be lighter.

Why d'you want a Christmas tree?

To help you, that's all.

Okay... A little one.

Thanks. -Don't mention it.

Crumble!!! Come on!

Mrs. Koster, look what I brought.

A surprise. It was free. -Give me your money.

My money? -What you earned.

I earned nothing. -And what did I say?

You say so much, sometimes you chatter all day.

I polish all day for a few cents...

...and I said you're not coming home...

...before you earn some money! Understand?!

So what are you doing here?!

I brought you a Christmas tree. -I don't want it!

No Christmas for us! Curse the day I took you in.

I don't want this inside!

You have a job for me? -Can't you read?

How old are you? -Ten, boss.

Are you kidding me? -No, really, I'm ten.

What's your name? -Crumble.

Five cents for every broken window you get.

Five cents! No problem!

You have a broken window at home?

Any broken windows?

I can't find any, boss.

That wasn't very clever, sonny.

Look, little rascals like you break windows, don't they?

That's quite enough!

Look over there!

Let go! Let go!

Stop kicking, I won't let go. -I won't go to jail!

Nobody's putting you in jail. Take it easy.

I don't want to go to jail!

Come with me! -Hey, don't hurt him.

Don't run off again.

Let him go. He's only a child. -This 'child' is arrested.

What did he do? Steal the crown jewels?

Burn down a school? Rob a bank?

This boy broke windows. Further details at the station.

Broke windows!

Let me out. This man stinks!

So young...

...and already spoilt.

Listen to that, Crumble. Drunks always speak the truth.

Drunks...

...and children.

Yes, Van Houten, you stink.

Crumble, not again!

Lock him up, sir?

Make it three nights. -Very good, commissioner.

Do you get bored on the streets? -No, never.

What do you do all day?

Look for work?

So you break windows looking for work, not from boredom.

Why did you break the windows?

Yesterday complaints poured in about broken windows!

Why did you do that?

I'm sorry. I won't do it again.

That Mrs Koster.

Does she look after you?

Listen, boy...

...you may have no parents...

...but you can't get up to mischief.

I'll wanted to keep you three nights. -Three nights?

But somebody changed my mind.

I'm letting you go...

...but if you come back, I'll lock you up for longer.

Are those special police dogs.

They're stray dogs to be killed...

...in the dog pound.

Animal killer!

I've come for my money.

It's you. I thought I smelt something.

Come on. I'm waiting.

You can wait all day. Not a cent!

Five cents a window, that was the deal.

I get 35 cents! I broke seven windows.

Right! Broke them! No one told you to break them.

You had to find them.

I spend all night in the cell for that?!

You earned it!

You told me to break them! -I'd never say that!

Scram! I never want to see you again!

Choke on your money! Don't mess with me.

Hell's bells. That wart's like a gooseberry.

Well, I never! Cheeky monkey!

Can I help you, Madam?

Yes, a pound of cookies and twelve fruitcakes.

What will it be, my boy?

A wart-bun... I mean a currant-bun, please.

3 cents.

You have to pay!

Out you go. Or I'll kick you out!

Ouch! Please... I'm so hungry!

Currant-buns are not for urchins like you!

Let him keep it. I'll pay for it.

Get out of here, you brat.

Picking bread from the gutter, is bowing for food.

Hey! Crumble!

Let's take turns.

I slide down and you pull the sledge back up.

I wasn't born yesterday. Let's go down together.

All right.

Hey!! Out of the way.

Stop!

A cop.

What's going on?

Get out!

Quick, hide.

Constable! Are you looking for the sledgers?

They're down there.

Casey, come on. Let's go.

You're just in time for dinner. -I'm very hungry.

Is Dad home yet? -Yes. Come in.

...with that double chin!

Well, what are you doing here?

It's cold outside... -You have any money?

That's a long story. -Yes or no?

I've got nothing.

What's in your pocket?

Show me.

Yes, give it to me! I fancy that.

But it's mine! -You're good for nothing.

That's why your mother deserted you.

You can stay tonight, this bun is mine...

...and tomorrow you go.

Why don't you make the boy polish copper?

Those little fingers can get in everywhere.

I tried that.

That little brat gets up my nose.

You must get rid of him.

If I'd known his mother'd disappear, I'd never have taken him in.

What about his father?

Men are only after one thing.

If the girl accidentally gets pregnant, well.

But you like it, don't you? -I'm too old for that nonsense.

I'll close my eyes. -Not with the boy here.

He's asleep. You need the money.

Just pay me for polishing the copper and get out.

Getting prudish?

Come here!

Let go!

What are you up to? -It wasn't me. It was him!

Damn, I'm starving.

But I only get fed if I bring money.

What a nasty mother!

She isn't my mother! -Well, stepmother.

Mothers are dumb. -Well, mine isn't.

I don't need a mother. But how do I get some money?

God... I know!

Hey, come back with those newspapers!

Newspapers! Papers!

Terrible murder in Keizerstraat!

Terrible fire in prison!!!

Two ladies and 3 cops stabbed!

Buy the News!

Buy the paper!

We can share the money. Mine is for Mrs Koster...

...and with yours we buy sweets!

I'm pessimistic.

They shouldn't have carried her upstairs.

She was unconscious.

Otherwise she'd have screamed with pain. Her back is broken in two places.

There's no point in operating.

Is she your mother?

Go away. I want Crumble here.

Here... Mrs Koster.

Don't cry, my boy. I don't deserve that.

I haven't been good to you...

...and now it's too late.

I'm going... -No, Mrs Koster.

I have to give you something.

It's in the top drawer. Fetch it.

Can you see it? A little box.

It was your mother's.

Open it.

That is a picture...

...of your mother.

I don't know much about her.

She was young when she had you.

Unmarried... A disgrace. She couldn't care for you.

So she had to let you go and brought you to me.

Beside her, the other portrait...

...that's your...

...father. -I do have a father?!

I don't know anything about him.

Only that your mother and he...

...didn't know each other for long. And that he went to America.

To search for gold. Men are stupid!

Your mother had beautiful hands.

I think she could play the piano very well.

Her name is...

...Lize van Dien.

Lize van Dien? -That's her name.

Remember that name.

When you're old enough, go and look for her.

She is your mother.

I don't want a mother, I want you!

O, my child, forgive me.

Please...

Forgive me...

Is that all?

Her's is bigger. It's not fair. She always gets it.

I want two!

I want more. I want more.

Daddy gets two!

We always eat the same.

Shut up! -Shut up yourself.

Enough!

This is all there is!

You have no idea how hard I work for this!

Go on, eat up!

Where are you going?

To my son.

Then you're off course. This is America.

America?

America.

That boy can't stay here. -What can we do?

He has nobody. -That's too bad, but...

...I have ten mouths to feed. I can't cope with eleven.

It's freezing outside. It's almost Christmas.

Don't you have any feelings?

Feelings enough... for my own children.

I don't even know this boy. He gets on my nerves.

He has to go.

For Mrs Koster.

Get lost with that animal.

The church is no place for tramps and stray dogs!

We'd be crowded in no time!

Get out!

Get rid of the dog!

I never want to see you again!

What do you want? OK, thanks for helping me out?

Good, you can go now.

What do you want? Go away!

Go to your boss! Or don't you have one?

That's big. -Yeah, one metre.

What's that? -A shark.

All of you onto one little dog!!

It's only a stray dog.

That's no reason to hurt him!

What are you up to? You want to go to jail for three nights?

I was only inside for one night. -Yes, thanks to me.

They wanted to keep you for three days. I had to talk them out of it.

You're wrong. I don't know you at all.

But I know your name. You're Crumble, you've got no parents...

...and spend more time on the streets than with...

What's your stepmother's name? -Mrs Koster... but she's dead.

Oh... I'm really sorry.

I am Chris Wilkes.

Are you a cop? -No...

You scattered my groceries, after breaking windows.

I caught you before.

I had a look at your police file.

It's quite something.

Is that dog yours? -No, but he keeps following me.

Come inside.

You can have something to eat.

Don't touch! I don't want it broken.

I didn't touch anything. -Okay.

You like it? -Beautifully made.

It was made by an old friend. The best friend I ever had.

It took days to make.

He's really black isn't he?

I'm gonna call him 'Blacky'.

Blacky! Blacky!

Here, put this on. There's the broom.

Listen, let's make a deal.

You can sleep here and get good food.

In exchange I want you to help me in the shop a bit...

...and deliver some groceries. -A hundred deliveries!

Go and sweep now.

Hey, Crumble.

Why did you disappear? -I couldn't sleep with your stinky feet.

Won't you come back? -No. I have a new friend.

Come on. -I don't want to go.

Hurry up. I want to go home!

My father's there too. In the Wild West, in America.

Sure, and mine's in China! -No, it's really true.

He's with the Indians, I swear. -Sure, sure.

Look. That's him, my father. I got it from Mrs Koster.

Well, he's quite something. And what's on the other side?

Nothing.

You're hiding something. -I'm not.

You've got your thumb over it! -No, I haven't!

Better a father on a chain than no father at all.

Where have you been so late? -Late? Is it late?

What are you doing?

I'm writing.

Listen here, Crumble.

If you want to stay here and be my friend some things will have to change.

Are you writing with a machine? -This is a typewriter.

I press the letters, and they appear on paper.

What are you writing then?

A book. I'm trying to write a book.

That's what I really want, Crumble. To write... to be a writer.

What are you writing about? -I'm writing about tricks.

I used to play when I was a kid. Together with my friend Harry.

He was a special person. A real friend.

Is he the one from the boat? -That's him!

Every time I look at the boat, I think about him.

I miss him.

Has he gone?

He went to America. -Just like my father. He's in America too.

Crumble, listen, fantasy is good, but never lose sight of reality.

You don't have a father. -He's a gold digger.

So is Harry.

Wait, I'll show you a picture of him.

He looks just like my father. But bigger!

I know you'd like such a handsome guy as your father.

I guess you dream about a sweet mother too.

Look yourself.

But that's impossible! This is Harry Volker, my friend!

He's in America for more than ten years! How did you get this?

From Mrs. Koster. She gave it to me just before she died.

She said they were my father and mother.

Goodness... you must be...

You must be Harry Volker's son.

Why didn't you tell me your name? -Doesn't sound familiar.

Do you know the name of your mother? -Yes, Lize van Dien.

I could try to find her.

I don't want anything to do with her. She left me.

I'd rather you found my dad. -But he's in America.

He's your friend, isn't he?

Yes, but I never heard from him.

Why not?

There was a war. Lots of people lost track of each other.

Or died.

Dead, yes.

Hey, Wilkes.

If my father was not in America, but in Holland...

...I might bump into him, couldn't I?

Of course.

The son of Harry Volker.

Wilkes! Wilkes! Wilkes!

Wilkes, wake up!

Come on, let's go.

Let's go! We have to get out.

Run!

Get the fire-brigade!

Blacky is still inside!!! -Crumble! Stay here!

Are you crazy?

Wake up, Wilkes! Don't die!

Wake up!

Move aside!

You're a serious customer? I have no time for brats.

How much is a ticket?

Round trip or one way? -To America.

There... and back? -I don't want to come back.

Second class or third class? -I don't go to school!

I wish you did, you'd understand what I meant.

I'm mean a 2nd or 3rd class ticket for the trip. They don't cost the same.

Is there a first class too?

Yes, but I'm sure your father can't afford it.

My father is in America. I'm looking for him.

I see... Well, children under 16 can't travel alone.

I'm not going alone. I'm going with my dog.

Same thing. -What's the same?

It's the same as travelling alone. -With my dog is the same as alone?

Yes. Because your dog can't go. Animals are not allowed.

Now hurry up. There's a whole line.

Just tell me: how much is the cheapest ticket!

One way is 300 guilders. Third class.

But there's a new law. You need a visa.

Are you a little better, Wilkes?

Oh yes, a lot better.

I just worry about you, Crumble. -You don't have to.

I'm having a great time with Blacky and we get lots to eat.

Where from? -Oh, we manage.

We get food everywhere.

Where do you sleep? -In the watermill on the Vest.

It's pretty noisy.

Tonight is Christmas Eve... Tomorrow is Christmas.

What will you do, Crumble?

Mrs Koster always said we didn't have Christmas.

Goodness, my boy.

You need a home...

...a father to look after you.

I've been thinking.

When I'm come out...

...I want to look for your father in America.

Would you do that?!

That'd be a great Christmas present.

I don't know what a journey like that would cost.

Lots of money.

And you need a vice.

A vice? What do you mean?

I don't know abut the insurance.

You'd better go. He is still weak and shouldn't tire himself.

See you tomorrow, Wilkes.

Come on, Blacky.

Hey, you there.

Are you back? The church is no place for vagabonds like you...

...nor for animals. -What about the manger?

A cow and a donkey. -They're not real.

Now, get out, tramp! -The cheek of the boy.

Jesus was the son of a carpenter.

Jesus was the son of God!

And you can get out!

Get out!

I never want to see you again! Understand?

Peace on earth, good will towards men.

That is the true meaning of Christmas, dearly beloved.

Peace on earth and love your neighbour.

Look at the holy child in the manger.

Wake up, boy.

Wake up!

Happy Christmas, boy.

That's a nice way to celebrate Christmas.

I'd like to keep you here for a while...

...but we'll have to think of something else.

You'll have to stay somewhere now Mrs Koster is dead.

Hey, you're tall and skinny? We'll call you Spike.

A rusty spike, because you can't laugh.

We have to see the principal of the home. -Dogs are not allowed.

Off we go then. Bye. -Let's talk first.

Come in...

My name is Keyzer.

The boys call me "father". This is Mrs Keyzer...

...the "mother" of the orphanage.

That makes it feel a little more like home.

Children have to stand.

What is the child's name? -Crumble.

Crumble? -That's it, no one knows better.

My name's Harry Volker.

My father's in America and I'll find him with Wilkes.

I don't want to be in an orphanage. -Fertile imagination.

Children have nothing to say.

I won't stay here. I'll run away.

Shut your mouth.

Where do you live?

Can't you understand me? I asked where you lived.

I can't shut my mouth and answer.

Answer me: where do you live?

Here and there.

What kind of answer is that?

Excuse me, but would you be so kind...

...as to ask me instead of arguing with the child.

We're making headway. -Can Blacky stay?

Who's Blacky? -My dog.

We'll find a solution. Come along to the dining room?

We're having a real Christmas dinner.

Leave the dog here for the time being.

The boy must learn that life demands sacrifices.

Yes, and in some cases too many.

Boys, this is Harry Volker. He's coming to live with us.

Sit over there, next to Jasper.

Hey! You wait until I serve you.

But he took some too. -Never mind, everyone waits.

Have you ever heard a water mill? -No. Why?

You make more noise than it does.

You feed your face like a hippo.

Belly's being called a hippo.

Belly? Is he called Belly?

My name's Dan.

What's the joke?

Belly feeds his face like a hippo...

...and makes more noise than a water mill.

We won't put up with that language here.

If you say that again I'll send you upstairs without dinner.

Hey, where's my dog?

Say: Father.

I'm not your child. -You have to call me father.

Say: "Father where is my dog?"

Well, where is he?

Say "father"...

"Say"...

Father. -Where is my dog...?

Outside.

Can't we play outside?

No, everything here is locked up.

I want my dog. Where is he?

Where do you think he is?

You think they took him away?

What a rotten trick. I have to get out of here.

You'll get in trouble. -Go and find your dog.

Thank you, Spike.

Bye Harry...

Everyone calls me Crumble.

Crumble...

What are you doing there?

Shouldn't you be at home? It's Christmas Day.

I've got nowhere to go.

A stray... Just like the dogs here.

Dogs? You have dogs here? -Of course I have.

Hundreds of dogs.

What am I doing with these buckets otherwise?

I'm going to feed them.

Alone on Christmas Day?

You can give me a hand.

I've got a Christmas tree.

See, this is "A" Shed.

That's where we put the new arrivals.

They stay there for one day. On the 2nd day I take them to "B" Shed...

...and on the last day they go to "C".

That's why I feed them first.

Those are the real duffers.

If their owners don't collect them...

...they go into the gas chamber.

The gas chamber?

This is the gas chamber.

We drive the dogs in here.

Big dogs in twos, smaller ones in threes.

Then the tap opens, the gas enters and the dogs go to sleep.

They never wake up. -Doesn't it hurt?

What makes you think that?

They don't know what's happened. -It's the same as murder.

A dog without a master strays.

They get vermin and spread it to children.

That's dangerous, a threat to society.

So the government says: - Get rid of them.

Keep quiet!

These dogs came this afternoon.

Do the dogs always bark so much?

Yes, some can't keep their mouths shut.

Just like people. -It would keep me awake.

Oh, you get used to it. I sleep right through it.

My wife snored like a sawing mill.

Even if they all bark at the same time?

I wouldn't know. They never do.

Here, Blacky.

Hey, there's no bird in the cage.

It's dead.

How come?

Where's your cat?

Are you all right?

Tomorrow you can help me bury. -Bury?

Three will be put down tomorrow.

It's the worst job.

Burying the poor creatures. Goodnight.

You don't snore, do you?

I was afraid you would.

Run! Run!

Come back...

I'll call the police!

Wilkes... Wilkes! Are you asleep?

Crumble... Great to see you.

I was getting worried. I expected you yesterday.

Where were you? -Well, you know...

I was invited by really nice people.

They had lots to eat and a Christmas tree...

...and such a big bone for Blacky. -And who were these people then?

I've known them a long time. Friends of Mrs Koster's.

It's nice to have friends, Crumble.

Yes, Wilkes...

The doctor was here and said I was a lot better.

Really?

I'll be out of hospital before New Year.

I can stick it that long.

Blacky, come quickly. Come.

Hey, stop thief!

Come back!

Stealing my bones!

That's a beautiful lady.

Who is she? -An Italian lady.

Vera di Borboni, a famous pianist.

That's all I know.

Blacky, go on.

Look Blacky... Vera di Bonbon is very famous...

...because she can play the piano beautifully.

If this Vera di Bonbon had a child...

...she would never abandon it.

She'd be a good mother, you can see that.

Wilkes!

How are you? How nice of you to come.

You need some routine in life.

We'll find a room, buy some clothes...

...learn manners and you can go to school.

Why are you on the streets and not in the orphanage?

The orphanage? -Come to the Police Station.

A complaint has been filed. By the guard at the Dog Pound.

Wait a minute. This must be a misunderstanding.

I listened to you before, but this boy only causes trouble.

Street kids are a menace to society.

You could build a place to gas them. Just like stray dogs!

Like where you took Blacky!

No orphanage. I'd rather sleep outside...

...than spend a night in that place.

I'll come with you and explain.

Hey, why don't you come over here?

If you take me to the orphanage, I won't come.

Don't be scared and come here.

You're coming back to my house.

What house? -We're going to find one.

Looks nice, doesn't it?

This is fun!

Donuts!

Happy New Year, Crumble.

You stay here, get inside.

Does Mrs Koster live here? -Never heard of her. Shut up!

We've just moved in. I can't hear myself think!

The woman who lived here is dead. Was she Mrs Koster?

And the little boy? -What little boy?

I've got my hands full.

If you don't shut your face.

It was late last night. Ask the neighbours.

May I ask you, sir? Did a little boy live here?

Madam, dozens of children have lived here.

A little boy, Harry van Dien. With Mrs Koster?

I've never heard of him and Mrs Koster is dead.

I want to go.

Lize, you can't come and I can't ask you to wait for me.

But I want to wait.

Don't say it. You only met me three weeks ago.

I'm a poor wretch, I have nothing to offer. You deserve better.

I love you.

I love you.

I'm so sorry...

This one's great!

Remember: You're Harry Volker. And you must speak politely.

Good morning.

I'm Mr Legness and you are...

Harry Volker.

So you are Harry Volker?

And do you like it here? -Yes.

Can't you say two words? -Very good.

They look like headlamps! -Excuse me?

Your glasses.

You have to call him sir, Crumble. I mean: Harry.

I'm sorry.

You should say: 'Yes sir. '

Yes sir. -Yes. Say two words.

Let's see.

You can sit over there.

Pay attention. Let's go on.

Very good Harry, I thought you couldn't read.

I know these letters well from the dog pound. Really mean people!

They kill dogs because they live on the street.

Do you like dogs, mister? -Listen, Harry.

If I ask a question, you answer, that's all.

And you don't call a teacher "mister", but as...

"Boss?" -No, little boy, it's "sir"!

Got it, pal.

Got it, Pal? What does that mean?

Just say: "Yes, sir!"

Okiedokie!

Say "Yes sir", or I'll throw you out!

"Yes sir or I'll throw you out!" -Let's get on!

Do you know or are you fooling me? -I wouldn't dare, Mister Legless.

My name is Legness. Not Legless.

And that's not funny.

Hello, Wilkes. -Hello, my boy.

Are we going to look for my father?

I've only got one ticket. I can't afford two.

I'll wait here for you. With Blacky.

I'm afraid that's not possible, Crumble. You can't stay here.

Will you write about your journey? -I'll keep you informed.

Promise you will keep it up here. Stiff upper lip, you promise?

I will, Wilkes. Come back safely.

I'd just as soon have no father than lose you.

Your father is a better man than I, Crumble.

If only because he's your father.

Keep well.

Thank for you help with the visa.

I assure you, this boy deserves it.

Go get em, Wilkes!

The dog can stay in the shed...

...but you'd better not bring that filthy animal inside.

You'd be in real trouble!

A nice bed... come on, Blacky.

There you are, boy. You're most welcome.

Sit in your old place.

Leave them alone. -Says who?

Says me. Or are you deaf? -Mind your own business.

Just wait your turn.

Let's pray.

In the name of the Father, and the Son...

...and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Blacky can do tricks.

Now dead, Blacky. Dead.

Someone's coming!

I thought I heard something.

Harry.

You know the dog's not allowed inside! If father sees this, there'll be hell to pay!

Please let him stay. He won't harm anyone.

I know that, but you can't have a dog in bed.

He can sleep on the floor and tomorrow I'll take him to the shed.

But don't say anything to Keyzer.

Just this once.

Harry Volker. Come here this instant!

You have no manners or discipline...

...and you're disobedient.

You let that dog in while I had forbidden it.

You even let him sleep in your bed!

Under the bed.

"Father".

Say it. Call me "father".

You're a sewer rat...

...best exterminated.

But I'll get you.

I'll beat that insolence out of you.

Unbutton your shirt.

I've given Blacky some food.

Thank you.

A piece of sausage.

Try to sleep. In a week you can lie on your back again.

We know how you feel. He beats all of us.

I didn't say it... -What?

I didn't call him "father". -Quite right.

He doesn't deserve to be called that.

No...

That's very good, Harry. I'll teach you a song.

I don't want to learn from you. You betrayed Blacky.

You really think I did that?

Wise up and look around.

Was it Belly? -As I said: I'm not a traitor.

Someone told me it was you. -What?

That you betrayed Blacky.

It serves you right. -You dirty traitor!

If you do that again, I'll beat you.

Here, two letters: for you and Harry. Will you take it?

I have a letter!

From my father.

"Dear Dan, how are you, my son...?

"I hope they give you good food.

"I ordered Mr Keyzer to take extra care of you.

"So that you will be a healthy Dutch boy.

"Your Mum and Dad are doing fine.

"Specially because of the great weather last week.

"Greetings from Father and I'll write soon."

Stiff upper lip.

Look Harry, let's learn the notes.

Play after me: C D E F G, then A B C.

C D E F G

Use your other finger.

Boy, you do learn fast. In just two months!

Try the next piece.

One for me, from my father.

You never get post, do you?

Or did you think there was something for you?

Here, take a look.

The lid is locked!

I'm not allowed to give you any more lessons.

The Father won't allow it.

You're the only sensible one here.

Some money's been stolen...

...from the drawer in my office!

The culprit can now step forward and own up.

Is someone going to own up?

Or must I beat it out of you?!

Who stole that money?!

I didn't, if what you think.

Really? And why not?

Nothing was ever stolen here. You're the last to arrive.

You don't have to say anything.

I'll find out anyway.

What's this?

A guilder.

A guilder!

I didn't do it.

Pick it up.

I shall have to take you to the station, Harry.

Wilkes will be disappointed when he hears about your misconduct.

You should know how much he protected you.

He said you understand the difference between crime and good fun.

Now what is this, Crumble.

Good fun?

I didn't do it.

Go fetch your dog, and we can go.

I promised Wilkes, Blacky, but we can't stay.

I didn't do it.

I know...

Come on... I'll help you.

Climb up... You must hurry.

Why aren't you going with me?

Anything is better than here. -I'll stay.

Come and sit down.

Grown-ups can't be trusted, Blacky.

Not my father and mother...

...nor the Commissioner, nor Father Keyzer...

Not even Wilkes.

Come on, Blacky!

When shall we bring the new piano?

As soon as possible.

I just moved here and need to practice.

This is not a toy shop. And dogs are not allowed.

Oh, let him play.

Never discourage a child who's interested in music.

Shall we play?

Very good! Who taught you? -My mother.

And can you also read music? -Yes, C D E F G A B.

She'll be very proud of you. What's your name?

Crumble. -Crumble...

I never heard that name. I have to go.

Nice to meet you, Crumble.

Shall I lead the way?

Goodbye.

If you want to buy a piano, young man... -I'll know where to find you.

Show me your ticket!

I don't have one. -Out you go.

And buy a ticket!

Vera di Borboni?

Crumble... How nice to see you here.

Would you like to come inside? -I haven't got any money!

Never mind. Tonight you're my guest.

He has bad concussion. He will probably start vomiting.

He has to stay in bed...

...in a darkened room.

We'll take care of him. -Good night, madam.

It's can't be true.

It's a joke.

You're here...

...with me.

You play the piano very well, mademoiselle.

Thank you, sir.

You realise the training lasts for four years?

Yes, sir.

Music means a lot to me.

What is your name?

My name is Vera.

Lize van Dien.

Blacky! Old boy! Where are we?

I see the young man is feeling a lot better today.

I shall warn madame immediately.

And don't get out of bed, little one. Doctor's orders.

We're in a foreign country, Blacky.

I can't understand a word.

My boy...

Its nice to see you feeling better.

You had quite a bang in that accident.

You slept for six days.

What's the matter? Not feeling well?

I see you've had something to eat.

It wasn't me. It was Blacky.

He's my only friend. He's all I've got.

There's Spike in the orphanage and Wilkes...

...but he's in America, looking for my father.

Everyone calls me Crumble...

...but my name's Harry Volker, like my father.

My father fought against Indians and crooks.

He looked for gold, but they robbed him.

And now he has to take his revenge and then he shoots them.

How do you know all this?

That's what happens in the Wild West.

I've seen it in the cinema. My father is a hero!

And your mother...? -My mother? I hate her.

She didn't want me, so I don't want her.

Tell me all about Wilkes. How did you end up with him?

If Wilkes gets in touch you have my address. Ask him to contact me.

Thank you. -Madam...

How did you get this?

Regards from Spike.

He found these letters in Belly's desk.

Letters?

From Wilkes!

Wilkes is coming back!

He'll be in Rotterdam on 15 August! -That's tomorrow!

He asked me to pick him up.

Doesn't he say anything about your father?

He couldn't find him.

Now I'll never have a father and mother.

Never.

I'm going live with Wilkes.

What do you know about your mother...

...apart from the fact that she left you.

Only what Mrs Koster told me. That she was young...

...and my father didn't marry her, because she was so lousy.

Lousy people don't deserve you.

Luckily he left for America in time.

And your mother stayed behind.

You have to understand. An unmarried woman having a child...

...has a hard time in this society.

A woman like that is rejected.

Men have no problems, but women take the blame.

That's not fair. -No, it's not.

And if there's something you really want. Something you're good at.

It's an urge inside you like music in your heart.

And if you're very young, you haven't got any money...

...then you have no choice as a single mother.

I think my mother could play the piano.

Just like me. -Not as good as you.

Hey, here we are! -Crumble... I...

Wilkes! Wilkes! Here I am!

Hell's bells, Blacky! My father!

Nice idea, bringing your mother along. -My mother?

Wilkes, come here.

This is Lize van Dien.

Wilkes, you have to tell me...

...why you didn't say you'd found my father.

I didn't tell you because I hadn't found him.

But you were coming home! How can that be?

Wilkes, it's all yours.

Okay. I searched all over America.

I asked everywhere, but no one knew anything about your father.

Every trail went cold. Very frustrating.

I was really upset when my visa expired and I had to return.

Incredible...

"Not Dutch". That's what he said.

I don't know why I went to the harbour.

Maybe because I had nothing else to do. Maybe I was just curious.

Wilkes.

Harry Volker.

Chris Wilkes.

Is this your ship?

The whole harbour is mine.

And you called your ship Lize? -Yes. Lize.

It was because of that model.

In America I never told anybody I came from Holland.

It's a miracle I'm here with you...

With all of you.

Hey! Crumble!!!

I'll be damned. It's your father!

Thank you very much!

What a beautiful car!

A fire engine! Just what I always wanted!

Hello everyone. Sorry that I'm so late.

This is for you, commissioner.

Everyone is getting the same present...

...but Crumble can open his first.

Well I never! Wilkes wrote a book!

You shouldn't have written it about me. Who wants to read it?

I don't care, Crumble. I wanted to write it.

But reading it is another story.

Well done.

Wilkes, you did it.

Am I agreeable? -I'd say: read it.

No one will read it.

"Get out, or I'll kick you out."

"Please, give me a currant bun" the little boy begged.

The fat baker was getting furious now...