Original subtitles

Dad, can I help you?

Well, climb up, then.

Okay, so shave with the hairs.

Yes, start at my ear. And slowly go down.

Very good.

I can't see the hairs, because of the soap.

You're doing just fine.

And now my chin.

Not too fast. Slowly.

What did I just say? -Does it hurt?

I can take a bit of pain.

How was Prague? -Busy. Many people waiting to leave.

You're flying back in an hour.

When we passed the Dutch border, they all started clapping and crying.

Visas all in order? -Most want to go to England.

Traveling through is fine, but if the visas aren't in order, they go back.

That's why we keep them together. -We can't send those people back.

They are 'undesirable elements', says the government. What do you want me to do?

The KLM doesn't choose sides.

Those people are afraid of war. -There won't be any war.

We'll all stay safe.

We're not going. I changed my mind, we're staying here.

Yes, hello. My mother is coming, my sister, my friends will come by.

Don't be so quick to bite. I had you there, didn't I?

You're so quick to bite.

Okay, we're going. I surrender, we're going.

We'll go to that cold little country of yours.

For you.

Tomorrow.

When will you see a doctor? -As if you never have a cold.

Not all year round.

I'll go in Holland. If it's not over by then.

Promise? -For you?

Promise.

INVITATION 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Old Kent Road, I want that one.

Are you still not done? I thought it was at one...

It's on the calendar. -Oh, so that settles it.

So I have to come? -It's an anniversary.

Can't we just make it a nice day? It will look odd if you're not there.

She is coming, I assume. And that's not odd?

No one knows, only you, much as I regret it.

Oh, so that you do regret. -Should I fire her?

I'm not going to Schiphol. I'm not going to celebrate.

Jan would have wanted you to go, you know...

Congratulations.

Good that you got him to come. -He forgets how loved he's here.

Ladies and gentlemen, your attention, please?

Although our factory is in full production, of course...

we couldn't resist offering the big boss a unique present.

How did you do this? -Copied from photos and drawings.

It was quite a job, but it flies. -It flies?

It flies?

Thanks, Co. -You're welcome.

Tony, can you say a few words for the Cinema News? Here's the microphone.

Where do I stand? -There.

Here? -Yes.

I stand in front of that old Spin again that I built over 25 years ago.

Back then I sat out in the open on two small beams with 50 hp.

And now we sit with 36 passengers in a closed cabin with thousands hp.

I'm extremely proud of this anniversary.

Not only because 20 years ago I started my Dutch factory...

but because in those 20 years I've built an industry...

that in my opinion is only at the beginning of what we can expect.

And I hope that this will be in the interest of Dutch prosperity.

Thank you.

Before we ask Mr Fokker to make a flight with the Spin...

I'd like to tell you what else we have achieved since that time.

I proudly present to you the showpiece of the Dutch Air Force, the D-21 .

And there flies our new bomber, the G1 . Take note of the rotating gun turret.

I didn't build that one. I built that one.

Ladies and gentlemen, the French call it 'the Mower'. And they should know, right?

This concludes the official part. There are snacks and drinks.

Take an up-close look at the Spin. We'll wait till Tony is ready. Enjoy yourselves.

Proud?

Nice of you to stop by.

If I'd known that it would be another big advertising show...

I didn't know that either, believe me.

Are you going to fly it, the Spin? -If I still know how.

Be careful.

How's it going, with you?

Are you here for long?

We're staying at my mom's, so till she kicks us out or the Germans invade us.

That's not going to happen. -Oh no?

No.

You must be glad people are afraid of war. That way you sell more bombers.

Van Tijen runs the factory.

So I leave that in his hands.

So you don't think it will be war? -No, they're just flexing their muscles.

That's all. -That's all?

I think Hitler does exactly as he pleases. -A bit like you, you mean?

He's only five months older than me.

Militarily speaking it's quite impressive what he has been able to achieve.

They're asking if you want to make a flight.

I hope you're right.

Why did you have to fly that thing? -You didn't even wear a scarf.

One short flight. I've flown in open cockpits for years.

And now you have sinusitis.

What's that? -A cavity inflammation.

The mucous membrane in the nose swells up, so the fluid can't escape.

That gives you those bad headaches.

Is it serious? -No, but it's painful.

I'll prescribe a saline solution. But you also have an obstruction in your nose.

You might consider having it surgically removed.

It'll facilitate your breathing. -I don't smoke, I don't drink...

Start with that saline solution, doctor. -Okay.

I'm so glad you were able to come.

Well, I won't just let them do surgery on me.

Have you ever heard yourself snore? -I always sleep through it.

Say, we can also go to a hotel. -Why? I like it at your mother's.

You can be so childish with doctors. -I know all about it.

Just like his father. Should you get a child, he'll probably be the same.

Well, don't count on it. Then I'll have two toddlers to look after. No, thanks.

Hey, can't you sleep? -No.

What are you doing? -I'm working on a plan...

to make sure peace is maintained.

What?

If we let it depend on the politicians, it'll be war again, so I'm taking action.

But how? -It's not finished yet.

If you want peace to be maintained, you have to leave it to the directors.

We have most to lose if it blows up again. -The directors?

Yes, of course. If war breaks out, everything will come to a stop.

And you're going to explain that to the Germans?

Yes, and the English. I'm not taking sides.

If we just discuss this whole rumpus calmly and matter-of-factly...

we'll find a solution.

I didn't want to wake your mother. Go to sleep now, Pietje.

And don't worry, okay? We're all going to stay safe here.

Mr Plesman is in a meeting.

This is madness. -It's the opposite of madness.

Piet, take a hike.

I'll pretend I haven't read it. -Who should we approach first?

The Germans or the British? -Neither.

Frits, I'll convince them. You know I can.

The director of the KLM doesn't visit Adolf Hitler.

He leaves that to politicians. -Politicians.

Just don't, this is a question of state politics.

You know those people. You can get me... -I forbid you from making this plan public.

You forbid me?

Do you think you can still forbid me anything?

I am Plesman, from the KLM.

Turn that awful music off. It could drive a person crazy.

I didn't know you were listening too.

Suus.

News just came in that the negotiations between Hitler and Stalin have ended...

with an agreement to a non-aggression pact between Germany and the Soviets.

That means Hitler has a free hand now.

Appie, don't frighten your sister. -He's not the one frightening me.

Don't you worry, I'm working on it.

That new yacht in New York has cost me a fortune.

But it's a revolution, Co. -A revolution?

For shipbuilding. You know what I want? -No, I don't know what you want.

That in two years it'll be outdated again. We must keep innovating, not stand still.

Do you need draughtsmen for your boat? Is that it?

No, I'm just telling... -We're working overtime.

We have orders for that G-1 from Spain, Sweden, Denmark.

I know you're busy. -Soon from the Turks, Belgians and Finns.

It is a magnificent machine. -And of course our own air force.

I don't have time to talk about boats.

Whose name is on this aircraft?

You only work here because I once hired you, Co.

So if I want to talk about boats, you have to listen.

What's on the stocks for the KLM? -Nothing.

What, nothing at all? -You know Plesman's position.

But if we lose civil aviation... -We already lost it some time ago.

What's the matter? Why aren't you working?

Germany has invaded Poland.

Maybe you should give priority to the Dutch machines, Co.

Where can we go over sea? -Copenhagen, Oslo.

So no longer over Germany, Hungary, Italy... Goddammit.

We have to stop the East Indies line. -That's where the money comes from.

It must stay operative. -But how?

Parmentier for you. -I'll call him back.

He says it's important. -Should I try to reach Batavia?

Shut up, everyone.

He'll call you right back.

We have to keep flying.

Dad? I've been conscripted.

I have to join the army, Dad.

Oh. -Yes.

Does your mother know yet?

No. -Good for your body, get some exercise.

I had a great time in the army. Comradery, discipline.

But you didn't have to fight for real. -Nor do you.

We're staying neutral. Hitler has guaranteed our neutrality.

I'll give you a call this evening. Yes?

What did Parmentier want?

No, Koen, I won't accept it, goddammit. -It's not up to me, boss.

All reserve officers are being mobilised. -Without you guys I can cancel domestic.

I'm really sorry. -We have to keep flying.

And we will keep flying, only not with passengers.

I'm still here, boss.

Can you tell that Stalin he's an asshole? -No problem, boss.

Mom?

Jojo and I are going back to America soon. -Already?

If you'd rather stay in a hotel... -Oh no, that's not it.

I'm no longer needed at the factory, and my yacht is in New York.

I have nothing left to do here.

As long as you call me. -But we were thinking...

Wouldn't you like to go with us? -Me? To America?

No, forget it. -It's a wonderful country.

I don't know a soul there. And your father lies buried here.

Yes, and soon you'll lie next to him. -Come now.

Mom, it's going to be war. It's war already. And they'll also come here.

It need not be forever. -No, till it's safe again here.

Sort of a vacation? -Yes, sort of a long vacation.

Do you have room for me over there? -Plenty of room.

It would be an adventure. -Yes.

What's... Jojo.

You will have that surgery, you hear? -Not in Holland.

They couldn't save Dad either. -You can't go on like this.

In America, when we're home. They have the best doctors there.

Promise?

For you, promise.

You look handsome. -But what did he say?

And if we fly over sea?

Yes?

That entire area?

What's this for? -That's a bread sack, for bread.

Bread? -Yes, to make sandwiches for the Krauts.

You want to hold it? -Call them right now.

Here, hand in the back.

Wait. Yes, that's it. -Yeah-yeah.

Just watch your bread sack, nutsack. -Doofus.

Jan would laugh his head off.

I have to go.

No, that's useless.

That's what I just said, Switzerland is useless.

Ab.

No, never mind. -Be careful.

Yes, Mom.

What was that?

And what about Malm�? Is that possible?

Piet, hold on one second. One second.

Have fun.

So we'll fly to England with those Douglases.

Yes, they're a bit slower, but...

What do I know? Dump those things in a corner. Or otherwise ask Johan.

What do I care if the entire office fills up with mail bags?

No, Piet, it's not a problem. Just dump them right there.

What do you want me to do? The French won't let us fly over either.

Then announce in the paper that the East Indies Line is officially stopped.

That'll be the end of the KLM. -At least people will stop sending mail.

The PTT can't allow this. Then we'll just revert to train transport.

Piet, who do we know at the German Railway?

Albert, no...

Passengers, pilots and mail will from now on go by train from Amsterdam to Naples.

From there they'll fly on to Batavia. There, that's solved.

We have to keep flying.

They're shooting.

I'll dive into the clouds and shake him off. Don't tell the passengers.

A... A loose antenna wire. Nothing to worry about.

Over open sea. -It was an accident.

It says 'Holland'. -We received an apology telegram.

We're going to paint all Douglases orange. -But this is a declaration of war.

Not a declaration of war, an accident.

And not a word to the press, or no one will dare to fly anymore.

And rightly so. -The KLM flies all over the world...

and will keep doing so. -This is ridiculous.

What do you want instead? Only fly to London and back?

That's how we started 20 years ago.

How long do I have to keep this up? -Till all the green snot has come out.

Can't I keep a little bit? This is not very pleasant.

Look, still such a young man. He'd just come back from Germany.

And he weighed 20 kilos less. -I was emaciated.

Oh, Herman.

He was so proud of Tonnie. -I can imagine.

He invited everyone to the ELTA.

And when it was going well in America, he had the American papers sent over.

Yes, those war planes he disapproved of.

But when Tonnie started working for civil aviation...

'We must have done something right with that boy,' he always said.

This country owes Tonnie a lot, if you ask me.

Cute, right? -Yes.

Tonnie?

October 1 91 9, that's when we founded the KLM.

And now, after 20 years, for the first time we made profit.

Congratulations, gentlemen, with all of the 73,609 guilders.

A wonderful annual report.

You do know why we made profit? -Yes, it's all in the annual report.

The relocation of population groups has had an undeniably stimulating influence...

on air traffic. -Yes, supply and demand.

Jewish refugees, that's what we're talking about.

At least here we can say so out loud.

There's a war ahead of us.

And we're drinking champagne.

Anything else, gentlemen? I'm a busy man.

A word of thanks for the man who has managed to challenge us for 20 years.

From the moment he left for England without our permission for the ELTA.

But despite our differences, I'm glad he heeds our advice more often these days.

And I hope he'll remain at the head of this company for a long time to come.

Cheers. -Cheers.

Right, further on the agenda only the acquisition of that new F-24.

Sorry? -Drawings are on the way.

The price is reasonable. -The F what? New Fokkers?

Yes, and we'll have to buy them, I fear.

Where's Fokker? -Not now, air raid exercise.

BRING YOUR BICYCLE

Anthony. -Hey, Ples, come to take shelter with me?

Just watch your back.

So what can I do for you?

I'm not going to buy those new machines of yours.

You can play it via the government, but Colijn can't force me either.

I only told Colijn how much I do for the army these days.

Out of the goodness of your heart, I'm sure.

And how odd it is that the KLM won't buy my passenger planes anymore.

He was very understanding. -Blackmail, that's what this is.

You exploit people's fears. -I make a virtue out of necessity.

You don't even need it, goddammit.

Have you taken a look at those blueprints yet?

I won't have this conversation again. The Americans are years ahead of you.

We can learn a lot from those fighters and apply all that to passenger planes.

Like what? Machine guns for the stewardesses?

For troublesome customers?

Like it or not, a war only makes my planes better. Just like 25 years ago.

Suddenly they had to go faster, higher, and be armed. So I built them like that.

And don't pretend you didn't benefit from it. Without Fokker there'd never have been a KLM.

The F-2, the first flight to the East Indies, the Pelikaan? All my doing.

The Uiver was a Douglas. -Douglas builds bombers too.

No aircraft manufacturer on earth that doesn't. But you only get angry at me.

I started this, because I wanted to connect countries, make the world smaller.

Flying for peace.

What do you get? Better airplanes, more destruction, more casualties.

I just build them. -Don't act so naive.

That ruckus with the Germans is your fault. -Explain that to me.

That deal of yours with the Russians. They were working with the Krauts and you knew it.

They were secretly able to re-arm in Russia because you saw money in it.

So now I have a war on my conscience? -Am I wrong?

Man, how you must hate me.

I don't hate you at all.

Why do you think I want to sell you a new machine?

You think I want to be remembered as that man from those war planes?

Do you care what people think of you? -I have no children, and I won't have any.

My airplanes, those are my children. I want a good future for them.

I... I'm sorry.

I think of him a lot lately.

Of Jan.

If he could see the two of us locked up like this together...

We're not locked up. You can leave whenever you want.

He thought everything about you was fantastic. He wanted to be you, his entire life.

Now...

without Jan...

But you have three other children, Albert.

Hans is in the army now.

I have a plan, a really good plan that can see to it that we keep the peace.

But no one is willing to listen to me. -That means you have to shout louder.

I can't go to the English, I can't get through to the Germans.

Do you want to meet G�ring?

Would that help? I can arrange it. I've known that lunatic for so long.

You can get me to see Hermann G�ring? -Former pilot, you know.

We swam naked in the Somme together. That creates a bond.

The exercise has ended, gentlemen.

Say...

I'll have a look at those blueprints. Maybe we should have a Fokker again.

For continuity's sake.

We have a response from the Luftfahrt. Hermann G�ring would like to meet you.

He actually did it. When? -Tomorrow.

You will land on Tempelhof and he will receive you on his private train.

I want this to be translated to German.

When you come back, I won't be here anymore.

I'm going to England.

Family of my mother. I can stay there and... I'll find an office job somewhere.

But why?

I think it's better.

For everyone.

If it's up to me, you don't have to go. I never said you should.

No, you never said that.

Do you need a letter of recommendation? - You just make sure that peace continues.

I'll see to that.

We used to think we were going to change the world, remember?

The world has changed.

I'm going. -Yes.

I'll be back late this evening.

What if you don't come back? -Of course I'm coming back.

What will I tell your children if you don't? -I will come back.

G�ring invited me himself. -You're playing with your life.

The director of the KLM. That will be a nice catch for them.

So what will I tell your children?

That I did it for them.

We'll land in 15 minutes, boss.

To the port of Rotterdam.

Tony.

Mom, what's the matter? -I... I can't do it.

If I leave now, I may never come back.

What does it matter? You'll be with us. -No...

But I can't leave you behind here. -I'm sorry, my boy.

No, Mom, you're coming. It may be hard now, but once we're on board...

But what if war breaks out here? -At least I'll be close to your father.

And you'll call me every day, right?

Of course.

Do you think we'll ever see the Netherlands again?

Follow me.

Is she calm? -Yes, I think so. She's very cute.

Edda, my little princess.

Thank you for the invitation.

I can't refuse Fokker anything, of course. I owe him a lot.

Real flying only started when he introduced his machine gun.

And later, in Sweden, I flew demos for him in the D.VII.

That was what I call flying. What an airplane.

A good airplane, definitely.

The man knows what airplanes are. But that's not why you're here.

No, I...

Peace Plan

'A proposal for peace.' Well, well.

Are you a pacifist?

I see that you want to repartition Africa.

And the Suez Canal has to be internationalised.

The data are on the next page. -And the Mediterranean Sea?

It will have to be demilitarised, for purposes of trade.

I know what Germany wants. -Oh really?

You want to be respected again, like before.

Is that such a crazy idea? -No, I...

That's why I say that you should be allowed to hold on in Eastern Europe...

to what you have now. -Thanks a lot.

Only then will England and America take you seriously again.

Isn't that what it's about?

I see here that Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands have to remain independent.

Incidentally just where you live. -No, that has nothing to do with it.

England should have a buffer. -Do the British say that?

This plan provides for a stable Europe.

We'll all lower our swords and maintain the peace.

An ambitious plan.

And dangerous, should it fall into the wrong hands.

Dangerous? -How do you think the F�hrer will react...

if he finds out I'm discussing a peace plan?

But...it's a good plan. -Yes, for you. Not necessarily for us.

I will have it destroyed for you.

But you can't...

What more do you want?

A good future for our children.

Isn't that what everyone wants?

Give my regards to Fokker.

They will think about it.

That G�ring is someone who will listen to reason.

Suus, I entered that carriage... -Good night.

I'll pick you up in a few hours. -Not too early, let me catch up on sleep.

If it works, I'll finally sleep again too. -You said it didn't bother you.

Sleep well, sweetheart. -See you later.

'No one talks about the war. We think it will blow over.

I'll probably die here of boredom sooner than from a bullet.

There are no books anywhere. How is Appie? And with you, dear Pietje?'

Plesman. -'Can you send photos?

Then I'll send some back. Hans.' -What did you say?

Once again, please.

Thank you.

Is it Hans? -No, nothing about Hans.

It...had to do with Fokker.

He's dead.

Anthony Fokker is dead.

Thank you. -Yes, thank you.

Thank you.

Mrs Fokker, my condolences, to both of you.

Thank you. Nice of you to volunteer to speak.

It's a fine day. I think Tonnie is flying today.

During the final weeks of his life, Anthony Fokker must have worried...

about the many plans that now remain unrealised.

We lament his passing, because an end has now come to the labour of his fertile mind.

Anthony had to fight many battles. Also with himself.

As someone as stubborn as he was, I recognise that only too well.

Unwillingly he designed airplanes that were meant for destruction.

Especially in recent years it became clear to him that it's insane...

how often we have to put aviation at the service of destruction.

That's why he must have derived great satisfaction...

from the series of models designed for passenger flights.

Although he lived abroad, his heart belonged to the Netherlands.

Now that he's gone, the great admiration of the Dutch people...

of his family, of his friends, will continue to go out to him.

Tony...

Anthony, you live forth in us.

In how we talk about you, in how we remember you.

Is everyone gone? -Yes.

Unbelievable.

So unfair. So goddamn unfair.

Suze, I miss him so much.

Our Jantje.

Our Jan.

Oh God.

I miss him so terribly.

I'm so sorry.

It's not your fault.

Who let him fly? It is my fault.

It's what he himself wanted.

I should just have... We should just have...

I would have liked more time with him.

It's all been for nothing.

It will be if we give up. But we're not going to.

No? -No.

Alright.

We're going home. - Yes.

Schiphol was bombed in May 1940.

Most planes were destroyed and the company was taken over by the occupying forces.

Albert Plesman was arrested and banned to the East of the country till the end of the war.

After the war Albert Plesman became director again and rebuilt the KLM from scratch.

The collaboration with Fokker lasted until 201 7

Today the KLM is the oldest airline in the world still flying under its original name.