Original subtitles

On December 16, 1933, a murder was committed in Bitterholm on the Elbe.

The police are pursuing a certain Karl Schäffler, a shipyard worker,

as the murderer.

Stop!

Stop right there!

He's not coming back up. Finished.

The current is swift.

The case is closed when I have the body.

Jan on the Barge

What's that over there?

I can't stop crying about today's youth.

Why don't you step aside.

Well walked, big guy.

Where are you going?

To Bitterholm.

I need to get out to Bitterholm. It's the next one.

My father is picking me up.

You still have at least 15 minutes.

My father is a carpenter at the shipyard.

I stayed with friends after my mother's death.

Now he wants to take me forever.

We wrote letters to each other for a whole year.

Always just letters, that's nothing.

I have all my things in a suitcase.

And firecrackers. Great things.

Should I get another one?

Well then, forget it.

Bitterholm!

Bitterholm!

Bitterholm!

Get in and close doors.

Close the doors!

Father?

Get down!

I am Jan Schäffler.

- My father lives here. - Schäffler?

He's not here, your father.

But he lives here.

He used to live here.

And now?

Now he is where he belongs.

So you don't know where your father is?

He didn't leave you any message either.

For example, telling you not to come now.

He wanted to pick me up from the train station.

There was no one there.

Your father surely has friends here.

You could ask them about it.

- But I don't know anyone. - Just think about it, come on!

Sergeant, you were going to brew coffee.

I'm telling you, Schäffler is dead.

Your father must have known that you were coming.

Your letter was in his jacket.

And he took it off before he went into the water.

Into the water?

Why?

On the run.

Murder.

Your father is a murderer.

My father is a murderer.

Murderer.

Murder in Bitterheim solved!

Red Front criminals at the Elbe!

Murderer drowned while fleeing!

Murder in Bitterholm solved!

Red Front criminals at the Elbe!

Murder in Bitterholm solved!

Your father is a murderer.

Your father is a murderer.

A murderer.

Your father is a murderer.

- My father is a murderer. - A murderer.

No!

Is something wrong, boy?

Must have had a bad dream.

♪ Two more times we'll wake up, then it's Christmas Day. ♪

A fine mess.

A murderer in a family.

They all read the newspapers in the village.

My brother is a murderer.

A fine mess.

Let them look all they want. I celebrate Christmas at my place. No funeral.

Not at my place.

First marrying a foreign-blooded Czech woman and then meddling in politics,

the know-it-all.

Well now, come here.

Well now, the aunt is happy again.

But if you think I'll feed you through...

Well, maybe working will make a person out of you.

This is the son...

Hey!

Look, look.

Water! Fire brigade burned down...

Water! Fire brigade burned down...

I'm Max.

The one with the leather jacket...

You have to watch out for him.

Son of the local farmers' leader.

Owns 30 hectares, a sharp guy.

Everyone else here is cheap on average.

Aha.

Not much, huh?

What?

That "Aha."

My name is Jan.

Aha.

Schoolhouse The strength of the people lies in our children.

The party is Hitler.

Hitler, however, is Germany...

Don't always hang out with Max, I don't want that.

You're not alone in the village, everyone sees each other here.

Stand up straight.

"Thank you", could you at least say that?

The pants must be shorter.

Three, four...

♪ Oh you beautiful Westerwald ♪

Three, four...

♪ The wind whistles so cold over your heights ♪

♪ But the smallest sunshine ♪

♪ Penetrate deep into the heart ♪

Stop singing!

Section!

Stop!

Left about face!

At ease.

Schäffler, five steps forward. March!

About face!

You know who that is.

The mother was Czech.

The father was a Red.

That's worse than being a Jew.

Here, you forget about that.

Here, you forget about your father and mother.

- Zicke Zacke, Zicke Zacke. - Hoi, hoi, hoi!

- Zicke Zacke, Zicke Zacke. - Hoi, hoi, hoi!

To become German!

Pants down, Schäffler.

Hurry up now.

Youth leader!

Stop!

Get ready.

Maybe he's not dead after all.

- Maybe... - Yes, yes, he must be dead.

He would never have left me alone in a strange city.

Did you see the picture in the newspaper?

And what if it is true after all?

All newspapers write it, and everyone says it.

Not me.

Oh you...

Communists are not murderers.

How do you know that?

Why did my father run away?

Well, do you know now?

The Nazis sometimes kill their own people.

Political murders and such. Do you understand that?

Then they always look for someone to pin it on.

Communists always make a good target.

And they find one.

Sometimes dead, sometimes alive.

Can you say something?

Save it for the pigs.

It's possible that he's alive.

- It could actually be true. - Don't talk nonsense.

Whether he's dead or alive...

One thing is certain: your father is not a murderer.

He couldn't have been.

I know that.

Don't ask me how.

But I ask.

You can ask.

Well then, spit it out!

- I can't do that, man! - Then get lost!

You're branding him as a murderer and you're the only one who believes it.

You don't just throw your father away like that, man!

Get lost.

Go!

Dear Madam Mrs. Schoffler Grandmother, Lindenstrasse 3

Murder in Bitterholm Red Front crime on the Elbe

Your father was the smuggler down on the Elbe.

He brought the people who had to leave Germany to Hermann.

The man on the barge.

He transports them up here.

And up here, there's a smuggler.

He brings people across the border into Czechoslovakia.

And smuggles them back.

Your father was just the first link in a long chain.

That's why he ran away when they wanted to catch him.

And you're the smuggler?

No, just the food gatherer.

That's how it is.

And out there in the waiting shelter, there are people...

who have to wait as long as it takes until the coast is clear.

Come here.

Do you see them?

Don't mess with them.

They strike back.

And they have their people in the village.

And?

And what?

How do you know? About my father.

Up there, there's someone.

A teacher and journalist.

The SA broke his bones.

Your father saved him.

Then let him tell me himself. Your teacher.

Be human, Max.

I can't.

It is against the rule.

You can say something!

You don't just throw your father away like that.

You said it.

I did that?

Did anyone see you on the way here?

Go ahead.

Will be soon.

I'll tell you where to go.

Now turn right.

That's him. The son of the smuggler.

What you're doing is against the rules.

My client should be here soon. I'm being picked up.

You don't just throw your father away like that, he said.

He wants to hear it from you.

Your father brought me to Hermann.

That's the man on the barge.

80 kilometers from Bitterholm, up the river.

On December 16. Right when it hit there.

So your father can't be the killer.

Fact.

That should be enough for you.

You must leave now.

Is he still alive?

I don't know.

The man on the barge, Hermann.

Remember the name.

- He's the only one who... - Stay in the cabin!

Max, away from here!

Circle!

They are done.

We'll collect later. Let's go now!

Don't let them through!

Back!

Back to the wall, boys!

Jan!

Father!

Father!

Jan!

Father!

Father!

Turn around.

Please.

Your name is Jan.

And yours?

Erika.

My mother was named that.

Did I talk a lot?

What people talk for three days straight in a fever?

Was there a sick person on board on the last trip?

A teacher.

A real smarty pants.

A professor, in fact.

The purest hospital ship in recent times.

And the man on the barge?

There are two.

My father, he's involved in freight and Pirna, you don't know him.

And?

And the boatswain.

He's like a gypsy. Whenever we're on land, he's on the move.

You're looking for your father.

Martin!

Yes?

The red-head is alive again.

He can continue to fire.

Martin.

Where do you know the song from?

(informal) Where do you know the song from?

What song?

The one you were whistling earlier.

(informal) The one you were whistling earlier.

- No. - No?

No, the one from earlier.

I don't know any others.

Really.

Well, okay.

Red-head, the corner is burning, the fire department comes running.

Hey, tell me, what's going on with you?

You've run away, haven't you?

Run away from some nasty relatives.

I've done it twice.

I wanted to go to America.

A sailor. On a big ship.

They caught me in Riesa.

The second time in Hamburg.

What are you grinning about?

Your real name is Martin?

Well, yes. Why?

Not Hermann?

Hermann too, of course.

Hermann, Martin, Liebig.

Well then.

Well then.

Visitors are coming.

Well...

Hello, Erika.

Heil Hitler, Mr. Glotsche.

But not with Wiesemann. He's holding the flag high.

Greetings, Liebig.

Well, what's up your sleeve?

Otto.

The boss is in Pirna because of freight.

Is something wrong?

We‘re looking for a boy, a red-haired one.

What have you noticed?

Such a fuss about the boy going on a journey.

Only three men.

Three is good.

The whole company, that's something political.

There are a lot of people attached to that guy.

Heil.

You didn't say anything, Martin.

Neither did you.

I still can.

There are rats on the ship.

Why are you staring like that?

A political person.

I‘ll go again.

Where is she going?

Well...

You're the man on the barge.

Martin, you are him.

There are many men on the barges.

What do you think, how many are there?

Alright.

So very delicate.

Well, we made it, after all.

Well, then give my regards to your father, okay?

Order helps economize.

You peel thick.

The shells do not go on the table. Pick them up.

Face of a murderer Brutal murder of a party comrade by a communist criminal

Up at the border, there are said to have been deaths in a shootout.

You can't talk, can you?

Red-head, the hedge is burning.

Do you resemble your father?

Why do you ask?

Just interested.

I haven't seen him in a long time.

Is he also a red-head?

No.

Martin!

Martin!

Who is that?

I want to know who that is.

My nephew.

I'm not stupid, man.

It has already spread among the bums. The boy is wanted.

Get dressed.

- They've already been here. - And?

- Nothing and. - Well, you fool.

I won't let myself be shot as a traitor because of the red-haired boy.

Go ahead and go to the concentration camp. The Wiese, not!

I have something to lose.

All of this.

Whoever is wanted will be delivered.

I owe that to myself and to my business, understand?

You should get dressed.

Then you'll have to deliver me with you, Richard.

And your daughter too.

Are you trying to blackmail me?

The nephew has been on the boat for four days already.

And we didn't say anything to anyone.

They'll beat it out of him at the Juvenile House once they catch him.

And then they will ask us, Wiese.

You too.

And you know how they ask, right?

If something happens, I'll kill myself and the girl, understood?

And make sure you always stay far away from me.

Get up off your ass, Martin.

Firefighters are coming here.

Red-head has burned down.

So, done.

Like a gypsy.

Do you have something against gypsies?

Why are you doing all this for me?

How should I know?

You are completely different from your father.

I am not.

You must be coming from the border up there.

Do you have a problem with that?

Do you also have a new cabin boy?

Sniffer.

Martin!

Greetings, Richard.

That was quick.

I'll come to you too.

I have a problem on my hands, harbor master.

Who is that?

The nephew.

That's Martin's nephew.

Who came by for a few days.

Gypsy.

The hair.

Hi, Mr. Brühl.

Good day.

You can have two tickets, Erika, for the cinema.

Special performance.

- I give your father. - Thank you.

You have to register the young Richard.

Order must be maintained in the state of Denmark.

In Hamburg, they have become strict now, they're checking everything.

In Hamburg, he's no longer on the boat.

Bye, Mr. Brühl.

Come.

Pretty couple.

What kind of business do you have, Mr. Richard?

You can forget it.

- I'll buy you a beer. - Does Martin have something up his sleeve?

Actually, I came for you because of the cargo. Pure stubble, but still.

Are you coming to the cinema with me?

For my sake.

Well, for your sake.

Where did you get that from?

From Martin.

He's different than you think, your Martin.

So?

Hitler Youth Quex A film about the spirit of sacrifice of the German youth

The sniffer.

- What's wrong? - It's definitely a sniffer.

It is our desire and will that this state and this empire

shall endure for the coming millennia.

We can be happy to know that this future is completely ours.

Even if the older generations might falter,

the youth is devoted to us with envy and honor.

It's good that you're here.

Martin, you know him, right?

Take that away, Jan.

And don't show it to anyone.

Okay, Martin.

I am a sensitive person, you know.

I don't know if I could endure questioning by the Gestapo without talking.

And don't tell the girl anything.

Spring has erratic weather, and you know how women are these days.

Tell me, what do you think of my father?

He's one of those...

I mean, he does what he thinks.

You can rely on him.

One hundred percent. Really.

He's not afraid.

And why he does all that, he knows, being a smart man.

- Is he still alive? - Of course he's still alive.

Definitely.

- Go on. - Yes.

You must know who to trust.

You know how women are.

Magdeburg, forward.

In a marching flight, Martin!

That's the nephew of our boatswain.

That's the professor.

He tutors the children of sailors.

Every time we pass by here, he takes a little ride.

Ahoy.

Ahoy.

Where is it missing this time, Erika?

Oh, fractions.

Oh God, fractions are pretty much the worst.

Hurry up a bit so that the stove finally gets warm.

And put the kettle on. The professor needs a hot drink.

He can't afford to catch a cold again.

Pneumonia. I had pneumonia.

So you won't get any wrong ideas.

The sick person on our barge, that was the professor and no one else.

Just ask Martin.

Ask him what he's hiding up his sleeve. And what he's hiding in the closet.

Just ask him!

Away.

What about the man on the barge?

What's with the boy?

Stuff done lately.

I played theater with the little one.

Man on the barge.

Father's comrade.

Silly, isn't it?

But I felt good doing it.

When someone looks at you like that, you start feeling better about yourself.

Why are you telling me this?

I just wanted to tell someone.

Do you understand that?

If someone spits above in the Elbe, you can say who it was in Hamburg below.

Maybe you can tell me where things are headed with the little one.

Just focus on the little one, Professor!

Stay on board, the night is clear after all.

Otherwise, you might fall into the water again.

It's getting cold.

Should I show you this?

Then at least I'll say it.

It's sickening how noble you are.

Here.

Look at what I have up my sleeve.

That's me.

Not everyone can be a fighter.

Why are you shouting?

Hey Martin, where is the nephew going?

Jan.

How did you think of me?

People say they can tell down in Hamburg who spits into the Elbe from above.

That can only be known by someone to whom everyone tells everything.

Maybe I can help.

I have an acquaintance from old times, the Pigeon Minna.

If I come with you, she might be willing to talk, I think.

You should dye your hair again.

The red is showing through over time.

Yeah?

Well, what is it?

And now the gentleman thinks he's knocking on the right door with me.

I wouldn't have come to you without the boy, Minna.

He needs you.

You still belong to the club.

That was a hundred years ago, the red color has faded.

Same for you.

She doesn't like me.

She doesn't trust me, the Pigeon Minna. Do you notice that?

She doesn't trust me.

Strange times.

Have you ever seen a rabbit pull its own fur over its ears?

♪ Bunny in the burrow, sat and slept, sat and slept. ♪

♪ Poor bunny, are you sick? ♪

♪ That you can't hop anymore ♪

♪ Bunny hop ♪

Bunny hop.

Okay.

Those who have birds shouldn't set nets.

Nothing to be done about Minna. We are not welcome here.

Come.

Where are you taking the boy?

Where he belongs, Minna.

Where he belongs.

Maybe someone from Minna's club will still be interested.

It's possible.

Stay on the boat in any case.

I'll send someone over today or tomorrow, definitely.

Thank you.

Don't you come with us?

No.

Hey, little professor!

I have another Petrovka, Professor. I invite you.

I have to make a quick errand first.

Then I'll enjoy the thing alone.

Petrovka, after all.

Well then, this time pleasure first.

After all, Petrovka.

So we drank with the Russians in Hamburg.

Aren't you dealing with the Russians anymore, Martin?

Are you not allowed?

You always have the best.

Always. It makes it special.

Can you see the way he looks?

I could drown myself if he looks over here.

♪ Fare well, my girl, ♪

♪ fare well, fare well ♪

Was a weak guy.

Was a weak guy.

Don't say that again, Martin.

Don't say that again.

Nobody kicks me anymore.

Now nobody kicks me anymore.

Never again.

♪ Fare well, my girl, ♪

♪ fare well, fare well ♪

♪ Yes, if the accordion sounds on board ♪

♪ Yes, the sailors are so happy ♪

What?

Drunks.

Go! Nephew! To the winches!

To me!

I am a weak little man.

I am a weak little man.

I am a weak little man.

I am a mighty little guy.

Actually, all of you are already dead.

When I leave the boat, all of you will be shot.

Everyone here.

Do you see this?

The visit to Minna with you, it was worth it.

You're a treasure.

At kilometer 394, a man named Hermann picks people up with his boat.

I'll blow them all up.

And Minna too with her red association.

And you too.

Schäffler, Jan, the redhead, son of the tugboat captain.

Worm on the hook.

Bait for the big fish.

Your father will take the bait. Eventually, your father will take the bait.

Out!

And she's also involved, with all her loved ones.

That one too.

When I go ashore now, all of you will be shot.

All of you.

Man, Martin!

Martin!

Does he take your father with him?

If he finds out something, he'll kick the bucket.

He'll kill himself.

♪ Wake up, damned of this earth ♪

If he gets to shore, then it's all over.

If he gets to shore.

♪ Overcoming for the human right ♪

♪ SA marches ♪

♪ Looking at the swastika ♪

♪ Millions full of hope already ♪

Don't cry.

End of the day! To the winches, go!

And now?

He's been in the water before.

The drunkard.

The professor.

Everyone knows that.

I have to report this.

If someone suddenly disappears, I have to report it, understood.

They'll come aboard the barge.

Criminal police and such.

Oh well, let it go.

Everyone really knows that he went swimming before.

And that he was a drunkard and a weak little man.

You can't let someone like that on the water.

Exactly.

Where does he want to go?

You stay here!

Jan!

Jan!

Erika!

Jan!

Erika!

Jan!

Erika!

English subtitles by andrass and DreamScape