Original subtitles

COPENHAGEN, 1933

UNRULY

Not that one.

This round is for Andersson. -Wallensten cheats.

I think I...

Maren?

Shouldn't we go home?

Was it that bad?

Maren... -Hold on.

If you want to go home, go.

How dare you come home so late?

Put on your sweater. Stop squealing, Sigrid.

Look who we have there.

Where have you been?

At Helga's.

Where did you get that?

Are you a thief?

And a whore? -Why?

Are you going with those other bitches gossiping about me?

You can't go to the factory like that. I'll call in sick.

You do, I don't care.

You can't go on like this, Maren.

A letter from Director Christiansen.

You can't fire me.

The director decided so.

But I make almost no mistakes.

You have been late nine times this month and sick four times.

Can I go talk to the director?

Go get your stuff.

Maren... -Don't.

I'll talk to the director. -Leave it.

But otherwise we won't make ends meet. -Ejnar doesn't have a job either.

Are you kicking me in the street?

You ruin it for yourself. I do talk...

I refuse to rot away in a sewing shop, just like you.

I understand that Dad left.

I'm sorry.

I just want to help you. I am afraid that you'll end up on the street.

I can manage myself just fine.

Hello. -Is your mother home?

There's a lady in front of you.

Hello, Mrs. Rasmussen. I am from the child protection agency.

Can we talk for a minute?

Yes, of course. Kaj, Ruth, Sigrid, come here a minute.

Sitting and being quiet. Clear?

Apologies for the mess. Please be seated.

Is your husband at home?

I've come to talk about Maren. Will I come back when he's home?

He...

I don't know where he is.

Is Maren at home?

When was the last time she was home?

A few days ago.

Is she gone for the first time?

We were approached by the vice police.

I understand she was fired?

We want to intervene now, before she goes down a bad path.

They...

She is not a...

...prostitute.

Some of your neighbors confirm that Maren is profligate.

With such behavior, without work, she will be arrested for vagrancy.

Does she get convicted when she's 18, she ends up in prison.

Sorry.

It must be hard, being alone with the kids.

I don't know what to do with Maren.

They...

I am not in control of her.

She ran away twice, in five days.

One time she had fought, the police had to bring her back.

Why is she here?

Debauchery and vagrancy. -And her family?

Father is an alcoholic and a bum.

Four siblings. No sign of weakness.

Training?

Basic Education. But with caveats.

She once attacked a teacher.

Hello, Maren.

Please, sit down.

I am Hans Otto Wildenskov, chief medical officer of the Keller Institute.

I am not retarded.

I have come to examine you. I'm going to ask you a few questions.

Do you understand what I am saying?

Yes. Do you understand what I'm saying?

I am not retarded.

Right.

Can you name the days of the week, starting with the first day?

What does that have to do with it?

It doesn't matter if this question fails.

We'll try the next one. Can you count backwards from 20 to 0?

Can you explain the difference between glass and paper?

These are simple questions, Maren. You can do better, I think.

You haven't had it easy, that's why we want to help you.

I don't need help, I want to talk to my mother.

Maren, you are now under child protection.

Your mother no longer has custody.

What does that mean?

That the child welfare agency Has full custody of you.

The headmistress wants me to determine how we can best help you.

Shall we start over?

Thanks.

She is somewhat retarded and maladjusted.

She is also dissolute and prone to wandering.

Our institution on the island is the right place for her.

Shall I inquire at Sprogø?

Yes, that seems fine to me.

Thank you, Dr. Wildenskov. -No thanks.

Hello, Maren.

I am Miss Nielsen, director of Sprogø women's home.

Shall I give you a hand? -No, thanks.

This is Maren. -Hello.

This is Miss Ahlefeldt-Laurvig, the administrator.

Come with me. I'll show you where you're staying.

A mistake has been made. I am not retarded.

Now come with me.

Had a good trip?

Wait here. I'll put your suitcase away and go get Sørine.

You share a room, she will tell you everything else.

How long do I have to stay?

Wait here, I'll get Sørine.

She is a very sweet girl, I'm sure you'll get along fine.

You had to wait for me in the garden.

And don't touch anything, you have to wash first.

I washed yesterday.

First wash and de-louse.

I was deloused in the asylum.

These are the rules. Come with me.

Come with me.

What tangles.

Here we comb our hair every day, and Miss Nielsen sees to that.

We wash once a week and soak for at least a minute.

Until you are in order, you can borrow a dress here.

I have my own clothes with me.

Those have been saved.

Why? -Such are the rules.

You sit here. Not until everyone is here.

Stop it, Elise. We're sick of it.

Only sing when asked.

Sorry. But I just love the song about that butterfly is just so cute.

Do you like it too? -Yes.

Elise, don't sing now. -No...

Oh, no. -Let me. Elise...

Give those shards to me. She has a piece of glass.

Give me that shard.

That's enough, Elise.

Come on. Sørine?

Take a seat, girls.

What about Elise?

You have to fold your clothes.

No, not like that. You have to get it right.

Where did they take her?

The reflection room, to calm down.

Move aside.

The light should go out now.

Sleep well.

This is the sewing room.

Models hang here. You are new, so you may sew three dresses for yourself.

You choose the fabric, it's right here.

Do we need to make those models?

There are no rules for that.

New girls usually make those , because they're easy.

But so I get to make my own dress?

Yes. But again, those models are easy.

Or are they not good enough?

If I can choose for myself, I'd rather make something nicer.

There are no rules for dresses.

Can I work anywhere else than in the sewing room?

I thought you liked it there.

Did something happen? -No.

But I think it would be good to work on other skills.

I haven't been been in the kitchen or the garden.

Sørine, you were supposed to help Maren find her place here?

And help her with her new dresses?

Yes, of course.

But I thought that after that...

Is Maren being difficult?

No. No, it's not.

I don't think Maren wants any help with her new dresses.

Sørine, I'm sure you remember how difficult it was in the beginning.

You didn't always know what was good for you.

Sorry, I'm sorry.

I feel so stupid.

Sørine...

Someone who has advanced so much, has a certain responsibility.

I am grateful to you for everything, Miss Nielsen.

I will do my best to help Maren.

We have to make a reverence.

Hello, girls. -Hello, doctor.

I have something for you.

Hello. Just walk with me, I'll show you what to do.

How kind of you, doctor. -I'm happy to do it, Miss Nielsen.

At work, girls. -Come, Maren.

How exciting it all is. -Calm down, Elise.

Don't you like music?

Not that dull music on the radio.

Well, duty calls. Thank Dr. Wildenskov.

Thank you, Dr. Wildenskov.

That was very thoughtful of you.

Hello, Maren. Sit down.

How long do I have to stay here?

Sit down, and we'll have a little chat about how things are going.

Miss Nielsen and I are happy ... -How long do I have to stay?

I can't say that right now.

When, then?

As I said... -I don't need any help.

If you were, you wouldn't be sitting here.

At Sprogø we help girls like you get their lives in order.

Under the supervision of Miss Nielsen Learn the proper virtues....

...to return to society.

But we can only help if you let us.

Do you understand that?

Good.

I will follow your progress closely.

This is very nicely sewn.

How long have you been here?

I've been here two years now. -Two years?

I've been here fifteen years. -Five years, Elise.

What about you?

Six years. We have to get back to work.

Martine has been here the longest, she came from Brejning in 1923.

Doctor Wildenskov?

Do you want to examine me again? I am not feeble-minded.

Go back to the sewing room, Maren.

You must examine me again. -Let go, Maren.

There has been a mistake. I will do my best, really.

Please, let me go. -You must examine me again.

Calm down, Maren. -I am not feeble-minded.

There has been a mistake. Please, examine me again.

Let go of me. Let go, I said.

There has been a mistake. You must examine me again.

I am not weak-minded, I tell you. A mistake has been made.

Did she hurt you?

Hush, Elise.

They are going to help her. Just like they helped us.

Good morning, Maren.

We want to loosen the bonds so you can eat.

Do you stay calm then?

I want to go home.

We are here to help you. -I want to go home.

It is not healthy to let yourself be led by your impulses.

I want to go home.

We can't help you When you continue to resist like this.

Come back.

What is it today?

Sunday.

You better repent right away.

Martine once sat for eleven days in the reflection room.

She was almost out of her mind.

Sleep well.

Don't show off your body so much.

Has anyone ever tried to flee?

It won't.

Hasn't anyone ever tried it?

You shouldn't stand there like that.

Do you think...

Will you sew a dress like that for me?

I would love to have a dress like that.

I can teach you. -Really?

Come.

Arms up.

Arms down.

What's going on here? You were supposed to make curtains.

Elise wants to learn to sew a beautiful dress.

You have a good figure, Elise.

Do you think? -Yes. Like a model.

Stop. I'm in charge here and I will not tolerate your bad influence.

I don't have one. -Yes. You're giving Elise some ideas.

And those are completely unrealistic.

Who says so? Are you not allowed to dream bigger Than a sewing room in an asylum?

That's enough.

Don't you have dreams?

Elise, what is your dream? -I would really like to go to America.

Yes, America. They would love you there.

Do you really think so? -Yes.

Karla, what do you dream about?

I want to go home, to Kolding.

Sørine, what do you dream about?

Nothing about it.

Ah come, no one is that boring. -Some people are.

Karla, when is the mail boat coming?

Tuesday and Thursday.

If we work together, we can take over the boat.

We just need to know how to start the engine.

It is a glow-head engine.

You preheat it with a burner and then you can start it.

Can you sail? -Yes.

Inside.

We're going to a dance restaurant. -How is that?

Great, there's a jazz orchestra.

What does that sound like? -I can't describe that.

You feel the vibration in your whole body, you have to dance.

Maren, will you come with me?

What does it get you?

Why are you snitching on me?

Why did you call Miss Nielsen?

The rest only do what you say Because they are afraid you will snitch on them.

Nobody likes you.

What do you have there? -Nothing.

Enter here. -No.

Sorry.

Is she yours? -Yes.

What is her name?

Ellen.

What a cutie.

Where is she now?

In an orphanage.

Did they just take her away?

Yes. I couldn't take care of her.

I need help in the basement. From one of you.

You go, Maren.

Here, hold on.

As soon as water leaks out, turn it on.

I turn on the main valve upstairs.

I can't get it tightened.

Let me.

So then.

Thank you, Maren.

It's still leaking. -This is the latest.

Because of the storm, they cannot go home.

Eat your plate, Elise.

Are they going to sleep here? -Elise...

You are not supposed to be here.

Can't you take me with you?

Please, take me with you.

If we go now, no one will see us.

Where are you going?

They'll find you. -Not if you keep your mouth shut.

What are you thinking?

That he helps you flee?

So what then?

What about you? What do you think?

That if you watch us, they'll let you go?

Does she also say you can see Ellen?

Maren?

Go away.

He is not coming.

I don't want to go back.

Come now.

Don't, Elise.

Stop.

Stop it, that's not funny.

Elise, stop now.

Look here, girls.

Can I hold one? -Yes, but carefully.

Let's see.

Would you like to hold one?

Ah, what a sweetie.

Thank you, Miss Ahlefeldt-Laurvig.

Sørine, tomorrow there will be a journalist and a photographer.

The doctor is showing them around, but I want you to greet them.

Of course. -What are they coming for?

They are writing an article on Sprogø.

So it is important to show what our life is like here.

Come, we'll talk it through. -Natural.

Do you want to take a moment, too, Maren?

I don't feel so good.

Can I go on the beach get some fresh air?

Sure, go ahead.

Have you seen Maren? -Don't just let go.

Sorry, I was startled.

Where is Maren? -The beach. She wasn't well.

Elise, lifting.

I am pregnant.

Ah, Maren...

Now I never come home.

Miss Nielsen oversees on daily life on Sprogø.

She is like a foster mother for the girls.

And Miss Ahlefeldt-Laurvig manages agriculture.

Our farm is forty acres, the vegetable garden half an acre.

Good Day.

The girls keep themselves busy cleaning, cooking, washing....

...sewing and gardening.

Good day. May I take your coat and hat?

This way, gentlemen.

I can't. -Yes.

I don't want a child.

That will come.

As long as that journalist is here, you have to control yourself.

Will that work?

They are coming.

Hello, girls. -Hello.

In the sewing room, they learn to handle needle and thread.

Miss Nielsen? -Yes, sewing, weaving and knitting.

Very useful for later.

After Sprogø, the girls go to a designated foster home.

That way they have a relationship, but we can also supervise.

Sørine is one of our biggest success stories.

She is industrious, friendly and pleasant company.

She is about the sewing room.

For Sørine, a job is within reach.

But before she came here, she gave birth to a bastard.

We are afraid that in the real world she will getting into trouble again.

Is the child here too? -No.

Weakness is so early not determinable.

Young children fall under child protection.

But research shows that feeble-mindedness is hereditary.

So children of retarded parents are better off in foster homes.

And if such a family is not available.... -Leave her alone.

We'll leave it here for now.

So much turmoil can be too much for the girls.

Especially in the case of Sørine the new law has major implications.

For the individual, it means no more unnecessary detention....

...and for society That degeneracy is eliminated.

They get eight days of summer vacation.

Some go home, but most stay here.

The mentally retarded care has improved considerably, in my youth they were in stables.

Thank you for visiting.

It was very enlightening for the girls.

Don't you want your picture taken too? -If you wish.

Smile, girls.

Are you okay, Maren?

Just a little dizzy. -Just lie down for a while.

Martine, will you take over?

Sorry.

To your work, Sørine.

Thank you.

I think Maren is pregnant.

She is sick every so often.

You can't.

It has happened before.

If girls had been home. Maren stayed here.

Are you very sure? -I think so.

It shouldn't be possible.

I think Sørine knows more.

No, she would have said.

They seem very close.

And I think Maren influences the other girls.

Inside.

You wanted to see me, Miss Nielsen? -Yes. Sit down, Sørine.

Have you noticed noticed anything about Maren?

No, I don't think so.

Are you sure?

Anything in particular? -No.

Thank you, Sørine.

Shall I close the door? -Yes, please.

Louise?

Gerda, come take a look.

Do you see who this is? -Daddy. What does it say?

That parliament passed a new sterilization law has passed.

What kind of law is that?

Which should prevent the feeble-minded from having children.

Why? -They can't take care of it.

It's Miss Nielsen.

Hello, Miss Nielsen.

I sincerely hope I am mistaken.

I don't understand how it can be.

My apologies, doctor.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Hello, Maren. -Hello.

Sit down.

Miss Nielsen is afraid That you might be pregnant.

When was your last period?

Answer, Maren.

Don't play the innocent now.

You are here on Sprogø because of immoral tendencies.

So it's our fault if you're pregnant.

We didn't do anything wrong. -Speak clearly.

We didn't do anything wrong.

Good.

Tell us what happened.

We liked each other. -And you had intercourse?

When?

When, Maren?

January.

I want permission to write to him And ask him to marry me.

Unmarried men are not allowed to enter Sprogø.

The same goes for Karlo Jensen.

He has a wife and two children.

Coitus with people in institutions is prohibited, so we have to report it.

I need to examine you to confirm the pregnancy.

Will you help Maren on the bench?

Come, Maren.

Take off your shoes and underwear.

Sit down.

Put your legs in this.

I always love to vacation so freely.

Nobody bossing us around.

I still think this should be called "Villa Strand.

Do you feel it?

Maybe it turns. -Does it?

May I feel?

Afraid labor will hurt? -A little bit, yes.

I just don't think about it. -Is it really that bad?

Yes, it hurts like hell.

But you forget that in no time.

I think about Ellen all the time.

I'm trying to imagine...

...What she looks like now.

And where she is.

And how she is doing.

The Post Office. At the post office, will you please buy stamps?

Yes, of course. -And the shopping list.

A nurse from Brejning catches her in Nyborg.

Will you write to me?

Maren? You can do this. Remember.

Remember that well.

Good luck, Maren. -Thank you, Miss Nielsen.

That's enough. -Write to me.

Come, Sørine.

Again. A little harder still. To my fingers. Push, Maren.

Last time. Pressing.

So then. Very well done.

And just relax.

You may rest for a while.

I put a cold compress on your forehead.

And we may again.

Presses.

A little harder. Harder.

So, yes.

You have to exhale, Maren. Breathe out.

And light pressing now.

Very good.

So, the head is out.

So then, you gave birth to a child.

I cut the umbilical cord.

So.

A girl, Maren.

I put my hand on your womb And press down.

You are perfect.

It's time to put her on.

Just sit there in that chair.

Unbutton your nightshirt and place the stole around your shoulders.

Let her head rest on your arm. Like this, yes. Very good.

Excellent.

Is it supposed to hurt this much? -The milk needs to get going.

I'll be right back.

'Dear friends at Villa Strand...

...I am writing to tell you that I have a baby daughter.

Her name is Agnes. And she's such a sweet girl.

Much better than I expected.

Now that I have her, I don't know why I was so sad about this.

She has a healthy appetite, she wants to eat continuously.

If it doesn't come soon enough, she gets very angry.

If only you could see her. She is more beautiful than I can describe.

Love, Maren.

Inside.

Clothes for Marens baby. -How sweet of you.

I'll make sure she gets it. -Thank you.

And there's another thing.

I would like to ask permission to visit Ellen.

That, unfortunately, will not do.

But I was doing so well, you said.

By insisting like this, you show your immaturity.

It's not fair. You keep saying I'm doing so well, so why....

Enough, Sørine.

You behave like a child who doesn't get his way.

Sorry, Miss Nielsen.

You always gave me hope That I could get Ellen back.

Was that all a lie?

I never lied to you.

Do you think I will get Ellen back?

You should discuss that with the doctor.

Come in, Frida. Close the door behind you.

It can't hurt, can it? -Yes, it certainly does.

Frida...

Not here.

Maren? Someone is hungry.

Do you want to eat?

So then.

Very good.

Sister Andersen?

I don't want to think about what's to come.

Then don't think too much about it.

Good day. -Hello.

Gerda. -Hello, doctor.

Enter.

I want to talk to you. -Go inside.

Can I keep Agnes when I go back?

You have to say goodbye to Agnes now.

I can't.

I understand that it is difficult.

Please, may I keep her?

Now give Agnes to me quietly.

Stop.

You sleep well on this. Mouth open.

Hello, Maren.

Where is Agnes?

You are at the hospital in Vejle.

Where is Agnes?

You were operated on under anesthesia, so you may be a little groggy.

Surgery? -You have been sterilized.

Above all, you must rest now, so the wound can heal.

Maren, I'm giving you a sedative to help you sleep.

Good.

Is that Maren?

Maren. -Elise, leave that.

You have your own room.

You must be tired from the trip, you can rest until dinner.

Miss Nielsen? -Yes?

I would like to write to my mother.

I'm looking for stationery for you.

Can she take Agnes in, do you think?

I don't know about that, Maren.

She may try to contact Child Protective Services.

Well...

Palatable.

How can anyone pretend as if nothing is wrong?

What?

How can we just move on?

Go to work, Sørine.

No.

Get to work.

How can you live with yourself?

Miss Nielsen asked for blackout curtains.

They want to show a movie in the dining room.

The operator from Korsør is coming.

Elise, can you really sail Or were you just saying?

Can you sail?

Hello, Maren.

Hello, doctor.

Good to see That you are doing well.

Thank you.

We go inside.

Everyone is so elated, I think they're all there.

Silence, please.

Silence, please. I am not the only one who is elated.

It is our honor today to to receive the operator from Korsør.

He shows us the latest film by Marguerite Viby:

Skaf and Sensation.

And according to the staff of Sprogø Cinema...

...Marguerite Viby will come honors us with a visit.

Good evening together.

This is my first visit to Sprogø Cinema.

And what a charming cinema.

And of course I really wanted to see those sweet girls on Sprogø.

If you form a line, we can sit down like this.

Very well done, Karla. Come, girls.

Come.

Stop that, Karla. Stop it.

The boat is locked.

Move aside.

Fast.

Address.

Get the stones. -They are coming.

Hurry up, Elise. We have to leave. -He's not hot enough yet.

We have to leave now. -He's not hot enough.

Stop. -Come off.

Get off that boat. Maren?

Stop. Ouch.

Stop.

Thunder. -Stop.

Thunder.

The engine is running. Castors loose, Sørine. -Rooms away, Maren.

Thunder.

Let go. Quietly.

Quiet.

Thunder.

Way over there.

I don't want to go back. No.

No, I don't want to. I don't want to.

I don't want to. I don't want to.

Maren, no.

We must have light. -Maren...

Light. Light.

Take her. -Maren...

No. Maren.

Inside, girls. All of them.

Come, inside. -Let go of me.

Inwardly. -Let go of me. Maren...

Maren... Let go of me.

Let go of me.

No, I don't want to. -Sit.

She dies.

Lie still, Sørine. -No.

You get a sedative.

She must not die, Miss Nielsen. She must not die.

She must not die.

They are still looking for her.

There's nothing else you can do, Frida.

You can't do anything.

Karlsen?

Has Maren been found?

Answer goddammit.

Good morning, Sørine.

Maren's death affects us all.

You killed her.

That's not true, Sørine.

We wanted to help Maren.

But she could not control her wild nature unfortunately could not control it.

What about you?

What about you, Miss Nielsen?

Can you control your nature?

Because of you I have been so ashamed.

You made me believe that if only was a neat and decent girl

...I would go to a family.

And I even let myself hope that one day I would...

...Ellen would see again.

But there is no hope.

You have to leave, Ursula.

Join me.

Frida... -Go now.

Sørine, Miss Nielsen wants to see you in her room.

Inside.

You wanted to see me? -Yes. Sit down for a moment, Sørine.

I consulted with Dr. Wildenskov.

We have decided That you go to a family.

On a small farm near Kalundborg.

Provided you get sterilized.

The operation will be performed in Korsør.

You leave tomorrow on the mail boat.

Here is your referral letter.

And money for the trip. -Thank you.

Sørine? I wish you good luck for the future.

The operation went well.

Above all, you must rest now, so the wound can heal.

Holler if you need anything.

Excuse me, I'm looking for Anna Rasmussen.

And who are you? -My name is Frida Nielsen.

Are you Anna Rasmussen? -Yes. What have you come to do?

I am the director of women's house Sprogø.

Maren had written to you.

But she never never managed to put it in the mail.

I want to express my deepest regret for what happened to Maren.

Goodbye, then.

Goodbye.

Enter.

I'll take your coat.

Thank you very much.

Come on.

This is your room.

It's not much, though, but we'll make do with it.

Thank you.

We haven't had a maid for a while, but Aksel can barely work.

So we are extremely happy with you.

The headmistress was full of praise for you.

I talk too much.

My mother always said: Girls shouldn't rattle like that.

But fortunately, Aksel doesn't care.

I'll let you move on.

Whore.

THREE YEARS LATER

Sørine.

A letter from the institution.

What do they write?

I was laid off from social welfare.

Let's see.

This seems fine to me.

As I mentioned in my letter, we have begun an evaluation.

Ellen is behind in her development.

I noted in her file....

...that child protection services can now can contact you.

Thank you. -She's outside.

Come on.

Who is Ellen? -She's over there hopping.

Ellen?

This is your mother.

Hello, Ellen.

Hello.

For all women...

...who between 1923 and 1961 resided in women's house Sprogø....

...and the children that were taken from them.

And for the 13,000 people...

...which under the Danish laws of 1929, 1934 and 1935 were sterilized.