Original subtitles

Inspired by the priest Peder Olsens diary entries

There is something unfathomable in every human being

Minister President Quisling speaks.

Norwegian women and men.

A few days ago the message went out into the world that Adolf Hitler-

- the Führer of the German Reich and chancellor-

-had died a hero's death at his command post in Berlin-

-during his struggle to prevent the destruction of the bolsheviks-

-of his fatherland, and of Europe.

With Adolf Hitler has one of the historical figures passed away-

-which creates eras in human history.

But if Europe does not perish, surely the future will come to an understanding of-

-that the European cultural civilization was saved by Adolf Hitler.

Through National Socialism he did Germany to such a mighty bulwark-

-that it could break the power of the red barrage.

The great tragedy of his life was that, despite all his efforts-

-failed to create peace between England and Germany.

A collaboration that had secured world peace and neutralized Bolshevism.

I do not intend to betray our cause-

-or surrender the country to lawlessness and Bolshevism.

Thanks.

Did you listen? In the speech?

- It sounded like we had surrendered. -Not at all.

And Berlin doesn't give up on us easily.

I am trying to negotiate with Nygaardsvold in London on an interim government.

And if it doesn't work?

I don't want to hear about defeat or surrender!

You can do anything you want.

You are Kapitan Quisling.

You will succeed.

Hurray!

We have 30,000 men under our command, they have 4000. We can still fight.

Vidka!

The dentist was barely finished before he drove me here.

Now he's going to Østbanen. He flees the country without so much as a suitcase.

My God! You said they wouldn't surrender.

-Don't panic. -What are they doing here?

Maybe it would be good to pack a bag. Only the essentials, in case...

Pack? What about London? and the negotiations?

Please Maria. Take it easy.

Ask the kitchen to prepare food. This will take a while.

And the fairytale night that sinks

Slows down the dream on our earth

My God. Now all hell has broken loose.

- We should have gone while we could. -What do you mean?

They run around like headless chickens. Screaming.

It was a bunch of drunk German sailors. They were shooting wildly around with automatic weapons.

I barely made it here in one piece.

-And Milorg hasn't spoken to anyone. -Have we been tricked into a trap?

No, it seems to be an internal power struggle between Milorg and the police.

- The new national police chief is completely rabid. -The capitulation is valid from midnight.

We just heard it on the radio.

In that case, it's probably nothing more we can do.

Nonsense. I'm going there myself.

I do not advise that.

It's dangerous out there.

They shoot. You can't go anywhere without guarantees of free rental

- and I don't think the police will give you that.

Surely there must be some civilized ones people left in this country!

Yes, good day. Vidkun Quisling, Prime Minister.

Yes. Thank you for your time, Arntzen.

We will contact you to sort things out some misunderstandings in connection with this...

Just like that.

Yes.

Absolutely.

But listen here: We are in dialogue with military authorities.

This can develop into a...

No.

I see. The fact that you don't know Foss can stand for you.

He was standing in my living room and offered detention in Holmenkollen.

He would guarantee…

Yes.

Yes.

That you call me a criminal I think very...

I have worked so hard for this country, I have no…

No.

Yes.

Yes.

Hello?

He gave us a deadline until six o'clock tomorrow morning.

And if we refuse?

Then they pick us up by force.

The...

...takes us by force.

I heard you, Vidka, on the phone with the chief of police.

It's over.

No, I'm going down to the police station and leave a statement.

-I have to go. They are waiting. -Wait!

Can I have your name, please?

-Where is police chief Arntzen? -Your personal data.

- I demand to speak to Arntzen. - Your hat.

Profession?

-What is your profession? - I'm just going to look in your pockets.

Wait now. I can... I will not be arrested.

I have agreed with the chief of police.

I will be taken to a house in Holmenkollen.

The wedding ring.

-Huh? -Give us your wedding ring.

-No. Is it really necessary? -Yes. You must hand it over.

I have been Norway's head of state for five years.

I expect to be treated with respect, not as a criminal.

QUISLING'S LAST DAYS

This way.

Mr. Olsen, the bishop receives you now.

Yes. Excuse.

Thank you.

-Peder Olsen. It was a long time ago. - It was a long time ago. Good day.

I must thank you. Without your contribution the war could have been much darker.

I'm actually more interested in the peace.

Don't you want to sit down?

It is said that you are a good connoisseur of people.

So? I don't know that.

Vidkun Quisling.

Yes?

He is, as you may know, in custody at Møllergata 19 while awaiting trial.

A very important process.

Can you imagine being his soulmate?

-I? For Quisling? -Yes.

Isn't it Traaen who is a prison chaplain over there?

He has done a great job so far. but they no longer seem to pull evenly.

Quisling is, perhaps not surprisingly, a somewhat complicated figure.

-In what way? -Well, what to say?

Last time I met him he threatened to execute me.

Now he wants me as a soul saver.

- But can he just demand something like that? - I politely declined.

But I consider it important that we as a church contribute.

In what way, do you mean?

We are a damaged nation.

People are calling for the death penalty. More bad blood, more hate.

At worst, we make the man a martyr.

If we can get him to confess could it be a beginning of reconciliation.

Even for the rest of us, regardless what the verdict will be. A step in the right direction.

I really don't know if I am the right person for such a task.

I am a hospital chaplain. I lack experience with criminals.

Reconciliation is neither easy or painless.

The one who takes the task lightly is not sincere.

The fact that you have doubts only speaks in your favor.

Here you have passports and other papers.

Surely you understand that you should keep this for yourselves, for safety reasons.

Can I tell my wife?

Like I said, Olsen, we keep this to ourselves.

This was stupid. Don't laugh yourself to death...

It's probably the kind of person you pull on.

- So there. -You succeeded once.

Here it's just radio noise. We'll probably go over to...

Shouldn't you...

Quisling denies having had improper contact with the Germans.

He had been in Copenhagen April 5 and 6...

- It's from the detention hearing. -He won't be released before the trial, will he?

...about its recall of the Norwegian the government's mobilization order.

He replied that he had shopped for the good of the Norwegian people.

For our best… He must be crazy.

"I am a martyr," cried Quisling.

“I was put in a terrible situation where I was forced"...

-What now? - I can't bear to hear any more.

-What is a martyr? -Shouldn't you go out and play?

First he executes Norwegians to save his own skin, and now he is a martyr?

- He's just trying to defend himself. - He seems proud of what he has done.

He's crazy. A beast.

Heidi, we are all human. We are all children of God.

-Can't you put the priest talk aside? -The priest talk?

- You have to be angry, right? -Yes, but it probably won't help.

That man is worse than the Germans.

He knew what he was doing. He was one of us.

The children and I escaped from the bombs while he wished the enemy welcome.

He sacrificed our freedom for his own power.

I want him down on his knees.

Kneeling with arms over head. He must ask for forgiveness.

Otherwise, they might as well shoot him.

I'll get the coffee.

I almost can't believe it.

I've been gone for so long with a lump in the stomach.

For fear that something might happen at any time.

I kind of think that if I let go of it…

...then comes the air traffic control or the Gestapo.

-A nurse who will tell you that... -But you.

All that… All that is over now, right?

-Yes. -It's over.

I know that. I know that.

It is allowed to be happy. You deserve it.

Father?

But we never get a moment of peace from them.

-Follow me. -Thanks.

Walk out the door, across the courtyard and into the prison.

-You're going up there. -Thanks.

The cell door must be open.

He hangs himself can't we shoot that bastard.

Excuse.

Good day, my name is Peder Olsen. I am a hospital... I am a priest.

I asked for Berggrav.

Unfortunately, he was inappropriate.

"Unwell"? Yes, you.

- I have the New Testament with me. -Thanks. I got one of the former.

- But thanks anyway. - Well, you got it.

But it can never be too much of a good thing?

- It was a joke. Excuse. -You come in here and joke?

I don't want to be rude... Was your name Olsen?

But I don't need a soul saver.

- But you wanted to talk to Berggrav? -Yes, and you are not him.

No, I'm here as a representative of the church.

There are many in your situation who wants to talk to someone.

Maybe I can help you to sort out the thoughts a bit and find peace.

-Find peace? - If you wish.

No, thanks. Do you know why? I am an innocent man.

I have nothing uncountable neither with the church, God, nor the nation.

Would you like to greet Berggrav from me and say-

- that I wanted to talk to him about the trial, not about my soul?

I would really appreciate that.

Sorry, but do you know the story of the publican and the Pharisee?

Luke 18:9-14. Even the smallest children know it.

Is the message workable?

It's about being humble and to admit their mistakes.

The Pharisee, the orthodox, looking down at the publican.

He's just a debt collector. An ordinary man with a dirty job.

“God, I thank you that I am not like other people"-

-"robbers, criminals, adulterers, or like that publican."

Exactly that. The Pharisee boasts how virtuous he is, while the publican…

Beats his chest and says: "God, be merciful to me, a sinner."

And what did the publican mean by that?

- Are you asking me about that? -Yes.

I thought you were the priest.

The point is not just that the publican asking God for forgiveness for his sins.

Nor does he take forgiveness for granted.

He does the most difficult thing, he takes responsibility for what he has done. He regrets it.

He confesses it before God.

And therefore he is forgiven.

That's why it's the publican who is closest to God of the two.

And then the question is: Which of us two do you mean-

-is the Pharisee, and who is the publican?

-What do you think? - I think you have been given a task.

A mission from the Venerable Mountain Grave, who does not condescend to come self-

- to demand repentance from me. Isn't that so?

Because you and the church should be able to wash your conscience clean.

That, if anything, is arrogance worthy of a Pharisee!

But I have no regrets and will not admit.

Neither for you nor your Sunday school theology if you drag me through Calvary!

Everyone has something to be accountable for, right?

Then see!

What does the pastor have to confess?!

Now we are not here to talk about me.

Now you must excuse me. I have to work.

The Pharisees were incidentally very scribes.

It is the history books that have given them a bad and undeserved reputation.

They were idealists, just like you, Olsen.

Yes, it went really well!

Peter!

- Sorry for disturbing the work. - It fits great.

I was just going to have lunch. We go in.

Get to see the access card.

-Take it easy. - They must be lifted!

It boils a little under the surface.

What's it like in here? now that everything has been turned upside down?

Now that the jailers have become prisoners, you mean?

There is less paperwork.

And it's nice not to have SS with in the cell when I work.

-It's Quisling, isn't it? -Huh?

Of course. He asked you first.

Yes, I couldn't.

Not after four years of pastoral care for the condemned in here.

I have contact with the families those who were executed by the Germans here.

For me it was... It didn't feel right.

-So I recommended you. -Should I thank you for that?

I knew you were the best.

I have no experience of criminals or death row inmates.

I tried the publican and the Pharisee.

I think I offended him. He is, after all, the son of a fourth-generation priest.

So he was completely…became very…

You told me once that pastoral care is just a conversation.

- It should go both ways. -I don't think Quisling agrees with that.

Hear what he has to say. Keep the conversation going.

If it doesn't work you threaten with a bone crusher or a baton.

Every man can leave this battle...

...with a clear conscience.

What a nice work. Think she could do this in the dark scrub.

It was nice that you gave them yarn and knitting needles.

- It certainly calmed the nerves. - I don't know that.

We didn't ask. Took us no time to get to know them.

At least we gave them a hiding place. We did everything we could.

These labor camps in Germany as it is written about.

There is talk of several thousand dead.

We don't know they ended up there. There were two elderly people.

What would they do in a labor camp?

-They were probably interned, don't you think? -Do you think they took age into account?

The Red Cross gets people home all the time.

I just think it takes time to get an overview.

-Where do you get all that optimism from? -You...

Heidi.

I have a good friend up there.

Do you never doubt?

I choose to believe.

We have to.

Mr. Quisling?

I didn't mean to disturb.

-Then it was the two of us again. - I thought I was clear last time.

We certainly got off to a bad start, I regret it.

My wife has baked serina cookies. The diet here might be a bit one-sided.

There is nothing wrong with the food. Herring and potatoes, it's good home cooking.

And otherwise? Are you treated well?

- Yes, then. Just fine. -Yes.

You look a little pale.

Just take it for yourself.

Are you trying to be my friend?

Judging by the mood out there so there isn't much of that stuff.

-You're joking again. -Yes.

Did you get to meet your wife?

- Not since I got caught. - It must feel difficult.

I can stand it. It's her I'm worried about.

If I hadn't been allowed to talk to my wife, Heidi, I must have gone completely crazy.

-Huh? I am at my wits end. - Yes, I am not claiming anything else.

The psychiatrists are serious that everyone in Nasjonal Samling, exactly everyone-

-is permanently mentally retarded, or at least weak.

The so-called investigators want me to admit that I am some kind of fortune seeker.

A spineless Peer Gynt figure who have only worked for their own gain.

But you don't have that.

I have fought for my country for five long years.

Day and night.

-You look at. You don't believe me. - Well, I think you mean what you say.

But you got too some benefits of the occupation?

You think I fought for medals.

Titles, salutes and other nonsense!

The weak man's armor. I could couldn't have cared less, ask my wife.

I have acted according to my convictions and I'm not ashamed.

May I sit down?

You met Hitler, didn't you?

What do you mean?

What was he like? As a person?

He was passionate.

You can say what you want about the result, but he was a man who believed in something.

- You can't say that about everyone. -Is there something you admire?

Believe? Of course.

- But I myself value certainty higher. -Certainty?

One cannot found, as Hitler did, his politics on faith.

You have to know. Take the time to find sources.

Know!

All my life I have worked on my philosophy.

Universalism. The real truth.

I have given myself the task to light a candle for humanity.

To find the true outlook on life.

In accordance with both science and experience.

I don't expect you to…

...a simple prison priest, should be able to understand it.

It sure is interesting with this universalism.

But what we should really strive for are the words and deeds of Christ.

The love.

Universalism is much bigger. It treats…

Mr. Quisling. Bigger than love?

What is greater than love?

Can the pastor greet my wife, Maria?

Just make sure she's okay.

Of course.

Yes please.

Could you please bring more writing paper? It's starting to run out.

Until the next time you come.

See you then.

- Go ahead. -Thank you.

Is everything as it should be?

-Have you made him apologize yet? -Huh?

Did you get him to apologize? Does he regret it?

That's all I got to bring. It's my whole life now.

It must be a change.

If it hadn't been for Mrs. Prytz apartment I had been standing on the street.

-How is he? -According to the circumstances, he is doing well.

-Excuse. Do you want? -No, thanks. I don't drink.

Is there something you want to say to him? I can say a greeting, if you want.

Tell me I'm fine. That I am strong.

Strong and optimistic.

I am not interested in politics.

So drink with me.

How did you meet?

-What have you heard? - No, I'm just asking.

We met in Ukraine. My homeland.

He was very famous. "Captain Quisling."

He saved thousands of lives during the great famine. Did you know that?

No.

See.

See here.

Ukraine.

Russia.

Thousands of. Jews too.

- Did he work for Nansen? - Nansen...

Nansen then got no shit under his nails.

But Vidkun...

I saw him for the first time through the office window.

I understood it at once. He was capable of anything.

He would be my destiny.

I left everything for him. My mother...

THE SS VICTIMS WAS BURIED IN THE TRANDUM FOREST

Hello.

- I almost started to worry. -So?

-Are you hungry? -Yes.

- I saved some for you. -Thanks.

-Have you been drinking alcohol? - Just half a glass.

A little celebration at the hospital.

- With the deaconesses? - No, a peace toast with one of the doctors.

-A peace toast? -Yes. It's not the end of the world, is it?

I was at the hospital.

Can't I know where I'm going?

I have to know where we're going, right?

-They can't be Norwegian. -As Norwegian as you and me.

This was murder. On defenseless people, Mr. Quisling.

It is part of what the charges against you are based on.

-How many have we found here? - Six, so far.

-And over there? -Eight, we think. It's hard to say.

Riisnæs?

Führer?

Arvid?

Hello?

Can you turn off the light, please?

Thanks.

- Can't you sleep? - No, it's...

...the lamp that...

Shall I tell you why you can't sleep?

It's haunted here. The boys they murdered on Trandum.

Hear.

Do you hear?

It's my brother.

They are coming.

Vidkun...

Vidkun...

The trial will begin soon. You will be taken to Akershus prison.

Yes.

One moment.

Henrik Bergh, Mr Quisling's lawyer. Why didn't anyone say he was going to be moved?

- The safety. It is closer to the court. - I do not accept this.

My client is in poor health, and it is certainly both cold and damp in there.

- It's going well, Bergh. -Can I have a moment with my client?

-Can I have a moment with my client? - Go ahead.

- It's only for a few weeks. -Yes.

The psychiatrists have decided that you are accountable.

Of course.

But it has not been implemented some thorough evaluation.

The decision was made in advance. I think we should appeal.

-Why that? -Everything has to go right.

Do you understand that you risk the death penalty?

It is in your interest to argue that sometimes you couldn't think clearly.

But it wasn't like that. I could think clearly.

I understand that.

But the distance between your reality perception and the court's is a problem.

Yeah, so insanity is a better defense than the truth?

I based my decisions on my competence.

To my knowledge and my strategic assessments.

You must be able to get the right to understand it?

It's your job! Satan!

And besides, I'm in excellent shape form! Never felt stronger!

No touch.

No...

You look fine.

You have to get Bergh to let me testify. Why won't he let me…

It was my decision. I don't want to put you through that.

No touch! That's what I said.

- She doesn't listen. - Yes, you said that.

Your comrade is here.

Is that you?

- Are you going to shave me? - No, it isn't.

I just wanted to wish you the best of luck today.

Because it is a big day.

-I look like a lazzaron. -Not at all. It's a nice suit.

Tell me, do you think I'm crazy too?

You actually seem remarkably healthy, Mr. Quisling. Despite the situation.

Good day. Fine. Pass.

The court convenes.

Vidkun Abraham Quisling.

Charges have been filed by public prosecutor Annæus Schjødt-

-by order of the Chancellor of Justice.

It reads: "Major Vidkun Abraham Quisling"-

-"born 18 July 1887, is hereby prosecuted at Eidsivating's Court of Appeal"-

-"for violations of the following regulations:"

“To have tried to hand over Norwegian or allied troops to the enemy."

“Having attempted to surrender fortifications or other defensive posts to the enemy"-

-"or destroy or render them harmless."

“Having misled Norwegian or allies men of war to go over to the enemy"-

-"or incited them to mutiny or other infidelity."

Can the accused get up?

Do you plead guilty? on one, several or all charges?

I plead not guilty.

On all points.

The only thing I wanted-

-was to protect my people from Bolshevism.

Yes, you were in Russia.

My beloved Russia changed. Turned into hell on earth.

People starved.

Mothers...

...for their own children.

It was a betrayal, a betrayal of their own people.

And here at home sat so called responsible politicians and applauded.

It spread like a cancer.

I saw it as my calling to stop it.

-You saw it as a calling? -Yes.

As a priest you should understand what I mean.

It's not quite the same thing.

Why not?

It was an assignment from God.

You believe you are called by God?

The prosecution can prove-

- that the accused pleaded guilty to treason before 9 April 1940.

He conspired with Hitler-

-his foreign policy adviser Rosenberg-

-and Germany's Grand Admiral Raeder.

The plan was to overthrow the government with promise that the king would accept it.

The coup d'état on April 9 was part of a plan motivated by cynical opportunism.

As a legislator during the years of occupation was he guilty of oppression-

-censorship, dictatorship and Führerprinciple.

He should also be held accountable for the murder of police secretary Eilifsen-

- who was sentenced to death under the defendant's unjust law.

The same can be said of the fourteen Norwegians patriots who were executed in reprisal

- for the liquidation by state police chief Marthinsen in 1944.

Quisling's responsibility for the fate of the Norwegian Jews

-also appears to be larger than first assumed.

Finally, I want to do the dish attention to the charges of theft-

-embezzlement, fraud and faithlessness.

The accused believes that it is about the head of state's right of disposition.

To that we would like to reply that Vidkun Quisling has never been head of state in Norway-

-according to Norwegian law and law.

Do you want to have a say?

For five years I fought for Norwegian interests-

-for the Norwegian people, Norwegian values, Norwegian neutrality-

-caught between the Germans' vile opinions, and Terboven's swine.

And then Nygaardsvold, on the other side, who encouraged good Norwegians to terror.

Trandum was terrible-

-but no one should have died if only people would cooperate!

But you signed the death warrants.

You could have pardoned people.

Such are the conditions of war, the cruelty of war.

You have to give the Germans something. Save ten and just…

...sacrifice one.

So it was a kind of cow trade?

Call it what you will.

It's no secret that I considered that England threatened Norwegian neutrality.

It had resulted in a German invasion with subsequent carnage on Norwegian soil.

I wanted Norway to escape The fate of Poland.

I am Norway's savior.

You don't understand it now, but in the future maybe you will.

But how could the Germans save us without occupation?

The idea was a peace operation with Hitler's blessing.

He wanted to save Norway's neutrality.

To save Norway you wanted Germany would England appear and occupy us?

- No, I left that to fate. -Fate?

Yes, it was fate that did it that I became the man who saved Norway?

This is not just my thing.

It is the entire Norwegian population's business, the future will show.

No one can take away my faith in my cause!

I know I have saved both Norway and the Nordics!

We will get nowhere without you constantly repeating that you are a savior.

Mr. Chairman, may we ask for a short break?

To be completely honest, I think so that it is difficult to understand him.

Nobody knows my husband.

Not?

Does the pastor have a duty of confidentiality?

Yes.

- We are not married. -Huh?

Not on paper. Vidkun was married with another when he met me.

Don't look at me like that. I knew nothing.

-What happened? -She refused to divorce.

So of course no one wanted to marry us.

We tried many places. In Russia, at the legation in Paris.

In Norway she was...

...already presented to the family.

- It was disgusting. -Yet you became a couple.

Vidkun thought we could live together all three.

We could raise her as our foster daughter.

The woman he was already married to?

She was just a child, seventeen years old. Way too young for him.

And you accepted that?

I was in love.

But it didn't work. He sent her to Paris.

What did his family say about it?

He explained that it was a formality.

- He has to save her. - He betrayed her.

Russia was hell at that time. He got her out.

Yes. So he cheated on his wife and called it a rescue?

That is exactly what he is doing now with Norway.

You knew Mr. Quisling during your school days?

Yes, we were close friends in high school.

-What was your impression of him? -Very good.

I have the best impression of him and his personality.

His faithful friendship.

He was good at school, had high learning ability.

He had interests which boys of that age do not usually have.

He was particularly good at mathematics.

And he was kind. Happy to help us with homework.

We all looked up to him.

-A good friend, then. - I think so.

I speak for all of us schoolmates from that time.

But there is one thing, a character trait-

-which I think I want to highlight-

-and which might be of interest the psychologist.

Basically Vidkun was very shy.

So much so that he probably suffered from it.

He was often alone and had clear inferiority complex-

-even though he was a very knowledgeable person.

Together with us was he natural.

But together with strangers he was very closed and withdrawn.

Alone, I would say.

-I turned it to my advantage. -Your advantage?

Yes, I decided to be the best.

I didn't go to a party, didn't go out with girls.

So I also graduated with the best grades in the school's history.

So you opted out of friends to be able to beat them?

Of course I had friends, but my other interests took more time.

To be the best?

- Are you laughing at me? -No.

I understand what you are looking for.

You're trying to put me on the spot. Claim that I have delusions of grandeur.

What I have sacrificed, I have sacrificed for others, not for myself.

As a priest, you surely understand what that is, to have something to fight for.

To do good.

Yes, maybe that. But now there are many who thinks that you have not done well.

Of course.

It is the victor who writes the history.

The suffering doesn't get any less for that. Norway was a peaceful country that was attacked.

A free people were forced into a dictatorship. Aren't you responsible for that?

I took responsibility! I made sure it didn't became a bloodbath on Norwegian soil.

Stalin stood at the border. When the Germans came we had no choice.

- But a coup d'état? To overthrow the king... - They escaped!

Everyone! They betrayed their people! Like frightened chickens!

Someone had to take responsibility!

Later I met him again, just before the outbreak of war.

We had dinner together and it was nice.

But then we started to discuss Norway's situation, and then everything changed.

That's when I started to have doubts on his mind.

Now he had possessed fantasies-

-about armed communist forces around the country.

Bolsheviks who were ready for revolution on a given signal.

He alleged that a number of government members received money from Russia-

-to finance the revolution in Norway.

To be honest-

-so I thought he had become completely insane.

At least he had changed very much.

Thanks.

I followed my inner compass.

Now they want to judge me for actions the consequences of which I could not foresee.

Make me a scapegoat for this whole terrible war.

But my intentions were good.

Do you understand?

Yes.

Shouldn't that be included in the calculations? on the day of reckoning?

That I thought I did what was right.

What else could I do?

What would you have done?

I cannot know that.

It's horrible...

...to accuse me to persecute the Jews.

I who have done such a great humanitarian effort!

I want to claim that I am the one who have helped the most Jews in this country.

Excuse me, can you repeat that last one?

You heard me: I am the one who helped most Jews in this country.

And yet you have emphasized in speech and text that Judaism bears the blame for all evil.

That "the Jewish troll" must be fought.

What was your role in the deportation? of the Norwegian Jews, Mr. Quisling?

- I didn't know anything. -You didn't know anything?

You were responsible for the police, but knew not what assignment the police had been given?

There was talk of sending them to Poland. I didn't know more.

You must have known something.

In questioning, you have said that you visited camps to which Jews were sent in Poland in 1942.

Yes, they appeared as ordinary labor camps. Workplaces.

There was nothing to complain about. There was nothing there that made an impression.

So? Was there nothing there that made an impression?

Who knows what he saw?

Hello!

Where are the children?

Is something wrong?

I pressed your pants.

- Yeah? - I found the pass.

To the prison.

Heidi, I wanted to tell you, but...

- The duty of confidentiality... -Don't bring it.

You could have told who it was about. I mean, Quisling!

It was out of consideration your and the children's safety.

- Please, Peter. - Berggrav thought it was best that way.

It is quite clear that Berggrav thought so.

Of course the bishop doesn't think so that the little wife needs to know something.

We usually talk to each other.

- I have a duty as a priest. -And your duty to me?

- I went to their apartment today. -Heidi...

What would I do? The Red Cross knows nothing.

Nothing but that they were sent away with the freighter.

-I found the pictures in a chest of drawers. -Did you rummage through their stuff?

I'm just trying to understand what happened.

There is talk of organized murder.

That people were gassed to death and thrown into mass graves.

- We shouldn't believe all the rumours. -Why not?

Everything we thought could never happen has happened.

-And it was Quisling who let it happen. - You don't know that.

-Are you defending him? - No, but he has not been convicted yet.

You have to... The world is not so black and white as you try to paint it.

And about Mr. and Mrs. Abrahamsen not coming back?

I don't want to hear that kind of talk.

Do you think God is punishing us? for what we did?

Stop now!

- I have to talk about it. -You have to let it go. We must move on.

If they don't come back...

-If we have sent them to their deaths... -They're coming back!

These are labor camps, ordinary workplaces. Nothing else.

Enter your full name and occupation, thanks.

Leo Eitinger, born on 12 December 1912.

Trained doctor and received a licentia practicandi in 1940.

Then it's your witness, Schjødt.

You worked as a doctor when you were arrested on May 16, 1942?

-And you were arrested because you were Jewish? - I don't know, I wasn't questioned.

-Where were you taken? - First to Molde.

Then to Falstad and Bretvedt.

And in February 1943 to Germany with the freighter Gotenland.

From there we were taken to Auschwitz.

-People of both sexes and of all ages? -Yes.

The oldest was a man of 80 years, the youngest a child of one and a half.

What happened when you got to Auschwitz?

A few young girls were selected.

All other women, young and old, was taken away by truck.

It was only later that we found out what had happened.

What had happened to the women and children?

All women and children had been taken to gas chambers-

-where they were killed with hydrogen cyanide and then cremated.

-When was this? -1943.

How did it happen?

In the beginning, the gas chambers were primitive.

An ordinary barrack covered with sheet metal for it to be gas tight.

People were allowed to undress outside.

Then they were pushed inside and the doors were locked.

Through a window in the roof the gas bombs were thrown in.

Later the gas chambers were expanded to a large underground facility.

With a dressing room furnished as a bath house.

People got the impression that it was going to bathe, because they have to undress.

They walked in unsuspecting what would happen.

It happened often that while some were gassed-

-the others were forced to undress and wait outside, naked-

-while they heard what was going on.

How many of you were taken to the gas chambers in that way?

I'm not entirely sure, but everyone who were not able to work, were killed immediately.

For men, the working age was between 20 and 45.

-Were people mistreated in the camps? -Yes.

-So bad that they were killed? -Yes.

Did you see something like that yourself?

Yes, I saw people who were beaten to death.

Do you know about Jewish prisoners in other camps were treated the same way?

Yes. I know that for sure.

-Were there many suicides down there? -Yes.

The most common approach was to go off the beaten path on the way to work.

Then you were shot straight away.

Do you know how many Norwegian Jews? that was sent to Germany?

I think it was around 950 or 1,000.

-The numbers are not exact. -How many have returned home?

Twelve.

- Did you say twelve? -Yes.

And the rest we are to assume are dead?

Yes.

Thank you.

Can I conclude May I mention one thing?

I recently read in the paper that...

...that Quisling had said that he did not know about the persecution of the Jews.

That he wanted to help them.

But after the Danube had set sail Quisling gave a speech

- where he defended what had happened. How then can he claim that he did not know?

Do you remember giving that speech?

Yes, I gave a speech in Trondheim.

Probably a lecture.

I gave many lectures at that time.

You know when you walk in the woods and navigates after the sun?

Then it suddenly gets dark and you don't know where you are-

-where to go, or what time it is.

Maybe I'm going crazy.

You always have a more interesting soul life than me.

What has happened in those camps, the evil...

The worst part is that I almost had started to like him.

When he talks about something that engages him he seems to want to do so well.

-Just like you. - No, he's not like me at all.

He turns right to wrong and true to false.

Like right and wrong are no longer objective concepts.

You are drawn into his logic, until you think that he is right and you yourself are wrong.

- Is it that important, then? - There is a difference between right and wrong.

He calls himself a Christian, but completely lacking in humility.

It's the Nazi in him. The Führer tank. The strong man who never doubts.

There is nothing Christian about it.

No, you can only show him the way. You can't force him to go on it.

And if I can't find the way?

Are you afraid of losing your faith?

It's human to doubt, Peder. It's human to get lost.

We are fallible. We just have to accept that.

are you sleeping

They are dead.

Not true?

Rosa and Elias Abrahamsen.

Everyone is dead.

Good afternoon. Is it afternoon?

How can you...

How can you say you didn't know?

You rewrite the story because it must fit into your distorted world view.

You don't care about who must be sacrificed along the way.

-If it's the deportations you... -Yes, of course!

You knew! You spoke passionately about the so-called Jewish question-

-soon after Donau had left Oslo. You defended what had happened!

It's not that simple.

I didn't have that information which you may have received afterwards.

- You were prime minister! - I was in a pressured political situation.

It was murder of innocent people! No situation can defend it.

There are different rules in war! People die in war!

Bolshevism and the Bolsheviks was much worse.

I have proof I have seen it with my own eyes!

For eight years I waded in corpses!

I saw mothers who ate their own children!

Are you going to teach me what suffering means?!

I have seen the suffering in the white eye!

How far did you think you could go for the good cause?

How many lives will your "life task" cost? I think it went to your head.

You had gotten up. Hitler listened to you, you were the king of Gimle.

It was so nice to finally have a voice.

Vidkun Quisling, the aid worker who ended up in Dr. Nansen's shadow.

The politician no one voted for.

And when you and your little party finally given the chance, you went to bed with the enemy.

Because there was an even greater enemy! If it hadn't been for my effort...

Maybe you think so, but you don't know. You don't know!

How could you think you knew What did Norway need?

You know nothing about other people because you have opted them out!

- Just like you choose the truth. -History will prove that I was right!

History will show that I did the right thing for Norway and the Norwegians.

I knew what Norway needed.

People can stand there and say whatever they want. I can stand it!

Strongest is that man which stands completely, completely alone.

So that's what you want? To stand alone?

Go ahead! The two of us are done with each other.

How does it feel?

Do you think...

...that you can be so wrong about his life's mission?

Yes, I think so.

How will it be then?

Are you afraid you've made a mistake?

If everything I've done has been wrong...

...then I can't live with myself.

There is a forgiveness for everything.

I don't know.

I...

Can you stay just a little longer?

I don't want to be alone right now.

It's not easy for the rest of us to understand Vidkun Quisling.

A sky-white gap separates him and his perception of reality from that of others.

But that is the duty of the court to understand his personality-

- also for the subjective burden of guilt must be proven in order for him to be convicted.

Sometimes it's hard to accept that you can't even imagine-

-what another person thinks and feels.

In this legal case, one is faced with such an enigma.

Attempts have been made to solve the Quisling riddle with the somewhat simplified explanation-

- that it is a need for self-assertion, lust for power or greed.

If you believe that this is the key to Quisling's mind-

-then you haven't understood the man.

I therefore ask the question: How can you explain-

-that the Quisling who participated in the Nansens humanitarian work in Ukraine and Armenia-

-and which was regarded by all as one intellectual and moral example

-now sits here accused of such extraordinarily serious crimes?

As a defense attorney is it my duty to see to-

- that the personality of the accused is highlighted as best as possible.

And the court must have it all figured out-

-that this is indeed an enigma.

-How is it? - I have received a pencil.

But no pencil sharpener and no knife.

How can I defend myself? when I can't write down the arguments?

-What do you want to tell me about, then? -My driving forces.

My upbringing in Fyresdal, what has shaped me.

My love of motherland.

My years at the military academy. My political activities.

Maybe you should talk about what could you have done differently?

Shouldn't I defend myself?

You will be judged no matter how much you defend yourself.

- The court needs something conciliatory. -Something atonement?

-Yes. Humility. -Humility...!

I cannot stand in court and falter. I must be clear and distinct.

No one wants to admit they are wrong, but if it can save your life?

-Humility... -You showed yourself humble before me.

Humility.

You have the gift of words. You'll figure something out.

See you again.

See you again.

Thanks.

A thousand thanks.

You are quiet today.

Your defense attorney want me to ask you to be humble.

He wants you to ask for forgiveness.

-What do you think? -I?

You shall not bow to them.

Don't let those barbarians break you. No one is stronger than you.

I knew that the very first time I saw you.

“There we have a man that would never let itself be broken!"

So I thought.

You are Kapitan Quisling. You are my Kapitan Quisling.

They will understand. Don't you think so?

You make them understand.

I who have faithfully served my country, accused of treason-

-while those who actually bear the responsibility for all the misery...

...the defense saboteurs, the ones who drove us out in this war, go free.

They can rejoice and say, "Ha!"

"That's where we finally got him."

I wanted to do good.

My deed has been exclusively for the Norwegian people-

-and to promote the kingdom of God on earth-

-which Jesus Christ came to create.

I have not deliberately done anything to harm the Norwegian people.

I have done my utmost to prevent-

- that the Norwegian people and the Nordic countries would become a theater of war.

Exactly what I stand accused of!

I prevented a civil war. I tried to counter the invasion-

-and protect the Norwegian people from the forces of the occupying power!

Do you have children?

Neither do I.

The court has agreed on a verdict.

Vidkun Abraham Lauritz Quisling sentenced to death-

- for violations of the Military Penal Code section 80, number 1, 2 and 3.

Compare paragraph 9, number 1, and section 12 of the Criminal Code.

The Military Penal Code section 80 reads...

Have you understood the sentence?

Yes.

With the judgment of the Court of Appeal is the debt issue investigated.

You can appeal if you think so that the punishment is too harsh-

- if the negotiations were illegal or the law incorrectly applied.

You can appeal immediately or ask for a cooling-off period.

I wish to have my sentence tried in the Supreme Court.

The negotiation is hereby concluded.

Court is adjourned.

- Mrs. Quisling. - I don't want to be disturbed.

I assume you have heard the verdict.

Yes, but of course I don't accept it.

I am a person who struggles, Mr. Olsen.

You have to do that. Fight to the last drop of blood.

All our friends are in prison. So I write letters.

Look here, I'm writing to Gerhardsen. I am writing to General Ruge.

Stalin.

- To Stalin? -Yes.

He is my countryman. I know that he valued our work in Ukraine.

-What do you think he can do? -I am asking for mercy.

Someone must be able to show mercy, even after a war?

They must not shoot him.

I can't lose him.

I was nothing before I met him.

A poor secretary from a country without a future.

Invisible.

But in his eyes I became someone. I became Maria Pasek, Viking descendant.

I became the prime minister's wife.

What will I do without him?

Do you understand? A lie... Nothing!

There are many people who support you. I have received several letters.

And I have written to Prime Minister Gerhardsen.

Begged for you.

-And General Ruge. And the king. -Have you written to the king?

We met him when you were defense minister.

- It's been a long time. 1932. -I have even danced with him.

He liked you.

Do you think?

There must be something more I can do.

There must be something more!

What is it that you want me to release?

My guilty conscience?

God? Is that it?

-Is that what you do? - I can't think like that.

If I do it I don't know where it ends.

Here maybe.

Here where I am.

But my job is to give others hope.

If I lose hope, then…

I have a husband who is sentenced to death. He is completely lost.

If I can get through it, if I can find a small glimmer of light or hope...

Then you find your faith?

I just want to help him find peace.

That's nice, Peder.

But how can you help someone else? if you don't feel peace yourself?

You write such beautiful letters.

"We two are one. Be and remain."

"You should never let that thought leave you."

“If I sleep or wake up on the other side"-

-"so is my immortal part also always with you."

"My eternal and immortal beloved."

I...

I wish...

...that you could say that.

What you write. These words.

That you could look at me and say them.

So I understood you mean them.

Please you.

Just a single time.

Can't you just say it?

-Say you love me. - I do.

Please you!

Mary...

I...

-Maria, it's just silly. -Silly?

What is stopping you?

I mean what I have written. I wrote it to you.

Do you want me to help him?

Because I don't know if I can make it alone, Heidi. i need you

Thank you.

Yes, of course.

The pardon application was rejected.

I have to go there and tell him.

The Publican and the Pharisee.

That's what it landed on.

Have you heard anything?

Unfortunately, it was rejected.

Neither the king, nor the prime minister or others have wanted to pardon you.

So the decision is made.

How much time do I have?

It will happen tonight.

Tonight...

- I'll stay with you as long as you want. -Yes.

There is probably a meaning to this as well.

Maria. You must...

You must promise to take care of Maria for me.

Yes.

She really appreciated it the conversations with you.

Shall we read something together?

I don't know...

Do you want to receive communion?

No, no...

Many people think it feels good to receive the forgiveness of sins.

You don't understand. I am innocent.

I have nothing to confess.

Everyone has something to confess.

Do you remember we spoke? about the publican and the Pharisee?

You called it Sunday school theology and I felt a little stupid.

But there is a reason why you learn say it like a child: It is a simple truth.

The one who stands closest to God is the one who can stand for his mistakes.

Their weaknesses.

His humanity.

I have nothing to regret.

-Nothing. - But you told me that.

You wondered if you had misunderstood your life mission.

Yes.

Yes...

I was dazzled of my love of country for Norway.

I should have sacrificed my life for bigger things.

Maybe you shouldn't think about what you could have done.

If I had dedicated myself more to the political work...

...then I could have prevented the war. I saw it coming.

please you you don't have to defend yourself to me.

It is written:

"Whoever hates me hates my Father also. Had I not done such deeds"-

-"among those that no one else has done, then they would be without sin."

"But now they have seen them, and they have hated both me and my Father."

“So the word would be fulfilled which is written in their law:"

"They have hated me without cause."

-They have hated me for no reason. - Vidkun.

God does not hate. God is love.

The Jews rejected Jesus Christ-

-for the robber Barabbas. It's the same choice people have today.

Many would rather have a Barabbas than a true Messiah.

I can't sit and watch.

I must fight against, until the last moment.

- I will be most dangerous after my death. - But you are not the Messiah, Vidkun.

You are a human being. A sinner, like the rest of us.

-Now you have to go. - No, I'm not going.

-Not until you have found peace. -You have to go, I want to be alone.

- No, I'm staying. -You must go! Hear that!

-You must go now! - Please, listen to me.

You must go!

I am the Pharisee.

what did you say

You asked me which one of us is the publican and who is the Pharisee.

You were right.

I have been a hypocrite, I haven't researched myself.

It was an elderly Jewish couple who hid in a scrub at our house.

Rosa and Elias Abrahamsen.

We had set a box of apples in there.

And one night our daughter, Liv, had snuck in to take a-

-and then she saw them.

She was of course terrified. She thought they were trolls.

I managed to calm her down and said she had dreamed it all.

But I couldn't help but think that she would tell about the troll-

- for a classmate at school.

So I didn't dare have them at home anymore, I had them admitted as carriers.

I thought maybe we could fool the police that way.

Then they were caught there.

They were taken away while begging for their lives.

Heidi saw it all from the kitchen window.

They died in Auschwitz.

You did what you had to do.

No, I made a choice. I could have saved them, but...

I let myself and my family go first two old people who needed help.

Every single person had done the same thing in your situation.

That's what I told myself, but...

...my choice cost the same two people life.

Why are you telling me this?

Because I have done the same thing as you: I defended myself, lied to myself.

Because I was afraid, I got lost.

I lost faith in that God would receive me.

I didn't trust him, I was losing him.

Vidkun

Do you dare to trust God?

Do you trust me?

In that case you should pray to God about the forgiveness of sins.

Then you should say as the publican said:

"God, be merciful to me, a sinner."

Now tell God.

It is not dangerous.

God does not abandon you.

I will not abandon you.

God, be merciful to me, a sinner.

God, be merciful to me, a sinner.

Be kind to me…

Christ's body, for you issued.

Christ's blood, shed for you.

Christ's body, for me issued.

Christ's blood, shed for me.

Jesus Christ has given us his holy body and blood

-which he gave in atonement for all our sins.

He strengthens us and preserves us to eternal life.

Peace be with you.

Excuse.

Your wife came by with this.

Yes.

She asks me to say hello. My wife.

Yes...

Thanks.

- Real coffee. -Yes.

There is indeed gunpowder in it.

Was it a joke?

Huh? No, forgive me.

That there is gunpowder in it?

There's gunpowder in it...

Yes, yes.

I'm going to sleep tonight anyway.

I'll get you all ready.

Can I do that?

It's time.

The hour has struck.

See.

The Son of Man is extradited in the hands of sinners.

The warriors brought him with them-

-into the Praetorium and assembled the entire Roman guard.

They clothed him in a purple robe...

...and twisted a crown of thorns and put it on him.

Then they brought me out to be crucified.

They brought me to the place called Calvary.

It was about three o'clock as they crucified me.

And at the ninth hour cried Jesus with a loud voice:

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

"Father."

"Forgive them."

"Because they don't know what they're doing."

Mr. Quisling.

Now is the time.

Farewell.

I want to look death in the eye.

I want to look death in the eye!

It is according to the regulations.

Peter...

I am innocent!

You shoot an innocent man!

Vidkun Quisling was arrested on 9 May and was executed on October 24, 1945.

Maria Quisling lived in seclusion as "Mrs. Bang" for the rest of her life.

She died at Uranienborg Home in January 1980.

Peder Olsen came to be considered as one of the foremost in his field-

-both in psychiatry and as a savior of souls.

Peder Olsen died in 1977.

The film is based on his and Heidi Olsen's diary entries.

Translation: Elisabeth Enström Swedish media text

Responsible publisher: Iréne Lindblad SF Studios