Original subtitles

Luck should behave gently

and treat my destiny with loving care

Ladies and gentlemen, we are starting our descend on Berlin

Please refrain from smoking and fasten your seatbelts

There they are Hello, Hilde

Nice to have you back

Can we ask some questions? - One at a time

I'm doing fine I'm always happy to feel the ground under my feet

Miss Knef, how do you explain

all the ups and downs in your life?

Success and failure are both overrated

But failure makes for better headlines

Tonight you'll make history as the first

popular singer in the Philharmonie

Why Knef, of all people?

If it's sold out, I don't ask

How would you answer?

I never ran after the crowd

That's why l've ended up in places

where the crowd never was Fortunately

Or unfortunately - Miss Knef,

what is your next film project - Young man,

I won't make another film

Unless poverty forces me to

You left Berlin when the Wall was built

How do you feel about it today?

I just climb over walls, that's all

Can l have your autograph? - With pleasure

What's your name?

Monika Very good

Is that alright? - Thank you

Nice to have you back

I can't shake off this damn feeling

that they'll hate me tonight

1 , 2, a bit more on that monitor

1 , 2

Too high, too sharp

Roll sound - Rolling

Screen test: Hildegard Knef - Ready

I'm sorry, l forgot my lines

No, l was just kidding

My name is Hildegard Knef, and

I'd like to study acting at the Babelsberg film school

My peace is gone, my heart is sore,

I'll find it, ah, never, no, nevermore

His noble form, his bearing so high,

and his lips so smiling,

and the power of his eye

My bosom yearns toward him to go

Ah Might l clasp him and hold him so

And kiss his lips

as fain would I

upon his kisses to swoon and die

Why do you want to be an actress?

Because I have talent

How do you know? - I just do

Turn your head to the side

I want to see your profile

Where were you? - Hello, Mother

Frieda, get inside

Where is Grandfather? - Waiting till the last minute,

to sit near the door

Hilde, come on

Grandfather

Hildegard

I got accepted

Hurry

The boy's going downhill

Thank God we're being evacuated

I'm not coming, Mother - What?

I'm staying in Berlin - Quiet over there

The girl's talking nonsense

She certainly can't sing

She has a boy's voice, it's unmelodic

She has a boy's body

She's not pretty or elegant, nothing

Please take a seat

You see, Ms Bongers,

we're going to be evacuated

I can't stay, my son has a weak heart

I have to take my daughter with me

She mustn't steer a wrong course

She has no talent for acting

With respect, we decide that

Or are you implying that Minister Goebbels is no judge?

No

No, l didn't mean

Read it out, Hilde

"Hildegard Knef perfectly represents the archetypal German girl

She has an appealing charm, a pretty smile, and a clear gaze

On top of that, she is well-built and moves graciously

She is nice, but her nose needs to be fixed

Minister Goebbels"

Her nose has already been fixed once

She broke her nose as a child

But you think that a second operation would help?

I didn't break my nose, you broke it

At 1 6 l used to softly say

I want to be great, be a winner,

to be happy, to never lie

At 1 6 l used to softly say

I want it all, or nothing

A lady should not grovel

Ewald von Demandowsky

I saw your screen test, Miss Knef

I think you have great talent

Thank you

Please, just one dress

Just for a night - No

I don't have time to go home

Ewald von Demandowsky has asked me to see the new Hans Albers film

Hildegard? - Bongi

I'll bring it back tomorrow I promise

I want you to stay here this evening - What?

But I've been invited

By the Reich Film Supervisor, I know

And that's precisely why I'd like you to stay here

For screen tests - What screen tests?

You will be discovered many times yet

It's too soon for you

What a delightful surprise

Ms Bongers told me you weren't coming

The screen tests have been postponed I'm still rehearsing

Your beauty is overwhelming,

especially in this very special dress

Come along, this way

Shall we go?

Yes

You dance well - It depends on who's leading

Blimey

When l hold you in my arm, you're just the right size

Do you have to? - Yes, of course

Come back to sea

Thanks, Duwe, that's enough

We've seen enough

There is no value in making excellent films

if all they depict is wretched lives, immorality,

promiscuity and hopelessness

The film I approved was supposed

to honour the merchant navy

This will be the film's last showing

There's not enough room in the car

Miss Knef, the others are waiting in the car

Thanks, Duwe The car can leave

My family has been evacuated to Austria

There's something here

You're really still a child

our armies push forward, so that we shall beat back the enemy

And I believe

that one day, the victory

I'll be off

never have l believed so strongly in anything

Have you heard?

The telephone is called "selb" now

The Fuhrer has announced that foreign words must be eradicated

Erased, just like the enemy cities

We know no pardon

we shall grant no pardon

"Pardon" is French, isn't it?

Every division that is making small offensives

Oh, how nice You're at home

We were filming all night

Mostly waiting, between the power cuts and the air raids

Why aren't you at Tobis Studios?

Tobis has been bombed

The entire building was destroyed

I just met with Goebbels

The film has been cancelled

My film?

I'm sorry - But why didn't anyone tell me?

I'm telling you now

Heil Hitler

I have to speak to Mr Demandowsky

One moment, please Mr Demandowsky

Leave The Russians will rape you

They'll beat you to death

Go, before it's too late

Heil Hitler - What do you want?

You know the task ahead of you

And I know that you will carry it out as expected

The hour of your glory is here

I've been called up

The Fuhrer is calling up reserves

I have to report to Schmargendorf HQ today

I'm coming with you

That's out of the question

Then shoot me

I won't wait to be beaten or raped

It's impossible Please

It's impossible

Age?

Nineteen - A girl

I don't believe it - She's my fiancee

What if the Russians get hold of her?

Look around you, soldier

Look at your troops and tell me l can't fight

Can you shoot?

Those cans outside

Wait

Here, the safety catch

Fire

Stop

Leave your helmet on, head down, mouth shut

Heil Hitler

Move it

Close ranks

It's your watch

They're coming

Heads down

Stay calm

Take cover

Pull back Move it

Move it Run

We have to move

Marry me Be my wife before we die

We have to move We have to

Everyone stop

First group, take a leak

The others, sit down And no talking

I made it out of Stalingrad just so some Pole

lets me piss with kids and women

No talking

Everyone out

Stop

One, two, three,

four,

five Move

Go

Let's go Out of the way Out of the way

First group, sit down Hurry up Now

Second group, take a leak Third group, sit down

Strip to the waist

Name? Rank?

Come on, I want to go home

Strip to the waist

I didn't have time to cut it

God help you when they find out

I don't think God is here

But you are here

The world should re-shape itself

and keep its worries to itself

Hilde

Heinz Oh, God

Are you okay?

Come on

Mother Grandpa Hilde is back

Mother Come on

You made it

Thank God Thank God

Don't tell me what you went through I don't want to know

I'm so sorry

You're alive

You can't stay here

The Russians come every night

They're looking for you because of Demandowsky

Is he here?

No

He must still be with them in military prison

I'll manage, Grandpa

I promise you, l'll manage

Hey, Miss I've got top brand cigarettes

American quality Freshly rolled - No, sorry

Or a stub for a deutschmark

It's okay Be careful, and good luck

Helga, hurry We have to leave

What are you doing here?

Were you here all night?

Got anything to eat?

Come along

Get up

We play here every night

No Krauts

Just for the Americans

I just got my license

Can you sing?

Only out of tune Everyone told me so

Really?

Come on, you're an actress

You know this one?

Give it a try

Come on

Intriguing

But I could get used to it

Get a licence, then we can play here

Soup, every evening - Soup? What kind of soup?

Meat soup

Meat soup? - I never found any meat,

but I'll keep on looking

Here, my health card

I'm an actress,

and l hope to get work when the theatres open

You think you're superior to the others, don't you?

No

No, l

I'm hungry, homeless,

and desperate, We'll all the same

We're all walking around looking for a new start

Would chewing gum help?

No, thanks

All I want is a stage licence

And I'll keep coming till I get one

Were you in the Party? - No

But your husband was - What husband?

We have reports that you

married Ewald von Demandowsky

I don't know who told you that, but it's not true

Then tell us the truth

The truth?

I believe we get what we deserve

I was 7 when Hitler came to power

I was too young to start a revolution

That fur coat is going to catch one hell of a cold

Do you want a ride?

You're American I don't talk to Americans

Am I American? Really?

I guess you're right Funny, I didn't notice

Are you hungry?

How about an American hamburger?

Come on Get in I'll drop you off wherever you want

My God, get in You'll freeze in this weather

How come your German is so good?

Get in, or l'll never tell you

You're an actress, right? - Yes

I'm a film officer

Can l pick you up tonight?

No - Tomorrow?

No - Next week?

No - Okay

I can see you're itching to know how l learned German

Ta-ta lt's my mother tongue

I grew up in Czechoslovakia and l'm a Jew

Apparently Hitler didn't like us much,

so we left for America

Fascinating, huh?

You want to get out here?

Go on then, get out

Do you think I'm funny?

You have a lot of spirit Don't lose it

Don't worry, I was born that way

I'll bring some food next time

That fur coat weighs more than you do

You're making me nervous Play something else

Afternoon

Afternoon - Hello

What are you doing here?

I am too early - Yes

The prologue is cancelled

But

that's the only text l have

Not anymore Anna has double pneumonia

You'll take over the lead role Ricci

Are you serious?

I'm dead serious Here

I'm sorry, Anna - Go learn your lines

Thank you

Everyone off Close the curtain

What do you say now? Pommer is in town

I've never met Pommer - What?

Don't call him Pommer or Erich

He was the boss at UFA

Off you go Go out there on your own

Look, that's the guy l told you about

You've been coming to every show Ricci saw you

He says you come to see me Is that true?

The accused pleads guilty

I'm in love

Didn't you read the sign?

You know what they say: Love is blind

So why are you staring at me?

Would you love me if I looked like this?

You see what l mean?

Love is not blind

And I'm 1 00% Kraut

You'll get into trouble with me

As long as I'm with you, I don't care

Hocus,

pocus, fidibus

I thought you'd like this

Anything else you want to bring up?

Breakfast or lunch?

It was the meat I'm not used to it anymore

Will you come to see me again?

The Russians are showing a film in Pankow tomorrow

It's allied officers only,

but I know the Russian film officer

He said I can bring you along

What do you say? - What do I say?

I say, "yes"

Cigarette? - Yes, please

Thank you

Sixteen of my relatives died like that

They say I should hate you

because you're German

But I won't do that

I refuse

It's all just chance

I could've been you, and vice-versa

They don't want us to think that way

But they're wrong

I know they're wrong

I was at Dachau concentration camp

The day they opened the gates

I've seen enough

Enough

We are the survivors

That is a gift

We mustn't throw it away

I won't throw anything away

Hold me tight

As if we hadn't suffered enough

What he did is a disgrace You mustn't talk about it

He knew we'd all be out

He must've collected sleeping pills

Why couldn't he die of old age like a normal person?

We'll just say he died in his sleep Well, he did

so to speak

Here

It's for you

He only wrote YOUR name on it

"My dear child,

I am too old to forget all the atrocities

And too old to be any use to you

Perhaps you'll understand one day,

and forgive me"

What does it say?

Nothing

Nice of you to visit

Thank you

Why did you ask me to come? - Curiosity

I produced many German films before Hitler took power

I produced films in France, England, and Hollywood

You know where I last worked?

As a labourer in a New York china factory

Yes, and now l'm here

My job, with American supervision,

is to revive the German film industry

Or to prevent its revival We don't know which yet

Tell me about yourself

I was at school during the war

I'm not a Nazi, l wasn't in the Party

Excuse me, Miss Knef, this isn't an interrogation

I read your records I had to

You're an actress, and a good one, it seems

You'd make a good impression at any interrogation

No matter how I answer, you can use it against me

That's true

So, you were an acting student who was in Nazi films

that fortunately were never completed

But you didn't turn down the roles, did you?

No - Why not?

They weren't propaganda films

Back then, l

didn't realize it was wrong

Of course you didn't

I'm just an actress, Mr Pommer

I work hard, and if you give me a role

I won't disappoint you

I've been informed that your lover was a high-ranking Nazi

I didn't know he was a Nazi

I found out during the interrogations

You always have a ready answer, eh?

I'm used to these questions

And what if I don't believe you?

We never discussed politics

We talked about art or he did

He was much older than me

He knew much more - Yes,

I met Demandowsky as a young man

He began his career as a mediocre actor

A handsome, likeable fellow

But he was a Nazi disciple right from the start

He joined the Nazi Party in 1 930

Did you know he is in Berlin?

I heard he's currently in the American military hospital

Do you still love him?

You're a good interrogator, Mr Pommer

I can't answer that question

I'm not really being fair

Please forgive me

You should know that I like you

You've done some very stupid things

But you are without question the best budding actress in Germany

I want to advise you

Until I can produce films again

Excuse me

I'm so nervous I just want to make it

I don't know why, but I just have to make it

You will - Yes

You'll make it

OCTOBER, 1 946

Hey, Kurt - Mr Schulze,

the gentlemen of the DEFA

Hilde

Boleslav

Hilde, my little wild one Just look at you

Letting you go off to make a film was a big mistake

Your mistake, our good fortune

Ah, Mr Pommer

Good luck - Miss Knef

What could l do, Mr Pommer?

How can l run a theatre

when my best people go into film?

You're the best you have - Ah, Hilde

Good luck, okay?

Do I have to stay in the auditorium? I mean,

if they don't like the film there's nothing l can do

Of course you have to stay It's the premiere

You might become a star tonight

Do you want to disappoint your fans?

Of course not

Selznick is interested in you

Dieterle saw "Murderers Among Us"

and told Selznick

The article in "Life" did the rest

Who are Selznick and Dieterle?

Selznick brought Ingrid Bergman to America

He produced 'Gone with the Wind'

Is he nice?

Hollywood can wait lt's too soon

How old was Dietrich when she went?

You can't compare yourself to her

She left Germany in 1 930 She was always on the other side

You weren't You have something to hide

And don't let Kurt Hirsch talk you into anything

Concentrate on your career here and forget Hollywood

And drop the make up, it doesn't suit you

What's Hollywood like? - Oh, you'd love it

Sunshine, palm trees, the ocean, interesting people

with an international career

And later, I said, I want to understand

see and experience things, cherish them,

and later, I said, I don't want

to be alone, but yet be free

Here they come

No, no, l didn't get married, you did

California, 1 948

Hello

Hi, we have an appointment with Mr Selznick

Ms Knef has an appointment, she can enter

You have to wait for her here, Sir

I'm sorry, l'm her husband, I really need to come with her

Sir, there is no exception

I know you're doing your job, but I really

Sir, you have to wait here

Off you go - I don't want to go alone

You'll be fine

My English isn't good enough

Good luck

I hear you are a great actress Du -

Thank you

Whoever told you that,

tell them I'm flattered

Ja, ja Sure thing Selznick wants you

Sign up with me, and you are on payroll

What do you mean, "pay roll"?

Selznick will make minimum 3 films with you

7 year contract

Sign it

Down here

You start getting the paychecks tomorrow

When will l start? Is there a script?

Slow down, girl Selznick will think of a good name for you

We need a new name

What's wrong with my name?

Keneff? Forget it

Roll camera - screen test - Keneff

take one

SLATE - ACTlON

You still love me, Harry, don't you? Say you still love me

I gotta go

Harry, l love you

Sorry Irene, but Mary is waiting for me

Mary?

Sorry, Irene Mary needs me

But, Harry - why Mary?

Why me?

That's what l'd like to know

It's more idiotic than the Russian films I dubbed

to pay my rent in Berlin

If you want to see, whether i?m a good actress,

give me a proper part

You're an actress, girl -

if we wanted a critic, we would have hired one

That's it, I'm outta here It's a wrap

SlX MONTHS LATER

Connect me with Mexico-City, Donna

RESHOOT I don't care

Clark We are all set on the details

You start next week It's going to be brilliant

You call me, if there is anything

'-Hildeee, Hildeee, Hildeee what are we gonna do with you,

Should we call ya Gilda Christian?

You like that You got your teeth done yet?

Re-cast and re-shoot

I don't care what the consequences for Howard are

I am the one with the consequences

We say you are from Austria

You can't be German

Everyone hates the Germans

Am I getting through here? AM I GETTING THROUGH???

Hitler was Austrian

I believe you, sweetheart, but no one knows that around here

Selznick Frankie

Yeah, can you hold on, Frankie

Do you like me? Just a little bit?

I don't know you

Well, we can change that, honey

Don't worry sweetheart Everythings gonna be great

I'm gonna make you the new Garbo

What happened to Mexico-City?

I need MEXICO ClTY NOW I don't care Frankie?

Mr Selznick Do you have a part for me?

A part?

I did not come here to pick up a paycheck every week

I came here to be an actress

As long as she does not leave us hanging on

We need to wrap this one up on time

Selznick

Honey, how are you?

Aha, it'sno l wasto slowI

Aha

It's not that laha no, I'm listening to you

aha

ONE YEAR LATER

I've had enough of this sun

I want some rain

Rain? We're almost in the desert

That's why Hollywood's here

They need light for the films

But they don't need me

Selznick's divorce might have cost him his studio,

but he still has you under contract

I'll try to get him to loan you to Paramount

Oh, Kurt

Stop pretending you have things under control

You never did

Hollywood is just

out of your league

Selznick won't let you go He needs to earn money

Why do you stay with me, Kurt?

Because I love you

You're the exception

Every producer has to ask himself one question:

What will the audience accept?

That's what you tried to tell me

That the public here won't accept a German star

You should've stayed at home

You don't know it's good till it's over

But if it's bad, you know straight away

Mr Selznick?

Who is it?

Pommer Erich Pommer

Mr Pommer

You are one of the few men on this earth whom I truly admire

Excuse the mess, I am closing down

Sorry to hear that You have made a series of

excellent pictures Gone With The Wind,

maybe the greatest american film ever made

Aha my problem ain't the films

It's the ladies Are you married, Mr Pommer?

Oh yes I am Since 1 91 3

Mr Selznick

Hildee? Come in, sit down

I have come here to get out of my contract

Are you here together?

Yes, I have brought Mr Pommer along,

not because I cannot speak for myself,

but because you, Mr Selznick,

never listen

See what I mean? I have a problem with the ladies

Mr Selznick, I have survived the bombraids in Berlin,

I have survived the Russian prisoncamps

I got out of all this, to find myself your prisoner here in Hollywood

A prisoner on salary, honey

I'm an actress that no one sees

I cannot work I cannot sleep

I cannot think

I went through so much,

to now be nothing at all and you know why?

Because you, Mr Selzsnick, made me into nothing at all

Business is business, Hildee

Just let me go home I have been offered a film,

and l just want to go home

What do you think, Mr Pommer?

You should respect a woman who knows what she wants

That's exactly what my wife said to me

and look where that got me

Hello, Hilde Show us a leg,

just like in Hollywood

Can you still speak German? - I never could

Tell us about your films

Why did you come back?

The rain Sunshine is like chocolate:

Too much makes you sick

Thank you

Come in

Here you are - Thank you

Mother

I thought you'd come to the airport

I thought you'd come home

It must be expensive to live here

I don't know

I don't pay the bills

I see

The papers are writing all sorts of things about you

What can l say, Mother?

If you marry the arts,

you get the critics as a mother-in-law

Everything's changed at home

The walls, the doors, the roof

Every apartment has a water closet

That's good, right?

Are you managing okay?

Is Heinz taking care of you?

No, not your brother

He's always on the go

It's strange since his father died

I never thought l'd miss him

When we married, l hardly liked him

But we grew really close at the end

Strange how things turn out

How is Kurt? What's he up to?

He's gone for a walk

To be honest, it's not easy for us right now

He

He had great hopes for Hollywood

For both of us

But we felt lost over there

Everyone plays games,

and Kurt and I never really figured out how to play

But I hope it'll get better when I start shooting again

What kind of film is it?

With Willi Forst What's the title

"The Story of a Sinner"

Nothing indecent, I hope

Let's start with the close up - Get ready to shoot

Close up of Hilde

You're so beautiful, it's a crime

Are you ready? - Yes

Get ready

Good evening - Mr Forst

How are you this evening?

Fantastic, of course, in this company

Forgive me, now I see who you are with

Welcome home, Miss Knef

Thank you

Here's to you, your beauty,

and your future

And to our film

Are you there, Kurt?

Welcome to the flower shop

They just arrived

Guess who sent them

Your director has a generous expense account

I'm sorry

I think Willi Forst has fallen for me

I can smell it

Kurt What's wrong?

Did you shoot a nude scene yesterday?

I know it

Your chauffeur told me

You shot a nude scene yesterday

She's a nude model

And since she's a nude model,

we decided she should be naked

And she's a prostitute - She's a cheap whore

Anatole, you're a persuasive devil

Yes, I'll finish on time

Then you can have her - Good

Hilde

I think you know Anatole Litvak

Good evening - Take a seat, darling

What can l say except 'yes'? Yes,

yes, yes, to a divine woman

I'm jealous, of course,

but I'll take it like a gentleman

When do you start?

I'll take her as soon as you can let her go

The way you two talk,

you'd think I was a race horse

Mr Litvak, I don't recall

you asking me if I want the role

Oh, what a faux pas

I should make a formal proposal - Go ahead

I'm waiting

I'm deciding what location would be best suited to ask you

The Kempinski isn't classy enough

We'll have to book a flight and climb the Eiffel Tower

Have you ever been up there?

No

It's a big world

I still have a lot to see

Well, here's to the future - To the future

Are you here, Kurt?

You scared me

Enjoy your evening with your new friends?

Or should I say 'lovers'? - Stop it

This is about my work

I see

It's no longer about us

You're making things very hard for me

It's just a game

Can't you see that?

I have to play along

Anatole Litvak wants to work with me

When? - Straight away

You don't want to come home?

Where is 'home', Kurt?

Isn't it where the heart is?

The director or me, Hilde

It's your choice

You have to decide

I can't do it

The Moor has done his duty,

the Moor may go

Hildegard Knef

You will burn in Hell She is the sinner

"The Story of a Sinner" is a scandal,

and an affront to every decent German

Exposed, debauched scenes,

its superficial treatment of prostitution,

its bad portrayal and glorification of a couple living in sin,

the sexual devotion

that is offered as sacrifice

Are you in there, Hilde?

It's me, Bongi

Open the door, child - Bongi?

I don't like standing outside

Bongi? - Yes

My God, you look awful

You should always make big mistakes

And avoid the small boring ones at all cost

At a certain age, they criticize you for your decisions,

not your talent

Pommer called You know what he said?

Only Hitler had worse reviews

Excuse me, Miss Knef - Hello

We don't have a table for you

They're all reserved today

That's not true

We can't afford the scandal

I must ask you to leave - That's absurd

She's not the director or writer,

she's an actress

And actresses just do as they're told

No, Bongi, I could've refused

I'm sorry, but Miss Knef's presence

is upsetting

You will give us our table

I insist Hilde

I told you it was her

A disgrace to the German people

A disgrace to the German people?

Have you all lost your memory?

Or just your minds?

You see the hatred, Bongi?

I hate it I hate hatred

Miss Knef

Good day, gentlemen

Before you ask your questions, I'd like to ask YOU one

Is it not strange that a country

that kept quiet as six million Jews were gassed,

starts a revolution

1 0 years later

because of two naked breasts?

The first question, please

SlNNER SEEKS FORTUNE ABROAD

KNEF GETS LEAD ROLE lN LITVAK FlLM

FIRST SUCCESS lN HOLLYWOOD

HlLDEGARD IN GARBO ROLE

HlLDE CONQUERS BROADWAY

HlLDE KNEF HAS MADE IT

Congratulations

You made it

Thank you

Would you like a drink?

No, thanks

I met Kurt Hirsch, by the way - Oh

Well?

His father took his life 2 weeks ago His mother died yesterday

Poor old Kurt

It was insane to marry him

Because you did it for the wrong reasons

We discussed that

I remember

Memory is a distorting lens that exposes very precisely

You've changed

8 shows a week for 3 years,

we're all worn out Horrible

You used to know how to pick yourself up

And I will do

The world is my oyster right now

Fine, if you know what you want

I struggled my whole life

to make deep, meaningful films

Apparently, it was a mistake

But it wasn't a mistake

It's what makes you Erich Pommer

I regret nothing Even if it's cost me a Hollywood career

But tell me:

What makes you Hildegard Knef?

To be reborn far from my old life,

and hold on to most of what awaits me

Wasn't Hildegard Neff supposed to be coming along?

Sure here she is

Oh, you're Hildegard Neff?

At least l used to be

Well, that's fascinating I'm David Cameron

We are supposed to fall in love

Fascinating

I'm glad we get a chance to do this research, actually

I don't know very much about how blind people interact

And since we both play blind

I'm shutting down No talking, please

Ms Neff, Mr Cameron,

welcome to St Dunstan, Home of the Blind

We're all so excited to have you coming

And, Ms Neff, in case you worry about it,

you won't find anyone in this house

who holds your nationality against you

How do you mean that?

Well, didn't your producer tell you?

All of our patients were blinded in the war

most of them on German territory

Just follow me trough here This is our workshop

That's Ben, hello Ben

Hello

AndAh yes, over here we have Richard

Hello Richard - Hi

Just let them pass

Let me introduce you to Taffy

Taffy is our star

He was a star pianist

Then he was a star pilot

Unfortunately both of his eardrums where injured as well, when he was shot down

He can't hear us?

Not a sound

He looks so happy

I'm afraid that's a false impression

We found him breaking our piano into little pieces in the middle of the night

It was good for me to come here today

It put my life back into perspective

I sometimes felt I

I lost everything

I know I understand

I am a big step down from Gregory Peck

but you prefer making this film with me to being deaf, dumb and blind

That is exactly what I meant

I'm throwing a party tonight

Lots of important people are coming Directors, producers,

Carol Reed will be there,

perhaps it would be useful for you -

You must be Hildegard Knef?

The famous actress from that hot German nude film

Knef

Knef - I didn't know you spoke German

There's a lot you don't know about me

Where are the other guests?

I disinvited them

Vodka, or whiskey?

I'd prefer wine

You're married, right?

Yes

Do you have children?

No

I don't want to have an affair

Affairs get taken much too seriously

And the pain lasts longer than the fun did

And believe me, l'm experienced

I know what l'm talking about

But you do realize this is not just an affair?

Are you experienced in this kind of thing too?

Me neither

BERLlN, SIX WEEKS LATER

Thank you

What does the German Film Prize mean to you?

It gives me hope that a difficult time is coming to an end

And there will be a happy new start

for Hildegard Knef in Germany

What is happiness to you?

I don't know

I've never known it long enough to be able to talk about it

What about love?

I've asked myself that for years

What about love?

So, gentlemen excuse me

What on earth are you doing here?

I am looking at you

I don't mean to be nosey,

but didn't you mention a wife?

Did I?

How careless of me

It's clearly something I can't take care of

right this moment

But at the next opportunity

I'll keep you up to date with the developments

You're hitting the gas AND the brakes

Come on

Up here

That's an impressive house

It must cost a fortune - Probably

I'm hopeless when it comes to money

Yes, mother

Excuse me - David Cameron

Nice to meet you, Mrs Knef

You must be hungry l'll fix breakfast

Yes, I'm really starving

The phone's been ringing constantly - What happened?

A woman from TV they're sending a script

A producer called Brauner sending a script

Cinema, he said

Ms Bongers called

Fritz Lang called about a lead role

A producer called Wendlandt: lead role

A Belgian producer called I didn't understand his name

And Pommer He sounded ill

He sends his congratulations

And did Fritz Lang really say he wants me for a lead role?

That must be the courier

How do you like your eggs, Mr Cameron?

David, please

Over easy Just fried

Fine

Do you like sausages? - Yes

Don't move

That's it

This is pure happiness

Everyone stop

This is an historic moment

Hildegard Knef is happy

You know what l'm thinking? - No

Do you know what you're thinking?

I'm thinking I've fallen in love with Berlin

Berlin? Good That's my home

But she's known to change her mind

You should write your memoirs

It sounds like you've lived 9 lives

No, impossible

You couldn't get her to sit still long enough

She was always fidgety

According to her, l have no talent

and l sing like a boy

That was a long time ago

I'm sure you know that she was a Broadway star

I know

How come I've never heard you sing?

I don't know

Are you afraid I wouldn't like it?

What's cooking in there?

Unpaid bills

And it'll soon boil over

THE SINNER lS A MARRlAGE-WRECKER

Shit

I didn't want my wife to find out like this

Your wife? This is about me

Those assholes have withdrawn all the offers

I've been blacklisted

I know the game, I've played it before

Frieda, please take the bills into your room

and sort them chronologically

And take your time It will all work out

Let go of me - I want you to calm down

Out

Go back to your wife and tell her it was a mistake,

that you've never heard of me

I won't do that

This is my house

Yes, until the bailiffs come

But that's not the point

I never let a man boss me around

And I'm too old to change

So, let me go - Damn it, woman

Believe me, darling

I want to go to bed with you

to wake up with you, and go back to bed with you

To get old with you

and die with you

And then? You want to go to hell with me?

Shit

Won't we go to heaven?

And today l softly say, I should

give in, be content, but I can't

give in, can't be content, still want

to win, I want it all, or nothing

That looks totally absurd

What is going on?

They are building a wall

In the middle of the road?

To mark the western and the eastern sector

You're kidding I mean, that wall would have to

go through the entire city

Yes, Sir, it will

That's absolutely ridiculous

Come on, let's just go home

Everything okay?

Why aren't you sleeping?

I

Today I realized how German I am

We obey all the rules, accept every system

First the Nazis:

Raise your arm and say "Heil Hitler"

Absurd

Clever, wonderful people were herded away like cattle

and we watched without asking any questions

We just let it happen

People were being gassed,

and we stood back and did nothing at all

to try and stop it

And now this Wall

We just let it happen

And I'm the same

I'm letting my life pass me by

without doing what I should be doing

Because there's a wall going right through me

And it's stopping me from becoming what l should be

And why?

Because I'm afraid

Afraid of failure

And one day my life will be over,

and l'll be no more than just an actress

who didn't get enough good roles

What do you plan to do?

Something political?

Don't be silly I know nothing about politics

I want to rent a recording studio

What?

A recording studio

Sorry, I don't follow you

I know I can't tell you anymore,

but I need to know:

Can we afford it? - Of course not

But if it's what you want

I can arrange something

lla Fitzgerald once called me

the greatest singer without a voice

Is that good, or bad?

No idea

I've never heard you sing Remember?

The crown prince is here

She's afraid of what you'll think - Don't worry

I've decided to tell her it's great

no matter what

What's the song you're recording?

Shall we try again?

David?

Well? What do you think?

David?

You were fantastic Wait a moment

Now tell her she's great

You said you'd say it anyway

How can you be such an asshole?

Hay fever I'm sorry

I must be allergic to something

I wanted to tell you it was great,

even if it wasn't true

But I can't do it

It wasn't great

That's merely a word, darling

Fitzgerald was right

But not only that The song,

the words

you

You're going to be the biggest star this country has ever seen

Where's the song from?

Hilde wrote it herself

Didn't she tell you?

Just keep writing

We'll see what we can use later

Don't stop

Whatever you do, don't stop writing - Bastard

We only just got married

It's raining red roses

It's the memoirs l'm meant to write

No, it's not

I'll get you to write them too

This here is for your next concert

You are such a monster Can't you ever relax?

It's our honeymoon, and l have to work

I am what I have to be for you

Really?

I hate you

Else Come in

Ah, you're here, Bongi

Yes, my child I'm here

How are you?

What's wrong?

Nothing Nothing at all

I just wanted to say

"break a leg" Come here

Something has happened Tell me

Is it my mother?

No, she's fine She's

She's quite excited I've never seen her like that

Good luck - Now tell me what it is

Erich Pommer died today

In Los Angeles

I just heard it on the news

I'm so sorry

I'd hoped you didn't know

and now I've told you - It's okay

I just need a moment Just a moment

I'll go out there soon

Forgive me Ah, of course

The concert will start in 5 minutes

In 5 minutes Thank you

2440 people have paid good money to see you on stage tonight

What can l do for you?

Tell them to come and fix my make-up

Next time they ask me how I stay fit,

I'll say I have a simple regime:

I run amok every day - Brilliant idea

You should do that

One of the most important people in my life died today

Mr Erich Pommer

He once asked me a question that l couldn't answer

The question was:

Who is Hildegard Knef?

Mr Pommer, wherever you are,

I have found the answer

This here is Hildegard Knef

At 1 6

I used to softly say

I want to be great, be a winner,

to be happy, to never lie

At 1 6 l used to softly say

I want

I want it all

or nothing

For me it should be raining red roses

I should meet with all of the wonders

The world should re-shape itself

and keep its worries to itself

And later, I said,

I want to understand see and experience things,

cherish them, and later, I said,

I don't want to be alone,

but yet be free

For me it should be raining red roses

I should meet with all of the wonders

Luck should behave gently

and treat my destiny with loving care

And today l softly say

I should give in

be content, but I can't give in, can't be content

still want to win, I want it all

or nothing

For me it should be raining red roses

I should meet with completely new wonders

To be reborn far from my old life

and hold on to most of what awaits me

I want

Gave birth to a daughter 2 years after this concert

Was married to David Cameron for another 1 0 years

and another 24 years to her new husband, Paul von Schell

She wrote 7 books in this time

She recorded 50 LPs

made 27 films

and gave 1 00 concerts