Red Meadows (1945) Movie Script
1
THE RED MEADOWS
Based on
the novel by Ole Juul.
Any struggle has its heroes.
When these years of Denmark's
history are to be recorded,
the heroes from
the prisons will emerge.
Behind gloomy and
grey prison walls,
behind small
iron-barred windows,
there were indomitable soldiers
of the Danish Resistance movement.
Many perished and
many were marked for life.
But they all fought with superhuman
moral and physical strength
against the brutal violence of
the German occupation forces.
Are you going to write the letter?
No.
I don't have any envelope.
I'll get you one.
Cigarette?
It's been 6 days.
Thanks.
Nice cigarettes.
Do you have a light?
I have that piece of
sulphur you gave me
but I don't have
any matchsticks.
Here you go.
When the war is over,
I'll come to Munich
to give you a big
pack of cigarettes.
Munich...
There will be no Munich
when the war is over.
They should be here
anytime now.
- Can one tell if it's English?
- Sure.
A Heinkel swings back and forth
like a rocking chair.
- Michael...
- Yeah.
Have you ever been here when
they've sent people down in parachutes?
Sure.
- Also when the parachute
fails to open? - Yes.
It's quite horrible.
What did you do with him?
Put him in a bog.
What else were we supposed to do?
That must be an awful way to die.
Shut up, guys.
- Aren't you afraid?
- We all are.
- Have you ever shot anyone?
- Shut up!
Here they come.
How the hell did he manage to find
us? Those people must have cat's eyes.
Are you going down to the harbour?
Yes, I think we can chance it,
we'll drive around the point.
Alright, we'll go first.
Will you be staying
at my place tonight?
Yeah, if you don't mind.
I'll catch the first morning train.
I'm going to
the printing works anyway.
I'm in charge of all
underground printing in this town.
That's terrific.
You can't stay?
No, I have to be in
Copenhagen tomorrow evening.
- Anything planned?
- Yes.
Say, are you nervous?
You seem nervous.
A friend of mine was
arrested on Wednesday.
- Afraid he'll talk?
- You never know.
Of course he'll keep quiet.
Station two men at the end of
the pier and one at this end.
Get started.
No, we're not going that way.
I'm not following you aboard.
I'll get seasick.
No... stop that,
you drunken monkey.
- We're going home now.
- I don't dare to.
That's right, but you know,
we could go to the park.
Yes, you see,
there's nobody there now.
- Do you have any money?
- What?
Just follow me, ok?
You know that you'll just be
thrown in jail if you go back aboard, right?
The coast is clear.
- Has everything been loaded aboard?
- Yes.
Let's get out of here then.
- Will you be working all night?
- The leaflets must go out.
We haven't failed
a single Saturday yet.
- Are there many guests in this town?
- It's packed like sardines.
- You can catch the train if I
wake you at five. - That's fine.
Is there a balcony?
Yes, you can escape that way if
they come by the front door.
There's a shack you can
jump onto.
Yeah, provided they don't
surround the house.
Yes, of course.
It's up to you.
I'll risk it.
Got anything to drink?
Sure.
You mustn't think I'm afraid.
One must change, right?
You turn into two persons:
a quiet and peaceful
sort of guy during daytime,
and one tough as nails
during nighttime.
One has to get used to it.
It's possible we'll get
used to plenty more.
I'm really pleased we
got to know each other.
I feel the same.
- Good night.
- Good night.
You stay downstairs
in the print shop.
I will.
In case something happens,
nobody at my place needs warning.
- Ok.
- See you later.
Hands up!
That's him.
Where's the key to the print shop?
- I brought it with me.
- I don't think so.
Open the door.
Open the door.
It's the police.
Who are you?
I'm one of Gustav's friends.
- Gustav has been arrested.
- So?
I wanted to warn you
but I came too late.
- What happened? - They arrested
him in the gate as he arrived.
I was picking up
the leaflets for tomorrow.
Do you know anyone in
Gustav's group?
Yes, I think I know one.
So warn him
if it's not already too late.
- Does Gustav know who you are?
- Yes.
Then you'd better go into hiding
yourself for some time.
Do you have anyone to help you?
Yes, I think so.
- Did you shoot anyone?
- Yes, I did.
- Are you getting out of town?
- I'm not going anywhere.
Last time they put up roadblocks
on all the main roads.
Let me show you a shortcut.
- How old are you?
- Sixteen.
Well... almost 16.
Can you get a car?
I'll be all right. Let's go.
- Where are you headed?
- Copenhagen.
- Very well, get in.
- Thanks.
- Stop the car!
- What's up?
Stop the car!
Hands up.
- Are you asleep, sergeant?
- No, captain.
- We've almost reached port.
- Yes, captain.
I don't expect him back
until this afternoon.
Did Michael tell you
he'd be here before that?
No, I was just passing by here
so I thought I'd drop in to enquire.
Well, I never hear from him
until I see him.
What is it really that
Michael's supposed to do this time?
He only thinks about that factory.
Then you know what it's about.
And when will it happen?
The final meeting is tonight,
then everything should be ready...
Sunday.
What are you hiding from me?
- We've received bad news
from Jutland. - What's happened?
Well, razzias and such. One cannot
say too much over the phone.
- And Michael?
- We don't know yet,
- but usually he's fine.
- He must return, you hear me!
Michael!
We were just talking about you
and now you're here.
- Did you come by train?
- No, I borrowed a Wehrmacht car.
- What?
- Yes, I've just got rid of it.
The driver wasn't too
happy about it. Here's his gun.
Well, I had to get home, right?
It would have been nice
if you'd waited a few days first.
- Moeller and his group
has been arrested. - Oh, no.
- How?
- Somebody has ratted on them...
so you could have waited
a bit with your stunt.
These damn snitches!
We have no clue!
Tomorrow either of us
could be ratted out.
Yes, they are dangerous.
- What happened in Jutland?
- I got in touch with one of our guys.
The Germans ambushed me
and I had to shoot my way out.
- Did you hit anyone? - Yes, two. You'll
get a full report one of these days.
- And the explosives?
- Everything was loaded aboard.
- Excellent. See you tonight then.
- Yes, I'll be there.
I'm happy you got away.
Goodbye, Ruth.
Goodbye.
- So you did come home to me again.
- I always come back home to you.
- Was it bad?
- Let's not talk about it.
Now I'm back with you.
Have you been worrying?
Yes, some... but now
I'm almost happy again.
You should sleep now.
You must sleep sometime.
I think you're a damn fine girl...
and a brave one at that.
I love you and no one
must take you away from me.
I'll always come home to you.
You just have to wait
and I'll be there.
Michael...
So here's the power station
and here are the four turning lathes...
If you have enough men,
it'll work out fine.
Right, I'm getting the new
detonators by boat.
- How much do you need?
- 200 kg in all.
Four small ones at 25 each
and a big one at 100.
- Are there many guards?
- Twenty. And ten of those are German,
or in any case members of the Schalburg
Corps, all veterans of the Eastern Front.
Surely, you should be
able to get enough men.
Yes, but what kind of people?
Why was Moeller arrested last week?
Because someone ran his mouth off.
It doesn't look pretty.
- You'll need at least 30 men.
- 25 will do.
What do the Mayz
factories really make?
Aircraft parts.
You want me along?
I can bring some men.
Who have never taken part?
No thanks.
I'll get people.
- I hope they're not afraid of the dark.
- You shut up. That's fine.
- Will we be told this week?
- Yes, Saturday at the latest.
What's keeping Dreyer?
He's never on time.
If he's not here in 10 minutes,
I'm going out looking for him.
We can't be stuck here all night.
- I have tuition tomorrow morning
at eight. - To hell with your tuition.
No, far from it.
I'll sit my exams this Christmas.
If I fail, I cannot afford to go on.
You'll never be a priest.
Our Lord forgot about you
a long time ago.
I don't think Our Lord is
all that interested in resistance work.
Then again, what about the Flood?
That must rank as the finest
piece of sabotage ever.
Well, I'm not quite sure
I'm forgotten.
I spoke to Him on
the phone recently.
Anyway, strangely enough,
I really want to become a priest.
Getting to say all kinds of stuff
from the pulpit...
Well, we'll go to the Mayz factory.
If we see Dreyer, we'll take him along.
It's him.
- Good evening.
- Good evening.
- Good evening.
- How did it go?
- Great.
- You're late.
Yeah, want to know why? It's a hellish
job getting through all that masonry.
Next time I want a craftsman
to come along.
I have no clue how such a damn
thing is cemented or bricked.
I had to toil with that
crap for half an hour.
So it went to plan then?
Yes. In about 20 seconds
everything will be blown to bits.
It's gone.
Tom would like for you to come
scout the Mayz factories tonight.
Sure, no problem.
Will there be a full company?
No, we go two at a time.
Let's go, Prikken.
There's some food over there
in case you're hungry.
The guard was an old guy.
"We just make pipes here," he said.
"Smoking pipes."
Well, he didn't fool me.
- Was he alone?
- Yes.
He was carrying an ancient
revolver. From the days of Garibaldi.
He was more afraid of it
than we were.
Aren't you too tired to
check out the Mayz factories now?
Nonsense!
Let's go, Tom.
- How are things?
- What do you mean?
Do you think
everything goes fine?
Well, I guess things
go pretty well.
This sure is a strange business,
right?
Yeah, and we're at the most
only 1 or 2 percent of the population.
And now, looking at it in a cold
and harsh light, it's a question of
of whether they deserve our efforts.
They hear a few gunshots
and go right back to sleep.
They hear the sound of an explosion
and carry on dancing.
I'm still naive,
envisaging a future world...
Yes, you see...
A society that will protect all the
values that have sprung from...
I'm not sure how to put it...
that arose from the work
and ideas of multiple generations...
Supposedly, they call it "culture".
- Do you think we'll ever be thanked?
- No.
I'm also a poor patriot.
Every time one of us dies,
I wonder if the sacrifice is worth it.
Death is final,
with no hope.
When we gather after the war
to celebrate in honor of victory,
it would be damn hard if we
were to think about all the others.
All those who didn't make it.
It's actually them who'd be hosting
the party so brilliantly for us.
Yes, but they get a worthy death.
They get to be heroes.
Even though the status of hero
won't bring them back again.
A certain number of losses
has to be expected in any war.
It's our duty to fight and even
die if it comes to that.
Yes, I know it's necessary.
Sabotage is also necessary.
That's just the way it is.
You don't know how much I long
for the day when one awakes
and knows that the car
stopping outside is the milkman
and not the Gestapo.
Actually, it's silly that you're the one in
charge of blowing up the Mayz factories.
What the hell are you really
fighting for?
I'd rather not have my
answer disappoint you.
Don't worry about it.
I fight because I'd
be ashamed of myself,
if I didn't take part
one way or another.
No, we're all booked.
It can't be helped.
No rooms available.
- Good evening.
- Good evening.
- Any news?
- No, nothing.
- Good night.
- Good night.
- It's you.
- Aren't you asleep?
I lay awake waiting.
Yeah, spending all your
life watching and waiting.
- I'm so happy, Michael.
- Are you?
- Why?
- Because we have each other.
Because right now thousands of
men and women need each other.
- Indeed.
- We are one giant army
that's just waiting for
the light to return.
- That day will soon come.
- Yes, that day will soon be here.
And then we'll greet our
comrades in the occupied countries.
And we won't at all feel strangers.
After all we're connected.
We've fought on the same side
during all these years.
Do you think I'm
a silly girl?
I think you're
a very wise girl.
Even when I say
something stupid?
You never say anything
I don't care to hear.
I simply wouldn't know what
to do without you.
Do you remember
the first time we met?
Yes. It was at
professor Sukov's lecture.
You stood there laughing and
clapping your hands.
- Yes, and the fountain pen...
- Right, the one you tore from my hand.
Yes, but you did get it back.
You looked so funny as
you came chasing after me.
I stood there
gasping for breath.
I was so overcome with joy,
and then you said:
'Oh, is it you with the fountain pen?'
Well, yes, I didn't
know your name then.
You looked so funny
when you took the fountain pen
out of your pocket, saying:
"Here you go,
you may keep this."
Yes... and then
you laughed,
making me feel as if the old, tired earth
became light and magnificent.
Michael, do you think others
are capable of loving each other
- as much as we do?
- No, of course not.
- Michael?
- Yes?
What do you most
cherish about me?
Yes?
- They've taken Dreyer.
- Oh, no.
They went in pairs.
Should we leave?
Yes, heaven knows how long
he'll manage to keep silent.
- Hello, is it the receptionist?
- Yes, yes.
Do you need the bikes right now?
Should I leave the suitcase?
Very well.
- Put it in the bag.
- What if I need to use it?
You shouldn't use it on the road.
I still prefer to carry
my gun on me.
But there are razzias
almost every night now.
- Give it to me.
- Do as you see fit.
Isn't it enough that they
caught Dreyer?
Dreyer wasn't arrested in the street.
He was picked up in his home.
- Do you mean to say that he too was...
- Snitched on? Yes.
- Here you go.
- Thanks.
- So the suitcase is to be left here?
- Yes, I'll arrange for it to be picked up.
- Are the bikes ready?
- Yes.
- And if there's any mail?
- It'll be picked up.
- Thanks.
- Thanks.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
Stop!
ID papers!
Surely, there's nothing wrong
with travelling by road?
- What are you saying?
- Nothing.
Here you are.
Search him!
ID papers!
Thank you.
You may wait here.
Hands up!
That's it.
Everything is fine.
Good, you may go on.
It's locked.
Do you have the key?
No, we'll just have to break in.
Uncle has let me borrow the house.
It can't be that hard.
Let's see if we can get
inside through a window.
The key's on top of the clock.
Over there...
Oh, Michael...
I'm so worried for you.
- What? You who are so brave.
- I'm not brave.
I love you so much.
When one's afraid of losing someone,
one isn't brave anymore.
- Come here, you need to rest.
- No, I can't sleep.
Today I see everything clearly.
The trees, the fields, the meadows...
because I have you.
But... if something were
to happen to you...
if you were to die...
everything will lose its meaning.
Then I'll cease being a human...
then the meadows will
cease being green.
They'll turn red...
coloured red by your blood.
Ruth...
I do understand that someone
needs to be sacrificed,
but why does it have
to be you?
I realize that the life
of one man means nothing
compared to the many but...
why does it have to be you?
Should we just give it all up then?
Should we just retreat and
let the world manage as best it can?
Do you think there's nothing
worth fighting and dying for?
No. But you mustn't die
and leave me alone.
You mustn't die.
So I just wanted
to let you know.
The caretaker keeps open
house for the Germans.
The eldest daughter cleans
the stairs at the German HQ
and both she and the wife
let the occupation forces have their
way with them - day and night.
So you think those people
betrayed Dreyer?
It's not what I think.
It's what the entire household thinks.
The family is disliked
but the landlord can't evict them.
Well, I've heard about it
but we still lack evidence.
It's a damn shame that a
great guy like Dreyer
gets ratted out
by those people.
Yes...
Yes, if it is those people.
- Oh, it's you.
- Do you have any visitors?
It's just Prikken.
- Hello, Michael.
- Hello.
- Any news?
- There's to be a state of emergency.
That's nothing new.
We were just talking about Dreyer.
It's the caretaker
who's betrayed him.
That's Prikken's opinion.
Dreyer was my friend
and I'd really like to have
this matter cleared up.
Well, I have to leave.
Any news regarding
the Mayz factory?
We'll be waiting one more
week at the least.
Give me a call if you
want me to come along.
Well, take care.
I'll see myself out.
Why didn't you say
anything about Mayz?
I don't want him to come.
That wouldn't be
necessary either.
He gets on
my nerves somehow.
He's done a lot of work.
I don't want
him along anyhow.
I've come to receive
last rites, if I may say so.
It goes down in a few hours.
I'm going to meet
Alf at five o'clock.
You've still not entrusted me
with the electric detonator.
No. Unless we can
get sufficient dextro,
we'll have to use
an electric detonator
if we want all the charges
to blow at once.
You do realize that as we
only have small 300m wires,
there's a damn big chance
of a short circuit
and everything going wrong.
- I know that.
- So what's your opinion?
Are you getting sentimental?
Ruth knows that it'll
happen at five o'clock,
I was wondering...
can you get her across the
border quickly if it's necessary?
- I can get her across this
afternoon if need be. - All right.
- See you tonight then.
- Yes.
How will you get hold of
a Mayz factory car?
Every afternoon at five,
one of the drivers visits a tavern
to have a beer.
We'll take him.
What the hell is the meaning
of all this?
We mean well.
Just hurry up.
We need your car this evening
and we're in a hurry.
Now just do as you're told.
Don't try any heroics.
Fine, but...
You shouldn't be too nosy because
we really don't want to hurt you.
So it's not me you want?
Provided you play along,
you'll be just fine.
- What's your name?
- Alf Larsen.
Great! So is mine.
Drive now, damnit!
The faster we get there,
the faster you get set free.
Tell the boss I had an accident
and I'm repairing it now.
Sure... I'll be there later on.
Yes, the rear wheel's busted, too.
What's next?
Can I go home now?
You can't leave
until tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile you'll have company.
Just come here.
Have a seat. Relax.
- Yes, but I'm married and my wife...
- Your wife will be notified.
- Are you going for the factory?
- Yes.
And another thing...
how do we get in?
Is there a password or are there
papers that need stamping?
- You won't get in.
- You must tell us the truth.
You won't get in. If the
gatekeeper doesn't see me...
That's great.
You'll be driving with us then.
- But I'll lose my job.
- We'll be sure to get you a job.
Yes?
Yes, it's me.
Who?
So you'll be going
tonight after all?
When is it going down?
I want to come along.
We won't be going at all.
No. No.
I've also got plenty of men.
NO!
- What's up?
- That was Prikken.
How does he know
we're here?
- Somehow he just knows.
- I'm not coming with you.
Yes, you are. Do as your told!
We must get in, understood?
- It's a bit late knocking off work.
- Well, I had an accident.
Hands up!
Tom, get the workers down
in the shelter right now.
I'll take care of the guards
Prepare the charges.
Let's go.
Hands up!
Face the wall!
Shoot them in the legs
if they try to escape.
Keep your hands up!
Hands up!
Drop that knife!
Get behind the table!
Rise and shine!
Up against the wall!
Search them thoroughly!
- The workers are in the shelter now.
- And they remain calm?
- Everything's fine.
- Alright, we leave here shortly.
I don't think we can get
farther away than this.
Check if they're
coming, damnit!
We're ready.
It's the Germans!
Get in the lorry! Hurry up!
Hold on tight. We'll try to
shoot our way through.
I'll get in last.
Get going!
- Well, here it is. - I won't be
writing that letter anyway.
Sorry for having bothered you.
Why don't you want to
write your wife a letter?
You miss her, right?
I also long for mine.
I haven't seen llse
for four years now.
Neither llse nor my little girl.
Every time I have leave
something comes up.
I don't know where
she's living.
And I don't know
where llse's living.
- She's been evacuated.
- War doesn't promote family life.
War... war is a dirty business.
- You're to be interrogated.
- Again?
It's a different interrogator.
A Sturmbannfuhrer Mackensen.
Come in!
- The next one.
- Excellent.
Name?
Well...
You're stubborn, tough
and impudent.
It's my task to rid you of
these character traits. Right?
Your name is Michael Lans.
Born in 1910 in...
What's the name of that damn town?
Dalsby.
Let's skip
the personal characteristics.
You're unmarried but you've
been living with a woman -
Ruth Isaksen - for twelve years.
Correct?
You're accused of multiple
instances of sabotage.
Moreover, you've killed two
members of the occupying forces:
2637 Hoffner of the Waffen SS -
and corporal Reuterward of
guard company 87 north. Correct?
You've been staying
in a hotel, right?
In your private apartment we've found
plastic explosives and automatic guns.
What have you been using
those explosives for?
What have you been using
those explosives for?!
I'll yet make you talk,
damn saboteur swine!
Yesterday we arrested
another person.
A woman that you ought to know.
Right?
Ruth Isaksen.
Would you like to talk to her?
While you're still able to...
So you don't want to?
You really don't want to talk at all?
I guess you're too haughty.
Aha. We're done with
this interrogation.
You do realize we have
ways of making you talk.
Such small surprises...
So you don't want to talk about
your underground operations...
Surely, you'd like to keep
your fingers intact, right?
So why let them be destroyed when
we'll uncover everything anyway?
And we will.
Get to it, corporal!
You just need to tell me
about a few particulars,
and you can return unharmed
to your cell to await your verdict.
Surely, you're not
a complete fool, right?
Let me tell you that
one of your so-called comrades,
who's far smarter than you,
has already given us plenty of
valuable information.
That is how I was able to arrest
you and this Dreyer character so fast.
- That's a lie!
- As you desire.
Naturally, if you don't want
to speak, you shouldn't.
In Denmark, as far as I know,
a prisoner doesn't need to speak.
Make no mistake,
we will make you talk!
If you don't know what
interrogation by torture is,
you will get to
experience it now!
Rather unpleasant, right?
Continue! Continue!
- So what?
- Yes, so what, so what...
Things are going fine, right?
You'll get them one by one
until you finally have them all.
We could get them
all in one stroke.
- Very well but how?
- You'll think of something.
- Use your imagination.
- All of them - that's quite a few.
- Just how many?
- Well, how many, that's...
- I do get paid, right?
- Sure, we'll pay.
Well... miss?
- Miss? Miss?
- Yes?
- I'd like to order.
- Sure. What will it be? Brandy?
- Sounds fine.
- Very well.
All of them, well... if you
arrest Ruud, will he get out again?
Of course. That's a man
we always could have use for.
- So when will I know?
- Here you go.
Well, I don't quite know...
I need to think
of something first...
a good story...
- I know a few...
- Do tell me.
Lure them out of town, in lorries,
as many as possible,
including people from
other resistance groups.
We need the leaders, too.
Everyone.
I think I have a plan.
Steinz, come here.
Steinz, it's urgent. Come.
Take this.
Pass it on.
Steinz, it's urgent!
Ok, ok.
I'd never suggest this raid
if I wasn't sure that
it would impact the
occupying forces gravely.
It regards the biggest
gas depot in North Sjaelland.
And with sufficient
manpower and proper preparation,
it's 100 percent certain
to succeed.
According to my source,
the guards aren't demoralized
but nobody expects an attack.
It's not a plant with any
anti-saboteur patrols.
- They're just regular Wehrmacht
soldiers. - Is that advantageous?
Certainly. They're Austrians.
Yes, but they're still
Wehrmacht soldiers.
How many men
do you think we need?
Well, I'd say about 30,
but we need the assistance of
one of the local groups, of course.
It's a damn long way off.
Who gave you this information?
- They're first class people.
- Ok, but how did you get in touch with them?
- Will you answer the door?
- Sure.
Well, how indeed...
I went north and met up with
some acquaintances.
I lived there as a boy.
You want to meet them?
Thanks but no thanks.
It sounds tempting but...
- So what do you have against it?
- That I cannot tell you yet.
If we destroy that depot, the Germans
will sequester Danish depots.
If and if and if...
Of course, the Germans will be
annoyed but that's the entire point.
I've got a message
from the doctor for The Toad.
The doctor didn't give
you any other messages?
Well, yes, he got some notes from
the prison this morning.
- Thanks a lot. Say hello to Louise.
- Thanks, I will.
I find it an excellent idea.
One always needs the
element of surprise
and up north they'd never expect
any large-scale sabotage raid.
Perhaps we even wouldn't
need local back-up.
["The apple is rotten."] - Of course, the local
underground will be joining us. Definitely!
We can never be too
careful in our preparations.
Yes. Also, I don't think we can
ignore them either.
- Let's go.
- I don't see why we need local help...
- Sure, why not?
- Christ, it's dark. We don't know them...
- Did you read it?
- That's pure nonsense.
I don't think so.
"The apple is rotten."
Prikken and apples,
does that tell you anything?
Prikken...
Yes, damnit!
He was the one that eagerly wanted
to know when we hit the Mayz factories.
He was also the one who called us
at Georg's apartment.
Yes, Michael didn't want
to tell me when you were going.
- Let me get him!
- No, let me question him.
Very well.
I'm against going that far
away from town.
Far away? By car it's no more
than an hour. Is that really so much?
In town you can easily get away
if something goes wrong.
Out in the open fields
we're all doomed.
- But why would it go wrong?
- There's always a chance of that.
Remember the Mayz factories.
Michael had everything prepared.
Even so the Germans showed up.
Even so the Germans came... yes.
They keep a lot of snitches.
Yes!
It may have been Mayz. He lives by
the factory. It may have been him.
Yes, or one of the workers.
Or the gatekeeper.
They all knew we
would come, right?
Yes, yes.
But you see, this time...
Let's stick to the
Mayz sabotage.
Yes, that is all
finished now.
That's just what it is not.
- Michael has sent us a message.
- Michael?
Yes. He bade us ask
Prikken a few questions.
Me?
Why did you call Michael to ask when
the Mayz sabotage was to take place?
- Really? Did I call Michael?
- Yes.
I wanted in.
That very day you'd already been
told you wouldn't be needed.
Even so you desperately wanted
to know the exact time for it.
Why this interrogation?
Do you suspect me of anything?
Why are you nervous?
If you haven't done anything wrong,
you needn't be nervous.
- What do you want with me?
- I want to know why the Germans came.
I don't know. I swear it, Toto.
I don't know either but I'm
sure that Tom and the others
will believe me even if
I don't swear it.
Your story stinks.
- Surely, you're not saying that... I...
- Yes.
I don't deserve this from you.
I've supplied you with manpower,
I've provided you with ideas.
I've... You don't mean to say that...
Take your hand out of your pocket.
Certainly.
I'm not interested in the details
regarding the Mayz sabotage
- but what else have you been up to?
- Nothing. Nothing. I swear it, Toto.
How many have you sworn to?
You're nothing but a dirty swine!
You've betrayed Michael.
And Dreyer.
And now you were
after the rest of us.
Why can't you tell us anything
about your contacts up north?
Do they not exist? Or are they
to be found at the German HQ?
You can't prove anything.
- Remember what happened to Nils?
- Yes.
- Christian?
- Yes.
I can be of use to you now.
I can tell you a lot about
what the the Germans are doing.
I know everything
about the Gestapo.
I can be of use to you now.
You understand?
You won't shoot me.
In the name of the people,
the Military Court of Copenhagen
pronounces the
following verdict:
The Danish citizen,
Michael Lans,
born 2 February 1910 in Dalsby, -
is, for crimes under paragraphs 98
and 128 of the Military Penal Code,
paragraphs 3 and 5 in the additional
sections of the Military Penal Code -
and paragraph 82 of the Civil
Penal Code, sentenced to death.
The Military Court justifies
its verdict accordingly:
The defendant has actively
taken part in actions, -
directed against the German
people and its armed forces.
Crimes according to paragraphs 98
and 128 of the Military Penal Code, -
paragraphs three and five
of the Military Penal Code,
impairment of the military strength
of the German people as well as sabotage.
These crimes all carry
the death sentence.
The defendant has also...
It's your duty to die.
Death is part of the job.
Not annihilation,
not an eternal farewell.
Death is D-E-A-T-H.
Death is a friend and
a condition for all new life.
I had the most ingenuous idea.
I don't want to die.
Ruth... I need to see
you again, you hear?
Just once. Listen to your voice.
See you laughing.
- Did you hear the verdict?
- Yes.
I am to die.
Dying is not hard.
I've seen so many die.
It's me who has been
sentenced today and nobody else.
It's what I've been fighting for.
It's what I've been
sentenced to death for.
But it won't be that easy, Steinz.
It won't be that easy.
They can't put freedom
in front of a firing squad.
Freedom is in the fields,
in the grass growing after rainfall
and in the unfolding tree-buds.
They may kill me.
But freedom will always - always -
be restored back to life.
Always remember that, Steinz!
Remember that!
Now leave. Leave!
Then everything is real to me.
The trees, the fields, the meadows.
Because I have you.
But if you die everything
becomes meaningless.
Then I'm no longer a human.
Then the meadows
no longer will be green.
Then they will turn red
- red from your blood.
Out! Out!
- What are you reading?
- I'm off early tomorrow for my tuition.
You've got steady nerves.
- Toto seems to be delayed.
- Yes.
- You'll be coming along, too?
- I was asked to do it.
So how is he doing...
Prikken?
One moment he's hating it,
the next he's super-confident.
And now he's begun telling tales
to stall for time.
- There should be no need for that.
- No.
- Sorry I'm late.
- Is there anything wrong?
Yes. I found out an hour ago.
Michael and Dreyer got
the death penalty.
The verdict will likely
become public tomorrow.
And I have no idea when
the execution is to take place.
- Does Ruth know?
- No.
I was wondering if
you and I...
- If... the two of us could go see her?
- Yes. I'd like to go see Ruth.
Those swine!
Those damn swine!
Regarding the drive this evening,
we'll be going right now.
Go get him.
I'll start the car meanwhile.
I don't know who
is going to do it.
But now I wouldn't mind
doing it myself.
Let me go.
I'll give you 5000 - in cash.
I do have the money.
Nobody will know. Nobody.
We'll keep it a secret.
Right?
But I haven't done anything.
It's all a mistake.
You can't punish an innocent!
Germany will win the war!
And I'll make sure that
you'll get your break.
And none of the others
will escape with their lives.
None! None!
No! I won't follow you outside!
You can't make me!
Shoot me if you dare!
I won't follow you! I won't!
Just come here.
Oh, it's you.
- Is it about Michael?
- Yes.
Tell me then.
Michael has received
the death penalty.
It said so in a secret message.
And when is it going to happen?
- We don't know when.
- We'd like to help you.
Yes, I know that.
- Anyone else?
- Yes. Dreyer, too.
Dreyer also...
Come with us, Ruth.
You shouldn't be alone tonight.
No. I'd rather be alone.
Particularly this evening.
I'll always return home.
You just need to wait...
and I'll be there.
So this is the last stop.
You'll receive good food.
And cigarettes.
Yes, that's just great.
Dreyer!
Dear God, that the two
of us would get to meet again.
So say something!
Have a seat.
- I thought you were dead.
- I almost am.
- We are to die together then.
- Maybe it's easier when we're two...
I haven't told them anything.
Not a single word.
You do believe me, right?
Those on the outside
also believe me? Well?
- No one disbelieves you.
- They tortured me.
They stretched me across a tiny table,
fastening my hands and feet.
You have to stay like that
for hours.
Remember the first time
we picked up explosives?
Yes. We sang... about Montgomery
and we believed in victory.
- Believed...
- It wasn't so easy back then.
It was some kind of stubbornness.
When they reached Stalingrad,
I thought everything was decided.
That we'd never
get from under their yoke.
- Too bad we'll never see that day,
right? - Yeah, too damn bad.
You know, as we sit
locked in our cells
I often think about
how it's all coincidental.
If Hitler never had had any parents,
there'd be no Hitler.
- That's logical, right?
- Yeah, damn logical.
And if he didn't surround himself
with so many lunatics,
there might never have
been any war.
Then the two of us wouldn't be
sitting here as saboteurs,
awaiting execution.
That's also old Mr
and Mrs Hitler's fault.
Or maybe even his grandparents.
I guess there would
have been a war anyway.
Do you recall April 9?
- What were you thinking that morning?
- That it was hell.
I just thought it would
be over in a few days.
I spoke with dad
about doing something.
- He told me to sit my exams first.
- Yes, many parents said so.
- Well, but it didn't help any.
- No.
The old ones thought everything
would work out but it never did.
They've never known war.
The priest has arrived.
Do you want to see him?
To hell with your priest!
- What time is it?
- Who knows?
- About ten, wouldn't you say?
- Yes, thereabouts.
- 20 hours more to go then.
- Why exactly twenty?
They usually execute people
at six o'clock.
At six o'clock? That's just as it's
getting light outside.
- It's dawning.
- Yes.
All the colors are bright and
pure this early in the morning.
Do you think death is final?
I don't know.
If I weren't about to die soon,
I'd probably believe.
I believe our thoughts never die.
They exist somewhere.
Perhaps.
What is called one's spirit
can never die.
Michael... here they come.
- It looks like this is it.
- Thanks for being a good friend.
I would have liked
to visit you in Munich,
but I won't be making it.
Shall we go?
- Those are different handcuffs, Steinz.
- Yes.
Does that mean... that we...
make a run for it?
Maybe.
- What about you then?
- I'll be going with you.
- Going where?
- To the barracks.
I thought it would
take place in the courtyard here.
- Orders arrived last night.
- Dreyer?
- He'll ride in a different car.
- So no one can help him?
- No.
- And your chances then?
This evening a letter arrived
from Germany.
- From llse?
- She's dead.
And the children?
- You'll come with me if it
succeeds! - No, I'll manage.
Shall we leave?
It's damn early.
- Is he to be transferred?
- Yes.
- It's very foggy.
- Mornings here are always foggy.
And damn cold.
- Come, Steinz, I'll help you cross.
- No, I'll manage.
- Auf wiedersehen.
- Goodbye, Steinz.
- Where have you come from?
- From prison.
- Can I borrow your phone?
- Are you a saboteur?
- Yes.
- But what if the Germans...
Just say I threatened
you with this.
Oh well, of course.
There's a phone just over there.
- No funny stuff.
- Sure, just you say you forced me.
Yes, it's me.
Mi... Michael!
Where are you?
Where?
I'll be right over.
Would you like a piece?
I suppose prison grub is pretty bad.
- For sure.
- Rumours abound, you see...
- What time is it now?
- Almost six.
Attention!
Aim!
Fire!
Is he here?
Michael, old boy,
come on.
Come on.
- Put this coat on.
- And Ruth?
She's in Sweden. You are also
going there this evening.
Toto, I don't understand.
I don't understand, Toto.
Just come along. Come.
- Hansen?
- Yes?
- Is everything ready?
- Everything's set.
Have a safe journey.
Give my regards to Ruth.
We'll meet again soon.
Perhaps.
THE END
THE RED MEADOWS
Based on
the novel by Ole Juul.
Any struggle has its heroes.
When these years of Denmark's
history are to be recorded,
the heroes from
the prisons will emerge.
Behind gloomy and
grey prison walls,
behind small
iron-barred windows,
there were indomitable soldiers
of the Danish Resistance movement.
Many perished and
many were marked for life.
But they all fought with superhuman
moral and physical strength
against the brutal violence of
the German occupation forces.
Are you going to write the letter?
No.
I don't have any envelope.
I'll get you one.
Cigarette?
It's been 6 days.
Thanks.
Nice cigarettes.
Do you have a light?
I have that piece of
sulphur you gave me
but I don't have
any matchsticks.
Here you go.
When the war is over,
I'll come to Munich
to give you a big
pack of cigarettes.
Munich...
There will be no Munich
when the war is over.
They should be here
anytime now.
- Can one tell if it's English?
- Sure.
A Heinkel swings back and forth
like a rocking chair.
- Michael...
- Yeah.
Have you ever been here when
they've sent people down in parachutes?
Sure.
- Also when the parachute
fails to open? - Yes.
It's quite horrible.
What did you do with him?
Put him in a bog.
What else were we supposed to do?
That must be an awful way to die.
Shut up, guys.
- Aren't you afraid?
- We all are.
- Have you ever shot anyone?
- Shut up!
Here they come.
How the hell did he manage to find
us? Those people must have cat's eyes.
Are you going down to the harbour?
Yes, I think we can chance it,
we'll drive around the point.
Alright, we'll go first.
Will you be staying
at my place tonight?
Yeah, if you don't mind.
I'll catch the first morning train.
I'm going to
the printing works anyway.
I'm in charge of all
underground printing in this town.
That's terrific.
You can't stay?
No, I have to be in
Copenhagen tomorrow evening.
- Anything planned?
- Yes.
Say, are you nervous?
You seem nervous.
A friend of mine was
arrested on Wednesday.
- Afraid he'll talk?
- You never know.
Of course he'll keep quiet.
Station two men at the end of
the pier and one at this end.
Get started.
No, we're not going that way.
I'm not following you aboard.
I'll get seasick.
No... stop that,
you drunken monkey.
- We're going home now.
- I don't dare to.
That's right, but you know,
we could go to the park.
Yes, you see,
there's nobody there now.
- Do you have any money?
- What?
Just follow me, ok?
You know that you'll just be
thrown in jail if you go back aboard, right?
The coast is clear.
- Has everything been loaded aboard?
- Yes.
Let's get out of here then.
- Will you be working all night?
- The leaflets must go out.
We haven't failed
a single Saturday yet.
- Are there many guests in this town?
- It's packed like sardines.
- You can catch the train if I
wake you at five. - That's fine.
Is there a balcony?
Yes, you can escape that way if
they come by the front door.
There's a shack you can
jump onto.
Yeah, provided they don't
surround the house.
Yes, of course.
It's up to you.
I'll risk it.
Got anything to drink?
Sure.
You mustn't think I'm afraid.
One must change, right?
You turn into two persons:
a quiet and peaceful
sort of guy during daytime,
and one tough as nails
during nighttime.
One has to get used to it.
It's possible we'll get
used to plenty more.
I'm really pleased we
got to know each other.
I feel the same.
- Good night.
- Good night.
You stay downstairs
in the print shop.
I will.
In case something happens,
nobody at my place needs warning.
- Ok.
- See you later.
Hands up!
That's him.
Where's the key to the print shop?
- I brought it with me.
- I don't think so.
Open the door.
Open the door.
It's the police.
Who are you?
I'm one of Gustav's friends.
- Gustav has been arrested.
- So?
I wanted to warn you
but I came too late.
- What happened? - They arrested
him in the gate as he arrived.
I was picking up
the leaflets for tomorrow.
Do you know anyone in
Gustav's group?
Yes, I think I know one.
So warn him
if it's not already too late.
- Does Gustav know who you are?
- Yes.
Then you'd better go into hiding
yourself for some time.
Do you have anyone to help you?
Yes, I think so.
- Did you shoot anyone?
- Yes, I did.
- Are you getting out of town?
- I'm not going anywhere.
Last time they put up roadblocks
on all the main roads.
Let me show you a shortcut.
- How old are you?
- Sixteen.
Well... almost 16.
Can you get a car?
I'll be all right. Let's go.
- Where are you headed?
- Copenhagen.
- Very well, get in.
- Thanks.
- Stop the car!
- What's up?
Stop the car!
Hands up.
- Are you asleep, sergeant?
- No, captain.
- We've almost reached port.
- Yes, captain.
I don't expect him back
until this afternoon.
Did Michael tell you
he'd be here before that?
No, I was just passing by here
so I thought I'd drop in to enquire.
Well, I never hear from him
until I see him.
What is it really that
Michael's supposed to do this time?
He only thinks about that factory.
Then you know what it's about.
And when will it happen?
The final meeting is tonight,
then everything should be ready...
Sunday.
What are you hiding from me?
- We've received bad news
from Jutland. - What's happened?
Well, razzias and such. One cannot
say too much over the phone.
- And Michael?
- We don't know yet,
- but usually he's fine.
- He must return, you hear me!
Michael!
We were just talking about you
and now you're here.
- Did you come by train?
- No, I borrowed a Wehrmacht car.
- What?
- Yes, I've just got rid of it.
The driver wasn't too
happy about it. Here's his gun.
Well, I had to get home, right?
It would have been nice
if you'd waited a few days first.
- Moeller and his group
has been arrested. - Oh, no.
- How?
- Somebody has ratted on them...
so you could have waited
a bit with your stunt.
These damn snitches!
We have no clue!
Tomorrow either of us
could be ratted out.
Yes, they are dangerous.
- What happened in Jutland?
- I got in touch with one of our guys.
The Germans ambushed me
and I had to shoot my way out.
- Did you hit anyone? - Yes, two. You'll
get a full report one of these days.
- And the explosives?
- Everything was loaded aboard.
- Excellent. See you tonight then.
- Yes, I'll be there.
I'm happy you got away.
Goodbye, Ruth.
Goodbye.
- So you did come home to me again.
- I always come back home to you.
- Was it bad?
- Let's not talk about it.
Now I'm back with you.
Have you been worrying?
Yes, some... but now
I'm almost happy again.
You should sleep now.
You must sleep sometime.
I think you're a damn fine girl...
and a brave one at that.
I love you and no one
must take you away from me.
I'll always come home to you.
You just have to wait
and I'll be there.
Michael...
So here's the power station
and here are the four turning lathes...
If you have enough men,
it'll work out fine.
Right, I'm getting the new
detonators by boat.
- How much do you need?
- 200 kg in all.
Four small ones at 25 each
and a big one at 100.
- Are there many guards?
- Twenty. And ten of those are German,
or in any case members of the Schalburg
Corps, all veterans of the Eastern Front.
Surely, you should be
able to get enough men.
Yes, but what kind of people?
Why was Moeller arrested last week?
Because someone ran his mouth off.
It doesn't look pretty.
- You'll need at least 30 men.
- 25 will do.
What do the Mayz
factories really make?
Aircraft parts.
You want me along?
I can bring some men.
Who have never taken part?
No thanks.
I'll get people.
- I hope they're not afraid of the dark.
- You shut up. That's fine.
- Will we be told this week?
- Yes, Saturday at the latest.
What's keeping Dreyer?
He's never on time.
If he's not here in 10 minutes,
I'm going out looking for him.
We can't be stuck here all night.
- I have tuition tomorrow morning
at eight. - To hell with your tuition.
No, far from it.
I'll sit my exams this Christmas.
If I fail, I cannot afford to go on.
You'll never be a priest.
Our Lord forgot about you
a long time ago.
I don't think Our Lord is
all that interested in resistance work.
Then again, what about the Flood?
That must rank as the finest
piece of sabotage ever.
Well, I'm not quite sure
I'm forgotten.
I spoke to Him on
the phone recently.
Anyway, strangely enough,
I really want to become a priest.
Getting to say all kinds of stuff
from the pulpit...
Well, we'll go to the Mayz factory.
If we see Dreyer, we'll take him along.
It's him.
- Good evening.
- Good evening.
- Good evening.
- How did it go?
- Great.
- You're late.
Yeah, want to know why? It's a hellish
job getting through all that masonry.
Next time I want a craftsman
to come along.
I have no clue how such a damn
thing is cemented or bricked.
I had to toil with that
crap for half an hour.
So it went to plan then?
Yes. In about 20 seconds
everything will be blown to bits.
It's gone.
Tom would like for you to come
scout the Mayz factories tonight.
Sure, no problem.
Will there be a full company?
No, we go two at a time.
Let's go, Prikken.
There's some food over there
in case you're hungry.
The guard was an old guy.
"We just make pipes here," he said.
"Smoking pipes."
Well, he didn't fool me.
- Was he alone?
- Yes.
He was carrying an ancient
revolver. From the days of Garibaldi.
He was more afraid of it
than we were.
Aren't you too tired to
check out the Mayz factories now?
Nonsense!
Let's go, Tom.
- How are things?
- What do you mean?
Do you think
everything goes fine?
Well, I guess things
go pretty well.
This sure is a strange business,
right?
Yeah, and we're at the most
only 1 or 2 percent of the population.
And now, looking at it in a cold
and harsh light, it's a question of
of whether they deserve our efforts.
They hear a few gunshots
and go right back to sleep.
They hear the sound of an explosion
and carry on dancing.
I'm still naive,
envisaging a future world...
Yes, you see...
A society that will protect all the
values that have sprung from...
I'm not sure how to put it...
that arose from the work
and ideas of multiple generations...
Supposedly, they call it "culture".
- Do you think we'll ever be thanked?
- No.
I'm also a poor patriot.
Every time one of us dies,
I wonder if the sacrifice is worth it.
Death is final,
with no hope.
When we gather after the war
to celebrate in honor of victory,
it would be damn hard if we
were to think about all the others.
All those who didn't make it.
It's actually them who'd be hosting
the party so brilliantly for us.
Yes, but they get a worthy death.
They get to be heroes.
Even though the status of hero
won't bring them back again.
A certain number of losses
has to be expected in any war.
It's our duty to fight and even
die if it comes to that.
Yes, I know it's necessary.
Sabotage is also necessary.
That's just the way it is.
You don't know how much I long
for the day when one awakes
and knows that the car
stopping outside is the milkman
and not the Gestapo.
Actually, it's silly that you're the one in
charge of blowing up the Mayz factories.
What the hell are you really
fighting for?
I'd rather not have my
answer disappoint you.
Don't worry about it.
I fight because I'd
be ashamed of myself,
if I didn't take part
one way or another.
No, we're all booked.
It can't be helped.
No rooms available.
- Good evening.
- Good evening.
- Any news?
- No, nothing.
- Good night.
- Good night.
- It's you.
- Aren't you asleep?
I lay awake waiting.
Yeah, spending all your
life watching and waiting.
- I'm so happy, Michael.
- Are you?
- Why?
- Because we have each other.
Because right now thousands of
men and women need each other.
- Indeed.
- We are one giant army
that's just waiting for
the light to return.
- That day will soon come.
- Yes, that day will soon be here.
And then we'll greet our
comrades in the occupied countries.
And we won't at all feel strangers.
After all we're connected.
We've fought on the same side
during all these years.
Do you think I'm
a silly girl?
I think you're
a very wise girl.
Even when I say
something stupid?
You never say anything
I don't care to hear.
I simply wouldn't know what
to do without you.
Do you remember
the first time we met?
Yes. It was at
professor Sukov's lecture.
You stood there laughing and
clapping your hands.
- Yes, and the fountain pen...
- Right, the one you tore from my hand.
Yes, but you did get it back.
You looked so funny as
you came chasing after me.
I stood there
gasping for breath.
I was so overcome with joy,
and then you said:
'Oh, is it you with the fountain pen?'
Well, yes, I didn't
know your name then.
You looked so funny
when you took the fountain pen
out of your pocket, saying:
"Here you go,
you may keep this."
Yes... and then
you laughed,
making me feel as if the old, tired earth
became light and magnificent.
Michael, do you think others
are capable of loving each other
- as much as we do?
- No, of course not.
- Michael?
- Yes?
What do you most
cherish about me?
Yes?
- They've taken Dreyer.
- Oh, no.
They went in pairs.
Should we leave?
Yes, heaven knows how long
he'll manage to keep silent.
- Hello, is it the receptionist?
- Yes, yes.
Do you need the bikes right now?
Should I leave the suitcase?
Very well.
- Put it in the bag.
- What if I need to use it?
You shouldn't use it on the road.
I still prefer to carry
my gun on me.
But there are razzias
almost every night now.
- Give it to me.
- Do as you see fit.
Isn't it enough that they
caught Dreyer?
Dreyer wasn't arrested in the street.
He was picked up in his home.
- Do you mean to say that he too was...
- Snitched on? Yes.
- Here you go.
- Thanks.
- So the suitcase is to be left here?
- Yes, I'll arrange for it to be picked up.
- Are the bikes ready?
- Yes.
- And if there's any mail?
- It'll be picked up.
- Thanks.
- Thanks.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
Stop!
ID papers!
Surely, there's nothing wrong
with travelling by road?
- What are you saying?
- Nothing.
Here you are.
Search him!
ID papers!
Thank you.
You may wait here.
Hands up!
That's it.
Everything is fine.
Good, you may go on.
It's locked.
Do you have the key?
No, we'll just have to break in.
Uncle has let me borrow the house.
It can't be that hard.
Let's see if we can get
inside through a window.
The key's on top of the clock.
Over there...
Oh, Michael...
I'm so worried for you.
- What? You who are so brave.
- I'm not brave.
I love you so much.
When one's afraid of losing someone,
one isn't brave anymore.
- Come here, you need to rest.
- No, I can't sleep.
Today I see everything clearly.
The trees, the fields, the meadows...
because I have you.
But... if something were
to happen to you...
if you were to die...
everything will lose its meaning.
Then I'll cease being a human...
then the meadows will
cease being green.
They'll turn red...
coloured red by your blood.
Ruth...
I do understand that someone
needs to be sacrificed,
but why does it have
to be you?
I realize that the life
of one man means nothing
compared to the many but...
why does it have to be you?
Should we just give it all up then?
Should we just retreat and
let the world manage as best it can?
Do you think there's nothing
worth fighting and dying for?
No. But you mustn't die
and leave me alone.
You mustn't die.
So I just wanted
to let you know.
The caretaker keeps open
house for the Germans.
The eldest daughter cleans
the stairs at the German HQ
and both she and the wife
let the occupation forces have their
way with them - day and night.
So you think those people
betrayed Dreyer?
It's not what I think.
It's what the entire household thinks.
The family is disliked
but the landlord can't evict them.
Well, I've heard about it
but we still lack evidence.
It's a damn shame that a
great guy like Dreyer
gets ratted out
by those people.
Yes...
Yes, if it is those people.
- Oh, it's you.
- Do you have any visitors?
It's just Prikken.
- Hello, Michael.
- Hello.
- Any news?
- There's to be a state of emergency.
That's nothing new.
We were just talking about Dreyer.
It's the caretaker
who's betrayed him.
That's Prikken's opinion.
Dreyer was my friend
and I'd really like to have
this matter cleared up.
Well, I have to leave.
Any news regarding
the Mayz factory?
We'll be waiting one more
week at the least.
Give me a call if you
want me to come along.
Well, take care.
I'll see myself out.
Why didn't you say
anything about Mayz?
I don't want him to come.
That wouldn't be
necessary either.
He gets on
my nerves somehow.
He's done a lot of work.
I don't want
him along anyhow.
I've come to receive
last rites, if I may say so.
It goes down in a few hours.
I'm going to meet
Alf at five o'clock.
You've still not entrusted me
with the electric detonator.
No. Unless we can
get sufficient dextro,
we'll have to use
an electric detonator
if we want all the charges
to blow at once.
You do realize that as we
only have small 300m wires,
there's a damn big chance
of a short circuit
and everything going wrong.
- I know that.
- So what's your opinion?
Are you getting sentimental?
Ruth knows that it'll
happen at five o'clock,
I was wondering...
can you get her across the
border quickly if it's necessary?
- I can get her across this
afternoon if need be. - All right.
- See you tonight then.
- Yes.
How will you get hold of
a Mayz factory car?
Every afternoon at five,
one of the drivers visits a tavern
to have a beer.
We'll take him.
What the hell is the meaning
of all this?
We mean well.
Just hurry up.
We need your car this evening
and we're in a hurry.
Now just do as you're told.
Don't try any heroics.
Fine, but...
You shouldn't be too nosy because
we really don't want to hurt you.
So it's not me you want?
Provided you play along,
you'll be just fine.
- What's your name?
- Alf Larsen.
Great! So is mine.
Drive now, damnit!
The faster we get there,
the faster you get set free.
Tell the boss I had an accident
and I'm repairing it now.
Sure... I'll be there later on.
Yes, the rear wheel's busted, too.
What's next?
Can I go home now?
You can't leave
until tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile you'll have company.
Just come here.
Have a seat. Relax.
- Yes, but I'm married and my wife...
- Your wife will be notified.
- Are you going for the factory?
- Yes.
And another thing...
how do we get in?
Is there a password or are there
papers that need stamping?
- You won't get in.
- You must tell us the truth.
You won't get in. If the
gatekeeper doesn't see me...
That's great.
You'll be driving with us then.
- But I'll lose my job.
- We'll be sure to get you a job.
Yes?
Yes, it's me.
Who?
So you'll be going
tonight after all?
When is it going down?
I want to come along.
We won't be going at all.
No. No.
I've also got plenty of men.
NO!
- What's up?
- That was Prikken.
How does he know
we're here?
- Somehow he just knows.
- I'm not coming with you.
Yes, you are. Do as your told!
We must get in, understood?
- It's a bit late knocking off work.
- Well, I had an accident.
Hands up!
Tom, get the workers down
in the shelter right now.
I'll take care of the guards
Prepare the charges.
Let's go.
Hands up!
Face the wall!
Shoot them in the legs
if they try to escape.
Keep your hands up!
Hands up!
Drop that knife!
Get behind the table!
Rise and shine!
Up against the wall!
Search them thoroughly!
- The workers are in the shelter now.
- And they remain calm?
- Everything's fine.
- Alright, we leave here shortly.
I don't think we can get
farther away than this.
Check if they're
coming, damnit!
We're ready.
It's the Germans!
Get in the lorry! Hurry up!
Hold on tight. We'll try to
shoot our way through.
I'll get in last.
Get going!
- Well, here it is. - I won't be
writing that letter anyway.
Sorry for having bothered you.
Why don't you want to
write your wife a letter?
You miss her, right?
I also long for mine.
I haven't seen llse
for four years now.
Neither llse nor my little girl.
Every time I have leave
something comes up.
I don't know where
she's living.
And I don't know
where llse's living.
- She's been evacuated.
- War doesn't promote family life.
War... war is a dirty business.
- You're to be interrogated.
- Again?
It's a different interrogator.
A Sturmbannfuhrer Mackensen.
Come in!
- The next one.
- Excellent.
Name?
Well...
You're stubborn, tough
and impudent.
It's my task to rid you of
these character traits. Right?
Your name is Michael Lans.
Born in 1910 in...
What's the name of that damn town?
Dalsby.
Let's skip
the personal characteristics.
You're unmarried but you've
been living with a woman -
Ruth Isaksen - for twelve years.
Correct?
You're accused of multiple
instances of sabotage.
Moreover, you've killed two
members of the occupying forces:
2637 Hoffner of the Waffen SS -
and corporal Reuterward of
guard company 87 north. Correct?
You've been staying
in a hotel, right?
In your private apartment we've found
plastic explosives and automatic guns.
What have you been using
those explosives for?
What have you been using
those explosives for?!
I'll yet make you talk,
damn saboteur swine!
Yesterday we arrested
another person.
A woman that you ought to know.
Right?
Ruth Isaksen.
Would you like to talk to her?
While you're still able to...
So you don't want to?
You really don't want to talk at all?
I guess you're too haughty.
Aha. We're done with
this interrogation.
You do realize we have
ways of making you talk.
Such small surprises...
So you don't want to talk about
your underground operations...
Surely, you'd like to keep
your fingers intact, right?
So why let them be destroyed when
we'll uncover everything anyway?
And we will.
Get to it, corporal!
You just need to tell me
about a few particulars,
and you can return unharmed
to your cell to await your verdict.
Surely, you're not
a complete fool, right?
Let me tell you that
one of your so-called comrades,
who's far smarter than you,
has already given us plenty of
valuable information.
That is how I was able to arrest
you and this Dreyer character so fast.
- That's a lie!
- As you desire.
Naturally, if you don't want
to speak, you shouldn't.
In Denmark, as far as I know,
a prisoner doesn't need to speak.
Make no mistake,
we will make you talk!
If you don't know what
interrogation by torture is,
you will get to
experience it now!
Rather unpleasant, right?
Continue! Continue!
- So what?
- Yes, so what, so what...
Things are going fine, right?
You'll get them one by one
until you finally have them all.
We could get them
all in one stroke.
- Very well but how?
- You'll think of something.
- Use your imagination.
- All of them - that's quite a few.
- Just how many?
- Well, how many, that's...
- I do get paid, right?
- Sure, we'll pay.
Well... miss?
- Miss? Miss?
- Yes?
- I'd like to order.
- Sure. What will it be? Brandy?
- Sounds fine.
- Very well.
All of them, well... if you
arrest Ruud, will he get out again?
Of course. That's a man
we always could have use for.
- So when will I know?
- Here you go.
Well, I don't quite know...
I need to think
of something first...
a good story...
- I know a few...
- Do tell me.
Lure them out of town, in lorries,
as many as possible,
including people from
other resistance groups.
We need the leaders, too.
Everyone.
I think I have a plan.
Steinz, come here.
Steinz, it's urgent. Come.
Take this.
Pass it on.
Steinz, it's urgent!
Ok, ok.
I'd never suggest this raid
if I wasn't sure that
it would impact the
occupying forces gravely.
It regards the biggest
gas depot in North Sjaelland.
And with sufficient
manpower and proper preparation,
it's 100 percent certain
to succeed.
According to my source,
the guards aren't demoralized
but nobody expects an attack.
It's not a plant with any
anti-saboteur patrols.
- They're just regular Wehrmacht
soldiers. - Is that advantageous?
Certainly. They're Austrians.
Yes, but they're still
Wehrmacht soldiers.
How many men
do you think we need?
Well, I'd say about 30,
but we need the assistance of
one of the local groups, of course.
It's a damn long way off.
Who gave you this information?
- They're first class people.
- Ok, but how did you get in touch with them?
- Will you answer the door?
- Sure.
Well, how indeed...
I went north and met up with
some acquaintances.
I lived there as a boy.
You want to meet them?
Thanks but no thanks.
It sounds tempting but...
- So what do you have against it?
- That I cannot tell you yet.
If we destroy that depot, the Germans
will sequester Danish depots.
If and if and if...
Of course, the Germans will be
annoyed but that's the entire point.
I've got a message
from the doctor for The Toad.
The doctor didn't give
you any other messages?
Well, yes, he got some notes from
the prison this morning.
- Thanks a lot. Say hello to Louise.
- Thanks, I will.
I find it an excellent idea.
One always needs the
element of surprise
and up north they'd never expect
any large-scale sabotage raid.
Perhaps we even wouldn't
need local back-up.
["The apple is rotten."] - Of course, the local
underground will be joining us. Definitely!
We can never be too
careful in our preparations.
Yes. Also, I don't think we can
ignore them either.
- Let's go.
- I don't see why we need local help...
- Sure, why not?
- Christ, it's dark. We don't know them...
- Did you read it?
- That's pure nonsense.
I don't think so.
"The apple is rotten."
Prikken and apples,
does that tell you anything?
Prikken...
Yes, damnit!
He was the one that eagerly wanted
to know when we hit the Mayz factories.
He was also the one who called us
at Georg's apartment.
Yes, Michael didn't want
to tell me when you were going.
- Let me get him!
- No, let me question him.
Very well.
I'm against going that far
away from town.
Far away? By car it's no more
than an hour. Is that really so much?
In town you can easily get away
if something goes wrong.
Out in the open fields
we're all doomed.
- But why would it go wrong?
- There's always a chance of that.
Remember the Mayz factories.
Michael had everything prepared.
Even so the Germans showed up.
Even so the Germans came... yes.
They keep a lot of snitches.
Yes!
It may have been Mayz. He lives by
the factory. It may have been him.
Yes, or one of the workers.
Or the gatekeeper.
They all knew we
would come, right?
Yes, yes.
But you see, this time...
Let's stick to the
Mayz sabotage.
Yes, that is all
finished now.
That's just what it is not.
- Michael has sent us a message.
- Michael?
Yes. He bade us ask
Prikken a few questions.
Me?
Why did you call Michael to ask when
the Mayz sabotage was to take place?
- Really? Did I call Michael?
- Yes.
I wanted in.
That very day you'd already been
told you wouldn't be needed.
Even so you desperately wanted
to know the exact time for it.
Why this interrogation?
Do you suspect me of anything?
Why are you nervous?
If you haven't done anything wrong,
you needn't be nervous.
- What do you want with me?
- I want to know why the Germans came.
I don't know. I swear it, Toto.
I don't know either but I'm
sure that Tom and the others
will believe me even if
I don't swear it.
Your story stinks.
- Surely, you're not saying that... I...
- Yes.
I don't deserve this from you.
I've supplied you with manpower,
I've provided you with ideas.
I've... You don't mean to say that...
Take your hand out of your pocket.
Certainly.
I'm not interested in the details
regarding the Mayz sabotage
- but what else have you been up to?
- Nothing. Nothing. I swear it, Toto.
How many have you sworn to?
You're nothing but a dirty swine!
You've betrayed Michael.
And Dreyer.
And now you were
after the rest of us.
Why can't you tell us anything
about your contacts up north?
Do they not exist? Or are they
to be found at the German HQ?
You can't prove anything.
- Remember what happened to Nils?
- Yes.
- Christian?
- Yes.
I can be of use to you now.
I can tell you a lot about
what the the Germans are doing.
I know everything
about the Gestapo.
I can be of use to you now.
You understand?
You won't shoot me.
In the name of the people,
the Military Court of Copenhagen
pronounces the
following verdict:
The Danish citizen,
Michael Lans,
born 2 February 1910 in Dalsby, -
is, for crimes under paragraphs 98
and 128 of the Military Penal Code,
paragraphs 3 and 5 in the additional
sections of the Military Penal Code -
and paragraph 82 of the Civil
Penal Code, sentenced to death.
The Military Court justifies
its verdict accordingly:
The defendant has actively
taken part in actions, -
directed against the German
people and its armed forces.
Crimes according to paragraphs 98
and 128 of the Military Penal Code, -
paragraphs three and five
of the Military Penal Code,
impairment of the military strength
of the German people as well as sabotage.
These crimes all carry
the death sentence.
The defendant has also...
It's your duty to die.
Death is part of the job.
Not annihilation,
not an eternal farewell.
Death is D-E-A-T-H.
Death is a friend and
a condition for all new life.
I had the most ingenuous idea.
I don't want to die.
Ruth... I need to see
you again, you hear?
Just once. Listen to your voice.
See you laughing.
- Did you hear the verdict?
- Yes.
I am to die.
Dying is not hard.
I've seen so many die.
It's me who has been
sentenced today and nobody else.
It's what I've been fighting for.
It's what I've been
sentenced to death for.
But it won't be that easy, Steinz.
It won't be that easy.
They can't put freedom
in front of a firing squad.
Freedom is in the fields,
in the grass growing after rainfall
and in the unfolding tree-buds.
They may kill me.
But freedom will always - always -
be restored back to life.
Always remember that, Steinz!
Remember that!
Now leave. Leave!
Then everything is real to me.
The trees, the fields, the meadows.
Because I have you.
But if you die everything
becomes meaningless.
Then I'm no longer a human.
Then the meadows
no longer will be green.
Then they will turn red
- red from your blood.
Out! Out!
- What are you reading?
- I'm off early tomorrow for my tuition.
You've got steady nerves.
- Toto seems to be delayed.
- Yes.
- You'll be coming along, too?
- I was asked to do it.
So how is he doing...
Prikken?
One moment he's hating it,
the next he's super-confident.
And now he's begun telling tales
to stall for time.
- There should be no need for that.
- No.
- Sorry I'm late.
- Is there anything wrong?
Yes. I found out an hour ago.
Michael and Dreyer got
the death penalty.
The verdict will likely
become public tomorrow.
And I have no idea when
the execution is to take place.
- Does Ruth know?
- No.
I was wondering if
you and I...
- If... the two of us could go see her?
- Yes. I'd like to go see Ruth.
Those swine!
Those damn swine!
Regarding the drive this evening,
we'll be going right now.
Go get him.
I'll start the car meanwhile.
I don't know who
is going to do it.
But now I wouldn't mind
doing it myself.
Let me go.
I'll give you 5000 - in cash.
I do have the money.
Nobody will know. Nobody.
We'll keep it a secret.
Right?
But I haven't done anything.
It's all a mistake.
You can't punish an innocent!
Germany will win the war!
And I'll make sure that
you'll get your break.
And none of the others
will escape with their lives.
None! None!
No! I won't follow you outside!
You can't make me!
Shoot me if you dare!
I won't follow you! I won't!
Just come here.
Oh, it's you.
- Is it about Michael?
- Yes.
Tell me then.
Michael has received
the death penalty.
It said so in a secret message.
And when is it going to happen?
- We don't know when.
- We'd like to help you.
Yes, I know that.
- Anyone else?
- Yes. Dreyer, too.
Dreyer also...
Come with us, Ruth.
You shouldn't be alone tonight.
No. I'd rather be alone.
Particularly this evening.
I'll always return home.
You just need to wait...
and I'll be there.
So this is the last stop.
You'll receive good food.
And cigarettes.
Yes, that's just great.
Dreyer!
Dear God, that the two
of us would get to meet again.
So say something!
Have a seat.
- I thought you were dead.
- I almost am.
- We are to die together then.
- Maybe it's easier when we're two...
I haven't told them anything.
Not a single word.
You do believe me, right?
Those on the outside
also believe me? Well?
- No one disbelieves you.
- They tortured me.
They stretched me across a tiny table,
fastening my hands and feet.
You have to stay like that
for hours.
Remember the first time
we picked up explosives?
Yes. We sang... about Montgomery
and we believed in victory.
- Believed...
- It wasn't so easy back then.
It was some kind of stubbornness.
When they reached Stalingrad,
I thought everything was decided.
That we'd never
get from under their yoke.
- Too bad we'll never see that day,
right? - Yeah, too damn bad.
You know, as we sit
locked in our cells
I often think about
how it's all coincidental.
If Hitler never had had any parents,
there'd be no Hitler.
- That's logical, right?
- Yeah, damn logical.
And if he didn't surround himself
with so many lunatics,
there might never have
been any war.
Then the two of us wouldn't be
sitting here as saboteurs,
awaiting execution.
That's also old Mr
and Mrs Hitler's fault.
Or maybe even his grandparents.
I guess there would
have been a war anyway.
Do you recall April 9?
- What were you thinking that morning?
- That it was hell.
I just thought it would
be over in a few days.
I spoke with dad
about doing something.
- He told me to sit my exams first.
- Yes, many parents said so.
- Well, but it didn't help any.
- No.
The old ones thought everything
would work out but it never did.
They've never known war.
The priest has arrived.
Do you want to see him?
To hell with your priest!
- What time is it?
- Who knows?
- About ten, wouldn't you say?
- Yes, thereabouts.
- 20 hours more to go then.
- Why exactly twenty?
They usually execute people
at six o'clock.
At six o'clock? That's just as it's
getting light outside.
- It's dawning.
- Yes.
All the colors are bright and
pure this early in the morning.
Do you think death is final?
I don't know.
If I weren't about to die soon,
I'd probably believe.
I believe our thoughts never die.
They exist somewhere.
Perhaps.
What is called one's spirit
can never die.
Michael... here they come.
- It looks like this is it.
- Thanks for being a good friend.
I would have liked
to visit you in Munich,
but I won't be making it.
Shall we go?
- Those are different handcuffs, Steinz.
- Yes.
Does that mean... that we...
make a run for it?
Maybe.
- What about you then?
- I'll be going with you.
- Going where?
- To the barracks.
I thought it would
take place in the courtyard here.
- Orders arrived last night.
- Dreyer?
- He'll ride in a different car.
- So no one can help him?
- No.
- And your chances then?
This evening a letter arrived
from Germany.
- From llse?
- She's dead.
And the children?
- You'll come with me if it
succeeds! - No, I'll manage.
Shall we leave?
It's damn early.
- Is he to be transferred?
- Yes.
- It's very foggy.
- Mornings here are always foggy.
And damn cold.
- Come, Steinz, I'll help you cross.
- No, I'll manage.
- Auf wiedersehen.
- Goodbye, Steinz.
- Where have you come from?
- From prison.
- Can I borrow your phone?
- Are you a saboteur?
- Yes.
- But what if the Germans...
Just say I threatened
you with this.
Oh well, of course.
There's a phone just over there.
- No funny stuff.
- Sure, just you say you forced me.
Yes, it's me.
Mi... Michael!
Where are you?
Where?
I'll be right over.
Would you like a piece?
I suppose prison grub is pretty bad.
- For sure.
- Rumours abound, you see...
- What time is it now?
- Almost six.
Attention!
Aim!
Fire!
Is he here?
Michael, old boy,
come on.
Come on.
- Put this coat on.
- And Ruth?
She's in Sweden. You are also
going there this evening.
Toto, I don't understand.
I don't understand, Toto.
Just come along. Come.
- Hansen?
- Yes?
- Is everything ready?
- Everything's set.
Have a safe journey.
Give my regards to Ruth.
We'll meet again soon.
Perhaps.
THE END