The Devil Strikes at Night (1957) Movie Script
1
THE DEVIL STRIKES AT NIGHWARTIME GERMANY SUMMER 1944
Our great Fhrer, Adolf Hitler,
is very grateful to you,
and Im here to thank you on his behalf.
Harvesting is a service to the nation,
and to our fighting men.
Your generous contribution
to our great work
will be a shining example
for future generations.
Girls,
daughters of proudly suffering Hamburg,
on behalf of
the municipality of Ratzeburg,
I wish to thank you
for your voluntary help.
As director of the
School-Youth Harvest Program of the NSDAP
in Hamburg and
Schleswig-Holstein,
I say to you...
carry on the good work.
To our great Fhrer, Adolf Hitler:
Sieg Heil!
Well, this concludes
our official business.
And now a pleasant surprise.
- There are 32 girls.
- Thirty-one. One has taken ill.
She was willing, though,
and wanted to volunteer.
The good people youve helped out
have donated two pounds of flour
to each of you.
Be quiet!
And now a personal gift from me.
If you please.
I have a cornflower for each of you.
Its the German harvest flower.
Its the flower of the great Queen Louise
and symbolizes devotion.
- Name?
- Henne Janssen.
- Got a boyfriend?
- No.
- You did the work of three?
- Of course.
She ate for three.
Dont get upset. She needs to.
Who works well must eat well.
I know a sculptor who likes models
with your build.
Well, forget it.
- Hertha von Pfeil.
- Father a general?
No. Hes an insurance agent,
not a general.
Here.
- How old are you?
- Sixteen, next week.
You sure are built.
- Father?
- Yes, Johannes Kropp, born Tressler--
Well, thats my mother-- my father--
Dont be nervous. I wont bite you.
On the contrary.
And now, the gifts from our comrades:
one pound of wheat, one pound of rye.
Come and get it.
And now a few trimmings
for the harvest celebration.
Lets go to my car.
Miss.
Another order
of potatoes and sauerkraut.
More potatoes and sauerkraut?
Some nerve.
One order of potatoes and sauerkraut.
Buddy of mine wants to buy me
another drink. Understood?
Hes picking up the tab.
- Whats your name?
- Beat it, sailor!
- Wheres Lucy?
- Must be upstairs.
Are you crazy?
Serves you right.
A person wants to know
whos handling the goods.
Where have you been?
Look what you did. Its bleeding.
Dont cry about a scratch.
I thought it was the old man
getting fresh.
- Got time for me?
- Not here. The boss might come in.
Trudy will take over in a minute.
I brought a gift.
Your eyes will pop.
All right. Go up to my room, but be quiet.
Check, please.
Thatll be 2.80.
Ninety, three, four--
- Miss, wheres the phone?
- The bakery across the street.
Five.
Did you enjoy the food?
That one was easy.
Have you gone off your rocker?
Want to pay for all these bottles?
Dont you know theres a shortage?
...24, 25,
26, 27,
28, 29,
30, 31.
Air raid warning.
There must be 32 slices.
Didnt they have it in one piece?
Bacon is bacon.
Thirty-two tokens
of the peoples gratitude.
Willi Keun is somebody.
All for one. One--
Lucy.
Lucy.
If I had my left thumb,
Id be at the front right now. Yes, sir.
You of all people.
Remember that fellow Klaus
who worked in our place?
Sure, Klaus Schmedes, my pal.
I envy him.
He is a soldier. Yes.
He was a soldier. Hes dead now.
Killed. What do you say now?
Killed?
He died on the battlefield
for his Fhrer and his people.
In deep mourning, yours truly.
You havent got all your marbles, Willi.
This cant last.
No goods, no trade,
I didnt get any tips at all today.
Tips, tips...
The German soldier stands fast
on all four sides of the Reich and--
Yeah, and you stand
in the middle of bacon.
Stop clowning.
Youd better shut up.
Why?
How do you stand on principles?
Family and such.
The family is the backbone
of the nation. Adolf Hitler.
Well, yes. I am married.
But Lucy,
you know that my wife
cant bear me children.
Youre nuts.
You want me to bear you children?
You really have a sense of humor.
Dont get me wrong.
We know each other from way back.
But, Lucy,
sweet pea.
I get sick to my stomach
when I hear you talk like that.
Come, have some schnapps.
No.
I need something sweet.
Some fruit, canned fruit.
Excuse me.
I have a few jars of cherries
hidden in the baby carriage.
- Baby carriage?
- Sure.
The air raid warden has sticky fingers.
So I stashed away some delicacies
in a baby carriage under the stairs.
Nobody goes there.
The Reich fights for its life
and this one eats cherries.
Air raid alarm!
Air raid alarm!
Lucy! Damn it, where are you?
Lucy!
Youd better forget your damned cherries!
- You are not bringing the china statue!
- Yes, I am!
Alarm!
Easy. Its the same every night.
But listen. Theyre right above us!
Come on, lets go! Hurry up!
Come on, now.
Everybody out! Alarm!
Mrs. Hansen!
Lets go down to the cellar--
Watch out for falling bricks,
Commissioner.
A top dog from the Gestapo is here.
Trouble is brewing.
Please, come in.
Am I intruding?
On the contrary.
I was expecting someone from the Gestapo.
Come in.
Glad to see you.
Sit down.
I hope it wont fall down.
I hope so too.
Hows your leg?
Cant complain, thank you.
Ill need treatment for a while.
Very useful, a shell splinter in the knee.
You seem to have had
your full share of heroism.
Id hate to meet our brethren
from across the border again.
Mean bunch, those Russians.
Indeed.
Your application for assignment
to my department was granted.
Im very grateful.
Glad to be back in Berlin?
Oh, yes.
Ive had enough of the Eastern Front.
The homicide division
seems like a cozy corner.
My motto:
Lie low till it blows over.
Id agree with you.
Its all so incongruous, senseless.
Homicide division.
Thousands slain daily at the front
and I run a giant department
for a few murder cases.
Heres one:
Willi Keun strangled
a waitress in Hamburg.
This makes headlines,
but thousands and thousands
slain at the front
rates a single line:
Our losses were insignificant.
That fellow must have powerful claws.
There was a similar case a few years ago.
Unsolved, I believe.
This is made for you.
For me? Id rather leave it
to the boys in Hamburg.
Say, Commissioner,
theres a slight mistake here.
Lets settle it quickly
to save you personal embarrassment.
Youre funny, harassing an SS member
in a lousy civilian court.
Sir, the man admitted--
Admitted? Thats a good one.
Besides,
this should be left to the Gestapo.
So the guy had a few drinks
and got out of hand.
But hes a war hero.
He has a Purple Heart.
The court will consider all this,
but the victim survived
by a sheer miracle--
Big deal! A foreigner.
Theyre getting out of hand anyway.
Im afraid, Mr. Bhm,
youre out of line.
Im a party member.
Did it hurt much to join?
And who are you? Remain seated.
I didnt intend to get up.
This is Inspector Kersten,
just out of the hospital.
He commanded a battalion in the east.
Not a battalion, just a company.
Why do you say just?
I knew company commanders
who had it over some generals.
Mr. Kersten will work under me
in M1 and M3.
I see.
I hope well get along.
Mollwitz is my name.
At Gestapo headquarters,
we want smooth cooperation
with the police.
Were both on the same team.
Party member Bhm,
think up a clever solution
for this particular case.
It wont be easy.
Then make an effort! Goodbye.
Your motto: Lie low till it blows over.
I only wonder whether well make it.
I certainly will.
It isnt so obvious to me.
Be careful, Kersten.
Render unto Caesar what is Caesars.
Heil Hitler.
Mrs. Paschke, a few cigarettes, please.
Without coupons? Are you serious?
If there were a sudden inspection,
Id be in hot water.
Oh, Im sorry. Ill move it.
Please dont bother.
Hey, wait a moment.
Been using this umbrella act long?
Quite a while.
I wanted to sell umbrellas,
but with this dry summer--
Right, right.
- Enjoy your meal.
- Enjoy your meal.
- Enjoy your meal.
- Enjoy your meal.
May I?
Thanks.
Miss, that German beefsteak,
how big is it?
Does it come from Greater Germany?
Sure. It comes from a Ukrainian horse.
Silence!
Its the daily communiqu.
The Wehrmacht High Command announces:
American bombers appeared from
the west and south over Reich territory
and raided several points
in west and southwest Germany.
Residential areas in
Munich, Mannheim and Karlsruhe
have suffered damage and casualties--
None over Berlin, eh?
Please take them. I dont smoke.
Very useful indeed.
What about your wife and your friends?
Friends? Who has friends nowadays?
Dont be bashful. Take them.
Im not bashful. Im suspicious.
Mrs. Paschke,
cigarettes.
That umbrella trick got me thinking.
Im with the criminal police.
I thought you were
a decorators apprentice.
Some sort of disguise? Very clever.
My names Kersten.
I work under Commissioner Bhm.
Oh, no! An inspector?
What did you think?
Perhaps a general in civvies.
You have a high opinion of me. Thanks.
Whats this for?
To wallpaper my place.
A do-it-yourself project.
All the wallpaper hangers are in the army.
Tell me,
do you have wallpaper paste?
- Youre really spoiled.
- Yes, totally.
I just remembered that
I know a wallpaper hanger.
A first-rate man,
but he only works on Sundays.
Moonlighting, of course.
May I have your address?
Ill let you know.
That would be heavenly.
Ill write it down for you.
Helga Hornung, Weberstrasse 14.
- Is your man reliable?
- Quite.
Difficult to get along with. A lone wolf.
Im not marrying him.
I just need new wallpaper.
Tell him to bring a stepladder.
Cigarettes.
Friend of yours?
No, not yet. But he might turn into one.
One may sometimes find
common interests with the Gestapo.
Possibly.
Anna!
- Morning, Anna.
- Morning, Bruno.
Why are you running around like that?
Where have you been for so long?
On labor duty.
- I put on a lot of weight.
- I wouldnt say that.
Are you staying now?
Will you go dancing with me?
We shall see. I just arrived, Bruno.
- These are heavy.
- Thats nothing.
- Ill carry them.
- Thats nice of you.
How are you doing, Bruno?
Making a living?
So-so.
Just enough to buy potatoes and liquor.
Your father doesnt pay enough.
I must often go on the road.
- Bamberg.
- You go to Bamberg? Why?
Sometimes even to
Hamburg and Kassel.
Im a drivers helper.
Thats how I get money for
potatoes, liquor and cigarettes.
Thanks, Bruno.
When will you go dancing with me?
I dont know.
I have so much to do.
Ill be getting my nurses training
at the Red Cross hospital.
Wheres the Red Cross hospital?
In Wedding.
I know that neighborhood.
Excuse me, where is Weberstrasse 14?
Next door.
The number plaques gone.
These damn bombings.
Bombings in Berlin? No way.
The number plaque just went for a walk.
Thank you.
A bitter disappointment.
I came to flirt
and you call the paperhanger.
You know perfectly well
that I dont flirt with relatives.
Then tell me what the strategic meaning
of this bottle is.
Its for the paperhanger.
And you lay off. Youve had enough.
Yes, but only when Im on duty,
never in private.
Our Fhrer, as you know, needs heroes.
A real hero is either dumb or blind drunk.
And since I wouldnt fail my Fhrer--
Pull yourself together.
I dont know the man.
You dont know him
and you give him my liquor?
Heil Hitler.
I didnt know you had company,
Miss Hornung.
Do you mind
if I mess up the place even more?
Not at all.
Thomas, this is the man
who pretends to be a paperhanger.
Mr. Kersten, Major Wollenberg.
You are welcome.
I hope my presence wont have
an adverse effect on your art, Master.
I doubt it.
This is my first attempt
to hang paper on a wall.
Great!
Germany needs daring men.
Mr. Kersten is mainly an inspector
in the homicide division.
On Sundays he moonlights.
You couldve told me
you were the tough lone wolf.
I wouldve saved a bottle of liquor.
Didnt you guess?
Arent you with the police?
Well, Im only a clerk in central filing.
The bottle is somehow unclaimed.
I suggest
we take a good swig to our beloved Fhrer
and his unavoidable final victory.
Darling, did you wash the glasses
from last night?
Please dont be so impudent.
Theyre in there.
Is the gentleman here
to protect you from me
or to provoke me politically?
Hes my cousin.
Four times removed.
His grandmother
was my mothers aunts cousin.
Heres to success!
And Im not referring to wallpapering.
To what then?
Angel,
is the gentleman here
to protect you from me
or to provoke me politically?
Lets start.
I suggest that I work at the bottom,
on account of my leg,
the major at the top,
and Miss Hornung in the middle.
Why me?
Im either a cousin or a flyer,
but never a paperhanger.
Ill take care of the liquor.
As expected.
Liquor is the elixir of life
of flyers, cousins and paperhangers.
In heroic times,
it is every mans elixir of life,
for it spurs one to action.
Must you use wanted posters as lining?
Im so wrapped up in my job.
Anything juicy?
Somewhat. A murder case a few years back.
Interested?
Why not?
Well, thats your cue. Youre on!
On the night of September 23, 1937,
38-year-old Vera Fenner was slain
in a forest near Hagenow-Land
by an unknown killer.
Luckily I have an alibi for that day.
Death by suffocation followed
fracture of the hyoid bone.
Mustve been an athlete with iron claws.
Funny, it sounds so familiar to me.
Wasnt there recently a case in Hamburg--
Well, its none of my business.
Say, couldnt you find another topic?
Of course.
What is your opinion about love?
Potatoes for Lehmann.
Two flights up. Nobodys in.
Shall I leave them here?
You wish. No, no.
Theyd be here till doomsday.
The Lehmanns wont lug them up.
Hes a half-pint and shes sickly.
But I must deliver them.
I got paid for it.
- Heil Hitler.
- Heil Hitler.
Well, walk up and ring.
Three long and two short rings.
Perhaps someone will open.
But remember...
I didnt tell you nothing.
Three long and two short.
I brought the potatoes.
Oh, the potatoes. Thats very nice.
Thank you.
Well, shall I leave them here?
Oh, right. No.
Would you take them to the kitchen?
Yes.
Its so hot today.
Im not thirsty, but Im hungry.
Food stamps dont fill you up.
Would you like a sandwich?
I wouldnt refuse, Mrs. Lehmann.
Please, come in.
Life aint fun no more.
All work and no grub.
Im better off on the road.
Maybe next week again.
Going away?
I ride with truckers.
Oh, youre a drivers helper.
Where do you go?
- Everywhere.
- Everywhere?
Could you take somebody with you?
Id give anything to get out of here.
Perhaps. Those large crates hold a lot.
Really?
I must tell you something.
Im not Mrs. Lehmann.
I just live here temporarily.
But please take a seat, Mr.--
Bruno.
Am I intruding?
Of course not.
Im alone.
Im glad when somebody comes.
Always alone?
Yes, since my husband died.
Stinking war.
My husband died
in Auschwitz.
Never heard of it.
He was a doctor. Professor Weinberger.
Maybe the name is familiar?
No. Im never sick.
So youre always alone, eh?
Let me fix you something to eat.
I didnt know where to turn.
Im a Jewish woman, you know.
Only the Lehmanns were good to me.
Not just because my husband
never sent them a bill.
Theyre good people.
Theyre in danger on my account.
I must get out of here.
Where are they now?
He works for Siemens,
and shes on war duty at the post office.
They always get home late?
Seldom before ten in the evening.
And then theyre tired of course.
Im glad when I can talk to somebody.
I mustnt be seen in the street.
Always alone.
Arent you afraid?
Oh, yes.
Im always afraid.
Not so much of dying
as of all those humiliations.
One hears awful things.
Why are people so mean?
I dont know.
I have troubles too.
Perhaps Im afraid of dying too.
Im not so old after all.
How old do you think I am?
No idea. Forty, 50.
Do I look that old?
Yes, these last few years...
I used to be so pretty.
My husband liked my hair so much.
The way it looks now...
No beauty parlors, no soap.
My God!
It is I, Mrs. Lehmann.
But the door isnt locked.
Or is it?
Did you lock it?
Me? Why me?
I must have locked it myself,
automatically, out of constant fear.
Excuse me.
Im coming,
Mrs. Lehmann.
This is Mr. Bruno.
He brought the potatoes.
How come youre so early?
The central office was damaged
by a direct hit.
Well, a good nights sleep at last.
- Thanks for the grub.
- Youre quite welcome.
And if youre in the neighborhood,
three long rings, two short.
Im glad when somebody drops in.
And dont forget about the truck,
should there be a chance.
Please.
Why should I have killed her?
She was my girl. She never refused me.
I had a few drinks.
I can hold more than that.
Im not a violent man.
Never once have I beaten my wife.
As for the bacon, Ill replace it.
One sometimes succumbs to temptation.
On duty all the time.
Always on duty.
Youve got to mention that.
I have the medal of merit too.
When do I get out?
Get out? Dont kid yourself.
Your neck is at stake, not your release.
Our best bet is to plead
drunkenness and passion.
You dont remember a thing.
I remember everything.
I came into the corridor.
Lucy had gone for the cherries
in the baby carriage.
Cherries? Baby carriage?
Trying to claim insanity?
The court isnt that stupid.
But its all in my file
about the cherries.
Havent you read it?
Casually.
But you ought to study my file.
- You are my lawyer.
- Your court-appointed lawyer.
Still, you ought to know!
It began with a party.
Sort of a celebration I conduct
when the girls return from labor duty.
Then I met Lucy by chance.
- By chance?
- Yes.
Not exactly. I visited her.
We went to her room
and had a few drinks.
- And had a fight?
- No, not at all.
We were talking about conditions,
and our opinions differed somewhat.
And your scratched hands?
There were clear signs of a fight.
The court isnt stupid, and neither am I.
Remember that.
Youll make the gallows all right.
Well, we arent that far yet.
I notice you lost your left thumb.
Lets see it.
As a child.
It was cut by a power saw.
That was my undoing.
Four times I volunteered.
Show me your other hand.
A bit flabby. Ever exercised?
I had a heart condition as a child.
Later I couldnt find time for it.
I think the District Attorney
was a bit hasty in this case.
He doesnt believe me.
My own lawyer doesnt believe me.
How can you defend me
if you think Im guilty?
Leave that to me.
If were lucky,
well dig up extenuating circumstances.
Ill not leave my defense to a man
who doesnt believe Im innocent.
I dont have to.
Im an official of the party.
- I faithfully served the Fhrer!
- Stop clowning.
And dont you mention
that party stuff at the trial
or youve had it.
Well, think it over, Keun.
Ill be back tomorrow.
Its Mr. Keun to you. Dont forget it.
Mr. Keun,
I believe you are innocent.
- Good evening.
- Good evening, Miss Helga.
- Please come in.
- Thank you.
Its dark in here.
Something wrong with your lights?
No,
but I find candlelight very becoming
on some special occasions.
Is it your birthday today?
No, but I have a very nice guest today.
Not that irksome bemedaled fellow?
Whats his name again?
Thomas Wollenberg, and hes my cousin.
Ive told you more than once.
I meant you
when I said a nice guest.
Thanks. I dont deserve it.
May I turn on the light
just for one minute?
Ill turn it off again at once.
Shouldnt we eat? The teas getting cold.
Right away.
What are you doing?
It isnt stuck at all.
What isnt stuck?
The wallpaper.
Was there any left, Helga?
About this size?
No, what for?
For a replacement, if need be.
If my memory serves me right,
theres some evidence hidden
right in this spot.
- Looks like wastepaper, but--
- Time to eat.
Time to eat...
Remember that old wanted poster?
The girl in Hagenow-Land?
No, I dont.
But I do.
It was right here.
What are you doing?
Im ruining your wallpaper
and my principles.
A cat cant give up mice.
Im looking for a mass murderer at large.
With you its an obsession.
Not an obsession,
but a very serious business.
Is it your business?
Didnt you want peace and quiet?
I did.
But a fellow is in jail in Hamburg.
His head is tottering.
Maybe justly so, maybe not.
But hes got only this one head,
and hes attached to it.
Well, September 1937. Lets see.
- Should I warm up the tea?
- No, thanks. Im almost through.
Vera Fennel or Fenner...
Doesnt matter.
Down here.
Death by strangulation followed
fracture of the hyoid bone.
If I remember right,
this would be case number five.
What do you say?
Nothing.
The wallpaper is damaged
and I have a strange feeling about this.
I dont know why.
I wish you werent involved in this,
but not because of the wallpaper.
Ill buy a funny picture of the Fhrer
to cover the spot.
Dont bother.
Sorry, but this is very important to me.
Surely.
The table is set so nicely.
And such delicacies...
Its just like in peacetime.
I think Ill turn off the light again.
Leave it on, youll see better.
But I find candlelight very fitting
on special occasions.
Angry?
Well, Im an inexperienced guest.
You should invite me more often.
Seems to me you feel at home here anyway.
Does it annoy you?
Not as long as my wallpaper
and furniture are left alone.
Wont you sit down at last?
Yes, maam.
Scram!
Anna.
- Good to see you, Anna.
- Whats going on here?
Just some kids.
- Come, sit down.
- No, I must go back right away.
Why? Your father is away.
Yes, but I have work to do.
Besides, what would I do here?
Whose sweater is that?
Its just a knit sweater somebody gave me.
Dont tell me stories, Bruno.
Its a womans sweater.
Bruno, you must be having lady visitors.
If Father should ever find out...
You can have the sweater.
No thanks, Bruno.
I can take you out now. Look.
- Where did you get it?
- I found it.
Bruno, you must return it.
Why? I found it. Finders keepers.
It isnt yours. Take it to the police.
Police? They can all go and...
Im going with you
to make sure you turn it in.
Whoever lost it may be in trouble.
I dont think so.
Never mind what you think, Bruno.
You were always an honest man till now.
Sure I was.
But there are more than 300 marks here.
- We could have a good time.
- For that we dont need 300 marks.
Were going to the precinct.
You stay here.
Youd like that, eh? Are you bored?
Take the purse
and come along.
Come on!
Thank you, Constable.
- Hello.
- Heil Hitler.
Any trouble with Bruno, Miss Hohmann?
Not at all.
Mr. Ldke has found a purse.
Cut out that Mr. Ldke stuff.
Just plain Bruno the dope.
I found this, so its mine.
Amazing! Found it? Where?
On a park bench near City Hall.
Look here, Bruno,
there are no more benches.
So I found it elsewhere. So what?
Its a bit strange.
Lets write up a report.
Its very decent of him
to turn it in voluntarily.
Voluntarily?
Why, Bruno is an old acquaintance of ours.
His file takes up a full cabinet:
cruelty to animals, theft, battery.
But you cant do nothing.
Im certified insane, paragraph 51.
You can all go and...
- Inspector Kersten?
- Yes?
Please follow me.
Order from Gestapo headquarters.
I dont understand.
Sorry, I have orders.
Cant it wait till tomorrow?
I have an appointment.
I can see.
Nevertheless.
- Whats the matter?
- No idea.
Its a somewhat surprising invitation
from Gestapo headquarters.
Miss Hornung,
please notify Commissioner Bhm.
Yes, of course.
Tell him that--
- Cigarette?
- No, thank you.
May I make a phone call?
Sorry, no.
In case it should take longer.
What makes you assume that?
Your odd behavior, partly.
You may complain to my group leader.
Its inspector Kersten, Gruppenfhrer.
Forgive this somewhat informal invitation,
but among soldiers...
Please be seated.
Thatll be all.
Do sit down.
Youre a hard worker.
I have a report here.
Im doing my best, Herr Gruppenfhrer.
Come, come. Dont be modest.
Besides, youre hot on the trail
of a certain case.
Youre also traveling a great deal:
Hamburg, Kassel, Lbeck, Schwerin, etc.
Its very interesting.
Cigarette?
I dont smoke.
Thanks.
Congratulations.
Excuse me a moment.
May I ask where you got this report?
From a contact at your office.
Hes very interested in your advancement.
Sometimes one has unknown friends.
His name is-- Lets see...
Brhl is the name.
Oh, Assistant Brhl.
Yes.
Your conduct is splendid, my dear friend.
You have war medals
and youre very successful
in your profession.
Now, how come youre not a party member?
Its none of my business.
You surely have your reasons.
Now lets discuss your mass murderer.
Perhaps we can do business.
Lets skip the details,
since you seem to have studied the file.
In my opinion, all the cases Ive checked
lead to one and the same man.
That man is still at large.
This means that some sentences
may have to be revised.
What?
Miscarriages of justice, my dear Kersten?
Such things cannot happen
in German courts. Right?
Well, proceed.
In every case, strangulation followed
fracture of the hyoid bone.
This is out of the ordinary.
The perpetrator must have
tremendously powerful fingers.
Also, the motive was always the same.
Hold it right there.
Fracture of the hyoid bone...
What is that? Anatomy isnt my forte.
Could you show me?
Yes.
Well...
Like that.
This is what the choke hold looked like.
And?
Once the bone is broken,
the tongue drops back,
causing strangulation.
Thats odd.
I cant picture it at all.
Unfortunately,
my fingers arent strong enough.
Unfortunately?
Kersten! Unfortunately!
Was that aimed at me personally
or at the SS in general?
But, Herr Gruppenfhrer...
And so our man must have
immense physical strength.
At any rate, hes mentally ill.
Hold it right there. Sit down.
Thats exactly
what I wanted to hear from you.
A mentally ill man.
Perhaps a twisted heredity.
His father was a drunkard or something.
Hed sit next to you on the train
and youd never know.
He may be a waiter
or a trapeze artist in a circus.
Bring me the personnel file.
At night, he kills women.
He kills one, a dozen, or maybe more
for all I know.
Hes a respectable citizen,
never been in trouble.
No previous record.
Hes never stolen a single silver spoon.
Nothing.
But take a good look at his family tree,
and you find an uncle in the madhouse,
or a grandfather
who ended up in the gutter.
At the least, a moron or a village idiot,
a physical or a mental cripple.
Ever studied race theory?
- Superficially.
- You ought to, my dear Kersten.
Read every word.
Keeping our race pure is our supreme duty.
Or do you deny
the Germanic races claim to leadership?
You dont. Youre smart.
We must then breed an elite,
my dear Kersten,
by strict, or if you will,
cruel selection in the pattern of nature,
which eradicates the unfit species.
Sweetie pie, where have you been?
Well continue in the basement.
Air raid alarm.
You see, dear child, I have a visitor.
Take your friend with you.
You must see the fantastic bar
sweetie pie keeps in the basement.
One has to give a little party
occasionally.
Well, where were we?
Now you got me all confused.
Oh, yes:
the eradication of the morbid elements.
You found me the test case.
Get me that mass murderer
so I can give the people goose pimples.
I need that to promote a new law
for a certain group of people.
What do you need?
A staff? Authority? A car? Gas?
All doors will be opened for you,
any file you want.
Im not sure Im the right man.
Right now Im a bit handicapped
on account of my wound.
But I could recommend a few people.
Good gracious.
Youve been in Pidvolochysk?
In that stinking cesspool?
At the slaughterhouse by the station?
- How long were you there?
- Two months.
I spent two hours.
You wouldnt care to return?
Oh, the Eastern Front.
The very thought of it makes me itchy.
We need to fumigate everything
from Prussia to Moscow.
Where were we?
Oh, yes. Youre on the case.
Very nice of you.
I knew right away
you were a man I could talk to.
At the front in these situations,
we used to say, Come in.
- Nervous?
- No.
Genuine Wouwerman.
Had it bought for me in Holland.
Those Dutch are getting rich.
Please go ahead.
All right, all right.
Come, Kersten.
Another beer, sir?
No, I want a cognac, a good one too.
Must be a name brand.
A barrel or a case of 24, General?
Just one bottle.
Maybe it wont pay to open a case
for one bottle?
Thats it.
Another beer. Coming up!
Youre worrying too much, cousin.
Tell me, is anything going on
between you and your paperhanger?
What could be going on?
I mean in matters of the heart.
- Nice guy, no?
- Yes, he is.
I think very highly of him.
Ever thought more of another man?
If you must know, the answer is no.
Well...
Then Ill take him under my wing,
as long as I have one.
Your cousin is about to change his beat.
Are they sending you to the front?
Yes. I cant say more.
Top secret orders.
Only my radioman and myself know it.
Say, ever been to Sweden?
No. What would I do in Sweden?
I was just thinking.
We have relatives there.
Well see.
You have my phone number.
Should your paperhanger
be in real trouble, call me.
I got you a beer.
The boss has a weak spot for the military.
Hi. Heil Hitler.
I came to find out about the purse.
Find out what?
If nobody claims it, itll be mine.
Anna said so.
Well, I found it.
In two years you may get it, Bruno.
What? It takes that long?
And where is my purse now?
Well, I dont know where it is.
Some department asked for it.
Tough luck.
The owner must have come to claim it.
How come?
SS-Truppfhrer Scharf reporting.
Thanks.
And what are these groceries?
- The rations, Inspector.
- What rations?
Youll get this every ten days.
I have orders.
- The canned goods will follow.
- Canned goods, right.
Put it all in the safe
with other top secret matters.
French cognac,
Russian tea... from China,
and soap. Very good.
Cigarettes, well?
Damn it.
Help yourself, Brhl.
Do you drink or smoke?
Id love to have decent coffee again.
Youll have to wait.
Canned goods will follow.
I only want a bar of soap.
You have to wash your hands
thoroughly these days.
That should be it.
Miss Hornung, any news about that purse?
It arrived this morning.
Right, here it is.
Thanks.
Turned in at the 185th Police Precinct
by one Bruno Ldke,
residing at Jgerstrasse 14.
He was accompanied by a resident...
Hi, Bruno. How are you doing?
What do you want?
I need a strong man.
I see.
I dont work for money anymore.
I cant buy anything with it anyway.
I want grub, cigarettes and liquor.
Well talk about that.
- Whats that?
- Aquavit from Denmark.
Open it.
Lets take a swig.
I dont mind. I talk better over a drink.
- Got a corkscrew?
- Of course.
I had one.
Its gone.
Dont bother. Ill do it this way.
Damn it. Its in there tight.
It takes muscles in your paws.
Mustnt spill one drop.
- Whats your name?
- Axel.
Youre all right, Axel.
Here, drink.
Damn it!
You sure are quick with that cork.
I bet some people in Hamburg were amazed.
Lucy Hansen for instance.
What do you mean?
Well, you know, that plump waitress,
the one you did in.
I guess, she was--
Gee, how did you do that?
Nobody ever threw me before.
Force alone isnt enough.
- It takes a few tricks, you know.
- You must teach me.
Where did you pick it up?
They teach us this at the police.
So youre a cop.
But you said you wanted to give me a job.
And dont you say that again
about murder and such.
I cant stand it.
They with you?
You can all go and...
I know paragraph 51.
Im nuts.
Come along, Bruno.
Sure, Axel.
Lets go.
Ldke, you have admitted committing
a number of killings.
Tell us how many.
I didnt count them.
Between 50 and 100.
Can you count at all?
Come on, count.
One, two, three, four...
Axel, I think hes pulling my leg.
I wont count no more.
Arent they through?
Cut it out, Bruno.
You promised to behave.
Im hungry.
Can you name the five continents?
East, west, south, north.
How long is your little finger?
One yard.
Continue, gentlemen.
Do you sometimes go to church?
I used to go, but now I dont no more.
- Why not?
- Cause Im in jail now.
Do you still pray in your cell?
Little Jesus, meek and mild,
look upon a little child.
And Ill be a good boy.
I wont do it again.
Tell me,
dont you think
hes playing games with us?
He only pretends to be an idiot.
But all his statements match the facts.
Weve already solved 55 cases.
Just listen to that.
Who was Bismarck?
That was Hindenburg.
Didnt I tell you?
You cant question him that way.
Hes outsmarting you.
Set a trap for him, my dear.
He gets pigheaded with people around.
This afternoon were making a plaster mold
of his head for the police museum.
Then Ill try with him again.
Any way you want.
But this case must be airtight
to be of any use.
Theres a lot at stake in it for me.
And for you too.
You have a fabulous memory, Bruno.
Im sure I can count on you.
Well go to a place you know well.
Youll lead the way
and tell us exactly how it happened.
All the details.
My boss, you know,
is a stickler for details.
He wants to know it all.
Axel, are you still here?
I think he wants to do me in.
Its so dark in here.
Well, Bruno?
To the left. It goes down a hill.
I like fresh air
early in the morning, Axel.
Whip that mare!
Step on the gas!
Whats this, Bruno? Are you nuts?
Sure, you know it.
All in fun, Axel.
Cant you have a little fun on the job?
That meatball sure was scared, eh?
Let go of him.
Smells of mushrooms.
You know, Axel, the cell is no good.
Theres a pond hereabouts.
Lets go for a swim.
The others can wait.
Work comes first, Bruno.
Now, where was it?
Not here. Come on.
Well?
And my cigarettes?
Work comes first, Bruno.
Tell us.
Nonsense!
Dont give me a hard time. Speak.
For you, Ill tell. Well...
I was on the go all day
and my feet hurt.
So I sat down here.
And then I found a cold potato in my pocket
and I ate it.
And then she came.
She sure had it.
And she wore a sort of blue thing.
And she had a bunch
of flowers.
And she was singing.
Dandelions it was.
So I said to myself,
Let her sing awhile.
Then I got up
and I followed her.
She didnt even see me.
Suddenly she dropped something
and bent down to pick it up.
Then I hid behind a tree.
She must have seen me.
She got scared
and started to run.
I went after her.
I could outrun her anytime.
Dont run away.
I wont harm you.
Just wait, you slut. Ill get you.
Then I choked her.
She didnt make a sound.
A strange one she was.
I must hide her.
Somebody might come.
Down I go,
and I dig.
I look up and around.
I dig down.
I look up and around.
But nobody came.
Is that her?
Sure, thats her.
My cigarette?
Bruno, you have a fabulous memory.
Here, you deserve one.
Here. I hid it that day,
and you couldnt find it.
- Well, convinced?
- For sure.
Kersten, I have a feeling
you bagged a big bird this time.
- A swig?
- Yes.
- Im Wolf-Dieter.
- My name is Axel.
Listen, Axel.
Ive heard something.
I always keep an ear to the ground.
This case will be taken to the headman.
- The SS headman?
- One step higher.
The Fhrer--
Its okay.
Go.
Why cant we drive on?
This is sabotage.
Gruppenfhrer,
was your conversation
with the Fhrer successful?
Your understandable curiosity
is ill-advised.
But Ill tell you.
Your department
has been dissolved as of today.
Certain considerations made it inevitable.
Kersten will report to me.
The Fhrer expects
notice of compliance tomorrow.
Is that clear?
Of course, Gruppenfhrer.
Ill arrange everything in Berlin.
Arrange?
These are orders.
Its about time you understood that.
A genius, our Fhrer.
Destiny smiled upon those
who worked under him.
The idea of a new law
for the eradication of misfits
using the Ldke case as an example
sounds attractive,
but how would the common man react?
Perhaps he would feel insecure.
A killer who committed 80 murders...
Fear?
A German knows no fear.
No, its more dangerous than that.
That killer eluded capture for 11 years.
Confidence in the police,
the Reichs mainstay, will be shattered.
If that guy was a Jew,
or at least a foreigner...
How long will these damn sheep stall us?
Drive on!
- Enjoy.
- Thank you.
In two or three weeks,
the whole thing will be wrapped up.
And something new will come up.
Not for me. My motto is--
Let the files gather some dust.
I know this one.
So? Didnt everything come out okay?
No, Helga.
Henceforth, private life will come first.
I pictured my private life differently.
Marriage? To Wollenberg?
Thomas is my cousin.
Now will you please stop that.
He worries me, by the way.
Im afraid hes being foolish.
In what way?
Hes planning a trip.
You mean he wants to run away.
Is it still worthwhile?
Certainly not for you.
Youre the Gestapos darling.
Well--
...all males
over 18 years of age
and all females
age 25 and over,
but not more than 55 years of age.
When are you going to be 55?
A verdict was reached today in Hamburg
in the trial of Willi Keun.
He was found guilty
and sentenced to death.
Damn it!
And yesterday I was promised
the trial would be suspended.
We must do something at once.
Call Mollwitz in Berlin.
Mollwitz? Probably drunk in some bar.
And Rossdorf?
On a Saturday? All offices are closed.
Like in peacetime.
We must rush to Hamburg.
Tomorrow Keun may hang.
My apologies. Everything is makeshift here
with the bombings.
Please sit down.
This is a rather unusual hour.
So are the circumstances, Your Honor.
Yes, you mentioned that.
However, Keun was sentenced.
The case is closed.
Keun is innocent.
I have in my briefcase the confession
of the real murderer.
Interesting.
Its amazing how misleading
evidence can be.
May I see your document?
Theres one difficulty.
I have no authority to show it to you yet.
All I want right now
is a stay of execution.
Im not your man.
I was merely the presiding judge.
I know.
The DA was bombed out.
We cant get his address.
The court has it.
Its closed. Tomorrow is Sunday.
And meanwhile,
the irreparable may happen. You know--
Certainly.
You seem very sure
about Keuns innocence, Mr. Kersten.
Absolutely.
I have not only a confession, but proof.
Still, I need documentary evidence.
The DA is very meticulous.
Could I call Berlin?
Of course.
Ill place an urgent call to Rossdorf.
What number?
007-003.
Rossdorf.
In Hamburg?
On a pleasure trip?
And I expected you right here.
Who? Keun?
I dont know him
and Im not interested.
This is none of your business.
Do me a favor
and stop your efforts at once.
I hope you remember
that this is all top secret.
Return to Berlin at once.
Ill expect you here tomorrow.
Heil Hitler,
Mr. Kersten. Out.
Yes, Herr Gruppenfhrer.
Ill hand over the file to Dr. Schleffien.
Heil Hitler. Out.
You think Gruppenfhrer Rossdorf
actually heard your last remark?
Your Honor, a mans life
and justice itself are at stake.
Justice?
Justice is that
which benefits the German people.
From a famous speech, those words.
Kersten, youd better rely on luck.
Justice, as weve known it,
is dead.
SECRET AFFAIR OF THE REICH
Lets first remove the cover.
Its rather worn out.
Rossdorf.
Very annoying, these interruptions.
My dear Kersten, thank you for your visit.
Keep me informed how you make out.
And be careful,
within the limits of decency.
Good night.
Thank you.
Mr. Keun...
pack up your things.
No, Im innocent.
You must have tremendous pull.
Nobody ever walked out of here alive.
Come on.
Come on now.
They didnt even leave
a bar of soap, those pigs.
Please keep me informed
how you make out.
Helga...
dont falter.
And be careful,
within the limits of decency.
I knew it.
Axel!
The car is waiting, Inspector.
Im coming.
Ill call you soon.
Criminal Inspector Kersten,
Herr Gruppenfhrer.
Thank you.
Well?
Shoot, Inspector.
Im all ears.
Herr Gruppenfhrer,
Im entitled to an explanation
in view of my work in the past months.
Really?
The Gestapo owes you
an explanation of its actions?
- Dont misunderstand.
- Then you better be specific.
- I was in Hamburg, Herr Gruppenfhrer.
- This I know.
You called me up from there.
Keun has been sentenced to death.
This I also know.
Meanwhile, you started meddling.
Who do you think you are,
Mr. Kersten?
Well, proceed.
Keun is innocent.
Bruno Ldke is the proven murderer
of the waitress.
Mr. Kersten, the name Bruno Ldke
is to be forgotten once and for all.
But since youre dense,
I will spell it out.
The hunt is off, the case is dead.
Fhrers orders.
Do you finally understand?
No, not with my normal common sense.
I shouldve known that.
All right.
Let me explain once more.
Right now, we cant afford to broadcast
the existence of a mass murderer.
Keun is but a grain of sand
in the gearbox. Hes unimportant.
Oh, hes disturbing the machinery?
Hes expendable.
I dont like your tone, Mr. Kersten.
But your attitude is even worse
than your tone!
Were therefore compelled
to restrict you permanently!
So its you Im indebted to
for that draft call.
We work fast,
and indebted is the right word.
You owe this lenient treatment
to my personal generosity,
because of your efforts in a case
that I vaguely remember.
Your irresponsible action in Hamburg
prompted me to take swift measures!
Keuns execution means judicial murder.
Who is Keun anyway?
Hes a party member.
Gosh!
All the vermin that crept into the party...
Why, even you could.
Though heaven knows
youre anything but a Nazi.
I wont contradict you in everything.
Oh, Kersten,
your courage of desperation
doesnt impress me.
Many before you here
have shouted defiance against God and Fhrer.
Im used to it.
So you better get off your high horse,
Inspector!
You alone have broken Keuns neck!
Can you prove it?
Prove it?
Keun couldve gone free,
had you kept your trap shut.
But you had to jabber about Bruno Ldke.
- Herr Gruppenfhrer--
- Nonsense!
Peddling state secrets.
The surest way to suicide!
Youre trying to pin
a judicial murder on me?
You cannot evade the responsibility
for his death,
you blabbermouth!
This is the most fiendish twist
Ive ever seen.
I merely did my duty.
Thats all.
But to your kind, a life means nothing.
Thats true.
And it goes for your life too.
I know.
But I have faith--
Faith, oh, faith...
Where did you get that moth-eaten word?
Do you perchance believe in God?
Well, you cannot count on him either.
Come over here.
Someday justice will prevail again,
though we may not live to see it.
You probably wont.
Now lets get to the point.
I wanted to have you tried
for betrayal of state secrets.
Consideration of our manpower needs
made me change my mind.
You see, up there in the north,
it doesnt look good.
I promise you a spot
where youll be able to prove yourself.
Well, at the front.
Not as an officer, but as a buck private.
You must learn to take orders again!
Heinrich!
Mr. Kersten remains in protective custody.
Yes, Gruppenfhrer.
And remember, Mr. Kersten,
the name Bruno Ldke
must be erased from your memory.
There never was a Bruno Ldke.
And now bring me the personal file
of Helga Hornung,
Homicide Division M1-7.
WHEELS MUST ROLL
FOR THE VICTORY
Attention on the platform.
Lieutenant Keller, please come to the...
I repeat, Lieutenant Keller,
please come immediately to...
Were you expecting somebody, Kersten?
I wasnt quite sure, Lieutenant.
All aboard!
- The first train is ready for boarding.
- Yes, Lieutenant!
First train!
Attention, please.
Lieutenant Gehrlein, Unit 55,
please come to the station manager.
I repeat, Lieutenant Gehrlein,
please come to the station manager.
So you did get my message.
I thought you were in trouble.
- Rossdorf asked for your file.
- My file?
No, everythings fine.
But you...
Couldve been worse.
Im to prove myself at the front.
Nothing unusual.
Oh, Axel, stop pretending.
I know the score.
Have you heard about Keun?
Shot while trying to escape, right?
Yes, theyre in a hurry.
It wont be long now. Well soon
be riding by train to the front line.
Please be careful during air raids, Helga.
Yes, keep warm
and dont smoke too much.
Oh, yes. The cigarette coupons. Here.
My God, the cigarette coupons.
Remember? Thats how it all began.
The umbrella, the wallpaper...
Come on, pal!
Lets have a drink on the Third Regiment.
Superior stuff, 60 proof.
Youll need it before a heros death.
Its all in fun, miss.
Thank you.
Old-timer,
you must have had a tiff
with the boys in the back room.
- Something like that.
- Dont worry, miss.
The front were to hold
is now way in the rear.
- Well never get there.
- Whats that?
Were trying to pour a drop of joy
into the bitter cup, Lieutenant.
Third Regiment, all aboard!
Come on.
Yes, what was I going to say?
Yes, I wanted to say something too.
Good luck, Axel.
Please come back safely, and soon.
Of course, and please dont cry.
No, I will not cry.
Attention, please.
Do not use your flashlights
on the platform.
I repeat...
A hearty Heil Hitler to you, cousin.
Thomas!
Troubles brewing, my child.
Listen carefully now.
Im not drunk.
My car is waiting outside.
Youll have to abandon your belongings.
Well be in Stockholm this afternoon.
Things are better and cheaper there.
- I dont understand.
- Never mind. Rely on me.
Be quiet
and dont make a fuss.
Yes, but I must see my landlady.
The Fhrer will pay your rent.
The Gestapo is in your apartment
right now.
Thank you, Thomas. Thank you.
Excuse me.
- Im staring at you all the time.
- And?
Youre the inspector
who took in Bruno Ldke.
I wanted to ask what happened to him.
He never came back.
I dont know what you mean.
But I know you.
You yourself picked him up.
Did you say Bruno Ldke?
You must be mistaken, nurse.
There has never been a Bruno Ldke.
REICHS SECURITY HEADQUARTERS
BERLIN-WILMERSDORF
SECRET AFFAIR OF THE REICH:
BRUNO LDKE
This is to report that Bruno Ldke
was liquidated yesterday as per orders.
VIENNA, 1944
SECRET AFFAIR OF THE REICH
RE: LDKE CASE CLOSED
THE DEVIL STRIKES AT NIGHWARTIME GERMANY SUMMER 1944
Our great Fhrer, Adolf Hitler,
is very grateful to you,
and Im here to thank you on his behalf.
Harvesting is a service to the nation,
and to our fighting men.
Your generous contribution
to our great work
will be a shining example
for future generations.
Girls,
daughters of proudly suffering Hamburg,
on behalf of
the municipality of Ratzeburg,
I wish to thank you
for your voluntary help.
As director of the
School-Youth Harvest Program of the NSDAP
in Hamburg and
Schleswig-Holstein,
I say to you...
carry on the good work.
To our great Fhrer, Adolf Hitler:
Sieg Heil!
Well, this concludes
our official business.
And now a pleasant surprise.
- There are 32 girls.
- Thirty-one. One has taken ill.
She was willing, though,
and wanted to volunteer.
The good people youve helped out
have donated two pounds of flour
to each of you.
Be quiet!
And now a personal gift from me.
If you please.
I have a cornflower for each of you.
Its the German harvest flower.
Its the flower of the great Queen Louise
and symbolizes devotion.
- Name?
- Henne Janssen.
- Got a boyfriend?
- No.
- You did the work of three?
- Of course.
She ate for three.
Dont get upset. She needs to.
Who works well must eat well.
I know a sculptor who likes models
with your build.
Well, forget it.
- Hertha von Pfeil.
- Father a general?
No. Hes an insurance agent,
not a general.
Here.
- How old are you?
- Sixteen, next week.
You sure are built.
- Father?
- Yes, Johannes Kropp, born Tressler--
Well, thats my mother-- my father--
Dont be nervous. I wont bite you.
On the contrary.
And now, the gifts from our comrades:
one pound of wheat, one pound of rye.
Come and get it.
And now a few trimmings
for the harvest celebration.
Lets go to my car.
Miss.
Another order
of potatoes and sauerkraut.
More potatoes and sauerkraut?
Some nerve.
One order of potatoes and sauerkraut.
Buddy of mine wants to buy me
another drink. Understood?
Hes picking up the tab.
- Whats your name?
- Beat it, sailor!
- Wheres Lucy?
- Must be upstairs.
Are you crazy?
Serves you right.
A person wants to know
whos handling the goods.
Where have you been?
Look what you did. Its bleeding.
Dont cry about a scratch.
I thought it was the old man
getting fresh.
- Got time for me?
- Not here. The boss might come in.
Trudy will take over in a minute.
I brought a gift.
Your eyes will pop.
All right. Go up to my room, but be quiet.
Check, please.
Thatll be 2.80.
Ninety, three, four--
- Miss, wheres the phone?
- The bakery across the street.
Five.
Did you enjoy the food?
That one was easy.
Have you gone off your rocker?
Want to pay for all these bottles?
Dont you know theres a shortage?
...24, 25,
26, 27,
28, 29,
30, 31.
Air raid warning.
There must be 32 slices.
Didnt they have it in one piece?
Bacon is bacon.
Thirty-two tokens
of the peoples gratitude.
Willi Keun is somebody.
All for one. One--
Lucy.
Lucy.
If I had my left thumb,
Id be at the front right now. Yes, sir.
You of all people.
Remember that fellow Klaus
who worked in our place?
Sure, Klaus Schmedes, my pal.
I envy him.
He is a soldier. Yes.
He was a soldier. Hes dead now.
Killed. What do you say now?
Killed?
He died on the battlefield
for his Fhrer and his people.
In deep mourning, yours truly.
You havent got all your marbles, Willi.
This cant last.
No goods, no trade,
I didnt get any tips at all today.
Tips, tips...
The German soldier stands fast
on all four sides of the Reich and--
Yeah, and you stand
in the middle of bacon.
Stop clowning.
Youd better shut up.
Why?
How do you stand on principles?
Family and such.
The family is the backbone
of the nation. Adolf Hitler.
Well, yes. I am married.
But Lucy,
you know that my wife
cant bear me children.
Youre nuts.
You want me to bear you children?
You really have a sense of humor.
Dont get me wrong.
We know each other from way back.
But, Lucy,
sweet pea.
I get sick to my stomach
when I hear you talk like that.
Come, have some schnapps.
No.
I need something sweet.
Some fruit, canned fruit.
Excuse me.
I have a few jars of cherries
hidden in the baby carriage.
- Baby carriage?
- Sure.
The air raid warden has sticky fingers.
So I stashed away some delicacies
in a baby carriage under the stairs.
Nobody goes there.
The Reich fights for its life
and this one eats cherries.
Air raid alarm!
Air raid alarm!
Lucy! Damn it, where are you?
Lucy!
Youd better forget your damned cherries!
- You are not bringing the china statue!
- Yes, I am!
Alarm!
Easy. Its the same every night.
But listen. Theyre right above us!
Come on, lets go! Hurry up!
Come on, now.
Everybody out! Alarm!
Mrs. Hansen!
Lets go down to the cellar--
Watch out for falling bricks,
Commissioner.
A top dog from the Gestapo is here.
Trouble is brewing.
Please, come in.
Am I intruding?
On the contrary.
I was expecting someone from the Gestapo.
Come in.
Glad to see you.
Sit down.
I hope it wont fall down.
I hope so too.
Hows your leg?
Cant complain, thank you.
Ill need treatment for a while.
Very useful, a shell splinter in the knee.
You seem to have had
your full share of heroism.
Id hate to meet our brethren
from across the border again.
Mean bunch, those Russians.
Indeed.
Your application for assignment
to my department was granted.
Im very grateful.
Glad to be back in Berlin?
Oh, yes.
Ive had enough of the Eastern Front.
The homicide division
seems like a cozy corner.
My motto:
Lie low till it blows over.
Id agree with you.
Its all so incongruous, senseless.
Homicide division.
Thousands slain daily at the front
and I run a giant department
for a few murder cases.
Heres one:
Willi Keun strangled
a waitress in Hamburg.
This makes headlines,
but thousands and thousands
slain at the front
rates a single line:
Our losses were insignificant.
That fellow must have powerful claws.
There was a similar case a few years ago.
Unsolved, I believe.
This is made for you.
For me? Id rather leave it
to the boys in Hamburg.
Say, Commissioner,
theres a slight mistake here.
Lets settle it quickly
to save you personal embarrassment.
Youre funny, harassing an SS member
in a lousy civilian court.
Sir, the man admitted--
Admitted? Thats a good one.
Besides,
this should be left to the Gestapo.
So the guy had a few drinks
and got out of hand.
But hes a war hero.
He has a Purple Heart.
The court will consider all this,
but the victim survived
by a sheer miracle--
Big deal! A foreigner.
Theyre getting out of hand anyway.
Im afraid, Mr. Bhm,
youre out of line.
Im a party member.
Did it hurt much to join?
And who are you? Remain seated.
I didnt intend to get up.
This is Inspector Kersten,
just out of the hospital.
He commanded a battalion in the east.
Not a battalion, just a company.
Why do you say just?
I knew company commanders
who had it over some generals.
Mr. Kersten will work under me
in M1 and M3.
I see.
I hope well get along.
Mollwitz is my name.
At Gestapo headquarters,
we want smooth cooperation
with the police.
Were both on the same team.
Party member Bhm,
think up a clever solution
for this particular case.
It wont be easy.
Then make an effort! Goodbye.
Your motto: Lie low till it blows over.
I only wonder whether well make it.
I certainly will.
It isnt so obvious to me.
Be careful, Kersten.
Render unto Caesar what is Caesars.
Heil Hitler.
Mrs. Paschke, a few cigarettes, please.
Without coupons? Are you serious?
If there were a sudden inspection,
Id be in hot water.
Oh, Im sorry. Ill move it.
Please dont bother.
Hey, wait a moment.
Been using this umbrella act long?
Quite a while.
I wanted to sell umbrellas,
but with this dry summer--
Right, right.
- Enjoy your meal.
- Enjoy your meal.
- Enjoy your meal.
- Enjoy your meal.
May I?
Thanks.
Miss, that German beefsteak,
how big is it?
Does it come from Greater Germany?
Sure. It comes from a Ukrainian horse.
Silence!
Its the daily communiqu.
The Wehrmacht High Command announces:
American bombers appeared from
the west and south over Reich territory
and raided several points
in west and southwest Germany.
Residential areas in
Munich, Mannheim and Karlsruhe
have suffered damage and casualties--
None over Berlin, eh?
Please take them. I dont smoke.
Very useful indeed.
What about your wife and your friends?
Friends? Who has friends nowadays?
Dont be bashful. Take them.
Im not bashful. Im suspicious.
Mrs. Paschke,
cigarettes.
That umbrella trick got me thinking.
Im with the criminal police.
I thought you were
a decorators apprentice.
Some sort of disguise? Very clever.
My names Kersten.
I work under Commissioner Bhm.
Oh, no! An inspector?
What did you think?
Perhaps a general in civvies.
You have a high opinion of me. Thanks.
Whats this for?
To wallpaper my place.
A do-it-yourself project.
All the wallpaper hangers are in the army.
Tell me,
do you have wallpaper paste?
- Youre really spoiled.
- Yes, totally.
I just remembered that
I know a wallpaper hanger.
A first-rate man,
but he only works on Sundays.
Moonlighting, of course.
May I have your address?
Ill let you know.
That would be heavenly.
Ill write it down for you.
Helga Hornung, Weberstrasse 14.
- Is your man reliable?
- Quite.
Difficult to get along with. A lone wolf.
Im not marrying him.
I just need new wallpaper.
Tell him to bring a stepladder.
Cigarettes.
Friend of yours?
No, not yet. But he might turn into one.
One may sometimes find
common interests with the Gestapo.
Possibly.
Anna!
- Morning, Anna.
- Morning, Bruno.
Why are you running around like that?
Where have you been for so long?
On labor duty.
- I put on a lot of weight.
- I wouldnt say that.
Are you staying now?
Will you go dancing with me?
We shall see. I just arrived, Bruno.
- These are heavy.
- Thats nothing.
- Ill carry them.
- Thats nice of you.
How are you doing, Bruno?
Making a living?
So-so.
Just enough to buy potatoes and liquor.
Your father doesnt pay enough.
I must often go on the road.
- Bamberg.
- You go to Bamberg? Why?
Sometimes even to
Hamburg and Kassel.
Im a drivers helper.
Thats how I get money for
potatoes, liquor and cigarettes.
Thanks, Bruno.
When will you go dancing with me?
I dont know.
I have so much to do.
Ill be getting my nurses training
at the Red Cross hospital.
Wheres the Red Cross hospital?
In Wedding.
I know that neighborhood.
Excuse me, where is Weberstrasse 14?
Next door.
The number plaques gone.
These damn bombings.
Bombings in Berlin? No way.
The number plaque just went for a walk.
Thank you.
A bitter disappointment.
I came to flirt
and you call the paperhanger.
You know perfectly well
that I dont flirt with relatives.
Then tell me what the strategic meaning
of this bottle is.
Its for the paperhanger.
And you lay off. Youve had enough.
Yes, but only when Im on duty,
never in private.
Our Fhrer, as you know, needs heroes.
A real hero is either dumb or blind drunk.
And since I wouldnt fail my Fhrer--
Pull yourself together.
I dont know the man.
You dont know him
and you give him my liquor?
Heil Hitler.
I didnt know you had company,
Miss Hornung.
Do you mind
if I mess up the place even more?
Not at all.
Thomas, this is the man
who pretends to be a paperhanger.
Mr. Kersten, Major Wollenberg.
You are welcome.
I hope my presence wont have
an adverse effect on your art, Master.
I doubt it.
This is my first attempt
to hang paper on a wall.
Great!
Germany needs daring men.
Mr. Kersten is mainly an inspector
in the homicide division.
On Sundays he moonlights.
You couldve told me
you were the tough lone wolf.
I wouldve saved a bottle of liquor.
Didnt you guess?
Arent you with the police?
Well, Im only a clerk in central filing.
The bottle is somehow unclaimed.
I suggest
we take a good swig to our beloved Fhrer
and his unavoidable final victory.
Darling, did you wash the glasses
from last night?
Please dont be so impudent.
Theyre in there.
Is the gentleman here
to protect you from me
or to provoke me politically?
Hes my cousin.
Four times removed.
His grandmother
was my mothers aunts cousin.
Heres to success!
And Im not referring to wallpapering.
To what then?
Angel,
is the gentleman here
to protect you from me
or to provoke me politically?
Lets start.
I suggest that I work at the bottom,
on account of my leg,
the major at the top,
and Miss Hornung in the middle.
Why me?
Im either a cousin or a flyer,
but never a paperhanger.
Ill take care of the liquor.
As expected.
Liquor is the elixir of life
of flyers, cousins and paperhangers.
In heroic times,
it is every mans elixir of life,
for it spurs one to action.
Must you use wanted posters as lining?
Im so wrapped up in my job.
Anything juicy?
Somewhat. A murder case a few years back.
Interested?
Why not?
Well, thats your cue. Youre on!
On the night of September 23, 1937,
38-year-old Vera Fenner was slain
in a forest near Hagenow-Land
by an unknown killer.
Luckily I have an alibi for that day.
Death by suffocation followed
fracture of the hyoid bone.
Mustve been an athlete with iron claws.
Funny, it sounds so familiar to me.
Wasnt there recently a case in Hamburg--
Well, its none of my business.
Say, couldnt you find another topic?
Of course.
What is your opinion about love?
Potatoes for Lehmann.
Two flights up. Nobodys in.
Shall I leave them here?
You wish. No, no.
Theyd be here till doomsday.
The Lehmanns wont lug them up.
Hes a half-pint and shes sickly.
But I must deliver them.
I got paid for it.
- Heil Hitler.
- Heil Hitler.
Well, walk up and ring.
Three long and two short rings.
Perhaps someone will open.
But remember...
I didnt tell you nothing.
Three long and two short.
I brought the potatoes.
Oh, the potatoes. Thats very nice.
Thank you.
Well, shall I leave them here?
Oh, right. No.
Would you take them to the kitchen?
Yes.
Its so hot today.
Im not thirsty, but Im hungry.
Food stamps dont fill you up.
Would you like a sandwich?
I wouldnt refuse, Mrs. Lehmann.
Please, come in.
Life aint fun no more.
All work and no grub.
Im better off on the road.
Maybe next week again.
Going away?
I ride with truckers.
Oh, youre a drivers helper.
Where do you go?
- Everywhere.
- Everywhere?
Could you take somebody with you?
Id give anything to get out of here.
Perhaps. Those large crates hold a lot.
Really?
I must tell you something.
Im not Mrs. Lehmann.
I just live here temporarily.
But please take a seat, Mr.--
Bruno.
Am I intruding?
Of course not.
Im alone.
Im glad when somebody comes.
Always alone?
Yes, since my husband died.
Stinking war.
My husband died
in Auschwitz.
Never heard of it.
He was a doctor. Professor Weinberger.
Maybe the name is familiar?
No. Im never sick.
So youre always alone, eh?
Let me fix you something to eat.
I didnt know where to turn.
Im a Jewish woman, you know.
Only the Lehmanns were good to me.
Not just because my husband
never sent them a bill.
Theyre good people.
Theyre in danger on my account.
I must get out of here.
Where are they now?
He works for Siemens,
and shes on war duty at the post office.
They always get home late?
Seldom before ten in the evening.
And then theyre tired of course.
Im glad when I can talk to somebody.
I mustnt be seen in the street.
Always alone.
Arent you afraid?
Oh, yes.
Im always afraid.
Not so much of dying
as of all those humiliations.
One hears awful things.
Why are people so mean?
I dont know.
I have troubles too.
Perhaps Im afraid of dying too.
Im not so old after all.
How old do you think I am?
No idea. Forty, 50.
Do I look that old?
Yes, these last few years...
I used to be so pretty.
My husband liked my hair so much.
The way it looks now...
No beauty parlors, no soap.
My God!
It is I, Mrs. Lehmann.
But the door isnt locked.
Or is it?
Did you lock it?
Me? Why me?
I must have locked it myself,
automatically, out of constant fear.
Excuse me.
Im coming,
Mrs. Lehmann.
This is Mr. Bruno.
He brought the potatoes.
How come youre so early?
The central office was damaged
by a direct hit.
Well, a good nights sleep at last.
- Thanks for the grub.
- Youre quite welcome.
And if youre in the neighborhood,
three long rings, two short.
Im glad when somebody drops in.
And dont forget about the truck,
should there be a chance.
Please.
Why should I have killed her?
She was my girl. She never refused me.
I had a few drinks.
I can hold more than that.
Im not a violent man.
Never once have I beaten my wife.
As for the bacon, Ill replace it.
One sometimes succumbs to temptation.
On duty all the time.
Always on duty.
Youve got to mention that.
I have the medal of merit too.
When do I get out?
Get out? Dont kid yourself.
Your neck is at stake, not your release.
Our best bet is to plead
drunkenness and passion.
You dont remember a thing.
I remember everything.
I came into the corridor.
Lucy had gone for the cherries
in the baby carriage.
Cherries? Baby carriage?
Trying to claim insanity?
The court isnt that stupid.
But its all in my file
about the cherries.
Havent you read it?
Casually.
But you ought to study my file.
- You are my lawyer.
- Your court-appointed lawyer.
Still, you ought to know!
It began with a party.
Sort of a celebration I conduct
when the girls return from labor duty.
Then I met Lucy by chance.
- By chance?
- Yes.
Not exactly. I visited her.
We went to her room
and had a few drinks.
- And had a fight?
- No, not at all.
We were talking about conditions,
and our opinions differed somewhat.
And your scratched hands?
There were clear signs of a fight.
The court isnt stupid, and neither am I.
Remember that.
Youll make the gallows all right.
Well, we arent that far yet.
I notice you lost your left thumb.
Lets see it.
As a child.
It was cut by a power saw.
That was my undoing.
Four times I volunteered.
Show me your other hand.
A bit flabby. Ever exercised?
I had a heart condition as a child.
Later I couldnt find time for it.
I think the District Attorney
was a bit hasty in this case.
He doesnt believe me.
My own lawyer doesnt believe me.
How can you defend me
if you think Im guilty?
Leave that to me.
If were lucky,
well dig up extenuating circumstances.
Ill not leave my defense to a man
who doesnt believe Im innocent.
I dont have to.
Im an official of the party.
- I faithfully served the Fhrer!
- Stop clowning.
And dont you mention
that party stuff at the trial
or youve had it.
Well, think it over, Keun.
Ill be back tomorrow.
Its Mr. Keun to you. Dont forget it.
Mr. Keun,
I believe you are innocent.
- Good evening.
- Good evening, Miss Helga.
- Please come in.
- Thank you.
Its dark in here.
Something wrong with your lights?
No,
but I find candlelight very becoming
on some special occasions.
Is it your birthday today?
No, but I have a very nice guest today.
Not that irksome bemedaled fellow?
Whats his name again?
Thomas Wollenberg, and hes my cousin.
Ive told you more than once.
I meant you
when I said a nice guest.
Thanks. I dont deserve it.
May I turn on the light
just for one minute?
Ill turn it off again at once.
Shouldnt we eat? The teas getting cold.
Right away.
What are you doing?
It isnt stuck at all.
What isnt stuck?
The wallpaper.
Was there any left, Helga?
About this size?
No, what for?
For a replacement, if need be.
If my memory serves me right,
theres some evidence hidden
right in this spot.
- Looks like wastepaper, but--
- Time to eat.
Time to eat...
Remember that old wanted poster?
The girl in Hagenow-Land?
No, I dont.
But I do.
It was right here.
What are you doing?
Im ruining your wallpaper
and my principles.
A cat cant give up mice.
Im looking for a mass murderer at large.
With you its an obsession.
Not an obsession,
but a very serious business.
Is it your business?
Didnt you want peace and quiet?
I did.
But a fellow is in jail in Hamburg.
His head is tottering.
Maybe justly so, maybe not.
But hes got only this one head,
and hes attached to it.
Well, September 1937. Lets see.
- Should I warm up the tea?
- No, thanks. Im almost through.
Vera Fennel or Fenner...
Doesnt matter.
Down here.
Death by strangulation followed
fracture of the hyoid bone.
If I remember right,
this would be case number five.
What do you say?
Nothing.
The wallpaper is damaged
and I have a strange feeling about this.
I dont know why.
I wish you werent involved in this,
but not because of the wallpaper.
Ill buy a funny picture of the Fhrer
to cover the spot.
Dont bother.
Sorry, but this is very important to me.
Surely.
The table is set so nicely.
And such delicacies...
Its just like in peacetime.
I think Ill turn off the light again.
Leave it on, youll see better.
But I find candlelight very fitting
on special occasions.
Angry?
Well, Im an inexperienced guest.
You should invite me more often.
Seems to me you feel at home here anyway.
Does it annoy you?
Not as long as my wallpaper
and furniture are left alone.
Wont you sit down at last?
Yes, maam.
Scram!
Anna.
- Good to see you, Anna.
- Whats going on here?
Just some kids.
- Come, sit down.
- No, I must go back right away.
Why? Your father is away.
Yes, but I have work to do.
Besides, what would I do here?
Whose sweater is that?
Its just a knit sweater somebody gave me.
Dont tell me stories, Bruno.
Its a womans sweater.
Bruno, you must be having lady visitors.
If Father should ever find out...
You can have the sweater.
No thanks, Bruno.
I can take you out now. Look.
- Where did you get it?
- I found it.
Bruno, you must return it.
Why? I found it. Finders keepers.
It isnt yours. Take it to the police.
Police? They can all go and...
Im going with you
to make sure you turn it in.
Whoever lost it may be in trouble.
I dont think so.
Never mind what you think, Bruno.
You were always an honest man till now.
Sure I was.
But there are more than 300 marks here.
- We could have a good time.
- For that we dont need 300 marks.
Were going to the precinct.
You stay here.
Youd like that, eh? Are you bored?
Take the purse
and come along.
Come on!
Thank you, Constable.
- Hello.
- Heil Hitler.
Any trouble with Bruno, Miss Hohmann?
Not at all.
Mr. Ldke has found a purse.
Cut out that Mr. Ldke stuff.
Just plain Bruno the dope.
I found this, so its mine.
Amazing! Found it? Where?
On a park bench near City Hall.
Look here, Bruno,
there are no more benches.
So I found it elsewhere. So what?
Its a bit strange.
Lets write up a report.
Its very decent of him
to turn it in voluntarily.
Voluntarily?
Why, Bruno is an old acquaintance of ours.
His file takes up a full cabinet:
cruelty to animals, theft, battery.
But you cant do nothing.
Im certified insane, paragraph 51.
You can all go and...
- Inspector Kersten?
- Yes?
Please follow me.
Order from Gestapo headquarters.
I dont understand.
Sorry, I have orders.
Cant it wait till tomorrow?
I have an appointment.
I can see.
Nevertheless.
- Whats the matter?
- No idea.
Its a somewhat surprising invitation
from Gestapo headquarters.
Miss Hornung,
please notify Commissioner Bhm.
Yes, of course.
Tell him that--
- Cigarette?
- No, thank you.
May I make a phone call?
Sorry, no.
In case it should take longer.
What makes you assume that?
Your odd behavior, partly.
You may complain to my group leader.
Its inspector Kersten, Gruppenfhrer.
Forgive this somewhat informal invitation,
but among soldiers...
Please be seated.
Thatll be all.
Do sit down.
Youre a hard worker.
I have a report here.
Im doing my best, Herr Gruppenfhrer.
Come, come. Dont be modest.
Besides, youre hot on the trail
of a certain case.
Youre also traveling a great deal:
Hamburg, Kassel, Lbeck, Schwerin, etc.
Its very interesting.
Cigarette?
I dont smoke.
Thanks.
Congratulations.
Excuse me a moment.
May I ask where you got this report?
From a contact at your office.
Hes very interested in your advancement.
Sometimes one has unknown friends.
His name is-- Lets see...
Brhl is the name.
Oh, Assistant Brhl.
Yes.
Your conduct is splendid, my dear friend.
You have war medals
and youre very successful
in your profession.
Now, how come youre not a party member?
Its none of my business.
You surely have your reasons.
Now lets discuss your mass murderer.
Perhaps we can do business.
Lets skip the details,
since you seem to have studied the file.
In my opinion, all the cases Ive checked
lead to one and the same man.
That man is still at large.
This means that some sentences
may have to be revised.
What?
Miscarriages of justice, my dear Kersten?
Such things cannot happen
in German courts. Right?
Well, proceed.
In every case, strangulation followed
fracture of the hyoid bone.
This is out of the ordinary.
The perpetrator must have
tremendously powerful fingers.
Also, the motive was always the same.
Hold it right there.
Fracture of the hyoid bone...
What is that? Anatomy isnt my forte.
Could you show me?
Yes.
Well...
Like that.
This is what the choke hold looked like.
And?
Once the bone is broken,
the tongue drops back,
causing strangulation.
Thats odd.
I cant picture it at all.
Unfortunately,
my fingers arent strong enough.
Unfortunately?
Kersten! Unfortunately!
Was that aimed at me personally
or at the SS in general?
But, Herr Gruppenfhrer...
And so our man must have
immense physical strength.
At any rate, hes mentally ill.
Hold it right there. Sit down.
Thats exactly
what I wanted to hear from you.
A mentally ill man.
Perhaps a twisted heredity.
His father was a drunkard or something.
Hed sit next to you on the train
and youd never know.
He may be a waiter
or a trapeze artist in a circus.
Bring me the personnel file.
At night, he kills women.
He kills one, a dozen, or maybe more
for all I know.
Hes a respectable citizen,
never been in trouble.
No previous record.
Hes never stolen a single silver spoon.
Nothing.
But take a good look at his family tree,
and you find an uncle in the madhouse,
or a grandfather
who ended up in the gutter.
At the least, a moron or a village idiot,
a physical or a mental cripple.
Ever studied race theory?
- Superficially.
- You ought to, my dear Kersten.
Read every word.
Keeping our race pure is our supreme duty.
Or do you deny
the Germanic races claim to leadership?
You dont. Youre smart.
We must then breed an elite,
my dear Kersten,
by strict, or if you will,
cruel selection in the pattern of nature,
which eradicates the unfit species.
Sweetie pie, where have you been?
Well continue in the basement.
Air raid alarm.
You see, dear child, I have a visitor.
Take your friend with you.
You must see the fantastic bar
sweetie pie keeps in the basement.
One has to give a little party
occasionally.
Well, where were we?
Now you got me all confused.
Oh, yes:
the eradication of the morbid elements.
You found me the test case.
Get me that mass murderer
so I can give the people goose pimples.
I need that to promote a new law
for a certain group of people.
What do you need?
A staff? Authority? A car? Gas?
All doors will be opened for you,
any file you want.
Im not sure Im the right man.
Right now Im a bit handicapped
on account of my wound.
But I could recommend a few people.
Good gracious.
Youve been in Pidvolochysk?
In that stinking cesspool?
At the slaughterhouse by the station?
- How long were you there?
- Two months.
I spent two hours.
You wouldnt care to return?
Oh, the Eastern Front.
The very thought of it makes me itchy.
We need to fumigate everything
from Prussia to Moscow.
Where were we?
Oh, yes. Youre on the case.
Very nice of you.
I knew right away
you were a man I could talk to.
At the front in these situations,
we used to say, Come in.
- Nervous?
- No.
Genuine Wouwerman.
Had it bought for me in Holland.
Those Dutch are getting rich.
Please go ahead.
All right, all right.
Come, Kersten.
Another beer, sir?
No, I want a cognac, a good one too.
Must be a name brand.
A barrel or a case of 24, General?
Just one bottle.
Maybe it wont pay to open a case
for one bottle?
Thats it.
Another beer. Coming up!
Youre worrying too much, cousin.
Tell me, is anything going on
between you and your paperhanger?
What could be going on?
I mean in matters of the heart.
- Nice guy, no?
- Yes, he is.
I think very highly of him.
Ever thought more of another man?
If you must know, the answer is no.
Well...
Then Ill take him under my wing,
as long as I have one.
Your cousin is about to change his beat.
Are they sending you to the front?
Yes. I cant say more.
Top secret orders.
Only my radioman and myself know it.
Say, ever been to Sweden?
No. What would I do in Sweden?
I was just thinking.
We have relatives there.
Well see.
You have my phone number.
Should your paperhanger
be in real trouble, call me.
I got you a beer.
The boss has a weak spot for the military.
Hi. Heil Hitler.
I came to find out about the purse.
Find out what?
If nobody claims it, itll be mine.
Anna said so.
Well, I found it.
In two years you may get it, Bruno.
What? It takes that long?
And where is my purse now?
Well, I dont know where it is.
Some department asked for it.
Tough luck.
The owner must have come to claim it.
How come?
SS-Truppfhrer Scharf reporting.
Thanks.
And what are these groceries?
- The rations, Inspector.
- What rations?
Youll get this every ten days.
I have orders.
- The canned goods will follow.
- Canned goods, right.
Put it all in the safe
with other top secret matters.
French cognac,
Russian tea... from China,
and soap. Very good.
Cigarettes, well?
Damn it.
Help yourself, Brhl.
Do you drink or smoke?
Id love to have decent coffee again.
Youll have to wait.
Canned goods will follow.
I only want a bar of soap.
You have to wash your hands
thoroughly these days.
That should be it.
Miss Hornung, any news about that purse?
It arrived this morning.
Right, here it is.
Thanks.
Turned in at the 185th Police Precinct
by one Bruno Ldke,
residing at Jgerstrasse 14.
He was accompanied by a resident...
Hi, Bruno. How are you doing?
What do you want?
I need a strong man.
I see.
I dont work for money anymore.
I cant buy anything with it anyway.
I want grub, cigarettes and liquor.
Well talk about that.
- Whats that?
- Aquavit from Denmark.
Open it.
Lets take a swig.
I dont mind. I talk better over a drink.
- Got a corkscrew?
- Of course.
I had one.
Its gone.
Dont bother. Ill do it this way.
Damn it. Its in there tight.
It takes muscles in your paws.
Mustnt spill one drop.
- Whats your name?
- Axel.
Youre all right, Axel.
Here, drink.
Damn it!
You sure are quick with that cork.
I bet some people in Hamburg were amazed.
Lucy Hansen for instance.
What do you mean?
Well, you know, that plump waitress,
the one you did in.
I guess, she was--
Gee, how did you do that?
Nobody ever threw me before.
Force alone isnt enough.
- It takes a few tricks, you know.
- You must teach me.
Where did you pick it up?
They teach us this at the police.
So youre a cop.
But you said you wanted to give me a job.
And dont you say that again
about murder and such.
I cant stand it.
They with you?
You can all go and...
I know paragraph 51.
Im nuts.
Come along, Bruno.
Sure, Axel.
Lets go.
Ldke, you have admitted committing
a number of killings.
Tell us how many.
I didnt count them.
Between 50 and 100.
Can you count at all?
Come on, count.
One, two, three, four...
Axel, I think hes pulling my leg.
I wont count no more.
Arent they through?
Cut it out, Bruno.
You promised to behave.
Im hungry.
Can you name the five continents?
East, west, south, north.
How long is your little finger?
One yard.
Continue, gentlemen.
Do you sometimes go to church?
I used to go, but now I dont no more.
- Why not?
- Cause Im in jail now.
Do you still pray in your cell?
Little Jesus, meek and mild,
look upon a little child.
And Ill be a good boy.
I wont do it again.
Tell me,
dont you think
hes playing games with us?
He only pretends to be an idiot.
But all his statements match the facts.
Weve already solved 55 cases.
Just listen to that.
Who was Bismarck?
That was Hindenburg.
Didnt I tell you?
You cant question him that way.
Hes outsmarting you.
Set a trap for him, my dear.
He gets pigheaded with people around.
This afternoon were making a plaster mold
of his head for the police museum.
Then Ill try with him again.
Any way you want.
But this case must be airtight
to be of any use.
Theres a lot at stake in it for me.
And for you too.
You have a fabulous memory, Bruno.
Im sure I can count on you.
Well go to a place you know well.
Youll lead the way
and tell us exactly how it happened.
All the details.
My boss, you know,
is a stickler for details.
He wants to know it all.
Axel, are you still here?
I think he wants to do me in.
Its so dark in here.
Well, Bruno?
To the left. It goes down a hill.
I like fresh air
early in the morning, Axel.
Whip that mare!
Step on the gas!
Whats this, Bruno? Are you nuts?
Sure, you know it.
All in fun, Axel.
Cant you have a little fun on the job?
That meatball sure was scared, eh?
Let go of him.
Smells of mushrooms.
You know, Axel, the cell is no good.
Theres a pond hereabouts.
Lets go for a swim.
The others can wait.
Work comes first, Bruno.
Now, where was it?
Not here. Come on.
Well?
And my cigarettes?
Work comes first, Bruno.
Tell us.
Nonsense!
Dont give me a hard time. Speak.
For you, Ill tell. Well...
I was on the go all day
and my feet hurt.
So I sat down here.
And then I found a cold potato in my pocket
and I ate it.
And then she came.
She sure had it.
And she wore a sort of blue thing.
And she had a bunch
of flowers.
And she was singing.
Dandelions it was.
So I said to myself,
Let her sing awhile.
Then I got up
and I followed her.
She didnt even see me.
Suddenly she dropped something
and bent down to pick it up.
Then I hid behind a tree.
She must have seen me.
She got scared
and started to run.
I went after her.
I could outrun her anytime.
Dont run away.
I wont harm you.
Just wait, you slut. Ill get you.
Then I choked her.
She didnt make a sound.
A strange one she was.
I must hide her.
Somebody might come.
Down I go,
and I dig.
I look up and around.
I dig down.
I look up and around.
But nobody came.
Is that her?
Sure, thats her.
My cigarette?
Bruno, you have a fabulous memory.
Here, you deserve one.
Here. I hid it that day,
and you couldnt find it.
- Well, convinced?
- For sure.
Kersten, I have a feeling
you bagged a big bird this time.
- A swig?
- Yes.
- Im Wolf-Dieter.
- My name is Axel.
Listen, Axel.
Ive heard something.
I always keep an ear to the ground.
This case will be taken to the headman.
- The SS headman?
- One step higher.
The Fhrer--
Its okay.
Go.
Why cant we drive on?
This is sabotage.
Gruppenfhrer,
was your conversation
with the Fhrer successful?
Your understandable curiosity
is ill-advised.
But Ill tell you.
Your department
has been dissolved as of today.
Certain considerations made it inevitable.
Kersten will report to me.
The Fhrer expects
notice of compliance tomorrow.
Is that clear?
Of course, Gruppenfhrer.
Ill arrange everything in Berlin.
Arrange?
These are orders.
Its about time you understood that.
A genius, our Fhrer.
Destiny smiled upon those
who worked under him.
The idea of a new law
for the eradication of misfits
using the Ldke case as an example
sounds attractive,
but how would the common man react?
Perhaps he would feel insecure.
A killer who committed 80 murders...
Fear?
A German knows no fear.
No, its more dangerous than that.
That killer eluded capture for 11 years.
Confidence in the police,
the Reichs mainstay, will be shattered.
If that guy was a Jew,
or at least a foreigner...
How long will these damn sheep stall us?
Drive on!
- Enjoy.
- Thank you.
In two or three weeks,
the whole thing will be wrapped up.
And something new will come up.
Not for me. My motto is--
Let the files gather some dust.
I know this one.
So? Didnt everything come out okay?
No, Helga.
Henceforth, private life will come first.
I pictured my private life differently.
Marriage? To Wollenberg?
Thomas is my cousin.
Now will you please stop that.
He worries me, by the way.
Im afraid hes being foolish.
In what way?
Hes planning a trip.
You mean he wants to run away.
Is it still worthwhile?
Certainly not for you.
Youre the Gestapos darling.
Well--
...all males
over 18 years of age
and all females
age 25 and over,
but not more than 55 years of age.
When are you going to be 55?
A verdict was reached today in Hamburg
in the trial of Willi Keun.
He was found guilty
and sentenced to death.
Damn it!
And yesterday I was promised
the trial would be suspended.
We must do something at once.
Call Mollwitz in Berlin.
Mollwitz? Probably drunk in some bar.
And Rossdorf?
On a Saturday? All offices are closed.
Like in peacetime.
We must rush to Hamburg.
Tomorrow Keun may hang.
My apologies. Everything is makeshift here
with the bombings.
Please sit down.
This is a rather unusual hour.
So are the circumstances, Your Honor.
Yes, you mentioned that.
However, Keun was sentenced.
The case is closed.
Keun is innocent.
I have in my briefcase the confession
of the real murderer.
Interesting.
Its amazing how misleading
evidence can be.
May I see your document?
Theres one difficulty.
I have no authority to show it to you yet.
All I want right now
is a stay of execution.
Im not your man.
I was merely the presiding judge.
I know.
The DA was bombed out.
We cant get his address.
The court has it.
Its closed. Tomorrow is Sunday.
And meanwhile,
the irreparable may happen. You know--
Certainly.
You seem very sure
about Keuns innocence, Mr. Kersten.
Absolutely.
I have not only a confession, but proof.
Still, I need documentary evidence.
The DA is very meticulous.
Could I call Berlin?
Of course.
Ill place an urgent call to Rossdorf.
What number?
007-003.
Rossdorf.
In Hamburg?
On a pleasure trip?
And I expected you right here.
Who? Keun?
I dont know him
and Im not interested.
This is none of your business.
Do me a favor
and stop your efforts at once.
I hope you remember
that this is all top secret.
Return to Berlin at once.
Ill expect you here tomorrow.
Heil Hitler,
Mr. Kersten. Out.
Yes, Herr Gruppenfhrer.
Ill hand over the file to Dr. Schleffien.
Heil Hitler. Out.
You think Gruppenfhrer Rossdorf
actually heard your last remark?
Your Honor, a mans life
and justice itself are at stake.
Justice?
Justice is that
which benefits the German people.
From a famous speech, those words.
Kersten, youd better rely on luck.
Justice, as weve known it,
is dead.
SECRET AFFAIR OF THE REICH
Lets first remove the cover.
Its rather worn out.
Rossdorf.
Very annoying, these interruptions.
My dear Kersten, thank you for your visit.
Keep me informed how you make out.
And be careful,
within the limits of decency.
Good night.
Thank you.
Mr. Keun...
pack up your things.
No, Im innocent.
You must have tremendous pull.
Nobody ever walked out of here alive.
Come on.
Come on now.
They didnt even leave
a bar of soap, those pigs.
Please keep me informed
how you make out.
Helga...
dont falter.
And be careful,
within the limits of decency.
I knew it.
Axel!
The car is waiting, Inspector.
Im coming.
Ill call you soon.
Criminal Inspector Kersten,
Herr Gruppenfhrer.
Thank you.
Well?
Shoot, Inspector.
Im all ears.
Herr Gruppenfhrer,
Im entitled to an explanation
in view of my work in the past months.
Really?
The Gestapo owes you
an explanation of its actions?
- Dont misunderstand.
- Then you better be specific.
- I was in Hamburg, Herr Gruppenfhrer.
- This I know.
You called me up from there.
Keun has been sentenced to death.
This I also know.
Meanwhile, you started meddling.
Who do you think you are,
Mr. Kersten?
Well, proceed.
Keun is innocent.
Bruno Ldke is the proven murderer
of the waitress.
Mr. Kersten, the name Bruno Ldke
is to be forgotten once and for all.
But since youre dense,
I will spell it out.
The hunt is off, the case is dead.
Fhrers orders.
Do you finally understand?
No, not with my normal common sense.
I shouldve known that.
All right.
Let me explain once more.
Right now, we cant afford to broadcast
the existence of a mass murderer.
Keun is but a grain of sand
in the gearbox. Hes unimportant.
Oh, hes disturbing the machinery?
Hes expendable.
I dont like your tone, Mr. Kersten.
But your attitude is even worse
than your tone!
Were therefore compelled
to restrict you permanently!
So its you Im indebted to
for that draft call.
We work fast,
and indebted is the right word.
You owe this lenient treatment
to my personal generosity,
because of your efforts in a case
that I vaguely remember.
Your irresponsible action in Hamburg
prompted me to take swift measures!
Keuns execution means judicial murder.
Who is Keun anyway?
Hes a party member.
Gosh!
All the vermin that crept into the party...
Why, even you could.
Though heaven knows
youre anything but a Nazi.
I wont contradict you in everything.
Oh, Kersten,
your courage of desperation
doesnt impress me.
Many before you here
have shouted defiance against God and Fhrer.
Im used to it.
So you better get off your high horse,
Inspector!
You alone have broken Keuns neck!
Can you prove it?
Prove it?
Keun couldve gone free,
had you kept your trap shut.
But you had to jabber about Bruno Ldke.
- Herr Gruppenfhrer--
- Nonsense!
Peddling state secrets.
The surest way to suicide!
Youre trying to pin
a judicial murder on me?
You cannot evade the responsibility
for his death,
you blabbermouth!
This is the most fiendish twist
Ive ever seen.
I merely did my duty.
Thats all.
But to your kind, a life means nothing.
Thats true.
And it goes for your life too.
I know.
But I have faith--
Faith, oh, faith...
Where did you get that moth-eaten word?
Do you perchance believe in God?
Well, you cannot count on him either.
Come over here.
Someday justice will prevail again,
though we may not live to see it.
You probably wont.
Now lets get to the point.
I wanted to have you tried
for betrayal of state secrets.
Consideration of our manpower needs
made me change my mind.
You see, up there in the north,
it doesnt look good.
I promise you a spot
where youll be able to prove yourself.
Well, at the front.
Not as an officer, but as a buck private.
You must learn to take orders again!
Heinrich!
Mr. Kersten remains in protective custody.
Yes, Gruppenfhrer.
And remember, Mr. Kersten,
the name Bruno Ldke
must be erased from your memory.
There never was a Bruno Ldke.
And now bring me the personal file
of Helga Hornung,
Homicide Division M1-7.
WHEELS MUST ROLL
FOR THE VICTORY
Attention on the platform.
Lieutenant Keller, please come to the...
I repeat, Lieutenant Keller,
please come immediately to...
Were you expecting somebody, Kersten?
I wasnt quite sure, Lieutenant.
All aboard!
- The first train is ready for boarding.
- Yes, Lieutenant!
First train!
Attention, please.
Lieutenant Gehrlein, Unit 55,
please come to the station manager.
I repeat, Lieutenant Gehrlein,
please come to the station manager.
So you did get my message.
I thought you were in trouble.
- Rossdorf asked for your file.
- My file?
No, everythings fine.
But you...
Couldve been worse.
Im to prove myself at the front.
Nothing unusual.
Oh, Axel, stop pretending.
I know the score.
Have you heard about Keun?
Shot while trying to escape, right?
Yes, theyre in a hurry.
It wont be long now. Well soon
be riding by train to the front line.
Please be careful during air raids, Helga.
Yes, keep warm
and dont smoke too much.
Oh, yes. The cigarette coupons. Here.
My God, the cigarette coupons.
Remember? Thats how it all began.
The umbrella, the wallpaper...
Come on, pal!
Lets have a drink on the Third Regiment.
Superior stuff, 60 proof.
Youll need it before a heros death.
Its all in fun, miss.
Thank you.
Old-timer,
you must have had a tiff
with the boys in the back room.
- Something like that.
- Dont worry, miss.
The front were to hold
is now way in the rear.
- Well never get there.
- Whats that?
Were trying to pour a drop of joy
into the bitter cup, Lieutenant.
Third Regiment, all aboard!
Come on.
Yes, what was I going to say?
Yes, I wanted to say something too.
Good luck, Axel.
Please come back safely, and soon.
Of course, and please dont cry.
No, I will not cry.
Attention, please.
Do not use your flashlights
on the platform.
I repeat...
A hearty Heil Hitler to you, cousin.
Thomas!
Troubles brewing, my child.
Listen carefully now.
Im not drunk.
My car is waiting outside.
Youll have to abandon your belongings.
Well be in Stockholm this afternoon.
Things are better and cheaper there.
- I dont understand.
- Never mind. Rely on me.
Be quiet
and dont make a fuss.
Yes, but I must see my landlady.
The Fhrer will pay your rent.
The Gestapo is in your apartment
right now.
Thank you, Thomas. Thank you.
Excuse me.
- Im staring at you all the time.
- And?
Youre the inspector
who took in Bruno Ldke.
I wanted to ask what happened to him.
He never came back.
I dont know what you mean.
But I know you.
You yourself picked him up.
Did you say Bruno Ldke?
You must be mistaken, nurse.
There has never been a Bruno Ldke.
REICHS SECURITY HEADQUARTERS
BERLIN-WILMERSDORF
SECRET AFFAIR OF THE REICH:
BRUNO LDKE
This is to report that Bruno Ldke
was liquidated yesterday as per orders.
VIENNA, 1944
SECRET AFFAIR OF THE REICH
RE: LDKE CASE CLOSED