Original subtitles

I'm sorry, what are you doing? Are we breaking in?

Well, you heard him ask us to come here. So, we aren't breaking in.

He said it's in the living room, on the tile stove.

Would you hold that?

Here.

INDUSTRIAL CHIMNEY FILTERS

Huh.

The metal works showed me these.

Apparently these filters are meant to stop the poison.

If it's in the chimney, it might stop something.

In Targowisko, everyone has this fabric at home.

-At home? -Śliwa gave it out.

Folks took it, they brought it home,

and made it into tablecloths or… something else.

This mess is our doing, eh?

It was the metal works' doing. They've lied to everyone.

C'mon, Doctor. We are the metal works.

I have to go. I can't take these.

I'll take it. I'll bring it to the clinic tomorrow.

Doctor…

What are we gonna do about all this?

They must've been there at night. I checked the tape in the morning.

Major…

What are we gonna do about all this?

LEAD CHILDREN

A SERIES INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS

On the nineteenth of July at 4 p.m.,

all of Warsaw warmly welcomed Leonid Brezhnev,

the leader of our kindred Soviet nation.

This visit is a testament to the friendship between our nations.

Along the route, this enthusiastic and spontaneous demonstration,

shows the joys that this visit brings to the Polish people.

Let's remember that the largest Polish industrial facilities

were built with Soviet aid and technology.

That's why Leonid Brezhnev supervises the progress like a good steward.

And it seems he can smell the success of this endeavour.

Comrade General Secretary Brezhnev

greatly values and respects our miners and metalworkers.

That's why his visit to Silesia is an opportunity to thank him

and present him with the titles of Honorary Coal Miner of People's Poland

and Honorary Citizen of Katowice.

All of Silesia is waiting for these celebrations.

We're sure that our guest will appreciate our mines and metal works.

Comrade Brezhnev, welcome to Silesia!

-Hi. -Hi.

You were out late yesterday.

What time did you get back? You weren't home when we went to bed.

Sonntag wanted me to check on a neighbour's son.

-With scarlet fever. -And that took you all evening?

It's treated symptomatically, you couldn't have done much more.

Adam, eggs are ready.

Mum, ask Dad how works going.

What's that?

Here you go.

How's work?

There are whispers that the hospital is looking for a new head of department.

-And? -Adam says I'm at the top of the list.

At last.

And what are milady's plans for today?

I'm going to tell you.

Lots of peace and quiet.

-Please take care of yourself. -Fine.

Hold on.

Comrade Secretary, excuse me.

Are we done?

What a moment to come.

What is it?

The metal works can't handle its business.

Soon, folks will be saying the metal works is removing filters and poisoning them.

But that's a lie, Niedziela.

Who's saying this nonsense?

The doctor…

It's always that… doctor.

Comrade Secretary, I know that it's nonsense.

But I know these folks.

And I know they'll spread it.

And today Comrade Brezhnev is visiting the metal works.

So?

If Comrade Brezhnev were to… fall ill

and not because he visited our smelter…

Just simply by accident, then what?

People will think it's our fault.

Cigarette.

You nervous, Zdzisiek?

Me? No. What?

Anger detracts from beauty you know.

Hi, hello there.

-Morning, Governor. -Hi.

But that doesn't apply to you really, does it?

Who thought… to…

You know, to bring Comrade Brezhnev to the Szopienice…

To the Szopienice smelter?

Well?

You remember our first working meeting, right, Niedziela? Hm?

Speaking honestly and truthfully, whose idea was it?

Governor Ziętek's.

You remember correctly, Niedziela.

Now, you make certain that everyone who was at that meeting, so to speak,

remembers it the same way that you do.

-Afternoon. -Good afternoon.

-Afternoon. -Afternoon.

Good afternoon, Mr. Sonntag.

Good afternoon.

Crazy doctor!

You know this material?

Well?

-Yeah, I've got curtains made of it. -Yeah. And these are filters.

They bring 'em in these boxes to the metal works.

-You mean this is that filter? -Yeah, Roman.

Roman, listen…

Big metal lid. You open it.

Get the container out, take out the old filter, throw it away.

Insert a new one.

Return the container, close the big lid.

And you do it every day.

Because it blocks up quick.

Maybe they bought too many filters and that's why they were giving them away.

Right, and since when has the draft improved?

Uh, well…

-Since around May. -And why's that?

Hm? Why?

Roman!

'Cause since May, they haven't put the filters in.

Mrs. Helena, the poison from the chimneys is lead.

Which our children absorb by breathing, swimming in the pool,

and eating vegetables you've grown.

So we must send them away as soon as possible

to a place where they can breathe fresh air.

-Is that right, Mr. Sonntag? -Yeah.

How long should I pack 'em up for?

Welcome, General Secretary. Welcome.

Welcome, sir, to our Silesian land.

The Soviet people greet the hospitable people of Poland.

Ah, Governor.

I have some information, the plans of the visit have changed.

Comrade Brezhnev won't be going to Szopienice metal works.

But Grudzień was determined for that visit and now…

He doesn't want to do it?

Well, yes.

And have you any clue who'll be held responsible for this mess?

I don't know, but…

You don't?

Interesting…

Gierek! Brezhnev!

My deepest regards, Governor.

So tell me, Wilhelm. What's the news around here?

You know, I've not seen a bus the whole day, Governor.

I would say there's a very influential person in town.

Has the army brought home your grandson?

By the way, Governor.

Upstairs waiting for you,

is the professor and that woman doctor, they're up there now.

Eh, but I suppose if you're tired I'm thinking you should…

-I'll manage. -Goodbye.

There's ten families, perhaps fifteen, who'll send away their kids.

We'll need one bus but I'm not inclined to go to Mycka again

because that man can't be trusted.

Maybe you, Governor, could recommend someone.

-Are you certain one bus is all you need? -I think so.

I'm not sure how you convinced them, girl.

However, you did it, so I doff my hat to you.

I'll get you two buses from our office.

-Thank you so much. -Thanks. Take care.

-I'll stay for a bit. -To your health.

Wouldn't it be better to let some factory supply the buses?

It no longer matters, Krystina.

Gierek's distracted today, 'cause he's seeing off Brezhnev.

He'll call tomorrow though,

and I'll be retired.

Uncle, do you know why?

I'm guessing that I "endangered the health of Comrade Brezhnev".

Because I wanted to take him to a poisonous metal works.

But that was Grudzień's idea.

How can you not get that they'll spin this however they want to?

That's a dirty trick.

Well, I'll get off pretty lightly,

I reckon that little bastard would get me locked me up today for a coup d'état.

I hope that man doesn't bring down my Spodek arena.

There he is, old Jorg.

Hit him… and sunk him, didn't I?

I think I got him good, no?

It was a very intelligent move, I'd say.

And… the others…

won't, well, you know, breathe a word about this?

They wouldn't dare.

They'd be too afraid to, Comrade Secretary.

Hm.

I like you, Niedziela.

I don't drink. Heart problems.

Still…

Come on.

Hubert.

Call me Zdzisiek.

-Just not around the… -Not around people. I understand.

May I ask you something, Zdzisiek?

Those filters that doctor was talking about. What's going on?

Best leave it alone, Hubert.

Hi.

-Hi there. -Hi.

-Want some? -Mm-hm.

When it turned out Brezhnev wasn't coming to the metal works,

Mycka gave Marek two crates.

Really? Did he?

Yeah, he knows my dad.

But I thought your dad didn't work at the metal works, Marek.

He safeguarded Brezhnev's visit.

He's in the Security Service.

Everyone here likes him and says he doesn't hurt anyone.

Yeah, sure, I bet.

Marek, where you going?

Marek!

Marek!

Marek?

Marek!

Breathe in.

Hold your breath.

Release.

Administer acid, take a urine sample.

Follow me.

How can I help you?

I'm afraid your son collapsed today.

We ran some tests and it turns out he has acute lead poisoning,

an ambulance has taken him to the paediatric clinic.

How serious is the poisoning?

Karol Tafis died of this disease.

But your son is being looked after now. Good day.

Jesus Maria…

Did you hear that?

-She's a hysteric. -I'm going to the clinic.

Yes, go to the clinic.

I'll talk to a doctor friend of mine and find the best place for Marek.

If need be, I'll arrange him a transfer.

Hello? Put me through.

Hello, Edward.

Edward, let's do in with the bullshit, yeah?

I am not even gonna start to grovel, sonny,

or prove that what that sniveler is saying is complete bilge.

Because you know that.

It suits ya.

This place being run by that fucker.

I'm hoping, though,

he doesn't piss on everything I created in my time.

They're not coming.

If you had asked me, Doctor, I would've told you

that nobody's coming to a meeting at six, because they're all at mass.

We should move the meeting to seven.

-God bless. -Oh!

Come in.

God bless.

-Hello, Doctor. -Oh…

Doctor, take this slip.

Your test results.

Please, take a seat.

Need any help? No?

DIAGNOSIS: LEAD POISONING URINE TEST FOR HEAVY METALS

Yeah, it was a good one.

-Hello, Doctor. -Hello, Doctor.

-This seat taken? -No, sit.

-Priest gave a good sermon today, right? -Yeah.

First, we'll be sending away the children

whose blood work shows the highest amount of lead.

Any sibling families with small children,

don't worry, we'll be sending them away together.

What about school? September is around the corner.

-Yeah. -The sanatoriums have teachers.

Ladies, we'll explore the options.

-This is important. -Very important.

-They can't miss school. -And how long before the kids return?

I don't know.

Excuse me, but if the doctor doesn't know, then who else is going to?

It depends on the speed that the lead can flush itself out.

How long will that take?

It could take a month, or it could take two, often longer.

But how much longer? Are we saying three months?

Three whole months away from my kids?

That's not possible!

Doctor, can it not be done quicker?

-What will they eat there? -How should I pack for them?

Ladies, please!

I can see you're displeased with me.

Actually, you have all been displeased since the beginning, haven't you?

Because I stomp around your neighbourhood and disrupt your day.

I do this because the filters aren't being used,

and that's poisoning us all.

And yet, "How much are they doing it?" "With what?"

"How long does treatment take?" I don't have answers!

Do you have any answers? "I don't have them…"

No, but I know one thing!

The children have to move out.

Move out or I know there will be more stories like Karol Tafis.

Please sign up for the trip with Wiesia.

-Everything alright? -Yes, yes. Everything's fine.

Check.

-You're gonna beat me again. -Yes. The situation is getting serious.

Let me tell you.

Yes…

Yes…

Now…

I'll be right back.

So, honey, you have lead poisoning.

You and…

You need to take a break, okay?

I will, I swear.

Mum was right, Joasia was right, you were right…

This is not your fault.

It's those fucking bureaucrats and the smelter.

From now on, you do not go to Targowisko.

Instead, lots of walks in the park, lots of drinking and peeing.

I…

I brought this on myself, I know.

Crazy doctor.

Sir, visiting hours are long over.

-Is the food good? -It's not bad.

Oh…

-Here. -Thanks.

-You need anything else? -No.

Mum came already.

Marek, everything will be all right.

-They've got the best doctors here. -Dad…

Will I die?

'Course you will.

But when you're eighty, buddy.

I love you.

I love you too, Dad.

For he's a jolly good fellow

For he's a jolly good fellow

For he's a jolly good fellow

And so say all of us

For he's a jolly good fellow

For he's a jolly good fellow

For he's a jolly good fellow

And so say all of us

Say all of us

-Comrade Grudzień! -Comrade Grudzień!

-Thank you! -Cheers!

What, aren't you satisfied?

Old Jorg has gone into retirement.

The king is dead, long live the king.

Look, I'm getting them tipsy…

People let slip a thing or two when they're drunk,

so to speak…

Please just tell me.

Please tell me, Comrade. What is the deal with those filters?

Hubert, I already said it's none of your business.

None of my business?

My son is in the hospital now. The smelter pollution has to stop!

Niedziela…

It seems that you are an enemy of the Party.

And enemies of the Party don't work for the Security Service.

What'll you do when you get fired from this position?

And where are you going to work? The smelter again?

You'll dig ditches, will you? Hm?

You won't find another job.

So, shut your mouth, Niedziela!

And shut up the mouth of that doctor.

-Cheers. -Cheers.

Jesus, look.

They're here.

Wait a minute, hold it!

We need to split them up into two buses.

Wait! Stand in a line. I have to check you off.

No, not there! All the way to the back!

Don't crowd. I'm checking you off. Okay?

Over here, yeah!

Okay.

Bye, my darling.

Hold on, they can go here.

Bye!

-See you, darling. -Miss you!

Proud of you.

Move along. Go right up to the front.

Next up please, yeah? And the last here.

Everyone sitting down? Yeah!

Have a nice trip! Bye!

Finally!

We did it!

I can't believe it!

So I guess it's about time you started planning your PhD thesis, Doctor.

I suppose there's not much choice, is there?

I'm sorry, I am.

-What's going on here? -Mum!

-Jolanta Wadowska-Król? -Yes.

You've been summoned to the precinct, come with us.

Why though?

Well explain everything at the precinct. Let's go. Handcuffs.

Honey, don't get so upset.

Don't get upset.

WORKING PEOPLE ARE THE PRIDE OF SOCIALIST POLAND

Jacket off.

-Earrings. -Here.

Watch.

Undress.

What are you waiting for, an invitation?

Do you admit your guilt, Wadowska-Król?

What guilt?

Found in Mrs. Wadowska-Krol's office,

were unique structural and technological elements

belonging to the Szopienice metal works.

These materials were stolen from the metal works a week ago.

Do you admit to the theft?

I didn't steal anything.

This whole thing is a witch hunt against me and my family.

-An attempt at intimidation… -Answer the questions.

…in order to force me to stop my research…

What research?

My research into the lead poisoning of hundreds, if not thousands of children.

That's why they call you the crazy doctor.

Did you know, these poisonings lead to paralysis?

To comatose state?

Eventually the effects of the lead poison will kill them.

Maybe you have kids?

Go in there, shake things up.

-Did she confess? -I didn't, I'm not a burglar.

If that's the case, then…

-Your daughter must have nicked it. -Don't bring her into this.

I'm not doing anything.

She's been brought in, so we'll just question her.

How can you?

And the court will decide whether it was you, your daughter, or your husband.

Well, you know if it was her…

…she probably won't go to juvie.

This is economic espionage.

And nobody likes spies.

I know we don't.

The community won't.

And the other inmates won't.

Afternoon.

-Good afternoon. -Good afternoon.

I'm here to see my son.

What for?

Is he a suspect?

No, he works here. His name's Niedziela.

Hubert Niedziela.

You want to apologise?

No, I want you to release the doctor.

Sixteen years since we've spoken.

I would have guessed, once we started it would…

…be for a good reason.

Well, Hubert, I thought I would never speak to you again.

Right, head off to your Targowisko. That's your world.

You'll never understand mine.

Hubert!

Look out the window.

Who are those women?

These are the mothers of the kids the doctor's taking care of.

They came to show you that behind the doctor, there's an army.

Get them out of here before they make a scene.

If the doctor isn't let out, they aren't going anywhere.

Your doctor is a thief and must be tried for it.

You can see they're calm right now, they didn't come here to make a big scene.

Just know, Marketplace women won't stay calm long, son.

And your party doesn't like when there's trouble in the streets.

If this doesn't get settled today, well then…

The police in the Lublin branch will have to question your son.

Przemek.

How old is he?

Why are you doing all this?

Just admit your guilt.

Sit down!

Interrogation's over.

-Sign the report and go home. -Major…

And you, stop saying that the metal works is poisoning. Do you understand?

Do you hear what I'm saying?

Hubert, you don't scare me.

Don't lift that.

It's okay, it's light. I won't do any heavy lifting.

I'll take it, I don't mind.

Wiesia, you can stop fussing.

All the way at the back.

-Afternoon, Doctor! -What's wrong?

There's something important I must show you. Please come with me.

-I need to warn you. -What happened?

Listen to me, there are folks desperate to hurt you.

Dad!

Shall we dance?

On the ground.

On the ground.

On your knees.

So?

You're not afraid of me?

Please, I'm very afraid.

THIS SERIES WAS INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS

AND THE BOOK BY MICHAŁ JĘDRYKA "OŁOWIANE DZIECI. ZAPOMNIANA EPIDEMIA"