Original subtitles

Do you take this woman as your wife?

I do.

And you, frieda mansfeld,

are you ready to take this man as your husband?

Yes.

The ring? Where's the ring?

I now pronounce you man and wife...

Come on, hurry up, go faster.

Follow the train track, that'll take you to the Russians,

then you're gonna be there. God be with you.

Feel better?

But thirsty. —won't be long now.

Russia and then england, home.

Home. Your home.

What is it, you look scared?

England.

England?

Nothing to be frightened of in england.

Certainly not in denfield where I come from.

You're not frightened of me, are you?

You'll be alright.

It's a pleasant, peaceful spot.

At least, it used to be. Tucked away in the south.

A kindly, good-natured people, most of them.

Easy going.

Nothing to be frightened of in denfield, nothing at all.

It's quite an ordinary town,

like any other town in england.

Most of the families have lived there for donkey's years.

Ours has.

An old house, just off the market square.

I was born in that house, spent most of my life there.

My brother, Alan, was married from that house the day before I was shot down.

Five years ago. Only five years ago.

Yes, that's right, Alan's wedding.

Summer, five years ago. 1940, just after dunkirk.

My brother, Alan, and Judy.

Flight lieutenant Alan Dawson, d. F. C.

Judith Diana Elizabeth.

Champagne, speeches, aunts, uncles and friends.

Judy, Alan, and me.

We 'd always been together, the three of us, since we were kids.

It had always been more or less understood that Judy should marry one of us.

The question was, which?

To the best man.

Who lost?

Mother was delighted whichever it was.

She loved Judy.

She always wanted a daughter, now she had one.

All my love, Robert.

- Robert. - Dear Robert.

Mother dear. Dear mother.

Life begins and ends with a family in the four walls of home.

Aunt Neil's different. Ambitious, progressive.

Passionately concerned with what's happening to the world,

as well as to the family.

She'll end up in the war cabinet.

They could do with a bit of shaking up, too.

- —I'ii say. - Here's to you, Bob.

- Robert. - Cheers, Bob.

Edith was there, of course, in charge of my step brother, Tony.

Good old Edith.

She's looked after us almost as long as I can remember.

Edith and the hat she wore for all occasions.

Weddings, christenings, funerals.

A tough, solid, dependable hat, like Edith herself

happy, Liz? —terribly happy, darling.

But the name is Judy.

I, Judith, took thee, Alan.

Liz to me.

Don't worry, Judy, you'll be alright.

Alan was born under a lucky star.

Five years.

Seems more like 500.

But you have nothing to be frightened of.

Nothing to worry about.

They're just ordinary, everyday people.

Most of the others in denfield are much the same.

You'll like them alright.

But... but can they like me?

A German.

Front page again, picture and all, ain't half set the cat amongst the pigeons.

-Good morning. —here, half a mo.

How they taking it, mrs d and the rest?

If I was you, young man, I'd try minding me own business by way of a change.

Ah, go on, give us a tip. The whole town's talking its head off.

Well, I'm not.

Is that the papers, Edith? I'll go. Oh, you've got them.

Edith, is it in again? —it is.

She's on the front page, mother. —who, dear?

A werewolf.

Tony, frieda helped Robert to escape. We must all remember that.

Now, run and get your things, dear, there's a good boy.

You'll be late for school.

J' Lily the werewolf is my name, I bite, I eat... I

what's that you're singing, Tony? —oh, nothing.

Aunt Nell, we're famous, aren't we?

- Notorious would be nearer the Mark. - —what's the difference?

One's more or less pleasant, the other isn't.

That's what I thought.

How long is she going to live with us?

Until Robert can afford a home of his own.

Why can't he afford it now? I thought schoolmasters were awfully rich.

Robert hasn't been a schoolmaster for six years.

- Yes, but... - You'd better hurry up or you'll be late.

What's the matter? —It's this girl of Roberts.

They're writing to the papers. Upsetting mrs Dawson.

Upsetting everyone. None of their business.

- I'm glad you approve of her, anyway. - Approve?

I certainly do not, but I have a right to say what I think.

I'm one of the family, they're not.

Your bacon's under the grill.

- What do you think, Edith? - —never you mind.

Now the rockets have stopped I had hoped we might finish the war in peace.

- Oh, beg your pardon, miss. - —thank you.

Bob's marriage has shaken Edith to her foundations.

It's going to shake all of us, one way or another.

Heavens, I'm starving.

Nell, have you settled what day you'll open your election campaign?

I'm not sure that I'm going to stand.

- But you've agreed? - I happen to be Robert's aunt.

But, darling, Robert, Robert's wife,

they have nothing to do with you standing for parliament.

They'll have everything to do with it if I stand.

But why?

This marriage is like a red rag to a bull.

John bull.

My opponent would be a fool if he didn't wave it for all he's worth.

I'll go.

- May I come in? Oh, good morning. - Hello, mr Hobson.

-Hello. —morning, miss Dawson.

You've come about the repairs to the upstairs room?

Well, I... I have and I haven't.

Mother's awfully anxious for them to be done by the time Robert and his wife arrive.

Well, it's like this, I... I've only one man and he...

Well, he lost his son in the ardennes.

I know, mr Hobson.

- —Well, he... - You can be frank with us.

The fact is, miss Dawson, he's against this marriage.

He won't come within a mile of this place, not if there's a German in it.

He says...

I'm sorry, ma'am, but that's how it is.

Don't apologise, we quite understand.

I'm sorry.

Oh, no.

How can people feel like that?

Without any difficulty, I imagine, in the sixth year of the war.

Mother, darling, Robert's coming home.

Cling onto that, it's the only thing that counts.

Robert's coming home.

Is that you, Nell?

I'm making a salad for lunch. Did Chapman's let you have any tomatoes?

Where are you, Nell?

Robert.

Robert.

-Hello, mother. —oh, my dear.

Let me look at you.

You're thinner and...

Mother, this is frieda, my wife.

It's alright, mother, she won't bite.

My dear.

Well, let's go upstairs now, shall we? Come along.

We weren't expecting you till tomorrow you see, Robert.

And... Nell's in the town somewhere.

And Judy will be back to lunch.

She's been helping mr whitlock with his farm.

He's shorthanded with both his boys away.

- —And Tony's at school, of course. - Robert.

Hello, Edith.

Oh, Robert.

I... I thought you'd been called up?

I've been bowler-hatted on account of me feet.

Edith, this is my wife.

Pleased to meet you, madam.

That's right. Come along now.

Robert's had this room ever since he was a small boy.

I'm having a wardrobe moved in for frieda's things, Robert.

And here's the old chest of draws for yours.

Why, what is it, my dear?

- —Won't this do for you, Robert? - For one of us, mother.

For one of you?

Robert, you are married?

Yes and no.

I think I must sit down.

We were married in krakow, Poland, at a protestant church.

Now frieda's a catholic so the marriage isn't valid for her.

But I'll go round st Margaret's in the morning

and fix things up with father herriot.

You're...

- You're not going through it all again? - Yes, mother.

Meanwhile, frieda must have her own room.

And if that isn't possible here, we'll have to go to an hotel.

No, no, we'll manage somehow.

Robert can go in the dressing room. You must stay in here, my dear.

I'm afraid the window's broken. One of those dreadful rockets...

I must go and see to lunch.

I'm sure you'll be hungry after your journey. Edith, won't be long.

Well, here we are.

Yes.

Journey's end.

Yes.

I've spent half my life in this room.

Soap.

A whole tablet of soap.

There's luxury for you.

Thank you, Robert.

What I've done for you, anyone would have done.

What you did for me, very few.

-Any woman. —oh, rubbish.

Why you looking serious?

I... I am just happy, Robert.

Good.

I am happy to be here, to be anywhere... with you.

Who is that?

It's my father. He was killed in the last war.

And that?

My brother, Alan. Judy's husband.

He's like you. —think so?

- Yes. Younger, a little. - 14 months.

I wonder what sort of war he's been having?

Better than me, I'll bet.

He always was a lucky devil.

Oh, there's Judy now.

Come down and meet her.

Liz.

Alan.

Heho, Judy. —bob.

Why, you look as though you'd seen a ghost.

Wonderful to see you.

Funny, don't think we ever did this before.

Welcome home. —thanks.

Oh, frieda, come on down.

Frieda, this is Judy, Alan's wife.

Hello.

- Hello. - —by the way, where is Alan these days?

Well, Judy, where's Alan stationed?

Oh, it's alright, frieda left her transmitter at the customs.

Alan was shot down, Bob. Three months ago.

- What does she look like? - Oh, ordinary enough, you know.

Yes, that's the devil of it. Thanks, Jim.

The Germans look so ordinary, most of them,

you forget they're not like the rest of us.

Mmm, be a whole lot easier if the Germans looked like the japs.

Yeah, you're right, councillor. —I'ii try for the brown.

Bad luck. Five only to us.

Aren't we talking a bit out of turn?

We haven't even met the girl yet, you know.

Now is the time to talk, Joe.

As soon as you meet her you won't think of her as a German,

you'll just think of her as a girl.

We don't have to meet her, mr locks.

We can't help ourselves, Bert. Denfield's not London.

Besides, it's not just a question of meeting the girl,

we all know the family.

They'll be getting the backwash far more than she will.

True enough.

How will it affect Eleanor Dawson at the election?

Are you chaps still backing her?

Oh, yes, we're backing her, alright.

But I'm worried, Joe, don't mind admitting it.

Denfield's got good reason to be grateful to Eleanor Dawson.

It won't turn sour on her because of this girl.

If she's the right member for this constituency,

she's the right member, no matter what.

I hope you're right, frank. I hope you're right.

Oh, Edith, Tony's waiting to say goodnight.

I'm coming now.

Did you make up the bed in the dressing room?

I did. Separate rooms, indeed.

Just because she isn't c of e. I call that splitting hairs.

- Now, Edith... - —well, miss, I do.

Either you are or you aren't.

Turning the whole place upside down.

No, she has nice, quiet ways.

So has a mine till it explodes.

You'll need a ration book and you've got to register.

We'd better go to the town hall in the morning.

Off to bed already?

I... I am a little tired.

- Of course. Sleep well. - Goodnight, miss Dawson.

Oh, goodnight, frieda.

Come on now. Mother's getting you a hot water bottle.

It's a bit cold tonight. Usually is this time of the year in england.

Hello, Nell.

- Why did you do it, Robert? - Do what?

Marry frieda when you're not in love with her.

How did you know?

I know you, my dear.

When you were in love, you showed it.

Judy?

That was clear, straightfonnard.

But this is...

Far from clear to me.

Don't you see what I owe her, Nell?

She gave me my freedom. It would have cost her her life.

So I had to bring her with me.

To get her a British passport, I had to marry her.

I see.

- I'm going to hate her. - You mustn't talk like that, Tony.

It's wicked to hate.

It isn't wicked to hate Germans, Edith. It says so in the papers.

Never mind what you see in the papers.

Let it go in one eye and out the other.

But she's German, isn't she?

Edith, why's it wicked to hate her?

Because... well, because I say so.

Now lie down and go to sleep, there's a good boy.

Oh, alright. But I think that's a rotten answer.

I'm not a child, you know.

I think she's beastly.

I think she's sweet, Robert.

Thanks for being so nice to her.

I'm not particularly.

Yes, you are, particularly.

I'd have understood after Alan, if you'd hated her.

I don't think Alan would have wanted me to hate her, do you?

Can you talk about Alan? What happened?

Alan was shot down over the rhine.

Just before Christmas. Christmas Eve.

It wasn't really a shock to me, I'd been living close to it every day.

Every hour for five years.

We all used to say that Alan was born under a lucky star.

But I think we both knew that it...

Couldn't last forever.

I've never talked about it before.

Don't if it hurts.

Somehow it helps telling you.

Would you like to have your breakfast in bed in the morning?

No. No, with Robert, with you.

- Oh, of course, if you'd rather. - —please.

Your father and mother? —yes.

It must be strange for you, away from them.

Away from home.

Yes.

We must see if you can write to them to tell them of your safe arrival.

My father kept a bookshop in koln.

They were killed in an air raid.

Both of them.

I'm sorry.

It was over... Cologne?

Like my son Alan was shot down.

Well, I...

I'll leave you now if you have everything you want.

Thank you.

Well... goodnight.

Goodnight.

Mrs Dawson?

Yes?

I try to make for Robert, for you,

a good wife.

I'm sure you will, frieda.

Goodnight.

I don't want to be tiresome, but it is a little difficult

trying to impart the holy scriptures to the younger generations

when your class next door

are making more noise than Joshua at the walls of Jericho.

Sorry, Bob, I was five minutes late

and they were ragging the life out of young Tony Dawson.

I told the old man he should keep Dawson at home until things quieten down a bit.

But he's as obstinate as a mule.

Says it smacks too much of defeat.

The headmaster's quite right.

Yeah, that fella must have guts.

Marrying a fraulein and bringing her back to the family seat, as it were.

I don't blame him wanting her. Damn pretty some of those lili marleens.

But I mean to say, why go and marry the girl? Now, if it'd have been me...

- —Yes, beckwith, I'm quite sure you would. - I would.

But Robert Dawson happens to be one of those fellows who...

- Hello, pop. - God bless my soul!

Well, well, this is the most astonishing thing.

Delighted to see you, my boy. Delighted, I'm sure.

You don't know beckwith or latham, do you?

- —No. - Latham's your successor, you know.

Beckwith, mathematics and games.

Indoor and outdoor. No extra charge, you know.

Gentlemen, Robert Dawson.

Well, well, well, so you're the...

- —Latham. - How do you do?

How do you do? Er, will you excuse me, I, er, have a class waiting.

Saved by the bell.

Latham lost a leg at dunkirk, poor fellow. He's apt to be a little—...

Is the old man in, pop? —yes, I think so, go ahead.

Er, when are you out, Robert? —next week. I was demobbed on sight.

- Splendid. See you later. - —Yes, rather.

Come along, beckwith,

you'll be seeing plenty of Dawson when he comes back to us.

Oh, lord, pop, you don't think he's gonna ask the old man to take him on again, do you?

My dear, beckwith, you're the mathematics master,

but I believe two and two do make four.

They probably do.

And do I understand you don't want your old job back?

In the circumstances, no, sir.

Your life outside the school, Robert...

I mean, your home life, is not my concern.

Nor anyone else's here as long as I'm headmaster.

Do I make myself clear?

- Yes, sir. - Good.

I appreciate your kindness, sir, but...

Kindness? Fiddlesticks. Good masters are few and far between.

We need you here. Now, when can you start?

It's five years since I took a class.

I don't know whether I could pick up the reins.

I'm not very sure of myself.

Then you need us as much as we need you.

A week or two at the old job and the years will roll back.

Work does more for us than doctors, you know, and costs less.

Shall we say Monday, your old form?

All you have to do is to fill in these forms in triplicate,

giving date of birth, name, address; Temporary and or permanent.

Send a copy each to the ministry of fuel and power,

the ministry of food and the ministry of agriculture.

Why? —why?

Because it's the procedure.

- —Next, please. - I want to register with another butcher—...

Third window along. Next.

I want a ration book, clothes coupons,

and an identity card for my sister—in—law.

She's a foreigner who has become a British subject.

Here are her papers.

Is this the, er—— —yes.

Just a moment.

Oh, mrs Freeman.

Mrs Freeman. —oh, hello, Judy.

I'd like you to meet Bob's wife.

Frieda, this is mrs Freeman, she's a very old friend of the family.

- How do you do? - How do you do?

Well, I really must rush.

I'm meeting Anne for elevenses at ten o'clock.

Now, madam, if you'll kindly give me your attention.

I think my colleague here maybe able to help you.

How are you?

Do you want an identity card, a ration book and clothes coupons?

Certainly.

You need to first do particular...

You can speak English. Mrs Dawson understands perfectly.

Just give us the forms to fill in and then we can get on.

Thank you. Come along, frieda.

Well, that's cool, I must say! Giving our rations to a German girl.

We'll be feeding the whole nation before long, madam.

And what can I do for you?

Where's Elliot, Matthews, do you know?

- —No, sir. - You sure?

Yes, sir.

Martin, Rogers, Stevenson, caldor.

- Where's caldor, Bailey? - —don't know, sir.

-Sick, I suppose, sir. —hmm?

- Seems to be quite an epidemic. - Yes, sir.

Well, Williams.

Perhaps you can solve the mystery for us.

Yes, sir, if you really want to know.

Yes, I do.

They're not coming anymore, sir. Their parents don't want them to.

Something about undesirable associations caldor told me his father said.

And I wouldn't be surprised if there weren't one or two more of us away after today, sir.

Thank you, Williams.

Hey.

Hey, stinker.

Hey, pass it on.

Okay.

Dawson.

Come here, Dawson.

Dawson, I said come here.

Give it to me, please.

I said give it to me.

No, Chapman, we don't.

We just say good morning and...

Try to behave like ordinary human beings.

In fact, like you, Chapman.

And, by the way, the word is "hell".

H—e—I—I.

Not h—I—I—e.

Is there anything else anyone would like to know?

Alright, Dawson, you can go back to your desk.

Alright, boys, you can go.

I'm sorry, Tony.

It's alright.

Think they're funny.

You want any help?

No, thanks, I can manage.

-Sure? —yes.

If there's anything I can do, let me know.

No, thanks, I can manage.

Come in.

Oh, come in, Robert.

Look, my wife picked up this lovely piece in seven oaks yesterday.

- —Isn't it perfect? - Yes, beautiful, sir.

Well, how are things going? Cigarette? —thanks.

Settling down alright?

- I am, sir. - Good.

But I appear to be unsettling the rest of the school in the process.

Oh, really? I hadn't noticed it. Matches by your hand.

I think you had, sir, but you're turning a blind eye.

It's very nice of you, sir, but it won't work.

I don't follow?

Three of my class were absent yesterday. Five today.

You must of heard about it, sir, I made out the report myself.

Oh, yes, yes, Stevenson and co.

Well, frankly, I don't attach much importance to that.

There's a good deal of flu about.

My wife's German. The boys go or I go. That's it, isn't it, sir?

Look here, Robert, you know your job.

I've told you before that's all that concerns me.

If you want to keep it, let them withdraw every boy in the place. It's yours.

Goodbye, sir. And thanks.

Ah, very well.

Things will be different, Robert, after the war.

- —Tony. - Shh!

Is mother in?

- I will call her. - —no! You'll ruin everything.

If she sees me like this there'll be the most awful stink.

Your knee.

There is dirt in the wound. Come.

It's not a wound, it's a cut.

It must be washed. —oh, alright.

Women do fuss. —sit down, please.

I'm alright. It's nothing, I tell you.

I only wish women would leave me alone.

Ah, come... —thank you, I'll do it myself.

I may not touch you. —there's no need.

I am a nurse.

In Germany? —in any country.

What happened? —nothing. Just a fight.

- —Whom do you fight? - Friend of mine.

You have an argument?

He said something, I had to take steps.

What did he say, yourfriend?

He said you were a...

You...

You fight about me?

Yes.

But...

But you hate me.

Tony, you hate me.

Why do you fight your friend for me?

I don't. I don't hate you, frieda. It's awful.

I know I ought to, but I can't.

I've tried. I've tried like anything,

but I am no good at it.

Please, do not apologise.

If Nell fights this election, make no mistake,

she'll have to fight it on one issue and one issue only, the German girl.

And whoever makes out she can run away from that issue is talking tripe,

and you know it as well as I do.

Thank you, mr Lawrence, now we know exactly where we are.

We don't, my dear, but we've got to. That's why we're here.

If the opposition are looking for mud to sling then they've got it here on a plate.

We know miss Dawson's views about Germany.

Will she stand by them absolutely, in spite of this marriage?

Yes, iwill.

In public, if they challenge you?

You'll have to, my dear, if you're going to stand.

Oh, don't think we want to be hard.

They're your own family, I know how it'll hurt, but...

If you can't give us your word we shall have to find somebody else.

Will you give me until tonight to decide?

Of course.

But you must have a job of some sort, Robert.

What will you do?

Oh, I don't know, mother. Get something bigger perhaps.

Oxford, a fellowship, who knows.

I might go and help Judy on whitlock's farm.

You don't look so good in civvies, Robert.

I don't feel so good either.

You looked fine in uniform, didn't he, frieda?

He looks fine out of uniform, too.

Much better.

Aww, do you think so, Judy?

- You liked Alan in uniform. - —but I'm not Alan, mother.

No, of course not, dear.

But sometimes, you know, you look so like him.

- Someone's running the bath. - Yes, come along, dear.

I was afraid of this.

Goodnight, Robert. Goodnight, Judy. Goodnight, frieda.

Goodnight, Tony.

There you are, this one goes here, doesn't it?

And this one here.

Not very good at this, are you?

You should have been a prisoner of war. I know this one by heart.

-Robert. —hmm?

About the wedding.

Oh, that's alright, I've seen father herriot.

2:30, Wednesday.

Robert... I would like to wait.

Wait? Why, what for?

You know how it is with me here.

Yes I... I'm sorry.

Oh, I do not mind for myself, only for you.

I... I am a stone about your neck.

I'm bad for you here.

So... So it is best if we wait for our wedding.

-Wait and... —wait and see?

Yes. Wait and see.

I ought to have known how it'd be for you.

I should never have brought you here.

Please. Please, do not regret.

Don't you? —no.

Only for you.

For me, everything is twice as terrible as before.

And twice as... beautiful.

Everyone going around with faces as long as my arm,

Robert losing his job,

and the whole town acting as if we had the plague or something.

She should have stayed in Germany where she belongs.

-Edith. —yes.

It's Robert, isn't it?

In a way.

The strangest way.

From the moment he came back ten days ago,

I've been seeing Alan, not Robert.

It's Alan, not Robert, who walks out there in the garden.

Alan, not Robert, who sits down here at meals.

I see Alan in everything Robert does.

Robert is Alan to me.

Darling, listen.

One half of you knows that Alan is dead and accepts it.

The other half doesn't and won't.

To that other half, Robert is Alan.

They were brothers, they looked alike, they wore the same uniform.

It won't last, Judy.

It'll fade.

And then?

Then you'll see only Robert himself.

- —Mother. - Yes, dear?

Hand me those pillow slips, will you?

I'm going away for a while.

-Going away? —yes.

You don't mind, do you? I need a change.

It's frieda, isn't it?

Frieda? No.

Course, she's not what I wanted for Robert, not by any means.

You know, Judy,

I had hoped that perhaps, in time, you and Robert—...

Mother, please.

I'm sorry, Robert.

That's alright, Nell.

I know how you feel about frieda. I knew the night we arrived.

Oh, my dear. And I hoped you need never know.

Yes, I knew.

And if you stand for denfield at the election everyone else will know.

- —Isn't that it? - I must decide tonight.

They want you, don't they?

I mean, they think you're right for the job.

Well, that doesn't matter. They're probably wrong anyway.

Tell me to stand down, Robert. They'll find someone else.

Yes, they'll find someone else, but...

They won't find anyone like you.

Go ahead, Nell. I'm telling you. Go ahead!

What I ask you is this,

is Eleanor Dawson a fit person to represent you?

I will not be side-tracked into a campaign of personal abuse.

She's taken into her house a German!

What matters most to us in denfield now are houses!

- Houses? - Who for?

Germans?

She has welcomed into her family an enemy!

A hun! —a Nazi!

A fraulein!

We demand an answer!

Answer! Answer! Answer!

You have chosen to judge my attitude

to the German nation as a whole

by my attitude to this one German girl.

I had hoped you would have allowed this problem

to remain a personal one

for me and my family to face in our own way.

But I have been accused of running away from a vital issue.

Very well, I 7! Answer that accusation.

The responsibility for plunging the world

into the misery and disaster of the last five years

is not the responsibility of one man or one group of men,

but of every individual member of the entire German nation.

Man and woman.

Ok, lady, then how about the girl in your own house?

Is she responsible?

I'll answer that.

Yes, she is.

Passively or actively...

She has been party to a monstrous crime.

She cannot evade responsibility for it.

She has no right to escape its consequences.

Then it does not matter what I am myself.

If I do right or wrong.

If my heart is good or bad.

I am a German. That is all that counts.

I'm sorry, frieda.

You see, we're at war.

When peace comes, public opinion will soften up.

You'll see frieda.

You'll be the... the yardstick, the barometer.

With every month that passes things will become easier for you.

Six months from now you'll be accepted here.

By you?

Well, nine people out often.

By you?

I'm the tenth.

But don't let that bother you.

What I and a few people like me think won't matter.

It will matter to me.

Oh, I see.

To be satisfactory the conquest must be complete.

How very German.

You will never accept me, never?

War isn't a football match, frieda.

When it's over, you don't shake hands

and wish your enemies luck in the years to come.

There have been wars like that, but not this one.

I hope not this one.

- Nell, you're going to be late. - I'm just coming.

What's this morning's programme?

Pensions committee 10:30, housing debate 11.

Here the figures you asked for. —oh, thanks.

Oh, I shan't be sorry when the house rises.

That's Mary's writing, isn't it? Give her my love when you write.

- Of course. You'd better hurry. - See you tonight.

You're dining with masters from the food ministry.

Alright. Goodbye.

Dearest Judy,

I can't think how many letters [Must owe you.

And now I am writing I have very little news.

Everything goes on much the same, except we miss you both.

Edith has been laid up.

That's one of the reasons I haven't written before,

although it's no excuse, really,

because frieda's been wonderfully helpful.

She actually seems to enjoy housework, which is a blessing,

as one doesn't want to impose upon her.

She's an excellent cook, better than Edith.

Only that's a secret.

Since Edith's been about again, frieda and Robert are helping on the farm.

I think it's helped them.

Robert is really very good with her.

Of course, they haven't a lot in common,

but in the circumstances one can't expect too much.

But they do seem to be settling down quite nicely

and making the best of things.

Frieda!

This is the gaumont British news.

Presenting the true facts

of a crime unparalleled in the history of the world.

Inside the gates of the belsen concentration camp

is a city of the living dead.

Human beings reduced to worse degradation than the world has known

even in the darkest age.

Almost undisguisable from the corpses all around,

the living drag out their terrible existence side by side with the dead.

This most pitiful sufferer almost breaks his heart in an effort to smile

at the rescue that has come nearly too late.

This, indeed, is Hitler's new order.

Far worse than death itself

has been the fate of these victims of the master race.

They move about the compounds of belsen

unconscious of each other, unconscious of freedom,

living only in a perpetual nightmare of torture, disease and insanity.

Humanity cries out that the oppressive deeds committed in the name of Germany

must never again desecrate the earth.

My people did that.

No, fneda.

My people. Germans.

But did you know?

Yes, you must have known.

I knew.

I knew there were such places.

We all knew.

Some of us were inside them.

I don't suppose they'll be long, Edith. Don't wait up.

Oh, very well, madam. Goodnight.

Goodnight, Edith.

Frieda, about the wedding.

You said wait. We have waited, too long.

Will you marry me, at once, tomorrow?

Well? —oh, no.

Not now, my dear. Not now.

Robert.

Thank you for asking me.

Listen, frieda.

We must put this evening out of our minds.

Blot it out forever, both of us.

I know it won't be easy, it'll take time,

but we must do it, othennise it will come between us

and destroy every chance we ever had of happiness.

Promise me you'll do that.

Frieda, promise.

I... hi try.

Oh, Robert, I'll try.

- Oh. - Any luck?

Christmas shopping's too delightfully simple these days.

You just pay too much for something you don't want and think yourself lucky.

Any messages.

They want to know if you'll speak at the caxton hall meeting on the 27th.

I want to be down in denfield.

My constituents will think I'm neglecting them.

Mother wants us to spend Christmas with the family.

She says we're neglecting them.

The invitation comes from Bob and freida, too.

You'll come too, Judy.

Should I?

Why not? It's alright now, isn't it?

Robert and Alan, I mean.

I don't know.

You were right, Nell. I accept now fully that Alan is dead.

He'll be part of me. Always.

But Bob...

It's alright up here away from the family, but...

If I go back, I don't know...

I don't know, Nell.

J' hokey cokey, okey dokey j'

j' next time right arm out I

I you put your right arm out, right arm in j'

j' right arm out and shake it all about j'

j' you do the hokey cokey and turn around j'

j' that's what it's all about j'

J' next time left foot out I

j' you put your left foot out, left foot in j'

j' left foot out and shake it all about... I

oh, this is just as it should be.

Nell, it's wonderful to have you here.

Well, it's lovely to be back. Quite like old times.

Things will never be quite the same again.

Nothing ever is the same again.

Nell, we've missed you.

And I've missed you. All of you.

How is everybody?

If you mean Robert, he's fine.

-And frieda? —fneda?

Oh, frieda's one of us now.

I put your left hip out, your left hip in j'

j' your left hip out and shake it all about j'

j' you do the hokey cokey and turn around j'

j' that's what it's all about j'

I you put your right hip out, put your right hip in j'

j' your right hip out and you shake it all about... I

-crowded, isn't it? —hmm?

Well, here we are then.

Why, you're trembling, Judy. I'll get your coat.

No, I'm alright, don't go.

- Sure? - Yes. Yes, really.

Got a light?

Have one? —thanks.

- It's good to see you again, Judy. - —and you, Bob.

You look really well.

Are you?

Yes.

-And frieda? —she's fine.

We've had our bad times, of course, it hasn't been easy.

But now I think everything's going to be alright.

For both of us.

I'm glad.

Very glad.

Robert, you promised mrs holiday this dance, she's looking for you.

Oh, lord, so I did. Shan't be a minute.

- Happy? - Oh, yes.

I'm so glad you've come, Judy.

We all miss you so much.

You should not have gone.

There was no need, you know.

Because I work for Neil it doesn't mean that her opinions are mine.

You haven't been thinking that, have you?

When I left here it wasn't because of you.

I know why you left here, Judy.

How are you, my dear?

Exhausted by London, but all the better for seeing this.

Jim, this is wonderful, I heard you were back.

- —I hope it's for good. - Demob leave, miss Dawson.

Christmas present for dad.

The best there is, I'm delighted.

Yes, I reckon he's had his share.

Haven't you, lad?

I wouldn't say that, dad. Lots worse. I'm one of the lucky ones.

Jim? You promised me this dance.

Oh, Judy, sorry.

Tom.

That scar, you never told me, what was it?

He was a prisoner of war, wasn't he?

Yes, but he was sent to a concentration camp first.

A guard did it there,

before the red cross got him transferred.

How awful.

What are you doing out here all alone?

Thinking. —nice thoughts?

Christmas in england. Peace.

And then the new year.

Oh, Robert, I want a new year.

Yes. I'll be glad to see out the old this time.

Very glad.

But we're over the worst, aren't we?

Come on, let's go.

They're a charming couple, aren't they? So right.

You know Robert's coming back to school with us next term.

Oh, good, I'm delighted.

Frieda, don't forget you're both coming to dine with me next Wednesday.

Oh, I hadn't forgotten.

She said it would be like this.

In six months she said they will accept me.

-Who, Nell? —yes.

Because she knew. Can you understand, Robert?

Because she knew.

-Somehow it seems wrong. —yes.

Darling, it's awfully hot in here. Let's slip out quietly, shall we?

Everything under control, Judy?

Everything under control.

Like to swim?

Good deal of water's flowed under a good many Bridges since...

How long is it? Six months?

Seven months, two weeks and four days.

You remember the hours?

And the minutes. Every one of them.

Fneda. —yes.

Are you doing anything in particular tomorrow week?

Because if not, I...

I wonder if you'd consider marrying me?

Whatever comes...

Thank you for this moment.

No one can take it from us.

Not even we ourselves.

Whatever happens...

We have this safe.

Oh, frieda.

Robert.

Is it... is it alright?

I know what I'm doing.

You are sure?

I'm quite sure.

Oh, but what's frieda to wear?

- —Oh, white, madam. - Yes, that's right.

- —To make up for the last time. - Oh, I would like that.

But only a week.

Yes, dear, you are rather rushing things.

She'll have a white dress if I have to make it meself.

- My wedding dress is upstairs. - —oh, no.

- —Why not? - Yes, mother, why not?

Would you like it, frieda?

Oh, yes, but...

Oh, of course, you must have it, frieda.

Of course.

J' Shepherds quake j'

I at the sight I

j' glories stream j'

I from heaven afar j'

j' heavenly hosts sing alleluia j'

j' Christ the saviour is born j'

j' Christ the saviour is born j'

I silent night I

j' holy night I

I all is sleeping j'

j' alone watches j'

I only the close, most holy couple j'

j' blessed boy in curly hair I

j' sleep in heavenly peace j'

j' sleep in heavenly peace j'

Fneda.

I love you.

-Candles, miss. —there you are.

Oh, thank you, miss. Merry Christmas. —merry Christmas.

-Sorry, sir. —that's alright.

Good evening.

Good evening.

My name is Richard mansfeld.

I believe my sister, frieda, lives here?

-Come in. —thank you.

I am so happy, Robert.

Fneda!

Ricky!

Ricky! Ricky!

You, you, it's really you.

I can't believe it.

You can believe, you can really believe it.

It's really me, frieda.

This is Richard, my brother.

I thought he was dead.

- How do you do? - Hello.

But, Ricky, this uniform, what is it? —yes.

One moment, freida. One moment, freida, I'll explain to you.

I'll explain to all of you. —yes.

You see, I was with the Africa korps for two years,

then in April 1942 I was captured at tobruk.

Pow.

Then one day we were told that prisoners from the poznan province

were permitted to volunteer for the Polish army.

And so I volunteered.

But surely you come from Cologne?

Oh, yes, we lived there and frieda was born there.

But I was born in poznan.

That was German before versailles, now it is Polish.

You see, and that's why the Poles say,

you were born in poznan so you may fight for us if you wish.

So I went with the Polish army to Italy.

- Now you're on leave, eh? - Yes, for one week.

Oh, Ricky, I thought you were dead.

No, frieda, I'm here and very much alive.

And, Ricky, do you remember old papa schuster?

- —Yes. - Who kept the hut on the wetterstein?

So angry he was with you

for making love to his daughter with your shoes off.

And you said,

you should be proud to have such a fine young man make love to your daughter.

With or without the shoes.

Such a fine young man.

Oh, Ricky, I am so happy.

So wonderfully happy.

I see I shall have to look out.

You seem to occupy a pretty large corner of frieda's heart.

I hope so.

Goodnight, Robert.

Goodnight, darling.

Goodnight, Ricky.

Goodnight, frieda, sleep well.

- We're just along here. - —thank you.

Oh, Judy, how lovely.

You're gonna look lovely in it.

Is it alright?

Well, let's see, shall we?

Mmm.

The waist'll need taking in, I'll do it for you in the morning.

Thank you.

12 o'clock.

Merry Christmas, Judy.

Merry Christmas, frieda.

You know, I think far more marriages would be successful

if we had to go through it all again every year.

- Once is enough for most people. - Too much for some.

Well, I must say, I'm glad we're having this rehearsal.

The catholic marriage service is quite different from ours, I understand?

Yes, part of the service is in Latin.

Oh, then it'll be Greek to me.

Huh?

That does sound rather Irish,

- —but it's a saying we have in English. - Oh.

I'll pick you up by the time the rehearsal's over.

Do you despise them, Nell?

W ho? —everyone.

Denfield for accepting frieda as you said they would.

No, I...

I like them for it.

It's our strength and our weakness.

But you wish tomorrow wasn't happening?

Don't you?

I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that.

That part of our service is in Latin,

but the actual responses of the bride and the groom

are very similar to the responses in the protestant service.

Oh, I see. And the ring and so on, is that the same?

Oh, yes, that goes along the same lines.

After the section we've just gone through it's all quite straight fonnard.

It's when your bride joins you that it becomes a little different.

Oh, Ricky.

Having you here, it makes everything complete.

Except for one thing, a wedding present.

Oh, Ricky, you shouldn't!

- I have it here for you. - —what is it?

Now, mr mansfeld, if you please.

The bride stands there, of course, on the left of the groom.

And you, mr mansfeld, on the left of the bride but a little further away.

First I ask you separately concerning your consent to marry.

Then you're given away by your brother, miss mansfeld.

The groom takes your right hand in his right hand,

then, mr Dawson, you plight your troth to the bride in the following words.

I, Robert Dawson, take thee, frieda mansfeld, to my wedded wife

for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,

in sickness and in health till death do us part.

Where should we drop you, father?

Is the town hall on your way? —direct route.

It's been a heavenly day, I hope it'll be like this for them tomorrow.

You don't approve, miss Dawson?

Why do you say that, father?

You weren't at the rehearsal.

I've read one or two of your speeches. —yes.

You believe the good German doesn't exist.

I believe that we can't afford to divide the sheep from the goats.

But you admit the sheep do exist?

Personally, I don't. I believe they're all tarred with the same brush.

Nell. —in any case,

we can't afford to make distinctions.

Smoke?

Light one for me, will you, darling?

Here you are, frieda. What's that?

-It's a roadblock. —huh?

Part of our defence preparations when we thought you were going to invade.

I'm afraid they wouldn't have stopped our tanks for long.

No, but they were good for moral. In those days we hadn't much else.

Afraid we weren't ready for you in 1914 or 1939.

How about the potentially good German,

the man or woman who, in time, can be re-educated?

You're an optimist, father.

I believe that human nature has touched rock bottom

and is now on the upward grade.

-Take people individually—— -you can't take Germans individually.

- —Why not? - Because there's a link, a...

A common denominator in every one of them.

Something that twice in our time has set the world ablaze.

Call it the... the essence of germanism.

The German mind. Call it what you like.

It's common to every German, man, woman and child.

And we're blind idiots if we believe othennise.

It's inborn.

It's in the blood.

You've made a conquest, frieda.

A great conquest.

You have succeeded where Germany failed.

You have conquered the English people.

Congratulations.

Ricky.

Why did you give me this?

He is dead, Ricky.

Hitler is dead.

Christ also died.

Ricky, why did you give me this?

To remind you, frieda, you are a German.

I was not Nazi! You know that, Ricky.

You were not anti—nazi, I also know that.

There's no other distinction outside the concentration camp.

Ask anyone. Ask the English.

I was just a nurse in a hospital.

One of the people.

You are one of the people, like me.

No! Not like you!

I'm not like you!

I am one German, you are another.

This is your Germany. It is not mine.

You say that now in defeat.

Did you ever say it in victory?

What is this other Germany of yours?

Why is it known to my sister and not to me?

It is known to you if you want it to be.

Heine, goethe, Schiller,

Beethoven, brahms.

Our true greatest, Ricky. Our gift to the world.

That is my Germany.

If it is not yours then...

We are brother and sister, yes,

but we are not one.

We are one, all Germans are one.

- I do not believe it. - You must believe it.

Never!

We must all believe it if our country is to live to be great again.

Divided we are nothing. United we are a great people.

80 millions. The heart and soul of Europe.

And we have our lives to live.

They do not deny us life. No one denies it,

if we live our lives in peace.

You forgot, we have been defeated.

Defeated in war.

You...

You want it to happen again.

That is what you mean by life.

War.

Yes, Ricky.

It is there in your face.

At the back of your eyes.

You want it again.

You want it again.

Yes, frieda, I want it again.

Again and again, and again!

Ricky.

What else there for me but war?

What else do I know?

I'm 28, for six years I fought.

I've been trained for war, only for war, ever since I was 16.

War is my life!

Music, books, they are peace.

What do I know of peace? What use is peace to me?!

How can I help you? I must help you! What can I do?

You must stay here.

Yes, Ricky, that is the way.

In england, you will learn to know peace.

You will find a new life.

Robert will help you. I will ask him tonight.

He will find work for you.

If this is Germany then forget Germany.

I embrace Germany.

This is not Germany. —It was. It will be again.

Look, Ricky, Robert's father, killed in the last war.

Alan, his brother, killed in this.

I want a child, Ricky.

Children, but not to be killed in the next.

- Hello, Stanley. - Hello, mr Dawson.

Manage two pints of bitter? —mild.

Alright, and a scotch. Will you join me? —thanks.

Hello, there. Make it three, will you?

Right.

Alright, Ricky, didn't show up for tea, what happened?

I went for a walk. Long walk.

- —Oh? - It's good to be alone sometimes.

- —All the best. - Hello, Robert.

- Hello, mr merrick. What's yours? - —bitter, please.

-Jim? —er, mild, please.

Coming up.

Don't think you know my brother—in—law, Richard mansfeld.

Mr Tom merrick and his son, Jim.

How'd you do?

Glad we ran into you, Robert, my wife's giving a bit of a do next Thursday week.

Any of your family care to run in you'd be more than welcome.

Oh, thanks, I'm sure frieda and I would be delighted to come.

I'll tell the other members of the family, too.

I know him.

I'd know him anywhere.

What is it, lad?

Brandenburg. —brandenburg?

Concentration camp.

Five years ago, I got this there.

He was one of the guards.

I've never seen you before.

You don't remember, I do.

I was never at brandenburg.

- —That's a lie. - Steady, son.

When a man does this to your face, you don't forget his.

Not in a thousand years.

- —There must be some mistake. - He's German.

Yes, he's my wife's brother.

There's no mistake.

Jim.

- —The man's drunk, let's go. - Oh, no, you don't.

We're going to settle this now.

That won't prove anything, Jim.

It's a job for the police.

Get a copper, somebody, quick!

Just a minute!

Give me five minutes alone with him, will you?

I want the truth as much as anyone.

More, perhaps.

And I'll get it quicker than the police.

You can still send for them if you want to when I'm through.

Jim.

Five minutes.

Now, Rick...

Don't be a bloody fool, it'll look as if...

It is true.

You have yourfaiths, I have mine.

Where can I go? You must help me.

Help you? —yes.

Your wife's brother.

Does frieda know about this?

Does she?

Of course she does.

How else could it be?

We are brother and sister.

Frieda and I, we are one.

No. —all Germans are one.

Did no one tell you before?

We are joined by three things,

loyalty, faith, blood.

Shut up.

Well, you wanted the truth, didn't you?

- —I'm part of frieda and frieda's part of me. - Stop it!

You can't distinguish freida from me.

You can't divide us in your mind, that is the truth.

The only truth about Germans you need to know.

What you see in me, you will find in her,

if you look for it in her and in her children.

In your children.

Stop!

Robert'll be here soon. He's just left the police station.

Thank you, Edith.

There's a kettle boiling in the kitchen, I'll make you a nice cup of tea.

- —Oh, Edith. - No, no, dear.

Don't look so lost.

I am, Judy.

Without Robert I am.

Listen, frieda.

You and Ricky, you're two people.

Different, separate.

Whatever he is can't make you.

Bob!

Where is she?

Upstairs.

Bob, listen, she's...

Bob.

Bob!

You were right, Nell.

I accept your gospel. Every word.

I hate every word, but I believe it.

I wish she were dead.

How could he?

He can't of changed suddenly in a few hours.

I'm not sure.

I wish I were.

You're glad.

You're glad it's happened.

I want Robert's happiness, Judy.

I want that above everything.

There can be no lasting happiness for him with this girl.

- —But you don't know her. - I don't need to.

She's German.

That's the point. It always has been.

If Robert sees it at last then...

Yes, Judy.

I'm glad.

Oh, Nell.

If he would go now.

Now when he sees clearly.

Does he?

Do any of us?

How do we know for certain?

Put yourself in her place, Nell.

Can't you feel what she must be feeling?

Very easily.

But I'm trying to not let feeling blind me.

I'm crushing it down.

You talk as if she were some sort of Guinea pig instead of a human being.

Why do you speak for her, Judy?

You don't want her on your conscience?

Do you?

Fneda.

Fneda.

Fneda!

No! Robert!

Robert!

Frieda!

Fneda!

Fneda!

Fneda!

Fneda!

Fneda!

Fneda!

I wish she were dead. I wish she were dead.

All Germans are one.

We are one.

All Germans are one.

You're a German, that's all that counts.

You're a German, that's all that counts.

You're a German, that's all that counts.

I want it again.

I want it again.

I want it again and again, and again, and again!

Till you part.

Frieda!

Till death do you part.

Frieda!

Frieda! Frieda!

She's alright. The doctor says you can go up.

What a terrible thing.

I blame myself as much as Robert.

You?

Yes, Judy.

Yes.

Frieda's been with us all this time

and I've never really faced up to what it meant having her here.

I just hoped for the best.

If only I'd thought about it a little more I might have been able to help Robert,

when he needed me.

I know what you mean.

We're all different,

but when a German's a bad lot we say that's Germany, all of it.

Like Robert did about Richard.

And, well, it can't be really, can it?

She's safe now, darling.

Safe? Yes.

Thanks to you, Nell.

Thank heaven you saw her and realised.

I saw her, I realised.

And I let her go.

You...

You let her go?

It was the one sure way out for all of us.

Nell.

And yet it...

It seemed logical.

Frieda herself.

It seemed logical, even to her.

You were wrong.

Terribly wrong. Nell!

Yes, I was wrong.

No matter who they are...

No matter what they've done...

You can't treat human beings as though they were less than human,

without becoming less than human yourself.