Original subtitles

SUMMER 1940

SKAW RAILWAY

— Can I help you? — Yes, please.

— Here. — Thank you.

This is almost worse than Copenhagen. It's not what Amanda promised.

— What do you mean? — No Germans.

That's what she said when I asked her.

What are you smiling about, Bertha? Perhaps a young man?

— I doubt it. — Mom doesn't think I'm interested yet.

— I would know if you were. — Isn't that sweet?

Is this it?

You haven't taken the train for years, have you, Mrs. Frigh?

We have three more stops.

Look. They're getting off here.

— Amanda wasn't lying, Olga. — We'll see when we get there.

That was the Wehrmacht's stop. If only they'd go home.

May I join you, ladies?

— Please. — Thank you.

I had hoped to ride my bicycle all the way to the Skaw.

But I wouldn't make it before dark.

— Is that where you're headed, ladies? — No.

— We'll be south of the Skaw. — Andersen's Seaside Hotel.

Andersen's Seaside Hotel? I'm not familiar with it.

We weren't sure it'd be open this year —

— but they assure us that everything is as usual.

— I could do without the fish. — That's the best part.

— They serve plaice on the first night. — That's the best. A fresh plaice.

— They're not straight from the sea. — They said the ship came in today.

It must have been at sea for days. The ones on top are fine.

But this one The eyes should be bright.

They've dried up. The gills should be red. Smell it.

We can't serve those. I'll get Amanda.

— Are they from the Skaw? — Yes, it says so on the crate, Edith.

And it says they're fresh. So maybe that's not true either.

— We're so glad you're here, Otilia. — So am I.

I was a guest last summer, so I wasn't sure about this. But school is out now.

— It was Edith's idea to ask you. — Really?

I didn't know that.

Amanda? The fish from the Skaw aren't fresh.

— We just got them. — Mrs. Andersen says they're off.

The nerve! If the fishmonger thinks we're just some dumb city folk

— Ditmar will have to drive me there. — He just called.

We won't get here till this afternoon. A meeting.

— Won't he be here to welcome guests? — No. What about dinner?

— We'll have to serve something else. — No. Serving plaice is a tradition.

— Are you coming, woman? — Now, now. Don't order me around.

I want to be back before Molin calls.

— Dad? — Yes?

— What's that? — The fish we were to serve.

— What's going on? — They're off, Mom.

I need to borrow Dad's car.

No. Take your own.

— Amanda's car is on blocks. — Mine isn't easy to drive.

I'll figure it out. I have to hurry. Are the keys upstairs?

They're in our pigeonhole.

If you so much as scratch it Christ, they stink!

Don't put that rotten fish on my seats, girl.

Even if Molin doesn't bring a penny back from Germany —

— don't let it ruin your good mood.

— Why do you say that? — It's constantly on your mind.

Rubbish! Let's go.

It sounds delightful. No wonder you stay there every year.

It's lovely and comforting to return to a place where nothing changes.

My sister is afraid that the new owner has changed everything.

— Don't you know the person? — It's a former guest.

— It makes you uneasy. — Running a hotel takes experience.

— It's not for amateurs. — Amanda will do well.

— I think so too. — I agree with Bertha and Mrs. Frigh.

Amanda knows the hotel inside out, Olga.

Is your name Frigh? As in the tobacco factory?

— Yes. — I read about you.

I don't remember where. I had no idea that you were so young.

— How old do you think I am? — Oh dear.

— That could get me in serious trouble. — You started it.

Yes, perhaps I did. I apologize, Mrs. Frigh.

— Here we are. — Already?

— Come along, Lydia. — We're still moving, Olga.

— Enjoy your vacation. — Thank you. Allow me.

— Thank you, Mr. ...? — Ramsing. Johan Ramsing.

It was a pleasure to meet you. Perhaps we'll meet again.

Perhaps.

Amanda had hoped to be back. She's biting a fishmonger's head off.

— Is she allowed to drive? — She took mine.

— No doubt you have permission to drive. — I have to inspect building activities.

Aren't you lucky. I travel by train and bus.

I appreciate my fans, but you have no idea —

— how many autographs I've given. People think being a celebrity is bliss.

After my latest film, it's gone completely nuts.

— I was first! — We're not racing.

Go and unpack, you two. Come.

Hi. They ran down to the beach. Where is Hjalmar?

— He's in his room. — I'll help him unpack.

Helene, he's been coming here for 15 years. He can do it himself.

— I thought he wasn't coming. — He wasn't originally.

But my dear wife convinced him.

I had to look at his tragic face all the way over here.

— You don't need to do that. — I know, but now I'm doing it.

— Which books are those? — From your bedside table.

— I won't read them. — Bringing them couldn't hurt.

— My diary? — It's in there.

Leave it.

I've written every day since the war began and I won't stop till it ends.

— England could fall any day now. — Hopefully not.

Neither Norway nor France stood a chance.

When the boys were playing on the ferry, Severin insisted on being German.

They're the strongest.

— Where are you going? — To see if the radio can get the BBC.

Hjalmar, we're here now. Shouldn't you be on vacation?

— The boys are so glad you came. — I'm sorry. I know.

I'm terrible company.

— Your tea, Mr. Aurland. — I didn't order tea.

But I did. I thought you needed a pick—me—up.

That must the taxi from the station. We'll manage. Thank you.

— Can I help you unpack, Miss Frigh? — No thank you. I can do it.

— I haven't met you before. — My name is Nana.

I thought it was you. Leslie was sure that you wouldn't be here this year.

Well, here I am.

— How is he? — Busy. He works at the factory.

So do I. But I'm the stupid sister, who's just waiting to find a catch.

At least that's what my mother thinks.

Leslie was upset after hearing from you last fall.

Now he's over it. He got engaged after Christmas.

— Give him my best. — I will.

By the way, a letter came for you this morning.

— Are you here as well this year? — Hello, Mrs. Frigh.

I heard you got married last fall. Congratulations.

Thank you.

Leslie was infatuated with her last year.

— I can see why. — Really? How do you like your room?

— It's lovely, Mom. — It's Amanda's old room. And Vera's.

She isn't coming this year. She also got married.

Everyone is getting married. Thank goodness you're not.

There's no rush. How about going down to the beach?

— Maybe after I've unpacked. — Yes.

— That pillow is new. That one. — No, it isn't.

I know you're making an effort, but nothing has changed.

— They converted the attic. — Amanda has to live somewhere.

— Mr. Dupont has a room up there too. — With the maids?

No, at the other end. I don't think he's interested.

— What do you mean? — Nothing.

— It was nice of him to welcome us. — Amanda should have been there.

— She had to run an errand. — Mrs. Andersen wouldn't have done that.

Mrs. Andersen was in England last year and didn't come till a week later.

Shall I help you unpack?

Whatever for? I'm not senile.

Did Bertha mention Leslie? Is he coming this year?

I don't think so. He's busy at the factory.

— I heard he's engaged. — Yes. His sister told me so.

— Is Amanda back? — No. Mr. Dupont called the fishmonger.

— May I say something, Edith? — Yes.

We should call her Mrs. Berggren even though we've known her for years.

I call her that to her face. She isn't here now, is she?

I just thought I'd mention it.

Amanda left the fishmonger's an hour and a half ago.

— The drive doesn't take that long. — Let's tell her parents.

— Maybe she just had a flat. — In her father's car?

He'll have a fit.

You're forgetting my fish. What should I cook?

— So did you unpack everything? — Yes. Where are the boys?

— In their room, I suppose. — I'll look in on them.

Yes, you've been in here far too long.

— I just kept Hjalmar company. — Charming.

I hope you didn't tell him that he could dine at our table.

Must you mollycoddle your ex-husband all summer, Helene?

Should I have left him to stare at the wall at home?

You know how hard he has taken the Occupation.

— It's been hard for me as well. — Yes. You must take public transport.

Excuse me, but you're not accosted by people and smirked at —

— because people think they know me because they've seen my films.

I should have known when I saw the title.

— "Sunshine and girlish hearts." — You could've read the script.

You know I never read scripts. Only my part.

"The uncle from America" sounded trustworthy.

— And everyone loved it. — I am completely exhausted.

The next time I get offered a part on the phone I'll say no.

I won't be seduced by flattery and money. Never!

No, you shouldn't.

Georg, the police are here. Come. It's the car.

What?

I knew it! She landed in the ditch!

— I should never have lent it to her. — She did not land in the ditch!

— Then what, Therese? — A permit to drive, Merchant Madsen.

— It's prohibited to drive without one. — And I have one.

But your daughter doesn't. It doesn't cover the car, only the person.

— Here. — Thank you, Mrs. Andersen.

— Could I please have some sugar? — I think so.

One hardly dares ask without bringing one's ration book.

So when will she be here?

— Hello. — Who?

— Amanda. Our daughter. — She won't be long.

All the guests have arrived, and she'll want to say hello.

It can't take long to write up a fine.

My superior, Alfred Jensen, gave me instructions, Merchant Madsen.

He wanted to have a word with her. Your daughter is very eloquent.

— She insisted I bring the fish. — How kind of you.

Many people say, "It's good we have the Danish police —

— so we don't have to put up with the Germans."

People here will get to know Amanda soon.

Who else could get Folmer to deliver the fish?

— Did you get all our groceries? — Yes, yes.

Damgaard had a message for us from his cousin.

— Do we know his cousin? — She's from Aalborg.

She knows Morten. Or she knows of him.

She heard that one of Morten's ships sank.

What?

In the North Sea. Sunk by a German submarine.

One of them was lying in wait in the Norwegian fjords.

The entire crew was from Aalborg, so there'll be a service next week.

Next week? Then Morten will come home from England.

It's his crew. He'll want to be present.

Yes, but you know that no one can get out of England now.

How many souls were lost?

— What are you talking about? — Nothing, Emma.

— The goat ate my ribbon, Grandpa. — That naughty goat.

Let's see if we can find another one.

Hello, Miss Jorgensen. Is my brother in his office? Thank you.

Hello? Did you have a nice trip?

Yes. A gentleman on the train made Mom very vivacious.

— Who was he? — He was biking to Skaw.

He read about her in the papers.

— Your little friend sends her regards. — Is Nana there?

Otherwise I couldn't send her regards, dear Leslie.

Do you want to come now after all? Could you do me a favor?

I need to talk to someone in the workshop. I sent Mom for a walk.

In the workshop? Who? Jan Larsen?

— Yes. Go and get him, Leslie. — He isn't here.

Why not? Is he ill?

— He was among those we fired yesterday. — Fired? Why?

We had to make cutbacks, since we can't get tobacco from Virginia.

— But why Jan? — I had no idea you were friends.

— I'm sorry, Bertha. — I'll talk to Mom about it.

— It's that one, Miss Otilia. — So I see!

I hope we don't need blackout blinds in daytime as well.

— We love the light summer nights. — They are delightful.

Despite the country being occupied, it's rather peaceful up here.

Conquering Denmark was peaceful.

Olga thinks that the Germans had an agreement with our government.

Why wasn't there any resistance? There was in Norway.

They have national pride.

Would you be proud if more Danish men had lost their lives on 9 April?

I beg your pardon?

I'm sorry.

Her husband fought in South Jutland.

— Did he see his friends die? — Yes, he probably did.

That's terrible. Did you hear that, Olga?

— Yes. But how could I know? — No. Of course you couldn't.

No.

Georg, are you asleep?

— I'm on vacation. Is Amanda back? — No. I think it's suspicious.

— Call the station and find out. — She's waiting for Alfred Jensen.

He likes to take his time and everyone has to accommodate him.

— Finally. That must be Molin. — I thought you were on vacation.

— Is it for me? — No. For Mr. Weyse.

— I thought he was out here. — Why the hell doesn't he call?

Weyse.

— Is that Edward Weyse? — Yes. Who's speaking?

Gerhard Flügelhorn. Long time no see, Weyse.

— Yes, it certainly is. — How are you?

Oh, you know.

I saw you in "Taming of the Shrew". That Swedish woman was good.

— I'll pass it on. — I saw your latest film too.

"Broken girls' hearts under fire"? Nice in a scary way.

What do you think? Of course you didn't write the script.

If you're not finished with art, I have a film I'd like to talk about.

Mr. Flügelhorn, as you know, I'm on vacation.

And I've decided to take a break from films.

Just a minute, Mr. Weyse.

No. No. No. No. No.

No! I told you that the woman needs to have a bust.

You know what a bust is, don't you?

I'm back. Now listen

London here.

A man goes to the dogs.

We broadcast on the 19 meter band on two wavelengths.

a movie made by me and you in the starring role.

It sounds very interesting, but as I said, it'll be without me.

Good luck, Flügelhorn.

After Churchill’s announcement that England will continue fighting

— Did you say no because you're angry? — No, not because I'm angry with him.

We had agreed to make "Footprints from the Sea" —

— and then I never heard a word from him.

— He's been very troubled. — He can drink if he wants to.

I'm not going to be in a screen version of a novel about "hammocks".

— "Hammocks"? — Something like that.

— Did he say "Havoc" by Tom Kristensen? — Possibly, Helene.

— Have you read it? — No, and I don't care to.

No more slapstick for me.

"Havoc" is a fantastic novel. Ole Jastrau, the main character

— You should read it. — Are we going, Dad?

— What? Where? — To the beach. You promised.

Right.

Hjalmar has a copy of "Havoc". You can read it.

— Helene, I said no. — You could give it a chance.

Dad, can't we stay longer?

Please, Dad?

— Alright then. A little longer. — Yay!

— Off you go. — It's my turn to be a German!

Don't go too far, boys.

HAVOC

Aha. Ole Jastrau is introduced on the very first page.

So far so good.

— Jan Larsen? — Yes, from the workshop.

— How do you know him? — It's my job to give messages.

Mom, Jan needs that job. His father is ill.

— You have to hire him back. — I can't do that, Bertha.

— I can't fire someone and then — You can. You're in charge.

I'm sorry for everyone we have to let go. They put their trust in us.

But they know things have changed. So does Jan Larsen.

— Thanks for all your help. — Bertha.

If I'd known you were friends How long have you been?

Why don't you ask how far we've gone? That's what you're thinking, isn't it?

— The Germans lost. — Where did you get that?

— I'm not telling. — They're German uniforms.

From those two down there.

Are you nuts? Put them back. You have to.

— They're Germans. — Shall we go home, boys?

— Leander is being stupid. — I see.

— Where did you get those? — He stole them from the men down there.

That won't do, Leander. You can't take their clothes.

Give them to Dad. Let Dad have them. Hand them over.

Hello! What are you doing with our clothes?

A little misunderstanding.

My boys were playing. No harm done.

Meine Jungen. Is that what you say?

Goodness. You're cold. Here you are.

Isn't the water refreshing? I come for a swim every day.

It's clean and invigorating. Did you bike here?

I wasn't sure if it was possible to bike here —

— but if you stick to the firm sand, you can.

— What's he saying? I don't understand. — He's not right in the head.

Well, I'll let you go.

I'll give the boys a talking—to. But boys will be boys.

You can't send them to a concentration camp, can you?

— Did he say concentration camp? — It sounded like it.

Well, then

Safe journey!

What a nutcase!

— Germans? — They left.

— Mr. Weyse sent them packing. — Where were they from?

— Germany is my guess. — I meant around here.

They were just two stray soldiers.

Please don't mention it to my sister. The Germans make her anxious.

I won't say a word. Not a word.

I just talked to Amanda. I called the station.

— She's just waiting for a ride back. — Why can't she drive back?

— So the car has been damaged! — No, she doesn't have a permit.

Am I supposed to walk to the Skaw and get it?

It would do you good. Ditmar has a permit. He's picking her up.

— He can drive you up there tomorrow. — Must I do without my car till then?

— What a mess! — What's wrong?

— Molin called. — How did things go?

As you hoped. I won't get a penny. But Molin has another offer from them.

You should decline. No more working for the Germans.

I can't decline an offer I haven't heard yet.

Molin will meet with them tomorrow and let me know.

— Haven't you changed yet? — I'm going home tomorrow.

I have to tell Jan that I had no idea that you would let him go.

He was fired along with others. I told you

That you didn't know I was seeing him. Well, I am.

— He mustn't think I'm like you. — Call and tell him.

There you go again! Unlike us, not everyone has a telephone.

Then write a letter. And tell him that at age 20 you're still a minor.

— You can't leave without my permission. — I don't care about your permission.

I'm not like Leslie. I thought you knew that.

But you do care that you don't have any traveling money, do you?

It's been a long day and a long trip. I understand if you're tired.

Let's talk about it tomorrow. Mrs. Madsen and I are having a cocktail.

Come and join us.

I'll see you down there.

Did you hear that Mr. Weyse saw two Germans on the beach?

Mrs. Madsen says they went for a swim. Thank goodness they're gone.

The boys had quite a fright.

They won't do that again. Aren't you going to change?

Don't mention the Germans to Mrs. Fjeldso or to Hjalmar.

— He'll end up a drunkard. — No, I've known him for years.

Not Hjalmar. The main character.

— Have you already read it? — Of course not. I skimmed it.

The main character drinks like a fish and is determined to go to the dogs.

— Yes. It's tough reading. — It's absolutely wonderful!

It's splendid! It's just what my career needs.

No more nice uncles from America.

But am I able to portray a man —

— who is so selfish and believes in nothing?

— You can play anyone, Edward. — Yes. Yes, indeed it's true.

— But you declined the part. — God! So I did.

I'll call Flügelhorn right away.

After dinner.

— Mrs. Weyse said it was exquisite. — Did she? Did anyone else comment?

Mrs. Frigh asked if Mrs. Andersen made the berry pudding. I said you did.

— She just smiled. — Why?

— Because she was happy. — They all were.

Relax, Mr. Dupont. It went really well.

— Too bad Amanda wasn't here. — They're ready for coffee.

What would we do without you, Otilia? Nana is already making it.

Lie down and go to sleep afterwards.

Goodnight, Mom. Tell Dad to come.

Lovely. Will you tell Mr. Flügelhorn that Edward Weyse is calling?

Yes.

Out for dinner? With whom? You don't know.

— Could you give him a message? — Say goodnight afterwards.

— Just a minute. What? — To the boys.

— I will. — Severin is worried about the Germans.

Flügelhorn is having dinner with someone. He might offer them the part.

Are you there? Good. Tell Gerhard Flügelhorn I'll call tomorrow.

Tell him it's about "Havoc". Did you get that? "Havoc". It's urgent!

— Good evening. — Good evening.

— Is your sister not coming? — She's relaxing in our room.

— So it wasn't because of the Germans? — Were there Germans here?

— No, not here, Hjalmar. — You met some on the train.

— Yes, but they got off much earlier. — No one has seen any here.

But Aalborg has.

The Germans tore down a manor house and 270 properties —

— to expand Aalborg airport.

— Where's your husband? — Saying goodnight to the boys.

— They've grown. — So handsome.

— They take after their mother. — It's said that it was the real reason.

The reason why we're occupied. The Germans need Aalborg airport —

— as a stopover on the way to Norway.

A Danish firm is even doing the construction.

Wright, Thomsen & Kjær.

— They should be ashamed. — I agree.

A Danish firm should be above that.

Yes?

Did you remember the blinds?

— The blinds? Yes. — I'll let you get on.

Miss, come in for a moment.

And close the door behind you.

— I was just thinking about you. — I'm sorry about this afternoon.

No, I'm the one who owes you an apology.

I didn't know your husband fought on 9 April —

— when his friends died in Haderslev.

— You couldn't have known. — True.

Mr. Aurland told me that Denmark had surrendered before that battle.

— Yes. The message hadn't reached them. — No. It was so very meaningless.

Yes.

I hope your husband is alright.

He... He wasn't among those who ...?

Anders died two days later.

I'm so sorry.

If there's anything at all I can do

The only people who know are the maids and Mrs. Berggren.

I don't want the other guests to

They'd just stare at me —

— and I just want to do my job.

I won't tell them.

Thank you.

— So this is where you're hiding. — Yes.

Aurland, whom your wife dragged here, can put anyone in a bad mood.

He's upstairs now.

I was about to tell him about the Germans here —

— but the ladies asked me not to. He would think they'd come right here.

Yes, on bikes.

— Is this the right place? — It depends on where you want to go.

— Andersen's Hotel. — No, this isn't it.

— What a shame. It looks very nice. — This is Andersen's Seaside Hotel.

— Johan Ramsing. — Georg Madsen.

— I know who you are. — I see.

Where are you from?

I came from the Skaw. It's unbearable.

Come in and have a drink.

Good evening.

— Mr. Ramsing? — Hello again, Mrs. Frigh.

— Do you know each other? — We met on the train.

Mrs. Frigh spoke so highly of the place, so I'd like a room.

Our daughter runs the place, but she's out. Have a refreshment.

— This is my wife. — Therese Madsen.

— Helene Weyse. — A pleasure.

What would you like? Cognac? Whisky?

I'll take whisky if you still have some.

— Was the Skaw too boring? — Too many Germans.

A whole company is guarding the north beach. It's cordoned off.

— What about here? — We had a couple on the beach.

Weyse's boys took their clothes while they were swimming.

They left as fast as they could.

— A toast to Weyse's boys! — Cheers!

Amanda?

Good evening. I'm sorry I'm late.

— This is our daughter. — I met Mr. Ramsing on the train.

I know it's late, but I thought I'd take a chance. Do you have a room?

— Certainly. — How lucky for me.

Didn't Ditmar drive you? He has to take me to pick up my car.

About your car I need to have a word.

I told you! She dented it.

No, but the police revoked your permit to drive.

What? They can't do that. I got that permit in Copenhagen!

Alfred Jensen said it didn't apply here, so he kept your car.

— I'll tell him a thing or two! — Where are you going?

I'll borrow Ditmar's car and talk to Jensen.

— After four drinks? Certainly not. — I'm going!

Listen to your wife, Madsen. Wait till tomorrow.

— Stay. We'll have another drink. — Sit down.

— We'll get a room ready, Mr. Ramsing. — That's very kind.

They can't just take my car. I have building sites to inspect.

— But not up here. — Shut up, Therese.

I'll see if the boys are sleeping.

Take it easy boy, boy Go to your home, smoke a cigar

Take it easy boy, boy, let the others do the hard work for you

Take it easy boy, boy Spend ev’ry dime, have a good time

Take it easy boy, boy, let the others make the money for you

If you don’t do what I say, you will soon grow old and gray

Just go out, be glad and gay singing ha—ha hay, hay

Take it easy boy, boy Go to your home, smoke a cigar

— A big one. — Yes.

Let the others do the, let the others do the

let the others do hard work for you

I've looked forward to this day for a year —

— and I was stuck at the police station.

But you told the fishmonger off.

And you made a police officer bring our dinner.

— You're wonderful, Amanda. — I got my father's car confiscated.

The police would've stopped him at some point.

Yes?

We made some sandwiches, Mrs. Berggren, if you're interested.

How sweet of you.

We sent Ane home and Nana to bed.

— Edith, you should go home. — I tried to explain that to her.

Otilia is good at explaining all kinds of things to me. All the time.

This looks scrumptious. While I was waiting in the Skaw —

— I was furious about not being here.

— I understand. — The guests knew what happened.

Then I remembered how lucky I was to have you two.

You've been here for years and know the place and you're even friends.

Bertha? Are you awake?

May I come in?

— We live right across from each other. — Apparently.

Thank you for recommending the place. It's wonderful.

I'm glad you thought the trip by bike was worth it. It's quite a way.

But the thought of my new acquaintance made it seem like nothing.

— Goodnight, Mrs. Frigh. — Goodnight, Mr. Ramsing.

— Goodnight, Weyse. — Night, Madsen.

So didn't you say that you'd come back down?

— Weren't the boys asleep? — Yes. I have to show you something.

Look what I found under Leander's pillow.

— What? — A soldier's service book.

Leander took it from one of the Germans. It has his name in it and everything.

It's as personal as a passport. When he realizes it —

— the whole company will come.

He can get a new one. He could've dropped it anywhere.

Hey presto! It's gone. The Germans are done and dusted.

Subtitles: Karen Margrete Wiin Dansk Video Tekst