Original subtitles

Thank you.

Any time.

Where's that bloody Zepp?

I can't see it, sir.

Elevation 50. 1-5-zero degrees.

1-6-5.

Elevation 4-5. Fire!

Zeppelin! I've seen it.

I'm sure I've seen it, sir.

They fly at 9,000 feet, Mrs Parker. You couldn't have.

Look for yourself. Come on!

There!

Mrs Parker! It WAS there.

Put that light out! Get inside!

Off the street! Hurry!

You look ill.

Yes. I'd forgotten your, er... Vertigo.

Well, we all have some deficiency. With you, it's heights...

with my husband, it was railways.

Goodnight, sir. Goodnight, Mrs Parker.

Geoff! Got time for a drink?

Sorry. I'm late for a meeting.

Is she good-looking?

Some other time. Cheerio.

Anderson, here. He's on his way to her now.

He couldn't do it better if we ordered him!

Gained 100 yards on the Somme.

Cost us 50 men a yard.

And it'll cost us 20 men a yard on the way back.

Huh! Britain's becoming a madman.

We should never have entered this war!

London just has to sit and take it.

What else can we do? The Zepps bomb at 9,000 feet.

But why can't these Whitehall fellows pull something out of the bag?

Hey, Geoffrey.

You're a laddie from the glens - come and help us!

I DO like Scotch officers! Scotch is what you DRINK.

Scots or Scottish is what we are!

Darling, what lovely men! How do you find them?

It's my hobby, I'm a collector.

You've got it. Carry on.

What's the life expectancy of a pilot on the Western front?

Three weeks.

I'll take my chances.

The best always will. That's why war wastes them.

Hello.

Hello.

Hello.

Hello.

Not yet. It's too early.

Can't you tell them that you've caught a cold?

I'll catch more than that if I don't turn up. I'll spend the war in jail.

Better than being a dead soldier!

I'm sure I shall be sent to France soon.

If I'm assigned to the Front, the first German I kill could be my cousin, Emerich.

He'd probably kill ME. He never misses when he hunts.

Emerich and I were like brothers.

God knows what's happened to him. Geoffrey, I want to talk to you.

We've known each other for some months, and I've often been tempted to answer some of your questions.

I've wanted to reassure you about your family in Germany. I know some of the answers.

Geoff, I have to tell you...

Your cousin Emerich was wounded last month.

He's all right.

He's at home. Two days ago he was awarded the Iron Cross.

Two days ago?

But...how could you know? He enquired about you, too.

Thank you for telling me.

I...I had no idea that you were...

A spy?

Are you shocked?

A little.

I suppose.

Damn!

Damn this stupid war!

Oh, Geoffrey!

In this model of the latest known type Zepp,

we can see a number of gas cells which are inside the hull.

These balloons contain hydrogen, lifting agents for the Zepps.

I will discharge this Very pistol at the left balloon.

Hold up, Sergeant, if you please.

Now that a junior officer has graced us with his presence,

proceed with the demonstration.

Yes, sir.

Impressive. But if we can't hit the Zepps with ack-ack guns, how do we hit them with pistols?

Our guns probably DO hit them constantly, but they don't ignite. Sergeant.

Sir. I will now discharge

a standard issue ball cartridge,

but which does not ignite the hydrogen.

It merely pokes holes in the gas cells. Gas leaks out,

but not enough to bring it down.

I know.

In half an hour I have a meeting, and I'll be asked how to bring down the bloody Zepps.

We're coming to that.

This has just been invented by a Captain Brock. Calls it an incendiary bullet.

These will bring down the Zepps.

Still a little unstable. But Captain Brock can perfect the device in, er...three months.

We can't wait for this aeroplane that will HOPEFULLY fire bullets,

that will HOPEFULLY shoot down the Zeppelins.

Don't strike it too hard, Prime Minister, it IS unstable.

The morale of a nation is its strongest weapon in war. Our men at the Front are anxious

about their families at home. The Zepps HAVE brought hysteria.

But I am convinced that our problems only slightly exceed the enemy's.

Is that supposed to cheer me up?

I'd like to exchange our problems for theirs!

Jolly good shot.

It was! I'm always at my best on fast grass.

I wonder if I shall ever know how you feel about me.

Well, you must know.

You're too sensitive, too feminine and too intelligent NOT to know.

I have to tell you something.

I've made all the arrangements. You can be in Germany in two days.

Germany by Friday? That's incredible!

She's not only a corker to look at, she's also efficient.

Sir. Yes?

Might I ask... Sit down, Geoffrey.

Relax. Have a cup of tea.

Thank you, sir. Sir... Shall I be mother?

Thank you, sir. Sir, I...

Sugar?

Are you going to arrest her?

Are you? Wouldn't dream of it.

Geoffrey Richter-Douglas.

Your grandmother is the Baroness Von Richter.

Three cousins in the German army.

You've met Professor Altschul and Count Zeppelin socially.

I told the authorities, sir.

My grandmother knows everybody in Bavaria.

When I spent... They're building a new type Zepp at Friedrichshafen, the LZ-36.

We want you to find out its performance so that we can design counter-measures.

The Germans want you, and we want you to go.

But I don't know what they want me for.

We know what WE want you for.

You're ORDERING me to go, sir? We suggest you volunteer.

We'd, er...

RATHER you volunteer.

I thought they were happy with me filing the reports from the aircraft assessments.

The old man thought you'd like the attentions of a beautiful lady.

I should have known better when Whitney sent me to that house full of fanatics.

Well, you didn't come away empty-handed. But look where it's landed me.

I shall look a traitor to my family, not to mention my friends.

Air raid! Take cover, please.

This way, gentlemen. Hurry, if you please.

I don't have the makings of a spy.

I'm not cut out for it.

What's your code name? Bunting Blue.

Contact's name? Meier. Address? 37 Hochstrasse. Perfect.

The Jerries may doubt that you're a genuine turncoat, so we might...

But then, you won't think too badly of us, will you?

Geoffrey...

Oh, I wish I'd never met you.

It's too late for all of us, isn't it?

Over here, laddie. >

Down here. Quickly!

You're sure you didn't...?

Upper left arm, sir. Quite certain.

We know the effect of the raids.

The British know that their island is suddenly vulnerable.

A few more raids, and they will sue for peace.

We are all anxious for victory. But in bombing civilians, we stiffen resistance.

Quite obviously, the equipment is inadequate. With all respect, Doctor Altschul.

I never intended my airships for war.

I only hope that they stop the slaughter in the trenches, by making ground warfare obsolete.

- A worthy ambition. - An ambition within our grasp.

We are now making a NEW machine,

with new engines, in aluminium.

- The LZ-36! - I authorised no new prototypes.

Intelligence is financing.

For what technical purpose?

An attack never seen before. After flight testing is completed,

we plan one single operation that could well destroy British morale.

He betrayed THEM, he could betray US.

He was nearly killed trying to get back to Germany.

Ah, Von Richter.

I hear you're well on the road to recovery.

This is Major Tauntler.

The British offered to trade you for one of our Major Generals.

Please... I can't think why.

When I served in the British army, I was only a lieutenant.

Well, these days, a man's value...

can change...VERY quickly.

Please, sit down.

Tell us when you recognise a picture. Yes.

That's, er...

that's...Loch Ness.

Scotland again. Craigievar Castle.

Dunvegan Castle.

Kyle of Lochalsh.

Balmoral. Even I know that!

Interesting.

When was that taken? The trees at the top have been cut down now.

Excellent. It is...? Glen Mattock, of course.

Glen Mattock again.

From the west side. On the top of it are the ruins of Balcoven Castle.

It's not a very good picture.

Oh, yes. That's MUCH better.

Balcoven Castle. They've blocked up the east gate now,

because it became unsafe.

The prisoners used to be brought in through...

Thank you. So nice of you to help us.

Yes. The driver is waiting for you.

I do hope your recovery continues.

I'm sure it will.

Perhaps we will meet again. Thank you. Goodbye. Not at all. Goodbye.

I didn't know about the east gate.

Gottfried!

Professor! After all these years! You've become a man! You haven't changed a bit, sir.

Oh, no! The years take their toll.

You must come and see us.

You know I married again? No. I didn't.

Yes, you must dine with us. We'll talk of those wonderful days.

Tomorrow night. Erika will arrange it.

Erika...my wife.

Oh...am I too early?

Or is this the wrong day?

No. Just early. Come in, please.

I'm Gottfried Von Richter-Douglas.

Yes. The British have put ?�5,000 on your head. So I read.

I'm just home from work. I'm Christian's wife, of course. Otherwise, Dr Erika Altschul.

Congratulations on your escape.

Thank you.

At first, when Christian told me you were coming, I was surprised.

But then I thought about it.

All those years in England with your British friends,

and now you're here with your German friends.

Christian wouldn't like a traitor. I suppose that makes you a spy.

DO sit down.

Oh, here are photographs of Christian's Zeppelins. Thanks.

Old ones, of course.

What are you going to do now you have joined us?

Enlist? I think so.

Not much else I CAN do. You knew my husband's first wife?

Yes. Heidi.

She was a very warm, generous person? Very.

They all say that.

I'm afraid I'm NOT like that.

Our marriage is difficult for some people to understand.

How did you meet your husband?

First, I was his student,

then his assistant, then his wife.

Do you fly with him? Weight's important on an airship.

I do the work of three men. Oh, you LIKE flying?

Of course. It's part of our life together.

Answer it, please.

Hello?

No, Doctor, this IS your number. This is Gottfried. I'm early.

Yes, of course. One moment.

Frau Altschul.

If we're going to be enemies, call me Erika.

It's your husband. Thank you.

Hello.

Oh, dear.

Certainly. Right away.

No supper, I'm afraid. Something's wrong with the ship. I have to go to the factory.

You're not going to hurt him, are you?

I wouldn't let you.

Ja?

Blue Bunting. Mmm?

Have you any BLUE BUNTING?

You...you don't know anything about Blue Bunting.

I'm terribly sorry. I've come to the wrong shop.

Bunting Blue!

I've been waiting three weeks for you.

I was shot. We had to injure you so that they would send you home.

You mean...I was shot on purpose? Well, you were only nicked.

Nicked?!

I lost two pints of blood. You look very well now.

They are inspecting the LZ-36. Can you get into that factory?

In fact, I was taken there on Tuesday.

To see some photographs... of Scotland.

They want me back for a medical. That wound is more helpful than we ever dreamt!

Oh, I met Dr Altschul... and his wife...

Good. Stay as close to them as possible.

I have a feeling she's on to me. How can she be?

It's difficult to explain. Woman's intuition.

Well, SHE'S difficult to explain.

Oh, I have some vital information.

There's something wrong with the LZ-36. I know. Everybody knows.

They've cancelled the flight. Come back tomorrow. We may have further instructions for you.

And your first fitting.

Herr Von Richter.

Would you come with us, please?

Empty your pockets, please.

Look, what IS this all about?

All your personal possessions, keys and metal objects.

Your watch.

Do you want this too? Yes, please.

Write your name on the box, please.

Your pass, please.

All right.

Take your shoes off. What? And put these on.

LZ-36 - the sum of German genius.

From a dream of Leonardo Da Vinci,

we have created the fact.

I hope you enjoy your flight.

Secure the weights!

Keep those lines clear of the propellers.

Ladder.

All weights secure, sir.

You mean, I... Of course.

You will see the earth from 12,000 feet. An unforgettable experience.

Go up.

Keep her steady.

Surely this man's not flying with us? Yes.

You know that weight is critical.

We've not allowed for another man. I have taken off a crew member.

But everyone is needed. Not the Bombardier. He is off.

It's a test flight. I thought the test was cancelled. Yes. We spread false information.

You know Doctor Altschul.

Herr Doctor.

Pressure reading?

Von Richter, this is Commander Von Gorian.

This test is top secret.

My responsibility. Come on.

Your suit, Von Richter.

Unusual. No metal to strike a spark.

Come in to watch the take-off. Colonel Hirsch...

I'm flattered to be invited here,

but WHY? All in good time,

Von Richter.

When we reach Phase 3, watch him.

If anything goes wrong... you know what to do.

If he fails us... dead...on British soil... in German uniform.

Engine One, running.

Ballast...5,000 pounds.

Cell pressure, negative buoyancy.

Reserve pressure, 200 pounds. Ship weight, 2,000 pounds.

All positions manned and ready.

Very good.

With your permission...

She's our child. Please, treat her so.

Increase revs on one and two.

Elevation, up 10 degrees.

Buoyancy?

Reserve pressure, 172.

Flight buoyancy in the ship.

Drop landing lines.

Elevation, 16.

Engines full.

Increase all engines.

Up ship!

1,300 revs.

Manoeuvring test, then high speed run.

You would like to see the hull? Come...

After you.

Er...where are the parachutes?

What parachutes? For emergencies. How do you get out quickly?

Jump!

Each parachute weighs 55 pounds.

Let me show you the sights. Major, our friend looks worried.

Perhaps he'd prefer to stay here. No. I'd love to have a tour.

As you know, I'm interested in this latest model.

Come on.

Don't forget to hang on to the struts. I won't forget!

These are the gas cells.

There are twenty of them.

Major Tauntler.

This is the observation car. We put a man in it, and lower it.

Colonel Hirch wants to see you. Thank you. I leave you in much more charming hands.

Did you design this? I modified it.

It's lowered below the clouds? The observer speaks to control by telephone.

What does he tell them? That it's raining?

No. He tells them where to drop the bombs.

For a spy, you're certainly getting your money's worth.

Engine 4 sparking.

What's wrong?

Must be carburation, sir.

Do we have to return? Doctor?

Design speed should be 68 mph.

If you can make that, that's your answer.

Maximum degrees up angle. Engines One, Two and Three, 1,400 revs.

Mark?

60 minutes, 8 seconds.

70 miles per hour.

Good! Well done, Commander.

Daylight at 06.40 hours. One hour, 18 minutes.

Can we try altitude on 3 engines?

If we compensate by dumping ballast, it should be all right.

Maximum altitude test.

Cold weather gear for high altitude test.

Ah, Von Richter.

Now, those are yours. Mine?

Yes, of course.

Maximum buoyancy.

Cell pressure, 26,

reserve pressure, 159.

Maximum degrees of up angle.

4,500 pounds of ballast out... NOW!

Flight angle, 16 degrees.

Rate 1250, and building.

Air temperature 14 degrees, and dropping.

Hold this maximum up angle.

Angle steady.

12,500. Rate 18.

Temperature, minus 10 degrees.

We must level.

Kill the buoyancy.

Engine Four, repairs complete. Permission to start engine?

What do you think of her? She's...

..she's terrifying.

I prefer to think of her as BEAUTIFUL.

The LZ-36. Prost!

Herr Altshul, I salute your genius. Oh!

Without you, this wouldn't have been possible. One moment...

Commissioned tomorrow in Friedrichshafen.

Excuse us, we have work to do. And you should rest, darling.

You take us home, eh?

Von Gorian, one moment, please.

We are not going home.

What? Here is my authority.

Since Altschul certifies the ship operational, it's commissioned... as of NOW.

Why? Such procedure has never been followed.

That's exactly why we're doing it.

We are now on a war mission.

Under Phase One, you will land us...here.

But we won't get back to Germany. We don't have enough petrol.

That's part of our plan.

Send a message to Friedrichshafen saying the test is successful. Then have the wireless shut down.

We'll be home in a few hours.

Don't get up. You need the rest. Don't YOU ever rest?

I'm too excited by the flight.

You seem more proud of this ship than your husband.

Maybe it would be better if I was like the other wives,

and just stayed home and worried. Would YOU worry?

Of course! One spark and this giant would go up in smoke!

They're deadly for those on the ground, too.

I've been on the receiving end.

When Christian was told that his ships were used to bomb cities...he cried.

And went on to build new ones. I know.

He is a man...

torn in half.

Aren't we all?

The sun! It's moving! Christian, we're changing course.

Gorian!

Where are we going?

Norway.

Norway? Why?

A war mission.

How can you? My wife's on board!

Without your wife, the test wouldn't look routine. I shall complain...

to the highest authority! The highest authority ordered it. I'm sorry, Frau Altschul.

You are taking over command after one test?

I am. The ship is ready.

Has Von Richter got anything to do with it? I cannot say.

Sir, if we shut down the wireless I cannot check the weather reports. We'll be without weather reports.

Sir!

Clearance 50 feet, and closing.

Three degrees starboard.

Landing site ahead.

Negative buoyancy. Elevators down, ten.

Dead slow!

Slow!

Stop all engines!

Stand clear below.

Take it up. That's it.

Check the gas cells before proceeding.

Of course. This is an untried ship.

I must check all the equipment.

I must have

a complete inspection.

You have two hours.

One hour. We leave in ONE hour. It's madness!

Start pumping!

Enjoying the view? There's not much else I CAN do.

Perhaps they'll use you later.

Tell me...

What IS this mission?

You won't believe me, but...

Your guess is as good as mine.

Wake up! Hm?

You're wanted to help load the fuel. Might as well. I'm out of a job, anyway.

Sir, what do you want me to do?

Nothing.

I was told to report.

We don't need you here. Get back to your wireless.

Can't use it, anyway. Orders.

Prepare for take-off. I'm not ready. Prepare for take-off.

But I must finish that chart! We all have our problems. We're taking off.

They did not want me.

That's the Service for you. Nobody wants me. I may as well not be here.

I've just intercepted a message.

"Confirm LZ-36 Norway. Bunting Blue."

I must tell the Commander. I'd rather you didn't. I must!

I'm afraid I can't permit that. You worked the set!

You sent a message!

Flight buoyancy in the ship.

All engines, 1,300 revs.

Maximum up angle.

Our second rendezvous is...here.

There is nothing there but sea. There will be.

We'll be flying over British cruiser patrols. They'll sight us.

Then we will fly above the clouds.

If there ARE any.

Von Richter, are you there? >

Ah, Von Richter! No. I haven't read it.

I'll enjoy reading it. Thank you.

I have something for you. Your uniform.

Excuse me.

A...a Major? Of course.

Why not? I have promoted you. But you're under my command, of course.

'All crew put on

cold weather gear.'

Better get dressed.

Why Norway?

We can't get

confirmation, sir.

His signal was weak?

All we heard was "LZ-36, Bunting Blue. Norway."

He needs oxygen. Bring some!

Hurry! He can't breathe!

Lower cloud formation.

Descend to 12,000 feet. Bleed cells to 18 pounds.

Man overboard!

The wireless operator has fallen off!

He...was...chipping...the ice...

He was to stay in the room. I tried...

It is my responsibility. You will not be blamed.

Breaking cloud cover.

There it is.

One degree starboard. Slow the engines.

Wind direction?

The ship is laying

into the wind.

We will approach into the wind.

Stop all engines!

Now we load cargo and passengers.

Get out. Stand by to board.

Up that. One at a time.

Keep moving.

What is in

the cylinders? Oxygen?

Mustard gas.

Not on board my ship!

Take it off!

It is inhuman! Barbaric! I forbid it!

Please!

It's criminal. Your job is over.

Proceed with loading.

Christian...

We cannot be a party to this.

It seems we already are.

Our objective...

Balcoven Castle.

The Scottish coastline... the ruins of Balcoven.

Now, we shall land in this glen....here.

We'll be screened from military lookouts.

We pass over Glen Mattock, onto our landing field.

In this vault here...

the British have placed archives.

Far from London - and our bombs.

Historical documents, paintings,

and perhaps even the Magna Carta - the British Charter of Freedom.

We are not just robbing a bank.

We are robbing the British of something greater than money -

their history...their morale.

Against this new weapon...

no part of their island will be safe.

Major Tauntler, it's up to you, now. Thank you.

We will attack... through this tunnel,

sealed off for the duration.

The crucial part of the attack is our approach.

Engines turned off, and we glide in silently.

Once the glide path is decided,

we will be committed.

You, with your knowledge of local countryside,

will advise me during the final critical moments.

For five vital minutes, the success or failure of our mission...

rests with you.

We have gone to a lot of effort to gain your knowledge. I am sure it will prove justified. Now...

the details of our operation.

Er...excuse me...

Excuse me for a moment. I...I suddenly feel rather ill.

I, too, shall be glad to land.

We will blow up the wall...

You have recovered very quickly.

What are you doing?

Von Richter! Where are you?

You are a constant surprise to me, Von Richter.

Don't bother to explain. I never wanted Madam on board.

Perhaps you would rejoin your briefing.

Of course.

Just a minute.

Altitude?

5,800.

Maintain present altitude.

Here is the map.

But I'm counting on your knowledge of the area.

I've never seen it from the air. You will not be at a great height.

Ready?

As ready as I ever SHALL be. DESCEND!

I'm all right. What?

I'm all right! Were you nervous?

I... No! Not any more!

Kilkenny dead ahead!

Lights out.

All engines slow.

You're certain? Yes. There's the railway line.

Left, seventy.

Over Loch Carron.

Mattock Hills. Right, nineteen.

'Balcoven Castle should be straight ahead.'

Cut engines! Cut engines!

We're drifting. I must have a one minute thrust from the starboard engine.

Tauntler?

Yes. But not more.

Starboard engine, 400 revs.

Cut the engines. They are too loud.

No, nothing.

Von Richter! That's it, isn't it?

Yes. That's Balcoven. About half a mile ahead.

Free to land.

50 feet.

Forty.

Twenty.

Ten.

Five.

The farmer says he's sure he heard Zepp engines.

Probably a hoax report.

Shall we check it?

No. It was probably a motorcycle or something.

Call London! You're being invaded!

He claims he's a Scot, but he talks like an Englishman.

Call Blinker Hall at the Admiralty. Tell him...

LZ-36...

'Bunting Blue.' He sounds barmy. How did he get in?

He claims he sailed from Norway in a Zeppelin!

'Says the Germans are invading...'

Hello?

I say!

Hello, sir.

They're coming! Keep your hair on(!)

Come on! OUT!

Halt!

Hold it, mate!

Come on!

Gas masks on! Save the lights!

Take up action stations! Quick!

There IS an Admiral Hall. He's Chief of Naval Intelligence.

Could I speak to the Admiral?

Two men here.

Open it! Carefully!

Call out the Guard!

Yes, sir!

Believe me!

I'm handing you over to my Major.

PLEASE! Let me take the Very pistol.

It WILL stop the attack.

They won't go on if the Zeppelin's on fire.

Believe me. I CAN stop this.

The same arm, you...

I cannot open it.

Dynamite it.

British troops approaching.

Hurry!

Stand clear!

Come on!

Come on! Break it!

Come on! Try it!

Retreat! Come on!

Come on! Back to the Zeppelin!

We must save the Zeppelin!

Let's GO! GO!

Geoffrey!

I could have told them about the wireless.

Go ahead, pull the trigger. Go on!

Fire!

Kill them all. Christian and all of them.

Fire!

Here! Give them cover!

Come on!

COME ON!

Come on. Quickly!

Move forward!

Engines, 1,300 revs.

Sighted, Edinburgh.

Due over Newcastle in an hour.

One Four Two Squadron to Dunkirk.

Eighty-six Squadron to Calais.

Ah, good. A Hundred and Twelve Squadron to Scarborough.

Oh, which squadron has the SE5's?

Sixteen. But they're

not fully trained.

Send them up, anyway.

If she was wounded enough we'll get her.

We'd better find out if Richter-Douglas is among the prisoners...or the dead.

You'll survive... if any of us survive.

Is this the way you wanted it?

I never WANTED any of it.

All I want now is... is to survive.

You could have me shot.

Yes. I know.

No, no, no. Not me. Take care of the others.

Passing over Newcastle.

Altitude?

7,000.

We need fifteen by dawn.

I'm not sure we can even maintain present altitude, sir.

We need another 8,000 feet to get above the fighters. >

Jettison everything. The dead, too.

I'll tell Tauntler. I'LL tell him.

Jettison all surplus weight!

Everything over the side!

9,500.

Hundred and Twelve Squadron airborne.

Sixteen Squadron airborne.

Fifty-three Squadron airborne.

11,400.

No more reserve tanks?

No, sir.

We're all right. We're way above their ceiling.

What about that new plane?

We'll need another 3,000 feet.

We need it NOW!

Here they come!

Enemy aircraft on starboard!

Fattest sitting duck!

There!

Throw out the guns! Jettison everything!

Aaaah!

We must get higher!

Jettison all guns! Jettison everything!

15,000.

They can't reach us. >

Christian! The door's locked.

Christian!

No trace of Richter-Douglas. He's not among the dead, the wounded or the prisoners.

He must be on board.

He has a great sense of survival. I hope he can swim!

Land!

It's either Holland or Belgium. If it's Holland, it's neutral.

We'll be interned for the rest of the war. Yes!

IF we survive.

Brace yourselves!