Original subtitles

And that's how I started out, years ago in Germany.

I didn't have a dime. No experience. Nothing.

But I knew one thing: I wanted to build airplanes.

Not a dime? I was always sending him money.

And Platz here was about the only one in Germany who knew how to weld back then.

So I had to have him.

Everything I came up with this man could build. We were a great team.

That's why I'm very glad he was willing to take on this new adventure with me.

Here, in the Netherlands.

Where the Netherlands had its first taste of flying.

And with that I officially declare the Dutch Aircraft Factory open.

Fokker, congratulations. -Albert.

When will the factory be up and running? -I've only just opened it.

And I've been waiting for six months. I need planes.

You're not the only one.

I have orders from the army, there's international demand.

You were going to build for the KLM. -How many machines will you order?

Four, five?

Not even? Then join the queue. -But I need those planes.

Later, Plesman.

Congratulations. -Thank you.

Get up.

Yes.

Right next to the Vondelpark. -Fantastic place, Tetta.

Yes, but we will have to refurbish.

That wall has to go to let in more light, and I want warm water in all the rooms.

And wall-to-wall carpeting, of course.

Look at this view. -Marvellous.

How much is it? -100,000, says the agent.

Is it a smart thing to do? You've just bought those factory halls.

Do you know what the Russians pay me?

I've made proper arrangements.

It will be a fine factory, son.

One, two... One, two...

Will you never let me do it again? -It's not a cheese slicer.

Will you say something, Ab? -Of course.

I have to learn, don't I? -You get to shave when you're older, okay?

They force you to work with that guy and then he refuses.

What guy? -Hans.

What guy? -Here, treacle.

One of Daddy's airplanes.

'Gesneden'.

'Geschneden koek'.

From Germany. From the tax authorities.

You did pay your taxes, didn't you?

Tonnie.

Not a word to Tetta, Mom.

Plenty of other aircraft manufacturers if Fokker has better things to do, right?

They can't simply expect you to just... -Darling.

Isn't it ridiculous? -I'm trying to keep calm.

If I get worked up, I can't get the board to agree to anything.

I want to go to Maastricht soon. -What for?

Municipal elections. -Ah, the first Dutch women to vote.

Yes, and I want to be there. Monday, May 1 7.

Will you be taking the boys with you? -Ab.

I can't take them to my work, can I?

We'll see what we'll do.

Stay calm, alright?

It's an outrage that Fokker refuses to build for us now.

As if we're a bunch of children. This is only causing more delay.

I say, for him ten others. Away with him.

I'm sorry.

It's just that I want to get started.

So do you have a concrete proposal? -De Havillands. I wanted them initially...

They're good machines.

But expensive. -How much?

Around 70,000 guilders a piece.

What about those Junkers? Their F13s... -No, we cannot fly with German machines.

In England they'll be seized at once. -Why are we talking about buying?

We're 180,000 guilders in the red and not making a cent.

Because we have no planes. -We can also hire, Plesman.

So let's hire. As long as we can fly. -We shouldn't rush things.

Not until we have a workable multiannual plan.

What is the exact nature of the enterprise?

Freight transport, aerial photography, flight training?

People. That is the nature. We transport people.

Then I want to see in black and white that that will bring in money.

You're writing reports on our competitors? -We're not going to wait for those, are we?

Why try to invent the wheel again if your neighbour is working on the same thing?

We'll continue next month. See how far those reports are then.

Alright, gentlemen, then I hereby end the meeting.

Look, now it's in neutral.

The cone of the flame has to be as large as possible.

But without flume.

Where is the boss? -Up there.

When will I get my money?

Part of your D-7s were delivered in Petrograd, the rest in Odessa.

So the Russians already have my planes.

And we acted as guarantors. -Yes, for 1 0%.

But the payment comes from the Soviet trading company in Berlin.

They opened an account in London at the Guaranteed Trust Company.

Which is a branch of an American bank... -Frits.

When? -Are you that hard up?

I don't like to get played. -Nobody is being played.

Oh no?

The aviation department has cancelled its order too.

I was going to build 190 machines for them.

Well, the war is over, isn't it? -If they want war, they can get it.

Anthony and I have some other matters to discuss.

Secret plans, gentlemen?

Why did you tell Plesman you won't build for the KLM?

That handful of planes? -We hooked you two up for a reason.

Are you here for me or for the KLM?

Your Russian export is being tolerated only because of your promise...

to build for the KLM. You gave Trip your word.

Trip?

Is that why I have to wait so long for my money?

Yes, of course I blocked that payment. I won't let myself be hoodwinked.

Not too hard. I can't force the KLM to buy my planes.

Well, that's why you have F.H. as member of the board, right?

Don't press, knead, like bread. Ever baked bread?

I have to avoid a conflict of interest. -That would be a first.

Yes, stop. I think it's torn. We're going to a doctor.

Do you even have any planes for sale? I hear your factory is still inoperative.

I have a prototype ready in Schwerin. Of the F-2, a new passenger airplane.

Sell it to the KLM and I'll let your money through.

You've made the Dutch government a promise. I intend to keep you to it.

Can you get that F-2 here? -I shouldn't cross the border right now.

Misunderstanding with the tax authorities. Would Plesman be interested in that F-2?

If you don't tell him you're building it in Germany. Offer him a good price.

Should I give it to him? -Don't try to get the best deal out of it.

Are you sure you're not talking on behalf of the KLM?

Why wouldn't I be allowed to wear trousers? -You are allowed to.

It is more practical. -Women in trousers just look strange to me.

You look strange yourself.

Did we have an appointment? -You want planes, don't you?

High-wing, so your passengers can enjoy the view.

Room for four? -Possibly five.

But then one sits here, outside, next to the pilot.

Why is the stabilizer so small? -It's not needed.

The shape of the hull keeps it stable.

It flies wonderfully. -It's already flying?

A prototype. -And what would it cost?

I can deliver them for 27,500 a piece. -De Havillands cost three times as much.

You're just starting out. -So what was that about joining the queue?

I shouldn't have said that.

How do you think it makes me feel that I can't deliver yet? It's going too slowly.

Too slowly for you? -I want to grow as well.

People know my machines only from the war. Any idea how that feels?

Every time they hear your name, they only think of all the planes shot down...

I want the same as you: civil aviation.

Connect people. -Yes, exactly.

I'm only the administrator. Everything I do I first have to submit to the board.

And they only come once a month. -How can you work like that?

We're now looking into what the best strategy might be.

And how we should proceed operationally.

If you want to fly, you need a plane, and I sell them.

We're not even sure yet if we want to buy. Perhaps it's smarter to hire.

We don't even know yet if we'll be transporting passengers, as I want...

or mail and freight, as the board wants. Or both at once, which is also possible.

And who will fly the machines? Will we hire pilots or train them ourselves?

We don't know what airfield we'll use. -So what have you been doing here?

I've never done this before. -No one has ever done this before.

You're a pioneer. Man, act like one.

Here's what I want. Passengers and mail on the same plane.

Gives you the largest cost coverage per flight hour. With small aircraft like these.

It's more expensive per seat. -But lower costs per flight hour.

The planes won't be full at first anyway. -Then my F-2 would be perfect.

Yes.

I have no arrangement with the mail yet. I must discuss this with the board. Sorry.

What do they know about it? Do you still believe in flying?

Yes. -Well, then come on.

Ah, excuse me.

We won't get a new one till the old one... -Yes, thank you, Neeltje.

Start building.

I want it as soon as possible. -Look, now you are a pioneer.

Albert. -Tony.

Call P&T, I want someone to come talk about the air mail as soon as possible.

Absolutely.

Platz, how's it going?

It's going.

How soon can we start producing? I have just sold an F-2 to the KLM.

Not by a long stretch.

Who are you? -Parmentier, sir.

Parmentier. Go stand somewhere else right now.

Hurry up.

Can we get the factory in Schwerin up and running?

We're not allowed to build planes there. -So we'll keep it quiet.

You're going back to Schwerin. -I just got here.

I need that plane fast. -My daughter goes to school here. Elise...

The faster that F-2 is built, the faster you will be back.

I'll donate the building to the city. -Donate something, you?

On the condition that it becomes the mayor's official residence.

There's the catch. -They're getting it for free.

As long as they hang up your portrait. -I won't stop them.

I'll keep you posted, Plesman. -Excellent.

Rinus.

Cor, F.H., Eddy. -What are you doing here?

Your man has a nice plan for air mail. Very modern.

We're happy to participate. Bye, Gentlemen.

Well, shall we?

It's not up to you to take that decision. -If I have to wait for you...

That is your job. We take the decisions, you implement them.

What did you promise Damme? -Mail flights.

To London, Paris and Berlin. -What? How do you dare...

They'll pay 8 guilders per kilo.

Let's say 3000 kilos per year...

plus the money from Public Works...

That's a nice figure, Cor.

But how will we execute those flights? -I got Fokker to agree...

to offer his F-2 at a very low price.

Look. -We're not going to buy.

A high-wing, that is interesting indeed.

No.

Aircraft Transport & Travel. You know them?

They fly between England and France, We've written a report about them.

I read those reports from cover to cover. You should do too.

Contact them.

See if they are open to a joint service between the Netherlands and England.

They already have the machines. And the experience.

Didn't we want to set up our own airline? -I agree with Albert.

And who has invested more than 1 00,000 here?

Me. And we're not going to squander that money.

A minimal investment. We'll gain some experience and then take it from there.

I want you to start low. We'll assume one percent of the total costs, at first.

They'll never accept that. -An opening bid.

Alright, continue next month? -Perfect.

Nice, those cups. But could you maybe have them filled next time?

Sorry, I'm used to people ordering with me.

What is 'verdelen'?

And what is 'afschrijven'? -I don't know.

That's exactly the whole problem.

Did they hang up on you? -Lost the connection.

From our side? -Yes, over the water.

That wireless system is useless.

Neeltje, AT&T, now. What a bloody hassle.

Where were they going to land?

I thought here, Maaldrift. Close to the government.

Wassenaar? -Yes, that's the best runway.

We'll drive passengers there by car from Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

Don't make such a face, Pieter, I'm doing the best I can.

What? -How come your English is so good?

How come your English is so bad?

From now on you'll talk to the British. -What?

I don't think that's a good idea.

Ask how many kilos of mail they usually transport and at what price.

Ples, she's your secretary. -Yes, short lines. That's the idea, right?

She wrapped the English around her finger. -Watch out, the pot is still hot.

She loves English literature.

Jan, not on the wood. -I know that.

If she could, she'd move there. I tell you, she's not stupid at all.

Did you think she was? -No, of course not.

Glasses first, yes. Because she's a woman?

I also know my languages.

Not that they serve me here. -You had a rich daddy.

Neeltje taught herself.

Hey, shit. -Not my fault.

Who's fault then? -You said I had to learn.

It's only a plate.

Hey, do you not feel well?

I'm not sick Ab, I'm tired. I spend all day running after the boys.

They destroy everything. their clothes, their bicycles, each other, the dishes.

It's their age. -No.

This is my life.

I should be happy for Neeltje...

but I'm just envious.

She matters now, I... I just sit here.

She's just a secretary. -Yes, for now she is.

Times are changing, Ab. Except for me.

Those elections in Limburg, when were they again?

On Monday, May 1 7. -Go there.

Make it a long weekend. Book a hotel, take a friend along.

I'll take care of the three little devils.

All three of them? -All three.

You're going to regret it. -Probably.

We have a visitor. -Calm down.

Otherwise I'll give you...

'Start building.' That's what you told me.

You wanted that plane. -I still do.

Now you team up with the English. -Do you think I'm happy about that?

I wanted my own airplanes too. -And I have to hear it from Frits?

You could have called. -We're still negotiating.

You said you'd arrange it. What a spineless sap you are.

Come to offend me in my own home? Then you can get the hell out right now.

What do you think? Should your dad buy my planes, just like he promised?

Yes. -Get lost, right now.

Go on.

You poisoned him with that flight test. -Great, isn't it?

It's not my money. If the board would rather hire British planes...

How's it going with those British? -What do you mean?

Well, the negotiations. -It's going.

Wouldn't it be better...

if it wasn't going?

What are you getting at?

I have to sabotage that deal.

You have no experience with these kinds of negotiations. Why wouldn't you goof up?

I can't do that. -Do you want my F-2 or not?

It's a game, Plesman. -Yes, but I have three children to feed.

What if they throw me out? -They'll only do so if they catch you.

And you won't let that happen, will you?

Look, the coat of arms is already finished.

It's really magnificent, Tetta. -Very nice, Tetta.

Isn't it nice, Tonnie?

That's a heirloom. Your grandchildren will have it on the wall.

Do you already know where you will hang it?

Tony, have we received the deed of sale yet?

I'm working on it.

I have the offers for the refurbishing. -I'm working on it.

You should come by more often. -We definitely will.

And right by the Vondelpark.

That's why I want to move the bedroom window, so the light enters via the trees.

And spare no expenses.

I think my Dutch will only get better. -Keep doing your best.

I can't buy that house.

I have a problem with the German tax authority. It's a misunderstanding, but...

How big a misunderstanding?

14 million.

But my lawyers are on top of it and...

How long have you known?

Does it matter?

A few weeks.

And now?

I'm trying to solve it. -You said you'd never lie to me.

I didn't lie. -Tony, look at me.

I'm busy. -Look at me.

Fine.

I'll just go to the factory.

Tony.

You work for me, right? What are you doing here this late?

And so sensitive. You felt every movement of the stick right away.

For a moment I thought I lost it, but then I could simply...

First time?

My first flight ever was on the ELTA.

But the first time you flew yourself? In the dark?

Without training, without co-pilot? -I thought I could manage.

You thought you could manage? -I read 'The Airfield' every month.

I know everything about airplanes. -Do you also know you're fired now?

All of you, for that matter.

Parmentier, wasn't it?

How old are you?

Seventeen, sir.

I wasn't much older when I had my first flight.

How did you like it?

And then that file goes to Mr Noest. Thank you.

Good morning, everyone. -Morning, Ples.

Piet, come.

How are you doing with the British? -I spoke to Mr Searle.

This afternoon we'll get a counter offer. -This afternoon, good.

Casually mention to him that eventually we'll launch our own service to London.

That's telling them we'll be competitors. -Why would they still want to join forces?

Exactly.

Ples, what are you doing?

I'm playing the game, Piet. -What game?

Just trust me. -I have Damme from the mail on the line.

Damme? What does he want?

Here? -Here.

This is a military airfield.

It's close to Amsterdam. -Close? I had to ask the way twice.

You have open bridges, the belt canal. I even had to pay toll.

Here.

But Maaldrift is close to The Hague.

Amsterdam is more interesting. It's a business city.

Alright, I'll do my best.

They'd better put up signposts, otherwise no one will ever find it.

It's non-negotiable.

And I hear you want to run the service together with the British?

That doesn't have our preference. -Hold on one second.

If the British pull out, our service... -You can't...

It's our service, the KLM's. The mail is allowed to participate.

The mail has conditions. Otherwise we'll look for a different partner.

A different partner? This was my idea. -Your idea? Air mail is your idea?

The ancient Greeks used carrier pigeons. -The ancient Greeks don't try to screw me.

We want to do business with your KLM. But we want a first mail flight this month.

If you fail to arrange that, we'll look for a different partner.

I have all confidence in you.

Wait.

Maybe we can help each other.

Do you have connections at 'The Airfield'? The magazine.

This is a disaster. -It's not good.

Did you know about this? -No.

Everyone with a plane is free to respond. -We're being blackmailed by the mailman.

What a wonderful company we have.

Any lunatic that welds two wings to a bike is our competitor now.

Good work, Plesman.

We need that mail money. If another air carrier gets it...

What about the British?

The costs of a joint service turn out a bit higher than we'd hoped.

How much higher? -Fifty-fifty.

I said, start with one percent. -Yes, I tried.

Then we might as well acquire our own planes.

How much was that F-2? -27,500.

Gentlemen, in for a penny, in for a pound.

Where is my F-2?

You're building the F-2 in Germany? -This is my parents' home.

You came to my house too when you wanted to sell that thing.

My factory here isn't up and running yet. -And you didn't think I should know?

What does it matter where I build it? -Germany can't manufacture airplanes.

The Treaty of Versailles... -Germany isn't building airplanes.

I'm building airplanes. -No, the documents say 'Schwerin'.

If I send one to London, can you guarantee I will see it back?

They seize those things there. -Oh no.

Oh no? Great, problem solved.

What if they do get seized? Will my passengers have to swim back?

I think you're exaggerating, Plesman. -I have to set up a mail line this week.

And now I have no airplane.

You're not withdrawing your order, are you? -Of course I am.

How did you even plan to get it here? -Leave that up to me.

Plesman, I really need that order.

And I really need your airplane. But there's no way.

So now I have to beg the board on my knees to agree to a deal with the British.

Who have upped their price, by the way.

Yes, I did what you said.

Man, and I thought we were on the same side.

Ples, Ples, Ples.

I can get that F-2 here, on time.

I give you my word. -If only that meant something.

Yes, Schwerin. Put me through.

Tony? -How far are you?

Not far. We have to be careful. The Allies are keeping an eye on us.

And the prototype? -It's still standing here.

Can you get it over here? -How? The trains are being checked.

By air. -Tony, I don't have any pilots here.

Just get the machine ready. I'll come up with something.

I don't recommend flying with a prototype. It still has too many...

If I don't get that F-2 here on time, you don't even need to come back anymore.

Because then my factory will have ceased to exist.

Tony, we have to talk.

Not now.

I'm not a pilot. -You've flown. That makes you a pilot.

And that plane is a joy to fly. Platz will explain the controls.

Does that mean I'm hired again?

Thank you.

Goddammit. That bastard.

Who? -Here, a letter to the editor.

About the air mail service.

Anonymous. -Yes. A 'critic', he calls himself.

What a bastard.

Who is this? -Who do you think it is?

'The KLM is in the unique situation that it is being blackmailed by the mailman.'

That's Van Aalst. -No.

Yes. Read what he writes about me.

'Unreasonable to make such demands on a still struggling enterprise...

that is led by a still very inexperienced administrator.'

Why not just call me a little brat? -Ab, he's also attacking the KLM.

He never believed in it. Not really.

Do you think the rest of the board will be happy with this?

Suus, you don't have to, really.

Honey, I'm okay. -You think I was doing this for you?

Plesman, what an honour. -Fokker is building that F-2 in Germany.

That doesn't have to be a problem.

You knew this?

I was not informed. -This is unacceptable.

We can't fly with German planes. You know that.

The British are expecting an answer.

I think a joint service is the only option. Even if it won't be cheap.

My God, Plesman, a nice mess you've made.

Well, so write an op-ed piece about it.

Excuse me? -No idea what I'm talking about?

You're referring to the letter in 'The Airfield'?

I can guarantee you that I have nothing to do with that.

The author knew a lot about our company. -Eddy, I give you my word.

And Plesman, I don't have to take this. -I know the editor-in-chief.

I can ask him for the return address of whoever wrote this. Shall I do that?

I can always apologize afterwards.

Well, we've lost enough time already. -That's the first thing you say that's true.

All those months, all that lost time, all that endless chatter here.

All we do is talk. Can't we do this? Look into that, inquire there, try that.

Should we do mail, freight, hire, buy?

I'm here to implement your decisions, but you don't take any.

And when I take an initiative, I get flak for it. What the hell.

You're all so busy with your games...

with multiannual plans and secret agreements...

that you forget what it's all about. We have to fly.

That is what we're there for, that is what we've promised people.

Thank you.

So you tell me.

Now or never. Together with the British?

I'd like to know if that F-2... -That F-2 will never get here.

He can't even get it out of the country.

Very good.

He sent you? -Yes, it wasn't my idea.

But it's a valuable machine. And you're only a kid.

Have the Dutch lost their mind?

Wait till everyone is gone. I'll leave the doors open.

The tanks are full. You have to crank it yourself. It will take off straight away.

So you'll have to jump on quickly.

Can you do that? -Yes, I think so.

But...

how do I steer it?

My God.

Finish your plate. -Yes, agreed.

Hans, you too. Come on. -Understood. Bye.

It's a deal. The first KLM flight London-Schiphol.

With mail and passengers. -Congratulations, darling.

Coming Monday already. The press will be there.

Coming Monday? -Yes, Public Works will be there,

The Chamber of Commerce. It'll be a huge event.

Do you also want to see the plane? -Yes.

Good. You can even climb on board. -And fly?

No, not fly, just look around. This is the beginning, boys.

The first flight. This will change everything.

Ladies and gentlemen, the first of many flights of the KLM.

Mr Plesman, what type of airplane is it? -De Havilland.

Why don't you fly with a Dutch plane? -That's a long story.

Why not a Fokker? Van Berkel, Koolhoven?

Yes, that... -Ladies and gentlemen.

There is more to celebrate on this magnificent day.

With due pride I present to you my latest traffic plane...

a cantilever monoplane, the Fokker F-2.

You swore that the F-2 couldn't get here. -The De Havilland is an excellent machine.

Just look. If we want customers, we need Fokkers.

Two F-2s especially for the KLM, now officially in production. Congrats, Ples.

This morning Trip cleared the money from Russia.

So your problems are solved? -I immediately bought that house.

The voting women of Maastricht

Yes.

Where's Tetta? -All her things are gone.

She didn't even say goodbye.

I'm sure she went to the new house.

Yes, I'm sure.

Tetta? I'm here.

Are you in bed already?