Margin for Error (1943) - full transcript

Seven. That did it.
This time I'm shooting five.

- I've got one.
- You've paid ahead.

Here we go. Come on. Let's show
them how many days are in a week.

Snake eyes,
jump up and bite him.

Eight she is. Eighter from Decatur.
A working mars point.

- Do we ride or are we walking?
- Finkelstein is hot.

Come on, baby. Let's get over
the hump this time.

- Here we go. Eight she is.
- Seven she is.

- Shoot the deuce.
- Come on tootsie, work for papa.

Why, you double crossing, sawed
off hunk of elephants tusks.

- What's the idea?
- Sorry, you know the regulations.



Since when did you start giving
orders in this outfit?

Maybe you're scared of those rats
bellied goose steppers down there.

I'm not afraid, but I don't think
that we should underestimate them.

Who's underestimating them?

Do you think they need a map for
that cockeyed moon tailing us?

And from now on, keep your nose
out of my business.

- Take it easy. He didn't mean it.
- Who does he think he is.

- Alright.
- That accent is like a hiney to me.

Pete, with you, everything's gotta
be an argument. Don't be silly.

Max is American, alright? He speaks
just as good as English as me.

What's a fella like him doing
in this outfit anyway?

You seem to know him pretty well,
Moe. Who is he?

Well, it's kind of like my old pal,
Father O'Grady used to say:

The saints would sooner throw a block
party for a straightened out guy...



than for ninety and nine right guys
that don't need no straightening out.

I met him a few months before
we entered the war.

It was in...

maybe I'd better not tell you the
name of the town. Let's say it was...

somewhere on the east coast
of the United States.

See, the mayor of the town
was a great little kidder.

Send in Solomon and Finkelstein.

- Ok, you two. Go on in.
- Yes, sir.

- Hi, Greenberg.
- Hi, Finkelstein.

Hi, Rosenblatt.

- Finkelstein reporting, sir.
- Solomon reporting, sir.

Hello. How would you like a vacation
from that graveyard beat you're on?

- The longer the better.
- Suits me if you make it permanent.

- I'm transferring you to the battery.
- The battery? That's a swell spot.

- Oh, sure.
- To patrol the German consulate...

to prevent the inciting of any riot
or demonstration and to see that...

no harm comes to the members of the
staff specifically to Karl Baumer...

the German Counsel General.
You'll work alternating shifts.

- You'll work first, Finkelstein.
- Yes, sir.

Solomon?
The Nazi counsel.

- So what?
- So what?

Solomon, you, me, the Nazi.

Send in Kapitsky and Poland.

Wait a minute.

Excuse me, Captain,
but did you say the German counsel?

That's right.

I won't do it.

Put that shield back
where it belongs.

You could be busted for doing that.
Now put it back.

I just can't do it, Captain. I'd cut
off my right arm for the department...

do a 36 hour tour in the rain, but
I just can't protect a dirty Nazi.

Come here.

You see those buttons?

By tonight there'll be 3OO
of you boys protecting...

the lives and property
of Germans.

Bund members, camps, club halls.

- You know how we feel. How you...
- Orders. Straight from the mayor.

- He expects every cop to do his duty.
- Duty? You call that duty?

When in our hearts, we hope they
should all break their necks...

from Hitler to Baumer to the
littlest Nazi rat in Yorkville.

Berlin has complained to Washington
about demonstrations in our cities.

So, a few Nazi windows were
broken in travel agencies.

The mayor wants them to be safe,
as long we're neutral...

A great little guy, our mayor.
He's got a sense of humor.

He wants you to teach the Nazis the
difference between their system...

and our democratic free country.
- Hizzoner's a great guy alright...

but his sense of humor stinks.
- Finkelstein!

Free country. Free speech.

Okay.
Now, come on. Get on the job.

It's like asking to sit down
and break bread with Hitler.

I'm a cop not a storm trooper.

- A cop doesn't fall down on his job.
- But you...

In this country a cop
gives everybody a break...

no matter how he feels.

3315. Magillacutty wore this.
He was killed in action.

Now, you know the tradition.

A dead hero's shield goes
to the most promising cop.

Now, you're not going to
disgrace 3315...

are you?

No, sir.

But mama won't like it.

Heil Hitler.

Good morning. Patrolman Finkelstein.
I'm assigned to duty here.

Wait here.

Yes, Fritz?

The new policeman, Finkelstein,
is here, Baron.

Ask him to wait.
I'll tell the counsel.

Yes, sir.

Jewish policemen
to guard this consulate.

If I were Hitler, I'd break
off diplomatic relations.

- Then, you'd be out of a job, Otto.
- What do you mean?

Without diplomatic relations,
there would be no American Führer.

Baron, you're talking like one
of those stupid columnists.

Our Bund has no connection
with the German government.

Are your reports
for Berlin ready?

- Everything.
- Good.

The dispatch leaves tomorrow
at midnight.

This is a list of new memberships
and pamphlets distributed...

to libraries, labor halls
and waiting rooms.

We've done very well
in dentist's offices.

People tend to leave them in a frame
of mind for our messages...

and my new budget of Bund expenses,
Baron. I'm very low on funds.

The counsel gave
you US$25 thousand last month.

- No, he didn't.
- He didn't?

No, and I must have money to pay
for these new uniforms.

Who told you
to buy new uniforms?

Well, I've got to do something
to get my picture in the papers.

Alright. I'll speak
to the counsel about it.

Wait here.

Oh, you're the new man.

- Are you the counsel?
- No, I'm Baron von Alvenstor...

his secretary.
Do you know your duties?

- Well, positively.
- I'll tell the counsel...

that you've reported.

Baron...

is he really as bad
as they say he is?

You won't find the counsel difficult
if you don't antagonize him.

Thank you.

Baron...

are you a Nazi?
- Naturally.

- What's so naturally about it?
- You'll excuse me.

- Oh, Fritz?
- Yes, sir?

- Will you show the officer around?
- Yes, sir.

Well, let's go, thin-blood.

This way.

- Good morning, Frieda.
- Good morning, Herr Counselor.

Good morning.
These stubborn, stupid English.

Can't they get anything
through their thick heads?

I'll bet you that the Führer will
have dinner in Buckingham in 3 weeks.

- Ridiculous.
- Shut up, Churchill.

Ridiculous.

- Did the dispatch from Berlin come?
- Yes, sir.

Otto Horst is downstairs.
He wants his money.

- I gave him US$25,OOO last month.
- He says you didn't.

That's right. I put it off
until I see his new budget.

How could Berlin have chosen such
a dumbkoff for our American Führer?

As a teacher at Midwestern high
school, he was extremely valuable...

in advancing the ideology of national
socialism to the American students.

- Anything from Schroeder yet?
- No.

Has he been investigating
somebody for you again?

Max, sometimes you're too curious.

I never thought of myself
as unduly curious.

Perhaps it's an Austrian trait.

As far as I know, I inerited nothing
from my Viennese grandmother.

How can we know what we inerit
from our grandparents...

if we know so little about them?
Any money?

- Yes. US$5O thousand.
- US$5O thousand?

What am I to do with US$5O thousand?

Take care of Horst,
secure confidential information...

buy off American journalists
and radio commentators?

Next, Berlin will order me
to corrupt Walter Winchell...

with an autographed picture
of Hitler.

Special delivery.

Look here, sir.
We've got to get together...

on the finances of the consulate.
I can't make the books balance.

You're not supposed to keep books.
Books are dangerous.

I keep the figures in my head.
That's why Berlin sent me.

I hope I've made a mistake, but I make
a shortage of US$25O thousand.

Those funds belong to our country.
You must help me straighten things out.

How can I straighten books out
that you keep in your head?

You have to try, sir. I can't delay
sending my report to Berlin...

the dispatch leaves tomorrow
at midnight.

How charming.
I must have a secret admirer.

- Is there no card?
- No, Max.

Perhaps they are from a lady,
who prefers to remain anonymous.

- Don't eat. They might be poisoned.
- Why anyone would poison me?

We Germans are not too popular
these days.

They really are beautiful.

- Maybe Mr. Churchill would like one.
- No, please. Why take a chance?

Mrs. Farmer is very
fond of Mr. Churchill.

- Are you afraid of me, Mr. Churchill?
- Ridiculous.

- Good morning.
- Good morning, Sophie.

What's the matter with him?

Well, rest in peace,
Mr. Churchill.

No, thank you, Frieda.

I'm afraid you were right, Max.
The grapes are poisoned.

- You killed him.
- I was sent grapes in the mail.

Max warns me they might be poisoned.
You want me to try them on myself.

- You could've sent them for analysis.
- You did it deliberately.

- You knew I was fond of him.
- You can buy another parrot.

And, please, one with a
less limited vocabulary.

I got quite bored with Mr. Churchill
saying nothing but ridiculous...

ridiculous every time
I opened my mouth.

- I hate him.
- Sophie.

I can't stand it any longer.
I can't go on living with him.

Why do you, Sophie?

You know why I do.
My father's still in Prague.

He wouldn't take it out
on your father.

Wouldrt he?

- You really don't know him, Max.
- I understand how you feel...

but he hasn't had an easy job in his
post. He has plenty to worry about.

- Max, you're always so loyal to him.
- I'm not loyal to him.

I'm loyal to what he represents.

- The Nazis?
- Yes. The Nazis.

- Sophie, is there anything I could do?
- No, thank you. I'll be all right.

This is Officer Finkelstein. He'll be
on duty instead of Officer Callahan.

Pleased to meet you.

- Mr. Churchill is dead.
- What did she say?

- Mr. Churchill is dead.
- Winston Churchill?

Yes. He just died upstairs.

When somebody dies, you've got to
report it. Churchill? Dead here?

Mr. Churchill is a parrot.
Mrs. Baumer's pet parrot.

What happened, Frieda?

- What was that?
- Baumer received a box of grapes...

from an anonymous admirer.
The parrot got a hold of one.

- Lucky it wasrt Mr. Baumer.
- Very.

Sure, a guy like the Counsel ain't
exactly popular.

- He ought to watch his diet.
- We are very careful.

Nice and pleasant
home life you've got here.

- The counsel.
- Go ahead, don't mind me.

So, you're Frieda, huh?

That was a fast brush off.

- Tell Horst I'll see him now.
- Yes, sir.

- Heil Hitler.
- Heil Hitler.

Well, Horst, you get the plans?

I've been busy. The Bund is about
to start a new membership drive...

for all American citizens
of German blood.

Already, we have five thousand
men in uniform in this state.

I asked you if you
got the plans.

But that takes time...

and money.
- Money, money, money, money.

My dear man...

I commissioned you to get plans for
the defense of the East Coast...

and you make speeches and run around
like a chicken with his head cut off.

- But how can you expect?
- And by the way...

if you have
any complaints about me...

please be good enough
to make them to me...

and not to my secretary.
- Yes, sir.

Alright.

And now, Horst, I want you to get me
four longshoremen union cards.

By tomorrow morning.

Four of our men are arriving
on the Belmont this afternoon...

and I want you to put them to work
on the waterfront immediately.

- The waterfront? That's impossible.
- I'm not interested in excuses.

All I want is the cards, don't care
how you get them or where.

Just get them.
That's what we pay you for.

- But I haven't been paid.
- Bring the cards in the morning...

and I'll see what I can do.
Who is next?

The new policeman.
Officer Finkelstein.

Finkelstein.
Tell him to come in.

The counsel will see you now,
Officer Finkelstein.

Alright, sir.

Come on in, Officer Finkelman.

Finkelstein.
Moe Finkelstein.

- Moe Finkelstein.
- That's me, brother.

- Begin by not calling me brother.
- Just the American way of talking.

- You're no brother of mine, Mister.
- Thank you.

Thank your mother.
What a break for both of us.

Shut up. Horst, you can go now.
I'll see you in the morning.

- Heil Hitler.
- Heil Hitler.

Pardon me, sir, but you shouldn't
get mixed up with fellas like that.

- What do you mean?
- Well...

he's running a racket
and that ain't good.

Wrapping himself up in an American
flag to make un-american speeches.

Free speech is part
of your Constitution.

But when a guy like Horst
preaches murder...

there ought to be a constitutional
way to give him a military funeral.

- That will do.
- I'm telling you that Das Horst...

is heading for the clink, but why should
I tip you off? I'm too democratic.

Officer, do you know why
you are here?

Sure, Hizzoner the mayor
wants you to be happy.

I take it that you don't enjoy
being my personal bodyguard.

It's got its merits. Imagine me
being responsible for your health.

Where else could a cockeyed thing like
that happen except in a democracy?

Do you realize what will happen
to you if anything happens to me?

I'll get sacked off the force
if a hair on your head gets touched...

which is why I've got to be careful.
- Shut up.

Just holding up my
end of the conversation.

Do you have any relatives
in Germany?

I come from a very smart family.
They left long before Hitler.

All of your core religion in Germany
will be hostages for my safety.

Remember what happened to them
when Greenspan shot the Secretary...

of our embassy in Paris.
- I know all of the colorful details.

In this country Dillinger and Capone
used to pull stunts like that.

You know where they wound up.
I'm hoping for the best in your case.

I'll report you for insolence.

I don't wanna start nothing.
A grudge against you, I ain't got.

You've done me a favor.
You've shown me the difference...

between living in the land of the
free and in the land of gangsters.

- Hitler is a genius.
- Yeah, but he's a stupid genius.

Maybe I should've gone in the
grocery business with uncle Jake.

Frieda.

Oh Frieda, I forgot my gloves.

You've been here over 2 months.
You must learn to speak English.

Fritz says not necessary. Come ta
tach everyone will sprecten Deutsch.

In the meantime, a little English
might come in handy. Get my gloves.

Yes.

Officer. I don't believe I've seen
you before. I'm Mrs. Baumer.

Patrolman Finkelstein.
A pleasure to meet you.

I'm glad to see you on the job, officer.
There may be trouble tomorrow night...

when Hitler's speech is broadcast.
- Don't worry. There won't be trouble...

with me and Solomon on the job.

I'm sure there won't.

- Do you want your car?
- No, thank you.

I'm just going around
the corner.

Hey, that Mrs. Baumer
sure is a swell lady.

No, Dr. Jennings.
It's no use.

This won't make me sleep.

I'm not sick.
I'm worried. Scared.

Scared of what?

My father's in a concentration
camp in Czechoslovakia.

In a concentration camp?
Your father?

My father was Czech ambassador
in Berlin when I met my husband.

After the Anschluss...

well he's been in a camp
over a year and a half now.

But I don't understand.
Can't your husband help him?

No. I mean...

I'm afraid I can't explain.
Anyway, thank you, doctor.

I have no right to take up your time
with my personal problems.

Come here.

Sit down.

Now, tell me.

You've never met my husband.

If you had, you'd probably
wonder why I married him.

But he can be very
charming when he wants to.

I was young. I'd been
brought up in Germany.

Perhaps, I was flattered by the
attention of a Nazi official.

At any rate, I soon knew that
I had made a mistake.

I told him and asked
him to let me go.

At first he just laughed at me.

Then he pleaded with me.

Finally, he threatened me.

You mean he's using your father's
plight to make you stay with him?

Yes. Sometimes I've been afraid
that I'd kill him.

- That wouldn't help your father.
- No.

- Why don't you see a lawyer?
- I don't dare.

- You don't dare?
- I'm watched constantly and followed.

- I find that hard to believe.
- My husband is by the window...

in the library right
now spying on me...

waiting for me to come out.

- Are you sure you're not imagining?
- Why don't you look?

- Anything from Vienna, yet?
- Yes, the letter from Schroeder.

- It just came.
- Give it to me.

I said give it to me.
Strictly personal.

- Lf it's in code...
- It won't be.

Schroeder has a strange notion that
codes were invented by spies...

to give spies employment.
- Who is the victim this time?

Why are you so curious, Max?

Lately, sir, anybody that you don't
like you expect them of being Jewish.

Forgive me, sir,
but it's become rather an obsession.

A rather useful obsession
for a smart Nazi.

- Fritz?
- Yes, sir?

- Is the car here?
- Yes, sir.

Does the letter concern me?

Why should the letter
concern you?

See you later,
Officer Finkelberg.

The name is Finkelstein.
Moe Finkelstein.

Hello.

Say baby, how about heating
me a cup of coffee?

- Coffee?
- Yeah, coffee.

- Officer Callahan ordered a coffee.
- Look out for that Irishman.

- What?
- He's married.

- Married?
- Yeah, married.

Married. Five little Callahans.
More coming.

You know, honey.
You're a darn, cute looking kid.

You're beautiful.

Beautiful?

You dames understand
that in any language. Don't you?

Yeah, beautiful.

Your eyes, Greta Garbo.

Your shape, Betty Grable.
Your mouth, Loretta Young.

Nein. Hedy Lamarr.

Alright,
so we'll settle for Lamarr.

Married?

See...

married?
- Who? Me? Heaven forbid.

Mama should hear you say that.

- Your uniform.
- Yeah, thanks.

How about you and I going
out tomorrow night?

Look, you, me,
dinner tomorrow night.

Tomorrow night is Mr. Hitler's
radio broadcast.

Don't tell me that you have to get
Hitler's permission.

Alright, Saturday night.
Seven o'clock.

- Seven o'clock. Good.
- First, we'll eat.

- We'll have blintzes, borsht...
- Nein. Chop suey.

Alright, chop suey.

- Movies?
- Sure, movies.

- Confessions of a Nazi Spy.
- Good.

It's a date. Okay?

Vas ist das okay?

Okay is okay.

Okee dokee. Hotsy Totsy.
Honky doree.

Alright. Ok. Okay?

- Okay.
- Okay.

- Karl, I want to talk to you.
- Fritz.

- Why won't you give me a divorce?
- This routine is getting boring.

But I'm no longer the slightest
use to you. You only married me...

because you thought the daughter
of an Ambassador might be useful.

Yes, and for the first time
in my life I was a dumbkoff.

To marry a Czech one year
before Anschluss.

In Europe now, it's not safe
to marry for anything but love.

At the time we married, the jewels
I inerited from my mother...

were valued at a half million dollars.
- I used the money to help your father.

- Did you?
- Yes. And much more.

Sophia, our finances are in bad shape.
The books don't balance.

There's quite a shortage.

What have you done with the money
they sent you from Berlin?

- Max is handling the money.
- Oh, stop it.

You are.
Max can prove that to Berlin.

Yes, but who in Berlin is going
to take his word against mine now?

- Now?
- Yes, Sophie.

Imagine. Our charming Max's Viennese
grandmother was a Jewess.

I have a letter from my agent
Schroeder in Vienna.

It's carefully documented.

- Karl, they'll put him in a camp.
- It's customary.

But you can't tell him. He couldn't
stand it. He might kill himself.

Yes, I know. Sensitive fellow.
Only way out and all that.

Thank you.

That would dispose
of the shortage and Max.

Good night, Sophie.

Thank you, Officer Fogelstein.

Finkelstein.
Moe Finkelstein.

Eight.
Black and even.

- Brandy.
- Yes, sir.

- US$5 thousand.
- US$5 thousand.

- Please Frau Baumer, can I go out?
- So late, Frieda?

The young officer wants to take
me for a short going.

What?

- Oh, you mean walk.
- Yeah, walk.

I thought you didn't like
the young officer.

Oh, he's okay.

Okay?

Yeah, okay, okee doke,
hunkie dorie, hotsy totsy.

Oh, he must be something.

Alright, go along and have a short
going with your young officer.

Thank you, Frau Baumer.

Thirty-one.

US$5 thousand more.
I'll sign for it.

- Mr. Lavass.
- Alright.

Would you please move away?
It might change my luck.

- Put this on eight.
- Eight.

- Waiter, another brandy.
- Yes, sir.

The number is 29.

Eleven. One more.
Take it easy.

Twelve.
Say doc, come here.

- She won.
- Well, this never happened before.

- Well, it has now. Pay off.
- You can have anything in the house.

Did you hear what he said?
You can have anything in the house?

Up to thirty-five cents.

Where are you going?

A lipstick.

A lipstick.

You mean you never
had one before?

You see, I'm beginning to understand
German. She says lipsticks...

are forbidden in Germany.
- That's horrible.

Why? It's the only thing mother
would agree with Hitler about.

- That will be $1.18.
- A dollar eighteen.

The lipstick was $1.5O. The lady
has thirty-five cents coming to her.

The tax is three cents.
That makes $1.18.

Okay?

Okay.

Eighteen.

- Come on, honey.
- Please, more Coke.

More Coke?

Two more Cherry cokes, please.

Say, I thought you didn't like
our national drink.

- I like.
- You like? Give yourself a chance.

You'll find a lot of things
around here you like...

and you can start on me.
- Okay.

Hello, Solomon.

- Hello.
- How's everything going?

Everything is under control.
Where have you two been?

- We went to buy a lipstick.
- So, I see.

Moe.

If you run along home to the Missus.
I don't mind to put in an extra hour.

Arert you the guy who did all the
squawking about going on this job?

- Only a fool don't change his mind.
- And you ain't no fool, brother.

- Will you learn me to talk English?
- Will I?

You just stick to me, and you'll be
talking right out of Shakespeare.

Good.

Why does anybody want to learn
how to talk? It ain't necessary.

Just like the good
old days in Vienna.

Frinklebaum!

- What's going on in here?
- Just a quiet little Anschluss...

and the name is Finkelstein.
Moe Finkelstein.

- Still working on your report, Max?
- It has to be ready tomorrow night.

What a sense of responsibility
you have and your head for figures...

- This just came over the wire.
- Thank you.

Sophie.

Sophie.

- Yes?
- I have news from Berlin.

Bad news.

News from Berlin is always
bad news for somebody.

- I've been recalled.
- They've finally caught up with you.

They give me 48 hours to get rid
of Horst...

and clean up the finances
of the consulate.

What? No orders to overthrow
the government in Washington?

Sophie, this is serious. You know
what will happen to me if I go back.

The Third Reich allows
no margin for error.

I ought to say I'm sorry,
but I'm not.

Do you think I want to go back
to Germany any more than you do?

It is an easier country to serve
than to live in just between us.

Perhaps,
I won't have to go if you help me.

Help you?

After all,
Max is no longer one of us.

I'd rather die than
help you ruin Max.

Perhaps, you will die.

Perhaps you'll kill me like you
killed the parrot this morning.

- I didn't kill the parrot.
- Oh, didn't you?

I found this in your medicine chest.
It smells of bitter almonds.

You poisoned the grapes
and mailed them to yourself.

I didn't kill the parrot and
I won't have to kill you.

- Berlin knows how to handle traitors.
- I'm not a traitor.

That can easily be arranged
when we arrive in Berlin.

- I'm not going to Berlin.
- Then I'll have you deported.

You can't have me deported. My mother
was an American. I was born in USA.

Don't forget your father
is still in Prague.

I've protected him. He may not be
exactly free, but he's alive.

I deserve to die just for living
with a swine like you.

I have an affidavit
that you will sign...

giving detail about how Max gambled
the money belonged to the Reich.

But it's not true.
I won't do it.

You will do it and don't
try any tricks.

It won't save Max and it certainly
wouldn't be so nice for your papa.

I don't care what you do.
I'm going to tell Max right away.

Sophie, stop it. Sophie.

Max.

Max.

- Max.
- What is it?

Don't believe anything he says.
He's trying to make you a scapegoat.

Don't listen to her.
She's hysterical.

- Max, please.
- Book passage for Sophie immediately.

- I won't go back to Germany.
- You're leaving with me.

Stop it, Baumer.
I won't have this.

Now, things are going
to be the way I want them.

You can't torture her like this.
I won't have it.

Very touching.
Twist her and desert her.

- That's an amusing angle.
- Can't you see she's upset?

Officer,
please get Dr. Jennings.

- He's just around the corner.
- Yes, sir.

- Anything I can do, Herr Counsel?
- Watch them upstairs.

Report to me later.

- Max, what are we going to do?
- Don't worry, Sophie. You mustrt.

Max, you must do something
before it's too late. You must.

Dr. Jennings.

I'm Baron von Alvenstor.

- The counsel's secretary.
- Glad to meet you, Baron.

If I wasrt wearing this uniform
I'd knock your boss' brains out.

If he has any.

- Twister.
- What was Sophie trying to tell me?

- Can't you guess?
- What was in that letter?

Don't you know?

Schroeder can't tell you anything
about my Viennese grandmother.

- I've tried to find out myself.
- One's blood begins to ask questions.

There is no answer in my blood
that I do not belong to Germany...

or Germany doesn't belong to me.
- Isn't there?

For heavers sake,
you know I love Germany.

It isn't true.

It can't be.

- I couldn't bear it.
- Of course not.

Life would be intolerable.
Wouldrt it?

Yes.

Oh, I beg your pardon.

- You're Doctor Jennings, aren't you?
- Yes.

Glad to meet you. This is
my secretary, Baron von Alvenstor.

- We've met upstairs.
- He's a little upset, doctor.

Bad news from Vienna about
his grandmother. Drink, doctor?

- Thanks, I don't mind a scotch.
- Soda?

- Straight.
- I take brandy the same way.

A taste I got in the tropics.

I was consulate
in British South Africa.

I gave Mrs. Baumer a sedative.
Sleep is the best thing for her.

Poor Sophie.
She's under tension.

We live in a dangerous atmosphere.
Our lives are threatened daily.

- I can imagine.
- Yesterday and this morning again...

I received deadly poison in the mail.
- It's easy to trace the sender.

Deadly poisons
are not easy to get.

This is rather used
for murder extra quickly.

- It's a suicide's poison.
- Suicide's poison.

That's interesting.
Isn't it, Max?

Yes, very.

Well, I'll be running along.

I think Mrs. Baumer will
sleep through the night.

That's fine, doctor.

But I'd like to talk to you about her.
Maybe tomorrow, if you're not busy.

Anytime you say, doctor.

Anytime you say.

We're having a little supper
tomorrow night. Just a few friends.

Afterwards, we can discuss anything
you want to. Will you come?

Thanks, I believe I will.

Good,
we'll see you tomorrow night.

- Good night, Dr. Jennings.
- Good night.

You can go now,
Officer Finkelstein.

I'm going off duty now. Is there
anything I can do for you?

Hey, what are you
doing with that?

I have the same blue eyes.
The same blonde hair.

Quite the same face that
I had this morning.

Because I had a grandmother that I
never laid eyes on, I'm not a Nazi.

- I'm no longer German.
- So, that's it?

- Yes. That's it.
- Yeah, but this is America.

Nobody has to bump himself off
on account of the color of the skin...

or the shape of his nose.
- You don't understand.

Sometimes death is the only way out
for Germans like me.

Don't be a dope, Baron.

Excuse me, I'm sorry. How long
have you been in this country?

About three months.

Three months. So up until three months
ago, ever since you were a kid...

Hitler's been shoving
that propaganda down your throat?

With all Nazi songs and uniforms
and swastikas and Heil Hitlers.

And since you've been here what have
you seen outside of these walls?

You can take it from me.
It's a different world.

Why don't you come with me some
night and meet a few of the guys?

Irishmen, Norwegians, Russians,
Germans, Italians, all Americans.

They're so busy minding
their own business...

they haven't got time to worry
about the other guy's grandmother.

They do, they say,
and they think what they want to.

Why, if they don't like something
our President does, they say so.

If you look cross eyed at a picture
of Hitler, off goes your head.

Baron...

let's make a deal, huh?

You think for a few days and I'll
try to show you a couple of angles.

Look...

I trust you.

Don't disappoint me, huh?

Thanks, officer.

Call me Moe, Max.

Good night, Moe.

Good night, Max.

- Anything going on?
- Looks like there may be...

a little trouble tonight
when Hitler goes on the air.

So, they'll toss a few
eggs and tomatoes.

- And maybe a few stink bombs.
- It won't change the atmosphere here.

- I'll see you tonight.
- Say...

is the counsel in?
- Yeah, he's checking some passports.

Four guys just arrived
on the Belmont from Germany.

Kurt Wellar.

So, you came over
as ships cooks?

- Yes, we did.
- Did they teach you how to cook...

at the Faxtant School, too?

A good saboteur has to learn
a little bit of everything.

We managed not to poison
any of the passengers.

Although more than the usual number
aboard ship where quite seasick.

Most of them were refugees,
anyway.

Horst, do you have the four
Longshoremen union cards?

Don't lose them. I had
plenty of trouble getting them.

- Do you got your instructions?
- Our objective is Pier 18.

- And the equipment?
- Right here.

- Very clever, we Nazis.
- This is the detonating device.

- It can be set to the minute.
- My only regret is that...

I won't be present to see
Mr. Winston Churchill's fat face...

when he learns that his first load
of guns, planes and tanks...

has been blown
into the Hudson River.

This job is almost as big as the
Blacktown of the First World War.

I hope I don't get
into any trouble over it.

You were born
to get into trouble.

Set the explosion for the moment
when Hitler finishes his speech.

It 'll be midnight here.
Dawn in Hamburg.

Our fleet all ready to sail
to victory.

The crowds gathered on the docks
to bid them farewell.

The bands playing...
"Deutschland, Deutschland"...

and then our Führer
will speak...

and when he finishes...

with the crowds cheering
and the guns saluting...

we'll add
our little contribution.

US$8 million of war materials
for England blow into bits.

A glorious and fitting climax.

- When do you go back?
- Our boat sails at one.

Good, then you'll be out of danger.
That's all.

- Heil Hitler.
- Heil Hitler.

- Heil Hitler.
- Heil Hitler.

- Heil Hitler.
- Heil Hitler.

- Here's a copy of my report.
- I'll talk to you later, Max.

- Well, how about my money?
- You're not going to need any money.

Look here, my expenses are heavy.
These uniforms and...

I've ordered 4OOO knives. The handles
are cork. They leave no fingerprints.

- And from now on, I also carry a gun.
- Do you have a permit?

You know they won't let us have
anything at the camp but BB rifles.

- Give it to me.
- I want it.

- It's loaded.
- Is it?

Dumbkoff. Once you almost got
yourself sent up for drunken driving.

I asked for good, pale hoffbrau.
Those Legionnaires played me a trick.

They gave me something called
"skunk hole swamp water".

- Horst, you are finished.
- How dare you say that to me?

First,
you made a convincing noise.

Some people believed you. But you're
obscuring our great Nazi truth.

You've become
a national comic strip.

Well, what can I do?

- Find a martyr.
- A martyr?

Yes, a martyr who will die
for his beliefs.

Horst, if you could contrive
to get yourself...

how does one say over here?

- "Rubbed out" by a Jew.
- Don't be ridiculous.

How do I get myself rubbed
out by a Jew?

Their self-restraint
is positively nauseating.

Maybe I could
arrange it for you.

- What did you say, Baumer?
- Maybe I could arrange it for you.

But how I...

- lf the American Führer dies...
- We'll replace you.

You're trying to murder me.
I won't have it.

Is the American Führer not prepared
to die for his Nazi principles?

No, I mean yes.

The Führer asks no one to do what
he would not do himself.

Yeah, but so far nobody's
asked him.

- Look here. How about you?
- Me?

Yes, you. You're much more important
that I am.

This is no time for modesty.

You're a real German. My parents
were born over there accidentally.

Why, I'm an American.

My good man.

I didn't mean to frighten you.

Relax a moment.
Get used to the idea.

Take your time...

and I will arrange all of the
troublesome details for you.

- Have you a scheme?
- Not worked out yet...

but this knife for instance,
which leaves no fingerprints.

What about it?

If you were found with this knife
in your back...

in my hallway late tonight...

Have you already hired someone
to assassinate me?

- Who else could I trust but myself?
- Isn't this very risky?

Risky?
For me or for you?

When you're discovered, I'll say you
had quarrel with my Jewish policeman.

- But I haven't.
- Hang around and I'll arrange one.

But suppose you couldn't prove
that the policeman did it?

All that's necessary is that he'd
not be able to prove that he didn't.

Suppose they suspect you?

Why would anyone
suspect me of murdering you...

more than you of murdering me?

There's something in that thought,
Baumer.

I'll expect you tonight during
the Führer's broadcast.

That always gives me further
inspiration.

- Inspiration?
- Yes.

My inspirations come to me
as they come to Hitler.

Out of nothing.

And mine too.

- Heil Hitler.
- Heil Hitler.

Max.

I'll make a bargain with you.

If you hold up this
report for one week...

I'll destroy the letter from Schroder
and never reveal it's contents.

- Sorry, my report leaves at midnight.
- I just need a few days.

I'll make more allowances when
the Pia and it's valuable cargo...

have been disposed of.

The 3rd Reich allows
no margin for error.

Then, at least, let's take the report
back to Berlin instead of sending it.

I'm not going to Berlin. I'm sending
in my resignation with my report.

It's my last job for
them and you.

- Twister is running out on his order.
- What do you mean by that?

One doesn't have to be a diplomat to
know that you're in love with Sophie.

- I've never.
- Don't explain, Max.

I understand the situation
perfectly...

but I'm afraid you don't.

When Sophie arrives in Berlin,
she'll be asked many questions.

And unfortunately, I'll be forced
purely in self defense...

to tell them certain things.
- You can't make her go to Berlin.

- She's still my wife.
- I won't let her go.

She loves her father.
She will go with me to Berlin.

And Berlin has such
a brutal custom.

They use axes on little
ladies necks in Berlin.

- Why, you...
- Yes?

Alright, Baumer.

- You've found my price.
- I knew you'd be reasonable.

I ought to shoot you.

Shall I tear up the letter?

Tear it up.

Listen to what they're saying:

"A tisket, a tasket
put Baumer in a basket".

Voice of democracy.
Loud, but ineffectual.

They mean you.
You're the martyr they want.

Yes, but I am not
the martyr they'll get.

That bunch outside is restless.
I'd better close those windows.

Stop that.

But if you get bopped by a bottle
I won't send flowers to the hospital.

I want the window open.
Why don't you arrest the mob?

- They've got a right to picket.
- Another democratic institution.

Yes, and we're proud of it.

The police can't even control
a handful of Jews.

Those guys are mostly Czechs
and Pols and Germans.

What?

Its our German citizens that don't
want any part of you or you or him...

and they're getting out of hand.
- That isn't true. I protest.

Control your convulsions, horsey.

I'll report you for insulting
my guest.

I'm a neutral and I'm going
to stay a neutral...

until I face you across
a trench someday...

and while I put six inches of steel
right through your swastika.

What insolence.
He ought to be purged.

Arert you forgetting
we're in America?

It is almost time
for the broadcast.

We must not miss any part
of the Führer's speech.

I'd just as soon miss all of it.
They're all alike.

The only novelty for me it would be
if somebody shot him on it.

Shall we have coffee
in the library?

We presently bring you the speech
of Adolf Hitler from Hamburg.

We're trying to establish
contact with Hamburg.

Come in, Hamburg.

Fine. Now, we're in for
a dose of Mr. Schicklegroover.

- Schicklegroover?
- Yeah, Schicklegroover.

That's Hitler's real name.
You know something, honey?

The world might 've been different
if he hadrt changed his name to Hitler.

Just imagine people going around
saying "Heil Schicklegroover".

- Heil Schicklegroover.
- Heil Schicklegroover.

There's a slight delay in contacting
Germany. Stand by everybody.

- Your scotch, Doctor.
- Thank you.

And your pale hoffbrau, Horst?
What would you like, dear?

- Nothing, thank you.
- And you, Max?

- A whiskey straight, please.
- We've now contacted Germany...

and we are now turning you over
to our correspondent in Hamburg.

Hello, America. This is Whitney
Bartons from Hamburg, Germany.

The harbor is buzzing with tens
of thousands of people.

The excited crowds are waiting
for the Führer to arrive.

Bands are playing,
soldiers are marching...

- Where is the policeman, Finkelstein?
a huge arming.

Break it up there. Let us through.
What's going on here?

It's about time you put a stop
to this sort of thing.

I'm a German too, but I'm a
good American citizen.

And on account of these Nazi guys,
decent people won't even talk to me.

Come on along with us.

Well, Max, shall we drink
to our new friendship?

- Your new friendship?
- Just a secret between Max and me?

Max, what is it?
What has he made you do?

Why are you so concerned
about Max?

I know what you're trying to do,
but I won't let you.

The music stops.

Adolf Hitler.

Karl, you wrecked my life
and my father's. Leave Max alone.

Do you mind if we defer this
discussion 'til after the broadcast?

Horst, which one of us will get an
inspiration from the Führer's speech.

Now see here, Baumer. I have
no intention of becoming a martyr.

You shouldn't have quarreled
with that policeman...

specially in front of witnesses.

Shame on if I ever so one.

If anybody's going to die, Baumer,
it won't be me.

Let's drink to the Führer.
Heil Hitler.

He knows how the encirclement was
planned by Capitalistic democracies.

But no encirclement and no power
will force Germany to her knees.

Karl!

You've got to get out of here.
Quick.

- Here. Put these on.
- I've got to tell the police.

But what good will that do anybody?
He deserved to die.

- But I had no right to.
- He drove you to it.

He destroyed everybody near him.
You must go. You're upset now.

You can't thinking clearly.
Later, you'll know I was right.

Where?

There's a boat leaving
at 1 o'clock for Lisbon.

The Belmont. One of our men poses as
cooking boy. He'll make arrangements.

- I'll give you a note for him.
- Lisbon?

Yes, go to Hotel a Vis.
Wait there until you hear from me.

Sophie, you have been through
so much. Let me take care of you.

Yes, Max.

I'll write the note while
you change.

National Socialism has done more for
civilization in the last 7 years...

than England, America and France
combined during the past 100 years.

Sophie, the boat's at Pier 12.
Give this to Müller.

I told him that we're on a secret
mission. I used the maid's name...

Frieda Schmidt. It 'll save
explanations. This will last a while.

Germany's peaceful aims. He says that
while the so called democracies...

dreamed only of war,
Germany wanted only peace.

Good luck, darling.

I took Mrs. Baumer to her room.
She's not feeling well.

I don't blame her. Those
Heil Hitlers don't relax me either.

For many years and on many sleepless
nights I've asked myself...

"What would've happened
to Europe...

if destiny hadn't given me
to Germany as her Führer?"

I just took that guy that threw
the brick down to the station.

Will you ask the counsel
if he wants to prefer charges?

Okay.

Say, Mr. Baumer.

Solomon grabbed the guy
who threw the brick.

Do you want to prefer charges?

He's gotta know. Mr. Baumer.

He promises that no attempt
by the capitalistic democracies...

will break the loyalty
to Russian allies.

He proclaims this decision
historical and definite.

Turn that thing off.

- What the devil do you mean by this?
- Don't move. None of you.

- Herr Baumer.
- He ain't gonna answer. He is dead.

- Are you sure he's dead?
- Suicide?

He killed himself. What courage.
What beautiful courage.

- How do you know he killed himself?
- Because...

- I don't know anything.
- Did anybody hear a shot?

- The radio has been going full blast.
- This place has been a bedlam.

Get this fast, everybody. This wasrt
a suicide. This was a murder.

- Absolutely. This was murder.
- How do you know it was murder?

A few seconds ago you knew it was
suicide. Why do you change your mind?

I was merely echoing your remark.
You seemed so very sure of yourself.

I'm sure of one thing. This guy was
bumped off and one of you is guilty.

That's impossible. Someone must 've
come through the window.

But nobody did, because
the windows lock from the inside.

Say, where is Mrs. Baumer?

In her room, she wasrt well. I took
her up after the speech started.

- That's right.
- I'll go get her.

Nobody's leaving this room.
I'll get her if I want her.

You're actually accusing one of us?
That's a strong accusation.

- I'm making it.
- The best offense is a strong attack.

If the guy who did it came clean,
I call the homicide and you can go.

You'd better call the homicide. You
are not in a position to investigate.

I'm in an unusual position.
I was responsible for his safety.

No one can hold you responsible for
if you werert in here.

If he wasrt in it?

You don't deny that you could've
come in that way unperceived.

I've got to admit that one.

Exactly. You sneaked in with
revenge and murder in your heart.

- But he had no motive.
- What is the matter with you?

He had a quarrel with Baumer.
We all heard it. He threatened him.

You said that you'd run six inches
of steel through his swastika.

You probably destroyed the evidence
when you went to the desk.

In one minute, you'll make me sore
I'll say I did and bump you off next.

A double confession.

You're trying to pin this thing
on Officer Finkelstein.

Dumbkoff. Nonsense.
This is not Germany. This is America.

Alright, It's America.
Look at the spot I'm in, already.

You've got to help me.
I'm not asking it for myself.

It's for hundreds of thousands of
people that I've never laid eyes on.

I see what you mean.
If you don't find the murderer...

they'll use this case to persecute
a lot of innocent people in Germany.

Now, you're tuned in.
First thing I've got to find out...

who the gun belonged to.

Guns contain serial numbers. It 's
easy to trace where it was bought.

- Not where I bought this one.
- Dumbkoff.

You tricked me.
This is encirclement.

Baumer took it away from me this
afternoon. I have no permit.

Moe, there's no use in going
through all this. I shot him.

The gun was lying right there
on the desk. It was very simple.

- Ok, so you shot him.
- Yes. You can call the homicide now.

- I'm ready.
- But I ain't.

Stop yammering about guns. Nobody
said anything about a knife.

Somebody stabbed him.

- I'd like to examine that body.
- That's the medical examiner's job.

I hold the coroner's assistant
as a medical examiner.

Okay, doc. You see, Max.

A guy who's been stabbed first
don't shoot himself after...

and after he's been shot, he ain't
in shape to tickle himself with a knife.

That's how I deducted
a double murder.

- Did you say he was stabbed?
- Yeah, with a cork handle knife...

that had some foreign words on it.
- It was yours, Horst.

You sure travel with an arsenal.
You don't have a torpedo on you?

You won't find my fingerprints on
that knife. Cork doesn't hold them.

Well, if you knew that, we'll hold
that as evidence against you.

- But I have no motive.
- Yes, you had.

- He was about to liquidate you.
- That's a lie.

- The order came from Berlin last night.
- Officer, officer, neither the gun...

nor the knife killed him.
- What?

- He had been drinking.
- Don't tell me that he died...

from delirium treatments.
- He was poisoned.

- It's a massacre.
- He was quite dead when he was shot.

There was a bottle of poison
in that drawer last night.

- It's gone.
- Then where is it?

It must be on someone's person.
I demand to be searched.

Horst, you go off on more sense
than a plastered bloodhound.

- I demand it.
- Okay, Horsey.

You asked for it.

You two can search each other.

Why, Baron.

- Dumbkoff.
- Why, I don't understand how...

- Hello.
- Hello...

Captain Mulrooney.
Finkelstein speaking.

Yeah, I'm down at the counsel's.

Yeah, plenty of trouble.
Well, listen, Captain Mulrooney.

What? The counsel?
What happened to him?

It seems that he was shot
stabbed and poisoned.

Why, that...
Did it kill him?

Mulrooney's embarrassed.

Yeah, I got the guy who done it.

Okay, Captain. The squad will be here
in 5 minutes? That's swell.

Look.

- Do you know the combination?
- I? Baumer wouldn't trust me.

Dr. Jennings, get Mrs. Baumer quick.
Maybe she knows the combination.

Officer, this safe and everything
in it is the property of...

- I'm looking for Karl Müller.
- What do you want with him?

I'm Frieda Schmidt. I have
a note from Baron von Alvenstor.

I'm Karl Müller.

You are Herr Baumer's maid.
Are you a good hairdresser?

Frau Baumer never complained.

I shall arrange for you
to work in the ship's beauty salon.

- Hans will give you your uniform.
- Thank you.

- She's not Frieda Schmidt.
- What do you mean?

The counsel wouldn't have
a photograph of his wife's maid...

in his office, would he?
- Hardly.

I saw it there.
I never forget a face.

Let me have your reports
as soon as you can.

- Yes, Captain.
- Okay.

Sit down, Mrs. Baumer.

You see?

Perhaps Mrs. Baumer,
you will be good enough...

to explain why you've been
squerading as Frieda Schmidt.

I had some personal business
to attend to for my husband.

It was necessary that I leave
immediately without anyone knowing.

- Hans, call the counselor.
- No, you mustrt.

- Why not?
- Because...

Wait a minute.

Let me go.

He's gone.

Max.

Say Baron,
what is all of this about?

Mrs. Baumer comes here
disguised as her maid.

I couldn't explain in my note, but
she is no longer loyal to Germany.

Her husband was about to have
her deported. She shot him.

- Baumer's dead?
- Yes, murdered.

She wanted to give herself up, but
we couldn't stand a investigation.

I knew that the best way to keep an
eye on her until I could get here.

I'm sorry I had to trick you, but
I couldn't let you upset our plans.

- Do you want us to take her along?
- You're not going.

- Not going?
- The police is looking for her.

As soon the boat reached Bermuda,
she'd be arrested.

What has that got to do with us?

The police will also be looking...

for certain parties in connection
with a little sabotage job on P-18.

Now, that the counsel's dead...

it might be difficult to explain
your activities in this country.

But if we stay here,
we are sure to be arrested.

- Suppose there's no charge?
- What do you mean?

There can be no arrests if
the project is abandoned.

That's impossible. The time bombs
are set for 12 o'clock.

That gives us fifteen minutes to get
to the pier and disconnect them.

Do you still have
your union cards?

Come on. Change.
We haven't a minute to lose.

Quick. Quick.

I've got to get to a phone
and call the police.

There isn't time to explain now,
but you didn't kill Baumer.

- He was dead when you shot him.
- What did you expect telling me that?

It's true, believe me. Those men are
agents of the German government.

They're sent to blow up
the pier.

I must get the police,
before they escape.

You wait here.

- Is there a payphone, please?
- Over there.

Give me police headquarters.
Quick.

- Where's the Baron?
- I don't know.

Wait a minute.

- Who are you telephoning to?
- One of our men.

- Is everything taken care of?
- What are you telephoning about?

Take them away. And how'd
the devil did they get on the pier?

They worked there as longshoremen.
Horst got them union cards.

- I never got them union cards.
- Put the bracelets on the Bund dealer.

- I protest.
- That was a fine thing you did.

But just the same,
we've got to hold you for murder.

- Why do you say that?
- He's confessed he shot your husband.

It's not true. I shot him.
Max saw me do it.

It's alright, Mrs. Baumer.
The shot didn't kill your husband.

- Someone had poisoned him before.
- The Baron.

- We found the bottle in his pocket.
- I didn't do it, Sophie.

He wouldn't poison a guy
and then sit around for 2 hours...

hatching the evidence
in his pocket.

Why wouldn't he?

On account of the brains that
he inerited from his grandmother.

Yes?

Medical examiner and
the fingerprint expert are here.

Send them in.

- Have you gentlemen got your reports?
- The poison undoubtedly killed him.

It drained all the oxygen
from his blood.

He was already dead
when he was stabbed and shot.

- That clears Mrs. Baumer of murder.
- And me too.

But there's still a nice,
little charge of sabotage for you.

Right, but we must leave that to the
court. Have you got your report?

The glass the counselor drank from
had no fingerprints but his own.

- Which means?
- He killed himself...

or the murderer wore gloves
when he put poison in the whiskey.

- Whiskey? Karl never drank whisky.
- Who gave him the drink?

He poured me a whiskey and
then a glass of his own brandy.

That's right. I remember now.
The solution of any crime lies...

in the personality of the murdered.
- Well?

This one lies in the counselor's
tropically acquired taste for brandy.

Are you trying to tell us that he put
the poison in the brandy himself?

No, he put it in the whiskey.

Of course, he did. Don't you see?
He staged Max's suicide.

- He put the poison in my pocket.
- Yes, to make it look like suicide.

And at the last minute, I he changed
his mind and took the poison himself.

No, the brick.

- The brick?
- Yes, the brick changed it for him.

In the confusion he put his brandy
down on the bar beside the whiskey.

When he picked it up again,
he accidentally switched glasses.

He gave the Baron the brandy
and drank the poisoned whiskey.

And he always said there was
no margin for error.

I keep this
as sort of a souvenir.

I like to think I had a little bit
to do with the President's decision.

What happened at the trial?

Well, the jury acquitted
Mrs. Baumer and Max.

Horst and his four boyfriends
got 99 years each for sabotage.

Max took out his citizenship papers
and enlisted in the U.S. Army.

- Excuse-me.
- What happened to the German girl?

You mean Frieda?
She has another job now.

And on Sundays, she goes over
and takes English lessons from Mama.

I'm sorry, pal.
Shooting off my mouth the way I did.

That's alright. We're all fighting
for the same cause.

The same peace.
The same freedom.

The same victory.

CAPTIONS BY VIDEOLAR