Squadron 303 (2018) - full transcript
This is the story of the highly regarded fighter squadron, in which served mainly airmen from Poland, in the history of aerial combat and their heroic defence of England during WW2, Battle ...
RADIO CRACKLES:
Sector, 0-9-0.
Repeat: 0-9-0.
Five hundred plus bandits beehive
over Rochester...
OPERATOR RADIO CUTS IN:
Sundial here. Steer 0-9-0.
One hundred plus bandits approaching.
- RADIO TRAILS OFF
RADIO CRACKLES:
Angels 1-8. Repeat. 1-8.
Faster!/
GERMAN VOICES MIX ON RADIO
GERMAN PILOT:
Achtung!
PILOT 1 ON RADIO:
There's hundreds of the bastards!'
0-9 is OK.
Here they come!
PLANE ENGINES WHIR
PILOT 2 ON RADIO:
Watch out for the Hun from the Sun/
PILOT 3 ON RADIO: Tally-ho!
- PILOT 4 ON RADIO: Tally-ho!
CHATTER ON RADIO
PILOT 5 ON RADIO:
Jerry at 6 o'clock!
GUNFIRE
PILOT 6 ON RADIO:
Damn it, I'm hit!
CHURCHILL
The Battle of Britain is about to begin.
PILOT 7 ON RADIO:
I'm out of ammo!
CHURCHILL (VO): Upon this battle depends
the survival of Christian civilisation.
All fury and might of the enemy
must very soon be turned on us.
Hitler knows that he will have to break us
in this Island or lose the war.
If we can stand up to him,
all Europe may be free.
But if we fail, then the whole world
including the United States
including all that we have known
and cared for...
will sink into the abyss
of a new Dark Age
made more sinister,
and perhaps more protracted
by the lights of perverted science.
Let us therefore brace ourselves
to our duty
and so bear ourselves...
that if the British Empire
and its Commonwealth
last for a thousand years
men will still say:
"This... was their finest hour."
- Tolo, what's he saying?
He's saying that
when we finally start combat...
we'll be fighting
not only for Poland.
ENGINES HUM
PLANE ENGINE CHUGS
MILITARY-STYLE MUSIC PLAYS
CAMERA WHIRS
MAN, IN GERMAN:
Attention!
IN GERMAN:
What's that?
OFFICER, IN GERMAN:
I'm sorry. Come here! Quickly!
Clear this up.
We've captured five new
airfields in France.
Together we have 1000 fighters
with fuel and ammunition.
And the English have 1000
planes including 600 fighters.
We outnumber them 3 to 1.
But one of our aircraft is like two
of theirs which gives us 6 to 1.
Pretty well, isn't it?
Poland and France
are already conquered.
Now give me the head
of that English bulldog.
HE CHUCKLES
- OFFICER: Sieg Heil!
MEN CHANT:
Sieg Heil!
IN GERMAN:
Ah, I love the aroma of a good cigar.
And I love the smell of
burning English aircraft.
THEY CHUCKLE
- OFFICER: Schén.
PLANES ROAR
MAN 1, IN POLISH:
What's going on? This again?
Medical check-up?
MAN 2, IN POLISH:
Are you surprised?
They don't want us to fly.
NURSE, IN ENGLISH:
...would you mind fetching...
MEN GREET EACH OTHER
IN POLISH
IN ENGLISH:
Gentlemen? Three of you, please.
Come along, don't be shy.
Oh! Your blood pressure is too high.
Because I look at you.
Should I get naked completely"?
That won't be necessary.
I just need to know of
any diseases you've had in the past.
All of them?
NURSE:
Name?
Zumbach, Jan...
John...
Donald.
Which one is it?
Donald.
Go ahead.
P, E, Z, 0, C, S, F, T, D
Are you blind?
Oh, no, Miss.
I just read the last row
so we could save time.
Come here.
Next.
You can call me Johnny.
You can go now.
IN GERMAN, OVER SPEAKER:
Fighter Wing, prepare for take off.
Attention! Attention!
Third Fighter Wing, prepare for take off.
ENGINES CHUG
AIR RAID SIREN
- BELL RINGS
KENT:
Get to the shelters!
Hurry up, hurry up!
Come on, come on!
Hurry up!
Hey, son!
What's your name?
It's Wilson.
- How old are you?
I'm 18. Why?
How many hours have you spent
in the air?
Ten. Ten hours.
PILOT, IN POLISH:
How many?
Did I hear correctly?
How many hours have you flown, Tolo?
Four hundred hours.
Donald, even more.
We could help, Captain. They're just kids!
Your training flight is tomorrow.
Focus on that.
Captain!
To the shelters.
PLANES HUM
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Captain leader, Sundial here.
Steer 0-9-0.
One hundred plus bandits
approaching Southend.
Angels 1-5. Buster!
PILOT 1 ON RADIO:
Red and Blue 3, stay close to me.
Captain leader,
I've got to keep in formation!
God almighty! A horde of bandits.
Concentrate and fight.
INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER
GUNFIRE
Where's he gone?
PILOT 1 ON RADIO:
Red and Blue 3, stay in formation!
PILOT 2 ON RADIO:
Blue 3, bandit behind you!
PILOT 3 ON RADIO:
What? I can't see him!
VINCENT:
Watch your nine!
IN GERMAN: The Brit is 200
metres behind me. I'm attacking!
GUNFIRE
Roger!
PILOT SCREAMS
Captain leader, Captain leader!
Blue 3... Blue 3 just bought it!
SCREAMS ON RADIO
Captain leader, bandit at two!
ON RADIO: Wilson, ignore him!
- WILSON: He's in my sight!
ON RADIO: It's a trap!
- WILSON: Just a few more seconds.
Wilson!
ON RADIO:
Get back in formation! It's a trap/!
HEARTBEAT SOUNDS
HE BREATHES HEAVILY
ON RADIO:
Watch your port side!
Watch your back!
Where is he?
GERMAN PILOT:
Fire!
GUNFIRE
WILSON ON RADIO:
Oh, my God!
Sir...
when will all these
training exercises stop
so that we can get into
the real action?
You're not ready.
How much longer
must we wait?
There are procedures.
The squadron will be operational
when I'm satisfied.
HE SIGHS
Procedures are what lost France.
What am I supposed to tell my pilots
who don't know if their families
are alive or dead?
Sir?
More patience?
Yes.
More patience.
Thank you.
PLANE CHUGS
OFFICER: This Royal Geographical Society
saving policy.
What do you make of it?
I always thought the idea was we sent
our boys off to conquer overseas
and they sent back the spoils
to King and Country.
Now it seems like...
we're asking any foreigner
who's got a grudge against Herr Hitler
to come over here
and enjoy our hospitality.
Quite!
One of Winston's
more eccentric ideas, I'd say.
IN POLISH:
Crop dusting again?
THEY CHUCKLE
IN POLISH:
Very funny!
Who's next?
DOG BARKS
IN POLISH:
Gentlemen, let's draw.
The highest card flies.
Can any of you chaps
take up a kite
without pranging it?
IN POLISH:
Tolo, what's he saying?
The Brit said
you don't know how to fly.
THEY CHUCKLE
Hmm? Any of you?
Sir, we've got a volunteer.
He loves to fly.
MAN SHOUTS:
Fly, fly!
OFFICER:
Oh, I say... I say, old man...
The Hurricane.
MEN GASP IN AWE
MEN, IN POLISH:
Go! Go, go!
OFFICER:
Go!
IN POLISH:
Hi!
IN POLISH:
Are you placing your bets, gentlemen?
He won't do it...
All the money that he'll take off.
- Alright.
ENGINE SPLUTTERS
ENGINE CHUGS TO A START
IN POLISH:
I'd love to fly that!
Oh, bloody idiot.
He thinks we can still see him
under the cover of the clouds.
How many flying hours has he done
in a Hurricane?
None. But don't worry...
there must be some kind of
m-manual inside.
Inside... Inside the cockpit.
What?
There isn't?
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany training. Sundial here.
Steer 2-2-0.
Repeat 2-2-0. Angels 71-5.
Sundial. Apany training here.
2-2-0. Confirmed.
GERMAN PILOT ON RADIO:
Paula 3. Enemy in front of you. 200 metres.
I'm attacking!
- ON RADIO: Roger that! Good hunt!
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany training. Abort and pancake!
Bandits in your area!
ENGINE REVS
GUNFIRE
IN POLISH:
What's that?
Damn it! Bandit behind me!
OPERATOR: No Polish! Repeat!
- ZUMBACH: Bandit behind me!
Sundial. Apany training here.
Bandit at 7 o'clock.
OPERATOR: Apany, do not engage.
Repeat, do not engage!
Pancake! Pancake/!
Apany training,
what's your position?
IN POLISH:
It's complicated!
OPERATOR:
In English!
IN GERMAN:
Where are you?
ENGINE REVS HEAVILY
GUNFIRE
HE SCREAMS
IN GERMAN ON RADIO: I'm hit! Breaking off!
I return to the base!
GERMAN OPERATOR:
Understood.
Sundial...
Apany training here.
Enemy hit.
I return to base.
OPERATOR:
Apany training, Sundial here.
Abort and pancake.
Ah!
Here he comes!
He thinks the wheels are down!
Oh, no. He hasn't flown a plane
with retractable undercarriage.
Good God, he's going to crash!
THEY CHEER
It would be nice to get a copy in Polish.
LAUGHTER
IN POLISH:
Hey, tell us how it was?
Tell!
Poland one, Germany zero.
THEY LAUGH AND CHEER
- Seriously?
Well done!
Send in the Pole.
Enter.
Flying Officer Zumbach to see you, sir.
Yes, send him in.
Zumbach.
Well, come forward.
Flying Officer Zumbach, you might consider
yourself somewhat of a daredevil.
Risking your life is one thing -
the lives of other people
not to mention our rather
expensive planes...
That's just reckless.
Reckless?
- Quite.
Sir. I shot the Messerschmitt down!
- VINCENT: That is not true.
Observer Corp hasn't reported
any downed Messerschmitt.
Flying Officer Zumbach, you are being
reprimanded for insubordination.
Your lot have to learn to take orders
from their superior officers.
You will be trained
to learn our battle tactics.
That's all, thank you.
So up to this point we've lost 432 planes.
And we're producing new ones.
Planes, yes, but not the pilots
quickly enough to fly them.
That's why we need to
get the Poles on board.
Are they up to it?
- Doubt it.
They've already lost two wars.
Then why use them?
- An average pilot
survives 10 hours in battle.
The best, two weeks.
We need the Poles to buy us some time
SO we can train up our own chaps.
And what happens to the Poles?
They all die?
And you don't care.
Has anyone ever told you
you're a cold-hearted pig?
They don't have to.
My reflection tells me that every morning
when I'm shaving.
RADIO: One of our CBS correspondents
in London, Eric Tate
told us from Trafalgar Square
that the Germans were continuing
their all-day attacks around London.
DOOR OPENS
- But the British remain unimpressed.
Oh, Jones...
What does MI5 want this time?
Hitler and his bloody army
are about to cross the English Channel
but of course the most important thing
is that your feet are dry.
The Royal Air Force
is keeping Britain's feet dry.
Yes, but for how long?
I don't know.
- Well, let me tell you.
Two months, max.
Unless we use the 8,000 Polish
air and ground crew at our disposal.
They didn't do very well
against the Germans.
They'll buy us time
until the Americans enter the war.
Bloody Poles.
Sir, would you like to join me?
Yeah, sure.
Well done.
- Thank you.
Now your turn.
I can see you've made yourself at home.
What icon is it?
- MAN: Our Lady of Czestochowa.
She's been with us since the Deblin School.
She protects us.
OFFICER, IN POLISH: Gentlemen, remember
that you've got only 300 bullets of ammo.
That is enough for only
18 seconds of firing.
At ease.
How are things, Major?
Will we turn them into fighter pilots?
I'll train them to be able to fly
even on a barn door.
Who's next?
OK. Daszewski.
I also need a volunteer.
Please, choose someone today.
- OK, Tolo, go.
Today, you go.
- No, you go.
Cadet Zumbach, please come here.
Cadet Zumbach...
please hit me.
Don't be shy. Just hit me here.
PILOTS CHANT:
Janek, Janek, Janek!
Gentlemen...
Just hit me.
Don't be shy.
THEY CHUCKLE
You see, cadet,
in order to attack effectively
you need to be as close as possible...
Ah!
- Ooh!
And attack by surprise.
That's how you should act in the air.
Fire when you're really close
to the enemy and catch him by surprise.
I always tell my mechanics to synchronise
the guns from 250 metres to 150 metres.
That way you're saving ammo
and are far more effective.
Now, in place of engineer Kochan,
his beloved daughter, Jagoda Kochan.
She'll explain why P-11s choke
when they dive during acrobatics.
Miss Jagoda, come here, please.
I'll also watch... I mean, listen.
OK. So I'll tell you how it looks.
It looks good.
Very good!
- THEY LAUGH
Gentlemen!
The reason for this engine's behaviour
is its float carburettor.
During violent acrobatics,
it simply chokes.
It's said the Germans have direct
fuel injection but we aren't sure.
I'll show you on the model,
but I need a volunteer!
Me!
- Me!
IN GERMAN ON RADIO:
It's a hospital, not an airfield!
MAN 2 ON RADIO: Paula 5, coordinates
are correct. An order's an order.
EXPLOSION
IN ENGLISH:
To the shelter! To the shelter!
EXPLOSION
- GUNFIRE
Bloody hell, what are they doing?
IN GERMAN ON RADIO:
Stop attacking! Immediately!
Stop attacking! Immediately!
MAN 2 ON RADIO:
Paula 5, I don't understand...
IN POLISH:
Gentlemen! Major!
England has declared war on Germany.
France will be next.
There are huge crowds
at the embassy in Warsaw!
Thank God!
IN RUSSIAN: Gentlemen,
any of you got a smoke?
Easy, easy! I'm Polish!
IN POLISH: I'm a pilot.
Lieutenant Urbanowicz.
What's going on?
Are the Germans close?
Soviets.
They invaded this morning.
Our battery is smashed.
Our commander wounded.
Let me see.
Bloody hell...
It's one of ours!
- Thank God.
IN RUSSIAN:
Freeze!
Hands up!
- Easy!
Hands up!
Easy! We have a wounded man.
Please, help him.
GUNSHOT
- No!
Does anyone else need help?
Huh?
IN POLISH:
Thank God you're here!
You have no idea
what's been happening here.
I know, darling. I know.
Were you able to fix it?
Just finished.
We've been ordered to evacuate.
Russia invaded in the east.
The Germans are everywhere.
Who are these children?
Hello, hi!
From a village. I have to help
hem to find their parents.
For now they only have me.
So... listen. Take Mayer with you.
He'll be more useful to you.
No. No way!
Jagoda, you come with me.
Janek. I can't. I have to stay here.
Listen. Maybe I can get them to Warsaw.
Take the motorcycle, it'll be easier.
Let's go.
ENGINE STARTS
Take care.
HE WHISTLES
So, how far will it get us?
No worries.
Romania shouldn't be a problem.
What about Jagoda?
Start it!
ENGINE ROARS
GUNFIRE
IN RUSSIAN:
Take him away.
Get up! Come on!
Move!
Anyone else wants to escape?
Maybe you?
Polish pig.
Eh?
I'm asking you!
You took my coat, my watch,
don't you want to take my shoes?
SOVIET LAUGHS
So, you are such a hero...
- MAN: Sashka!
I'm not finished with you.
Understood?
I'm C o m iNn g!
HE GROANS
THEY GRUNT
GLASS SMASHES
- Leave me alone!
I don't want to go!
- GERMANS YELL
Jagoda!
Zosia, I'll be back!
Zosia!
Four gin and tonics, please.
Sure, right up.
Can I buy you a drink?
- Four gin and tonics.
Alright.
Er, I pay.
Sure.
Stefan Wdéjtowicz.
Who?
Stefan.
- Stefan?
Maggie.
Nine shilings, nine pence.
Thank you.
JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS
MAN:
Oh, look. Flying fairies...
I don't think we have that much.
Please send the bill
to General Sikorski.
Sikorski?
- Yeah.
General?
- Yeah.
Alright.
IN POLISH: One more?
- Sure.
Once more, please.
ENGINEER:
Good evening, gentlemen.
PILOT: Good evening, engineer, sir.
- Good evening.
PILOT: Here you are.
- ENGINEER: Thank you.
PILOT:
Andruszkow, it's time for us.
Good night.
- Good night.
No, no. Thank you.
Do you know that the latest Spitfires
still don't have direct fuel injection?
I wasn't able...
to find our Jagoda,
neither through the resistance
nor contacts within Poland.
Do you think that...
- But we're working on it.
Things will be fine.
INAUDIBLE DIALOGUE
PILOT:
Tighten the belts! Good.
ENGINE ROARS
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany leader, Sundial here.
Steer 0-7-0 over St Albans.
Angels 1-5.
Practise on the Blenheims
as targets.
PILOT ON RADIO:
Sundial, Apany here. Roger that.
Out. All Apany aicraft keep formation.
IN POLISH:
Cobra, Germans on two o'clock low.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
No Polish.
Yellow 2 here.
Bandits at two o'clock. Low.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
/Ignore and stay in formation.
PILOT:
Sundial, I can't hear you.
IN POLISH:
Paszka, take the bastard.
PASZKIEWICZ, IN POLISH:
OK, Cobra.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
No communication in Polish.
No Polish chit-chat.
IN GERMAN ON RADIO:
Enemy! Distance 100. Faster!
GUNFIRE
IN POLISH:
So that's your play?
GUNFIRE
EXPLOSION
- GERMAN SCREAMS
PILOT ON RADIO: Apany leader,
! Hit bandit. I pancake.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
God help us. But well done.
All Apany, escort the Blenheims
and pancake.
RADIO CRACKLES
RADIO: The RAF is bombing
German and Italian bases in revenge
against the Nazi air offensive.
The next couple of weeks
of Luftwaffe air operations
are likely to prove,
one way or the other
if the Nazis will defeat the British
and achieve air supremacy.
British air raids on northern Italy
have caused Mussolini
to make vigorous protests
to neutral Switzerland
which is being overflown by the RAF.
The Swiss are, in turn,
protesting to London
about abuse of their airspace
but can do little about it.
KNOCK ON DOOR
Come in.
Sir, Flying Officer Urbanowicz.
Sir.
Sir.
Pilot Officer
you will take over the command
from Squadron Leader Krasnodebski.
303 Squadron is now combat operational.
Thank you, sir.
- Tell me...
how do you think
your compatriots will fare?
You'll not find better pilots
on this Earth, sir.
Attention!
At ease.
Gentlemen...
it is important to understand
that we are all many cogs
in the machine that is the defence
of Great Britain.
Our radar networks and
coastal observation stations
give us just 15 minutes warning
of impending German attack.
If even one squadron lags,
we lose that advantage.
We fight as one unified fist.
Is that clear?
If 1 may...
I know all of you.
Some of you I've taken under my wing
and trained personally and...
I know the fight is in your hearts
and that you are more
than just cogs in the machine, but...
I know that you are worried.
That your thoughts are with your families
back home.
Our...
brothers and sisters in the underground
Resistance continue to fight the enemy
whether he be Nazi or Bolshevik
but focus, gentlemen. Be here.
Think what each one of them would give
to be where you are now.
Because here is the only piece,
the last piece of our free Poland.
Our Polish army is here. We are here!
We are the Polish army!
And we refused to surrender in '39
and we'll continue the fight
as long as we draw breath.
Our enslaved brothers and sisters
put their faith in us and...
you know how they call us back home?
The Angels of Vengeance.
But enough talking.
You were born to be fighters,
so give those bloody Germans hell!
THEY CHEER AND APPLAUD
And show everyone here how it's done, OK?
That's all what I wanted to say.
Is that clear?
- ALL: Yes, sir!
IN GERMAN, OVER LOUDSPEAKER:
Attention, attention/
Attention! Attention!
Fighter Wing, prepare for take off.
IN GERMAN:
They don't have a chance today.
We will kill them all.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany Red Leader, Sundial here.
Steer 7-5-0.
Bandits over Hastings.
IN POLISH:
Tighter! Tighter! Tighter!
Tighter!
I don't want to go bouncing
like a dick in loose pants.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany Red Leader, Sundial here.
Steer 1-5-0.
Bandits over Hastings.
Angels 2-0. Buster!
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
Sundial, Apany Red Leader here.
Roger that. Out.
IN POLISH:
I can see a lonely bandit here.
Don't touch him! He's all mine!
ZUMBACH ON RADIO:
OK, Cobra. It's for 1939.
We'll clean up the Channel
and then straight on to Poland.
Now watch and learn.
GUNFIRE
I'll finish him off!
- PILOT: His engine is hit
He's going down.
Cobra, come back! Bandits on 12!/
I can see them.
Can't you manage by yourselves?
I was going to finish him off!
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
No Polish chit-chat!
PILOT SCREAMS
IN GERMAN:
Paula 5 to base.
HE GROANS
I got hit!
ON RADIO: Emergency landing on
the airfield! Emergency landing!
HE SCREAMS
Damn it!
Dear God! That was close!
Which pilot has the number RF-B?
I'll get the bastard!
Those were Poles.
One of them hit you.
Poles... I knew a Pole
who could fly like that. Shit!
Six Kills in the first mission.
Tell me, Major, is it possible?
Well, Kent and Kellett were up there
with them.
Sounds like rather good stuff.
Have the newspapers been told?
- No. Not yet.
And I'm rather inclined to think
that Kent and Kellett did the killing
while the Poles are trying
to take the credit.
Perhaps you ought
to fly with them.
Ha!
JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS
To Squadron 303!
THEY CHEER
Sorry, Ox, your tab is empty.
I'll order on General Sikorski's tab.
- No, no, no!
General Sikorski
really appreciates your initiative
but after paying the last bill
he asks not to be billed in the future, so.
Don't worry. Tonight is on me.
OK. Thank you, mate.
Thank you.
- You're welcome.
Oh, shit...
Morning, sir.
Airman.
Yes, sir?
Was it you who crash landed
last week?
Yes, sir.
How old are you?
In two weeks,
I will be 22 years old.
Sir.
JONES:
Let's hope you survive, son.
Shall we get this photograph taken?
Ready?
- Come with me.
PHOTOGRAPHER:
Smile, please.
Would you mind?
- SHUTTER CLICKS
Come on, Miss Brown,
you're the film actress.
Put some heart into it.
SHUTTER CLICKS
- PHOTOGRAPHER: Another one.
Once more...
- Let's go.
PHOTOGRAPHER:
Once more, please.
SHUTTER CLICKS
- Wait, wait, wait!
PHOTOGRAPHER:
Thank you, ma'am.
Together!
Big smiles, boys.
THEY CHEER
IN POLISH:
And up!
ROOSEVELT ON RADIO:
The Nazi masters of Germany
have made it clear
that they intend
not only to dominate all life and thought
in their own country
but also to enslave
the whole of Europe
and then to use
the resources of Europe
to dominate the rest of the world.
I've got a mission for you.
Right. And what's that?
HE SIGHS
You were a well-known
and talented actress.
I can make sure you'll be back
on the newspaper front pages.
So what do you want me to do?
I want you to get close
to the Polish airmen.
Get to know them.
Only heroes make the front page.
Are they heroes?
Some of them.
Urbanowicz, for instance.
And if they die?
- They die heroes.
Your grief. Think about it.
Think of the acting opportunities.
It better work.
Start with Urbanowicz.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
1-2-0, 500 plus bandit beehive
approaching Biggins and Kenley.
- No English chit-chat!
IN POLISH:
Tolo, calm down.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
2-0. Buster.
Sundial. Apany leader here.
Roger that. Out.
IN POLISH: Gentlemen,
we're being inspected today
by the top brass.
- Let's show him how to fly!
Cover his arse so nothing happens to him.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany leader, Sundial here.
Steer 0-9-0. Bandit beehive.
600 plus over Margate,
heading London.
Angels 2-0. Buster!
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
Sundial. Roger that. Out.
PILOT, IN POLISH:
Bandits on ten, low!
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
All Apany, bandits on ten. Low.
Bloody hell!
I've never seen so many Jerries.
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
Apany leader here.
Blue section
breaking and attacking.
Very well!
URBANOWICZ, IN POLISH:
You heard him. Good luck.
Red section, follow me!
Attack!
This one's mine...
Donald, what are you doing?
ZUMBACH ON RADIO:
[ am sorry, sir.
I just finished him.
VINCENT ON RADIO:
Never mind.
Bloody Poles!
This one's mine.
GUNFIRE
GUNFIRE
GERMAN PILOT ON RADIO:
On 3, I come down.
On 5, you fly away and I shoot.
URBANOWICZ IN POLISH:
Donald, can you see that?
Vincent has a Jerry on his tail.
- GERMAN PILOT: Take him down.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Stop the Polish chit-chat!
GERMAN PILOT:
Three...
Sundial leader,
bandit on your six!
GERMAN PILOT:
Four...
VINCENT ON RADIO:
Oh, I'm in trouble!
GERMAN PILOT:
Five!
GUNFIRE
- I've been hit!
GUNFIRE
Bloody Poles!
ZUMBACH ON RADIO:
Sundial leader, alright?
Thank you, Donald! Thank you!
ZUMBACH IN POLISH:
At your service.
IN POLISH:
Mate, if not for you...
Got on their tails.
- Three times. Three times.
He corkscrewed!
And on the tail!
He'll have to get me and then you...
Gentlemen.
You saved my life.
You know, you flew with us.
You are one of us and
we always protect one another, so.
That's how we were taught.
Just like the musketeers.
- Yeah.
I know in the beginning I doubted you.
And I was wrong.
You are the bloody best pilots
we've got.
And you're a great leader, sir.
- And you, young man
are a diplomat.
- THEY LAUGH
OK, gentlemen, please.
Write down everything.
The bloody best pilots...
In the world!
THEY LAUGH
"...in the world."
Thank you.
And they are really doing it.
Doing what, sir?
I personally watched them
shoot down eight aeroplanes
without losses.
Look, here...
is a congratulatory telegram
from Minister Sinclair.
Is this with the press agencies
and the BBC?
Yes, it is.
- Good.
VINCENT CHUCKLES
I want the information
about this Polish victory
not only on the radio
but also on the newspapers'
front pages with photos.
Unless you still have reservations
about foreigners.
Oh, no, of course not.
No, no. No, no, no.
Pub?
Pub? Me? And the Poles?
Oh, no.
MUSIC: "Charleston!"
by Donaldson and Kahn
TOLO IN POLISH:
Gentlemen.
Shall we bet on who
she's going to dance with?
With me.
I'm betting on Donald!
Thanks, Tolo, but I think
it's going to be Urbanowicz!
Whatever happens, it's all for one...
ALL:
And one for all!
IN ENGLISH:
Good evening.
Good evening.
Got a light?
Shall we dance?
Why not?
Hm! Thank you.
Yes!
Do you always treat women that way?
Which way?
Do you make bets on them often?
We bet on who you'd choose
to dance with.
And who guessed correctly?
Tolo.
- Which one's he?
That one. I know,
he's not very handsome.
And what was the prize?
A round of drinks.
Ansell, a bottle of whisky
for this man
on my tab.
Of course, madam.
I didn't want to offend you.
And yet you have.
Gentlemen.
MUSIC STOPS
MUSIC: "Bei Mir Bistu Shein"
by Jacobs and Secunda
♪ Bel mir bistu shein
means that you're grand ♪
♪ Bei mir bistu shein, again I'll explain ♪
♪ It means
you're the fairest in the land... ♪
HE SINGS
- Shh!
THEY LAUGH
This is it.
I don't usually make a habit
of inviting in strangers.
Let me introduce myself again.
Donald Zumbach.
Enchanté.
Mademoiselle.
SHE SIGHS
- I'll never learn.
INDISTINCT CHATTER AND LAUGHTER
"BE! MIR BISTU SHEIN" PLAYS
IN POLISH: Don't take advantage
of the situation!
Everyone's looking.
I'm not surprised.
You look beautiful.
IN GERMAN:
Captain von Ruttenberg!
RUTTENBERG:
Lieutenant Urbanowicz.
Welcome.
- Nice to see you.
IN POLISH:
My friend from air race competitions.
Friend?
Not all Germans voted for Hitler.
Engineer Kochan.
Wilhelm von Ruttenberg.
- Kochan.
IN GERMAN: Good evening.
- Good evening.
Captain Johann Behr.
- Nice to meet you.
I'm pleased to be able to introduce you.
Do sit down.
Thank you.
I can't?
- You didn't deserve it.
We haven't seen each
other for a while.
Two years?
- Three.
Really? Three years?
- Yes.
How do you know each other?
From air race world championships.
That's very interesting.
Wait. Easy...
Is it mechanical or gravity fed?
- Excuse me?
The fuel injection
in the Messerschmitt 109.
Jagoda Kochan.
Wilhelm von Ruttenberg.
It's a pleasure.
And?
- Yes, and?
Let's raise a toast
to Lieutenant Urbanowicz!
The best pilot I know
and to the next air race
World Championships
probably in London.
I hope we win this time.
I wouldn't be so sure!
We will win for our Fuhrer.
Let's drink to our friendly rivalry
and to the championships!
And not to Hitler?
Hard times have come
for friendship like ours.
Unfortunately, we have to...
To our leaders.
No, to your charming companion.
Will I be allowed to dance with you"?
With your permission, of course.
Is he allowed?
Of course.
So, is it a mechanical or
gravity fuel injection system?
BEHR:
Please, sit down.
MARCHING DRUMS PLAY
Sieg Heil!
PATRIOTIC MUSIC PLAYS
THEY SING:
"Die Fahne Hoch" by Horst Wessel
RADIO:
This is London.
This morning, large forces
of German bombers
are continuing their unprecedented attack
to bomb England.
We do not know
yet how many more planes
the Royal Air Force have added
to their record score yesterday.
Would you mind waiting here?
Flying Officer Zumbach, sir.
Come.
How can I help?
- Sir.
Can we say in French?
My English no good enough.
IN FRENCH:
Of course.
I'm looking for the daughter
of engineer Kochan.
Her name is Jagoda Kochan.
IN ENGLISH: Write this down,
would you please, Victoria?
Jagoda... Koshon?
Kochan.
Jagoda Kochan.
Ja... Ko...
Koshon...?
May I, sir?
Please.
IN FRENCH: We all know who is
the daughter of engineer Kochan.
If the girl appears in England
or in any of our colonies,
our intelligence will notice that.
We'll let you know.
Merci, sir.
Good.
IN ENGLISH:
Anything else?
No. Thank you.
Goodbye.
- Au revoir.
Au revoir.
IN POLISH:
Look, it's the doctor!
Flying Officer Urbanowicz.
Victoria Brown.
Charmed.
Miss Victoria?
May I ask you to dance with me"?
I would love to dance with you.
STRING MUSIC PLAYS
IN POLISH:
Donald, bandit at 10 high.
Take him, he's yours!
Yes, sir.
GUNFIRE
GUNFIRE
GUNFIRE
ZUMBACH ON RADIO:
Cobra, I'm on your 7.
That one went swimming!
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
They'll count that one as a probable.
Do you have enough fuel?
Enough.
Cobra, next one is yours.
Morning.
What brings you here so bright and early?
This.
Yes, what a splendid
piece of propaganda.
I told you, you'd bathe
in their reflected glory.
Yes, right.
And can you show me where I am?
No? I'll show you.
I'm here! I'm not even in the shot.
And where am I supposed to be?
Here!
Or you could have been here.
Next to Urbanowicz.
Can't see Zumbach either.
Well, darling...
C'est la guerre.
ACCORDION PLAYS:
"Habanera" from Carmen by Bizet
IN GERMAN: Look what they found
in a shot-down Spitfire!
Polish pilots. Pity we have to kill them.
We're also in the newspapers.
Excuse me, may I? 7 Thank you.
Have a look.
Have you ever wondered why in their press
people like us
are on the front page
whereas in ours, it's the Fuhrer
another leader...
and the next one?
Thank you.
Have you something
against our Fuhrer?
What I don't like is that,
in the name of the Fuhrer
some attack Red Cross ambulances.
Enemy ambulances.
Ambulances carrying wounded.
Are you trying to tell me something?
MUSIC: "The Infernal Gallop" by Offenbach
What do you think?
PILOT, IN POLISH:
Gentlemen!
We have a guest.
It's Kent!
Hey, boys!
Get in the car!
Where are we going, sir?
We're gonna have some fun.
That's an order.
THEY LAUGH
TOLO, IN POLISH:
An order's an order!
OX:
Tolo, Tolo!
HORN HONKS
Thank you, sir!
Are we going to fit?
- OX: No, there's no room!
THEY LAUGH AND CHATTER
THEY SING
MUSIC: "Land of Hope and Glory"
by Edward Elgar
APPLAUSE
FORBES:
Gentlemen!
The drinks are on me.
And tonight you can call me Forbski.
The night is young
and we're just getting started.
THEY CHEER
MUSIC: "Down by the Riverside"
by Louis Armstrong.
Gentlemen! To today's victories.
And tomorrow's!
Knocked that back quickly.
- I'm thirsty.
Officer Zumbach?
I believe I owe you an apology.
Please join us.
FORBES:
Cheers!
Cheers.
And then we made our way
from Romania to France.
Some of us disguised as priests.
It's remarkable.
- Yeah.
MUSIC: "Love Me or Leave Me"
by Donaldson & Kahn
Janek, Johnny, Donald.
Which one of them
are you today?
None of them.
I have a name for you.
- Oh?
Promise me something
and the name is yours.
Just one little promise.
What kind of promise
do you want to hear?
Promise you won't die.
Of course I won't die.
- Liar!
ALARM RINGS
- AIR RAID SIREN
PILOT ON RADIO:
Sundial, Apany Blue Leader here.
We are in the air.
Find me Zumbach!
Do you need some cigarettes, sir?
I need Zumbach!
PHONE RINGS
Yes?
You have to go.
- What?
You have to get back to your unit.
How do they know where I am?
That's what we have
intelligence for.
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
Sundial, Apany Red Leader here.
Can you hear me?
ENGLISH OPERATOR:
Yes, we can hear you well.
Apany Red Leader,
Sundial here.
Sector 1-6-0.
100 plus bandits over Horsham.
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
Sundial. Roger that and out.
ZUMBACH IN POLISH:
Cobra, I'm here, sorry!
Better late than never, Donald.
Good to see you!
It's peaceful today.
Frantisek?
ON RADIO: Frant/sek,
get back in format/on!
Blast! As usual,
he's switched his radio off!
Frantisek?
GUNFIRE
Where have you been?
Over the Channel, sir.
I was chasing another Jerry.
Did you get him?
And we were all sure
they shot you down.
The chaps are drinking
for you already.
What are you so happy about?
Because it means
you care about me.
Sergeant Pilot Frantisek,
this is the last time
you leave our formation.
I'm excluding you
from the squadron.
IN POLISH:
That's not possible.
Oh, it most certainly is.
IN ENGLISH: Starting from today,
you'll be flying separately
from our formation.
Just by myself?
No. Alongside us as a...
guest of our squadron.
You won't be anyone's wingman
anymore but
no one will be watching your arse
in return.
PILOTS LAUGH
Thank you, sir.
MUSIC: "Little Brown Jug"
by Glen Miller
PILOT:
Forbesowski?
Come on. Come on!
Listen to him.
We'll bet you two double scotches
the next girl you meet
doesn't walk away from you.
Do we have a bet?
Done.
- Cut.
Take off your jacket.
Cheater.
No one likes a bad loser, Tolo.
- Hey, hey...
Wish me luck, chaps.
Good luck!
Hi.
IN POLISH ACCENT:
Something to drink, you like?
Hi.
Are you one of those Polish pilots?
Of course. My name is Jan.
I fly with the 303.
Gin and tonic, please.
ENGLISH ACCENT: G&T and double
scotch on the rocks, please...
IN POLISH ACCENT:
And, uh, please put it on my tab.
Nice accent, Jan.
FORD:
Oh, no...
IN POLISH: You're buying.
- Wait, wait, wait.
Hello.
Are you a Polish pilot?
IN POLISH ACCENT:
Yes.
Yes. I am flying
with Polish squadron.
My name is Forbski.
Please.
One more double scotch, please.
And then two for my very good friends
at the end of the bar.
INDISTINCT CHATTER AND LAUGHTER
TOLO:
So England is already conquered!
AIR RAID SIREN
PILOT:
Faster! Faster!
Close it!
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany Leader, Sundial here.
Steer 71-2-0.
400 plus bandit beehive
over Maidstone.
Heading for London.
Angels 1-8. Buster.
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
Sundial, Roger that. Out.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany. Vector 1-2-0.
TOLO ON RADIO: Cobra, Blue 3 here.
Bandits at 2 o'clock.
PILOT, IN POLISH:
Messerschmitts! On 2, high!
URBANOWICZ: All Apany,
turn starboard and break.
Oh, shit, I've got a bandit
on my tail!
GUNFIRE
JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS
Lieutenant Urbanowicz.
Major Jones.
- Evening, Miss Brown.
URBANOWICZ:
Yes?
HE WHISPERS
Gentlemen.
Arsen Cebrzynski.
Stefan Wojtowicz.
WOMAN:
Stop the music, please!
THEY SING IN POLISH:
♪ Poland has not yet perished ♪
♪ So long as we still live ♪
♪ What the foreign force
has taken from us ♪
♪ We shall with sabre retrieve ♪
♪ March, march, Dabrowski,
from the Italian land to Poland ♪
♪ Under your command
we shall rejoin the nation. ♪
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany Blue 3, come in, please.
Come in, please.
Apany Blue 3, come in, please.
Repeat. Come in, please.
Apany Blue 3, come in, please.
Repeat. Come in, please.
THEY DANCE IN SILENCE
THEY ALL DANCE IN SILENCE
INDISTINCT WHISPERS
Amen.
Forgive me, Father,
for I have sinned
and I want to sin again.
And I have killed already.
And I wanted to kill them all.
IN GERMAN: Congratulations
on your achievement, Captain!
What can I do for you
to make it even better?
Sir. May I wish you
a long and healthy life.
IN POLISH:
Thank you.
MECHANIC:
Thank you doesn't buy anything.
We'll settle the bill later.
KENT, IN ENGLISH:
Fellas.
There's never been so many
of them at once before.
They have three times
as many planes as us.
Kellett said that we can fly
in a loose formation.
The Polish way.
- ALARM RINGS
God help us.
IN POLISH:
Gentlemen, to your planes
and everyone come back!
- They've finally understood!
Keep your fingers crossed!
AIR RAID SIREN
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany Leader, Sundial here.
Steer 7-0-0.
600 plus bandit beehive
approaching port of London docks.
Angels 2-0. Buster.
IN POLISH:
Silence in the air!
GERMAN OPERATOR: Target Biggins,
Kenley and Croydon.
We'll win today!
Yes, today I'll take revenge.
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
Gentlemen, it won't be easy today.
May God protect us.
TOLO ON RADIO: That's right.
- GUNFIRE
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
We'll go right! Together!
This one's mine.
GUNFIRE
Dornier is hit. Finish it.
TOLO ON RADIO:
/I'm doing it right now!
God Almighty!
A horde of bandits!
GUNFIRE
GUNFIRE
RUTTENBERG:
No!
Bloody Brits!
I've got him on my tail!
RUTTENBERG YELLS
GUNFIRE
URBANOWICZ:
Do you remember that Jerry ace
that got away last time?
I've got him now!
GERMAN OPERATOR:
Base to Paula 1. Break off fight.
GUNFIRE
BEHR ON RADIO:
Paula 1 to base. I got hit.
Emergency landing!
INDISTINCT CONVERSATION
He's here.
We will continue this later.
I'm sorry I'm late.
I just landed.
And?
And...
I've arranged a transfer for you.
- What?
They need flying instructors.
You can train the recruits.
You don't have to
fight anymore.
But I want to fight.
You can't survive this war.
Perhaps. But I have to fight.
Why?
Because this is my life,
my job, my duty.
And I don't want to abandon
my brothers.
Then there is no hope for us.
What are you talking about?
I don't want to see you anymore.
This doesn't sound like you.
- You don't know me.
What?
Just go.
You should go.
Well done, bravo.
I've always wondered
what you got up to in the evening.
Now I know.
Quite a performance.
These are for you.
They're from Jagoda.
Please continue your performance,
Miss Brown.
I'm not going to play a war widow.
The mission is over.
JOGODA (VO):
My darling...
There are black clouds here
for the last past year.
They're constantly waiting
for the weather to improve.
Maybe the sun will finally shine.
This time, the other way round
from the west.
I hope that you also have
some cloudy, rainy weather.
I know that when the weather is bad
you have less work
chasing those animals.
Maybe you will be able to get rid
of the whole herd.
Hug boys for me.
!I'm fine.
I've nearly recovered.
And I love you.
With all my heart.
Jagoda.
IN GERMAN:
Good morning.
Captain Behr, there is a secret delivery
for you from headquarters.
Could you open it for me?
Yes, of course. Thank you.
Oh.
This is straight from Reichmarschall.
GOERING ON RECORD:
The German nation
has never in its history been
prepared so well for the victory.
We have the best aircraft,
best strategy and the best pilots!
So why didn't we
achieve total victory?
What do we lack?
Spirit! Spirit and discipline.
How could our bombers win if they
had no cover from our fighters?
Why did they shoot you down,
you idiot?
Now is the key moment
of the Battle of Britain/!
Bring me the head of that English bulldog!
If you surrender now, you are traitors.
Traitors of the great German nation!
Flight Lieutenant Urbanowicz.
- Yes?
Thank you.
For what?
For surpassing yourself.
You didn't believe in us, did you?
Believe, didn't believe...
Who cares?
You are born fighters.
We are born politicians.
What's this?
JONES:
Your obituary.
How thoughtful of you.
- It's my job.
You don't need it anymore?
No, you keep hold of it.
Good luck.
OFFICER:
Your Majesty...
may I present Pilot Officers
Lokuciewski
Paszkiewicz
DaszewsKi
Sergeant Szaposznikow
and Pilot Officer Januszewicz.
And, erm...
Acting squadron leader...
Urban... Urbano...?
Witold Urbanowicz.
It's an honour, Your Majesty.
OFFICER:
Pilot Officer Jan Zumbach.
Zumbach.
KING GEORGE: I've heard about
your victories, Pilot Officer.
You're all becoming
the stuff of legends.
For the glory of the nation,
Your Majesty.
But your name is not Polish, is it?
OFFICER:
It's Swiss, Your Majesty.
But I am Polish,
Your Majesty.
OFFICER: This is Sergeant Josef...
I do beg your pardon.
Frantisek.
- OFFICER: Frantisek
Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty.
Are you a Czech or Slovak,
Sergeant?
I'm Polish, Your Majesty.
And you?
Lieutenant Henneberg,
Your Majesty.
Danish?
- Polish, Your Majesty.
And you?
Sergeant Wunsche,
Your Majesty.
This is an old German name.
Yes, sir, but I'm Polish.
I have no doubt.
What is your name?
Sergeant Tadeusz Andruszkdéw,
Your Majesty.
Russian?
Don't tell me. Polish?
Da.
I suppose being Polish
really is just a state of mind.
Our country owes you a great deal.
You joined us at the 11th hour.
But with your heroism in the air
and great personal endeavour
Together we will defeat
this accursed enemy.
OFFICER:
Long live King George!
ALL:
Long live King George!
OFFICER:
Stand at ease.
OX:
Your Majesty.
May I ask for a few words
in writing for our chronicle"?
It would be great honour
for our squadron, 303.
The honour is all mine.
Does anybody have a pen?
Yes, Your Majesty.
As I stand among you
I'm beginning to feel Polish myself.
IN POLISH:
Long live King George!
ALL IN POLISH:
Long live King George!
APPLAUSE
ALARM RINGS
Wait!
Tadeusz!
Don't be afraid.
You're crazy!
- Crazy for you!
Please.
Give him to me.
- Yes, sir.
I'll take care of our little friend
until our brave pilot returns.
Thank you.
OPERATOR:
Steer 7-8-0.
Three hundred plus bandit beehive
over Portsmouth.
Angels 2-0. Buster!
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
Sundial, Apany Leader here.
Roger that. Out.
My God, what a sight.
Now I know we'll win this war.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany, Kenner here.
/It's absolutely bloody marvellous
to have you chaps
from Polish 303
with us for battle.
Enjoy the hunt and tally-ho!
ALL PILOTS ON RADIO:
Tally-ho!
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
We wish you all the same.
CHURCHILL (VO):
Never in the field of human conflict
was so much owed by so many
to so few.
Sector, 0-9-0.
Repeat: 0-9-0.
Five hundred plus bandits beehive
over Rochester...
OPERATOR RADIO CUTS IN:
Sundial here. Steer 0-9-0.
One hundred plus bandits approaching.
- RADIO TRAILS OFF
RADIO CRACKLES:
Angels 1-8. Repeat. 1-8.
Faster!/
GERMAN VOICES MIX ON RADIO
GERMAN PILOT:
Achtung!
PILOT 1 ON RADIO:
There's hundreds of the bastards!'
0-9 is OK.
Here they come!
PLANE ENGINES WHIR
PILOT 2 ON RADIO:
Watch out for the Hun from the Sun/
PILOT 3 ON RADIO: Tally-ho!
- PILOT 4 ON RADIO: Tally-ho!
CHATTER ON RADIO
PILOT 5 ON RADIO:
Jerry at 6 o'clock!
GUNFIRE
PILOT 6 ON RADIO:
Damn it, I'm hit!
CHURCHILL
The Battle of Britain is about to begin.
PILOT 7 ON RADIO:
I'm out of ammo!
CHURCHILL (VO): Upon this battle depends
the survival of Christian civilisation.
All fury and might of the enemy
must very soon be turned on us.
Hitler knows that he will have to break us
in this Island or lose the war.
If we can stand up to him,
all Europe may be free.
But if we fail, then the whole world
including the United States
including all that we have known
and cared for...
will sink into the abyss
of a new Dark Age
made more sinister,
and perhaps more protracted
by the lights of perverted science.
Let us therefore brace ourselves
to our duty
and so bear ourselves...
that if the British Empire
and its Commonwealth
last for a thousand years
men will still say:
"This... was their finest hour."
- Tolo, what's he saying?
He's saying that
when we finally start combat...
we'll be fighting
not only for Poland.
ENGINES HUM
PLANE ENGINE CHUGS
MILITARY-STYLE MUSIC PLAYS
CAMERA WHIRS
MAN, IN GERMAN:
Attention!
IN GERMAN:
What's that?
OFFICER, IN GERMAN:
I'm sorry. Come here! Quickly!
Clear this up.
We've captured five new
airfields in France.
Together we have 1000 fighters
with fuel and ammunition.
And the English have 1000
planes including 600 fighters.
We outnumber them 3 to 1.
But one of our aircraft is like two
of theirs which gives us 6 to 1.
Pretty well, isn't it?
Poland and France
are already conquered.
Now give me the head
of that English bulldog.
HE CHUCKLES
- OFFICER: Sieg Heil!
MEN CHANT:
Sieg Heil!
IN GERMAN:
Ah, I love the aroma of a good cigar.
And I love the smell of
burning English aircraft.
THEY CHUCKLE
- OFFICER: Schén.
PLANES ROAR
MAN 1, IN POLISH:
What's going on? This again?
Medical check-up?
MAN 2, IN POLISH:
Are you surprised?
They don't want us to fly.
NURSE, IN ENGLISH:
...would you mind fetching...
MEN GREET EACH OTHER
IN POLISH
IN ENGLISH:
Gentlemen? Three of you, please.
Come along, don't be shy.
Oh! Your blood pressure is too high.
Because I look at you.
Should I get naked completely"?
That won't be necessary.
I just need to know of
any diseases you've had in the past.
All of them?
NURSE:
Name?
Zumbach, Jan...
John...
Donald.
Which one is it?
Donald.
Go ahead.
P, E, Z, 0, C, S, F, T, D
Are you blind?
Oh, no, Miss.
I just read the last row
so we could save time.
Come here.
Next.
You can call me Johnny.
You can go now.
IN GERMAN, OVER SPEAKER:
Fighter Wing, prepare for take off.
Attention! Attention!
Third Fighter Wing, prepare for take off.
ENGINES CHUG
AIR RAID SIREN
- BELL RINGS
KENT:
Get to the shelters!
Hurry up, hurry up!
Come on, come on!
Hurry up!
Hey, son!
What's your name?
It's Wilson.
- How old are you?
I'm 18. Why?
How many hours have you spent
in the air?
Ten. Ten hours.
PILOT, IN POLISH:
How many?
Did I hear correctly?
How many hours have you flown, Tolo?
Four hundred hours.
Donald, even more.
We could help, Captain. They're just kids!
Your training flight is tomorrow.
Focus on that.
Captain!
To the shelters.
PLANES HUM
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Captain leader, Sundial here.
Steer 0-9-0.
One hundred plus bandits
approaching Southend.
Angels 1-5. Buster!
PILOT 1 ON RADIO:
Red and Blue 3, stay close to me.
Captain leader,
I've got to keep in formation!
God almighty! A horde of bandits.
Concentrate and fight.
INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER
GUNFIRE
Where's he gone?
PILOT 1 ON RADIO:
Red and Blue 3, stay in formation!
PILOT 2 ON RADIO:
Blue 3, bandit behind you!
PILOT 3 ON RADIO:
What? I can't see him!
VINCENT:
Watch your nine!
IN GERMAN: The Brit is 200
metres behind me. I'm attacking!
GUNFIRE
Roger!
PILOT SCREAMS
Captain leader, Captain leader!
Blue 3... Blue 3 just bought it!
SCREAMS ON RADIO
Captain leader, bandit at two!
ON RADIO: Wilson, ignore him!
- WILSON: He's in my sight!
ON RADIO: It's a trap!
- WILSON: Just a few more seconds.
Wilson!
ON RADIO:
Get back in formation! It's a trap/!
HEARTBEAT SOUNDS
HE BREATHES HEAVILY
ON RADIO:
Watch your port side!
Watch your back!
Where is he?
GERMAN PILOT:
Fire!
GUNFIRE
WILSON ON RADIO:
Oh, my God!
Sir...
when will all these
training exercises stop
so that we can get into
the real action?
You're not ready.
How much longer
must we wait?
There are procedures.
The squadron will be operational
when I'm satisfied.
HE SIGHS
Procedures are what lost France.
What am I supposed to tell my pilots
who don't know if their families
are alive or dead?
Sir?
More patience?
Yes.
More patience.
Thank you.
PLANE CHUGS
OFFICER: This Royal Geographical Society
saving policy.
What do you make of it?
I always thought the idea was we sent
our boys off to conquer overseas
and they sent back the spoils
to King and Country.
Now it seems like...
we're asking any foreigner
who's got a grudge against Herr Hitler
to come over here
and enjoy our hospitality.
Quite!
One of Winston's
more eccentric ideas, I'd say.
IN POLISH:
Crop dusting again?
THEY CHUCKLE
IN POLISH:
Very funny!
Who's next?
DOG BARKS
IN POLISH:
Gentlemen, let's draw.
The highest card flies.
Can any of you chaps
take up a kite
without pranging it?
IN POLISH:
Tolo, what's he saying?
The Brit said
you don't know how to fly.
THEY CHUCKLE
Hmm? Any of you?
Sir, we've got a volunteer.
He loves to fly.
MAN SHOUTS:
Fly, fly!
OFFICER:
Oh, I say... I say, old man...
The Hurricane.
MEN GASP IN AWE
MEN, IN POLISH:
Go! Go, go!
OFFICER:
Go!
IN POLISH:
Hi!
IN POLISH:
Are you placing your bets, gentlemen?
He won't do it...
All the money that he'll take off.
- Alright.
ENGINE SPLUTTERS
ENGINE CHUGS TO A START
IN POLISH:
I'd love to fly that!
Oh, bloody idiot.
He thinks we can still see him
under the cover of the clouds.
How many flying hours has he done
in a Hurricane?
None. But don't worry...
there must be some kind of
m-manual inside.
Inside... Inside the cockpit.
What?
There isn't?
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany training. Sundial here.
Steer 2-2-0.
Repeat 2-2-0. Angels 71-5.
Sundial. Apany training here.
2-2-0. Confirmed.
GERMAN PILOT ON RADIO:
Paula 3. Enemy in front of you. 200 metres.
I'm attacking!
- ON RADIO: Roger that! Good hunt!
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany training. Abort and pancake!
Bandits in your area!
ENGINE REVS
GUNFIRE
IN POLISH:
What's that?
Damn it! Bandit behind me!
OPERATOR: No Polish! Repeat!
- ZUMBACH: Bandit behind me!
Sundial. Apany training here.
Bandit at 7 o'clock.
OPERATOR: Apany, do not engage.
Repeat, do not engage!
Pancake! Pancake/!
Apany training,
what's your position?
IN POLISH:
It's complicated!
OPERATOR:
In English!
IN GERMAN:
Where are you?
ENGINE REVS HEAVILY
GUNFIRE
HE SCREAMS
IN GERMAN ON RADIO: I'm hit! Breaking off!
I return to the base!
GERMAN OPERATOR:
Understood.
Sundial...
Apany training here.
Enemy hit.
I return to base.
OPERATOR:
Apany training, Sundial here.
Abort and pancake.
Ah!
Here he comes!
He thinks the wheels are down!
Oh, no. He hasn't flown a plane
with retractable undercarriage.
Good God, he's going to crash!
THEY CHEER
It would be nice to get a copy in Polish.
LAUGHTER
IN POLISH:
Hey, tell us how it was?
Tell!
Poland one, Germany zero.
THEY LAUGH AND CHEER
- Seriously?
Well done!
Send in the Pole.
Enter.
Flying Officer Zumbach to see you, sir.
Yes, send him in.
Zumbach.
Well, come forward.
Flying Officer Zumbach, you might consider
yourself somewhat of a daredevil.
Risking your life is one thing -
the lives of other people
not to mention our rather
expensive planes...
That's just reckless.
Reckless?
- Quite.
Sir. I shot the Messerschmitt down!
- VINCENT: That is not true.
Observer Corp hasn't reported
any downed Messerschmitt.
Flying Officer Zumbach, you are being
reprimanded for insubordination.
Your lot have to learn to take orders
from their superior officers.
You will be trained
to learn our battle tactics.
That's all, thank you.
So up to this point we've lost 432 planes.
And we're producing new ones.
Planes, yes, but not the pilots
quickly enough to fly them.
That's why we need to
get the Poles on board.
Are they up to it?
- Doubt it.
They've already lost two wars.
Then why use them?
- An average pilot
survives 10 hours in battle.
The best, two weeks.
We need the Poles to buy us some time
SO we can train up our own chaps.
And what happens to the Poles?
They all die?
And you don't care.
Has anyone ever told you
you're a cold-hearted pig?
They don't have to.
My reflection tells me that every morning
when I'm shaving.
RADIO: One of our CBS correspondents
in London, Eric Tate
told us from Trafalgar Square
that the Germans were continuing
their all-day attacks around London.
DOOR OPENS
- But the British remain unimpressed.
Oh, Jones...
What does MI5 want this time?
Hitler and his bloody army
are about to cross the English Channel
but of course the most important thing
is that your feet are dry.
The Royal Air Force
is keeping Britain's feet dry.
Yes, but for how long?
I don't know.
- Well, let me tell you.
Two months, max.
Unless we use the 8,000 Polish
air and ground crew at our disposal.
They didn't do very well
against the Germans.
They'll buy us time
until the Americans enter the war.
Bloody Poles.
Sir, would you like to join me?
Yeah, sure.
Well done.
- Thank you.
Now your turn.
I can see you've made yourself at home.
What icon is it?
- MAN: Our Lady of Czestochowa.
She's been with us since the Deblin School.
She protects us.
OFFICER, IN POLISH: Gentlemen, remember
that you've got only 300 bullets of ammo.
That is enough for only
18 seconds of firing.
At ease.
How are things, Major?
Will we turn them into fighter pilots?
I'll train them to be able to fly
even on a barn door.
Who's next?
OK. Daszewski.
I also need a volunteer.
Please, choose someone today.
- OK, Tolo, go.
Today, you go.
- No, you go.
Cadet Zumbach, please come here.
Cadet Zumbach...
please hit me.
Don't be shy. Just hit me here.
PILOTS CHANT:
Janek, Janek, Janek!
Gentlemen...
Just hit me.
Don't be shy.
THEY CHUCKLE
You see, cadet,
in order to attack effectively
you need to be as close as possible...
Ah!
- Ooh!
And attack by surprise.
That's how you should act in the air.
Fire when you're really close
to the enemy and catch him by surprise.
I always tell my mechanics to synchronise
the guns from 250 metres to 150 metres.
That way you're saving ammo
and are far more effective.
Now, in place of engineer Kochan,
his beloved daughter, Jagoda Kochan.
She'll explain why P-11s choke
when they dive during acrobatics.
Miss Jagoda, come here, please.
I'll also watch... I mean, listen.
OK. So I'll tell you how it looks.
It looks good.
Very good!
- THEY LAUGH
Gentlemen!
The reason for this engine's behaviour
is its float carburettor.
During violent acrobatics,
it simply chokes.
It's said the Germans have direct
fuel injection but we aren't sure.
I'll show you on the model,
but I need a volunteer!
Me!
- Me!
IN GERMAN ON RADIO:
It's a hospital, not an airfield!
MAN 2 ON RADIO: Paula 5, coordinates
are correct. An order's an order.
EXPLOSION
IN ENGLISH:
To the shelter! To the shelter!
EXPLOSION
- GUNFIRE
Bloody hell, what are they doing?
IN GERMAN ON RADIO:
Stop attacking! Immediately!
Stop attacking! Immediately!
MAN 2 ON RADIO:
Paula 5, I don't understand...
IN POLISH:
Gentlemen! Major!
England has declared war on Germany.
France will be next.
There are huge crowds
at the embassy in Warsaw!
Thank God!
IN RUSSIAN: Gentlemen,
any of you got a smoke?
Easy, easy! I'm Polish!
IN POLISH: I'm a pilot.
Lieutenant Urbanowicz.
What's going on?
Are the Germans close?
Soviets.
They invaded this morning.
Our battery is smashed.
Our commander wounded.
Let me see.
Bloody hell...
It's one of ours!
- Thank God.
IN RUSSIAN:
Freeze!
Hands up!
- Easy!
Hands up!
Easy! We have a wounded man.
Please, help him.
GUNSHOT
- No!
Does anyone else need help?
Huh?
IN POLISH:
Thank God you're here!
You have no idea
what's been happening here.
I know, darling. I know.
Were you able to fix it?
Just finished.
We've been ordered to evacuate.
Russia invaded in the east.
The Germans are everywhere.
Who are these children?
Hello, hi!
From a village. I have to help
hem to find their parents.
For now they only have me.
So... listen. Take Mayer with you.
He'll be more useful to you.
No. No way!
Jagoda, you come with me.
Janek. I can't. I have to stay here.
Listen. Maybe I can get them to Warsaw.
Take the motorcycle, it'll be easier.
Let's go.
ENGINE STARTS
Take care.
HE WHISTLES
So, how far will it get us?
No worries.
Romania shouldn't be a problem.
What about Jagoda?
Start it!
ENGINE ROARS
GUNFIRE
IN RUSSIAN:
Take him away.
Get up! Come on!
Move!
Anyone else wants to escape?
Maybe you?
Polish pig.
Eh?
I'm asking you!
You took my coat, my watch,
don't you want to take my shoes?
SOVIET LAUGHS
So, you are such a hero...
- MAN: Sashka!
I'm not finished with you.
Understood?
I'm C o m iNn g!
HE GROANS
THEY GRUNT
GLASS SMASHES
- Leave me alone!
I don't want to go!
- GERMANS YELL
Jagoda!
Zosia, I'll be back!
Zosia!
Four gin and tonics, please.
Sure, right up.
Can I buy you a drink?
- Four gin and tonics.
Alright.
Er, I pay.
Sure.
Stefan Wdéjtowicz.
Who?
Stefan.
- Stefan?
Maggie.
Nine shilings, nine pence.
Thank you.
JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS
MAN:
Oh, look. Flying fairies...
I don't think we have that much.
Please send the bill
to General Sikorski.
Sikorski?
- Yeah.
General?
- Yeah.
Alright.
IN POLISH: One more?
- Sure.
Once more, please.
ENGINEER:
Good evening, gentlemen.
PILOT: Good evening, engineer, sir.
- Good evening.
PILOT: Here you are.
- ENGINEER: Thank you.
PILOT:
Andruszkow, it's time for us.
Good night.
- Good night.
No, no. Thank you.
Do you know that the latest Spitfires
still don't have direct fuel injection?
I wasn't able...
to find our Jagoda,
neither through the resistance
nor contacts within Poland.
Do you think that...
- But we're working on it.
Things will be fine.
INAUDIBLE DIALOGUE
PILOT:
Tighten the belts! Good.
ENGINE ROARS
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany leader, Sundial here.
Steer 0-7-0 over St Albans.
Angels 1-5.
Practise on the Blenheims
as targets.
PILOT ON RADIO:
Sundial, Apany here. Roger that.
Out. All Apany aicraft keep formation.
IN POLISH:
Cobra, Germans on two o'clock low.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
No Polish.
Yellow 2 here.
Bandits at two o'clock. Low.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
/Ignore and stay in formation.
PILOT:
Sundial, I can't hear you.
IN POLISH:
Paszka, take the bastard.
PASZKIEWICZ, IN POLISH:
OK, Cobra.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
No communication in Polish.
No Polish chit-chat.
IN GERMAN ON RADIO:
Enemy! Distance 100. Faster!
GUNFIRE
IN POLISH:
So that's your play?
GUNFIRE
EXPLOSION
- GERMAN SCREAMS
PILOT ON RADIO: Apany leader,
! Hit bandit. I pancake.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
God help us. But well done.
All Apany, escort the Blenheims
and pancake.
RADIO CRACKLES
RADIO: The RAF is bombing
German and Italian bases in revenge
against the Nazi air offensive.
The next couple of weeks
of Luftwaffe air operations
are likely to prove,
one way or the other
if the Nazis will defeat the British
and achieve air supremacy.
British air raids on northern Italy
have caused Mussolini
to make vigorous protests
to neutral Switzerland
which is being overflown by the RAF.
The Swiss are, in turn,
protesting to London
about abuse of their airspace
but can do little about it.
KNOCK ON DOOR
Come in.
Sir, Flying Officer Urbanowicz.
Sir.
Sir.
Pilot Officer
you will take over the command
from Squadron Leader Krasnodebski.
303 Squadron is now combat operational.
Thank you, sir.
- Tell me...
how do you think
your compatriots will fare?
You'll not find better pilots
on this Earth, sir.
Attention!
At ease.
Gentlemen...
it is important to understand
that we are all many cogs
in the machine that is the defence
of Great Britain.
Our radar networks and
coastal observation stations
give us just 15 minutes warning
of impending German attack.
If even one squadron lags,
we lose that advantage.
We fight as one unified fist.
Is that clear?
If 1 may...
I know all of you.
Some of you I've taken under my wing
and trained personally and...
I know the fight is in your hearts
and that you are more
than just cogs in the machine, but...
I know that you are worried.
That your thoughts are with your families
back home.
Our...
brothers and sisters in the underground
Resistance continue to fight the enemy
whether he be Nazi or Bolshevik
but focus, gentlemen. Be here.
Think what each one of them would give
to be where you are now.
Because here is the only piece,
the last piece of our free Poland.
Our Polish army is here. We are here!
We are the Polish army!
And we refused to surrender in '39
and we'll continue the fight
as long as we draw breath.
Our enslaved brothers and sisters
put their faith in us and...
you know how they call us back home?
The Angels of Vengeance.
But enough talking.
You were born to be fighters,
so give those bloody Germans hell!
THEY CHEER AND APPLAUD
And show everyone here how it's done, OK?
That's all what I wanted to say.
Is that clear?
- ALL: Yes, sir!
IN GERMAN, OVER LOUDSPEAKER:
Attention, attention/
Attention! Attention!
Fighter Wing, prepare for take off.
IN GERMAN:
They don't have a chance today.
We will kill them all.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany Red Leader, Sundial here.
Steer 7-5-0.
Bandits over Hastings.
IN POLISH:
Tighter! Tighter! Tighter!
Tighter!
I don't want to go bouncing
like a dick in loose pants.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany Red Leader, Sundial here.
Steer 1-5-0.
Bandits over Hastings.
Angels 2-0. Buster!
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
Sundial, Apany Red Leader here.
Roger that. Out.
IN POLISH:
I can see a lonely bandit here.
Don't touch him! He's all mine!
ZUMBACH ON RADIO:
OK, Cobra. It's for 1939.
We'll clean up the Channel
and then straight on to Poland.
Now watch and learn.
GUNFIRE
I'll finish him off!
- PILOT: His engine is hit
He's going down.
Cobra, come back! Bandits on 12!/
I can see them.
Can't you manage by yourselves?
I was going to finish him off!
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
No Polish chit-chat!
PILOT SCREAMS
IN GERMAN:
Paula 5 to base.
HE GROANS
I got hit!
ON RADIO: Emergency landing on
the airfield! Emergency landing!
HE SCREAMS
Damn it!
Dear God! That was close!
Which pilot has the number RF-B?
I'll get the bastard!
Those were Poles.
One of them hit you.
Poles... I knew a Pole
who could fly like that. Shit!
Six Kills in the first mission.
Tell me, Major, is it possible?
Well, Kent and Kellett were up there
with them.
Sounds like rather good stuff.
Have the newspapers been told?
- No. Not yet.
And I'm rather inclined to think
that Kent and Kellett did the killing
while the Poles are trying
to take the credit.
Perhaps you ought
to fly with them.
Ha!
JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS
To Squadron 303!
THEY CHEER
Sorry, Ox, your tab is empty.
I'll order on General Sikorski's tab.
- No, no, no!
General Sikorski
really appreciates your initiative
but after paying the last bill
he asks not to be billed in the future, so.
Don't worry. Tonight is on me.
OK. Thank you, mate.
Thank you.
- You're welcome.
Oh, shit...
Morning, sir.
Airman.
Yes, sir?
Was it you who crash landed
last week?
Yes, sir.
How old are you?
In two weeks,
I will be 22 years old.
Sir.
JONES:
Let's hope you survive, son.
Shall we get this photograph taken?
Ready?
- Come with me.
PHOTOGRAPHER:
Smile, please.
Would you mind?
- SHUTTER CLICKS
Come on, Miss Brown,
you're the film actress.
Put some heart into it.
SHUTTER CLICKS
- PHOTOGRAPHER: Another one.
Once more...
- Let's go.
PHOTOGRAPHER:
Once more, please.
SHUTTER CLICKS
- Wait, wait, wait!
PHOTOGRAPHER:
Thank you, ma'am.
Together!
Big smiles, boys.
THEY CHEER
IN POLISH:
And up!
ROOSEVELT ON RADIO:
The Nazi masters of Germany
have made it clear
that they intend
not only to dominate all life and thought
in their own country
but also to enslave
the whole of Europe
and then to use
the resources of Europe
to dominate the rest of the world.
I've got a mission for you.
Right. And what's that?
HE SIGHS
You were a well-known
and talented actress.
I can make sure you'll be back
on the newspaper front pages.
So what do you want me to do?
I want you to get close
to the Polish airmen.
Get to know them.
Only heroes make the front page.
Are they heroes?
Some of them.
Urbanowicz, for instance.
And if they die?
- They die heroes.
Your grief. Think about it.
Think of the acting opportunities.
It better work.
Start with Urbanowicz.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
1-2-0, 500 plus bandit beehive
approaching Biggins and Kenley.
- No English chit-chat!
IN POLISH:
Tolo, calm down.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
2-0. Buster.
Sundial. Apany leader here.
Roger that. Out.
IN POLISH: Gentlemen,
we're being inspected today
by the top brass.
- Let's show him how to fly!
Cover his arse so nothing happens to him.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany leader, Sundial here.
Steer 0-9-0. Bandit beehive.
600 plus over Margate,
heading London.
Angels 2-0. Buster!
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
Sundial. Roger that. Out.
PILOT, IN POLISH:
Bandits on ten, low!
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
All Apany, bandits on ten. Low.
Bloody hell!
I've never seen so many Jerries.
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
Apany leader here.
Blue section
breaking and attacking.
Very well!
URBANOWICZ, IN POLISH:
You heard him. Good luck.
Red section, follow me!
Attack!
This one's mine...
Donald, what are you doing?
ZUMBACH ON RADIO:
[ am sorry, sir.
I just finished him.
VINCENT ON RADIO:
Never mind.
Bloody Poles!
This one's mine.
GUNFIRE
GUNFIRE
GERMAN PILOT ON RADIO:
On 3, I come down.
On 5, you fly away and I shoot.
URBANOWICZ IN POLISH:
Donald, can you see that?
Vincent has a Jerry on his tail.
- GERMAN PILOT: Take him down.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Stop the Polish chit-chat!
GERMAN PILOT:
Three...
Sundial leader,
bandit on your six!
GERMAN PILOT:
Four...
VINCENT ON RADIO:
Oh, I'm in trouble!
GERMAN PILOT:
Five!
GUNFIRE
- I've been hit!
GUNFIRE
Bloody Poles!
ZUMBACH ON RADIO:
Sundial leader, alright?
Thank you, Donald! Thank you!
ZUMBACH IN POLISH:
At your service.
IN POLISH:
Mate, if not for you...
Got on their tails.
- Three times. Three times.
He corkscrewed!
And on the tail!
He'll have to get me and then you...
Gentlemen.
You saved my life.
You know, you flew with us.
You are one of us and
we always protect one another, so.
That's how we were taught.
Just like the musketeers.
- Yeah.
I know in the beginning I doubted you.
And I was wrong.
You are the bloody best pilots
we've got.
And you're a great leader, sir.
- And you, young man
are a diplomat.
- THEY LAUGH
OK, gentlemen, please.
Write down everything.
The bloody best pilots...
In the world!
THEY LAUGH
"...in the world."
Thank you.
And they are really doing it.
Doing what, sir?
I personally watched them
shoot down eight aeroplanes
without losses.
Look, here...
is a congratulatory telegram
from Minister Sinclair.
Is this with the press agencies
and the BBC?
Yes, it is.
- Good.
VINCENT CHUCKLES
I want the information
about this Polish victory
not only on the radio
but also on the newspapers'
front pages with photos.
Unless you still have reservations
about foreigners.
Oh, no, of course not.
No, no. No, no, no.
Pub?
Pub? Me? And the Poles?
Oh, no.
MUSIC: "Charleston!"
by Donaldson and Kahn
TOLO IN POLISH:
Gentlemen.
Shall we bet on who
she's going to dance with?
With me.
I'm betting on Donald!
Thanks, Tolo, but I think
it's going to be Urbanowicz!
Whatever happens, it's all for one...
ALL:
And one for all!
IN ENGLISH:
Good evening.
Good evening.
Got a light?
Shall we dance?
Why not?
Hm! Thank you.
Yes!
Do you always treat women that way?
Which way?
Do you make bets on them often?
We bet on who you'd choose
to dance with.
And who guessed correctly?
Tolo.
- Which one's he?
That one. I know,
he's not very handsome.
And what was the prize?
A round of drinks.
Ansell, a bottle of whisky
for this man
on my tab.
Of course, madam.
I didn't want to offend you.
And yet you have.
Gentlemen.
MUSIC STOPS
MUSIC: "Bei Mir Bistu Shein"
by Jacobs and Secunda
♪ Bel mir bistu shein
means that you're grand ♪
♪ Bei mir bistu shein, again I'll explain ♪
♪ It means
you're the fairest in the land... ♪
HE SINGS
- Shh!
THEY LAUGH
This is it.
I don't usually make a habit
of inviting in strangers.
Let me introduce myself again.
Donald Zumbach.
Enchanté.
Mademoiselle.
SHE SIGHS
- I'll never learn.
INDISTINCT CHATTER AND LAUGHTER
"BE! MIR BISTU SHEIN" PLAYS
IN POLISH: Don't take advantage
of the situation!
Everyone's looking.
I'm not surprised.
You look beautiful.
IN GERMAN:
Captain von Ruttenberg!
RUTTENBERG:
Lieutenant Urbanowicz.
Welcome.
- Nice to see you.
IN POLISH:
My friend from air race competitions.
Friend?
Not all Germans voted for Hitler.
Engineer Kochan.
Wilhelm von Ruttenberg.
- Kochan.
IN GERMAN: Good evening.
- Good evening.
Captain Johann Behr.
- Nice to meet you.
I'm pleased to be able to introduce you.
Do sit down.
Thank you.
I can't?
- You didn't deserve it.
We haven't seen each
other for a while.
Two years?
- Three.
Really? Three years?
- Yes.
How do you know each other?
From air race world championships.
That's very interesting.
Wait. Easy...
Is it mechanical or gravity fed?
- Excuse me?
The fuel injection
in the Messerschmitt 109.
Jagoda Kochan.
Wilhelm von Ruttenberg.
It's a pleasure.
And?
- Yes, and?
Let's raise a toast
to Lieutenant Urbanowicz!
The best pilot I know
and to the next air race
World Championships
probably in London.
I hope we win this time.
I wouldn't be so sure!
We will win for our Fuhrer.
Let's drink to our friendly rivalry
and to the championships!
And not to Hitler?
Hard times have come
for friendship like ours.
Unfortunately, we have to...
To our leaders.
No, to your charming companion.
Will I be allowed to dance with you"?
With your permission, of course.
Is he allowed?
Of course.
So, is it a mechanical or
gravity fuel injection system?
BEHR:
Please, sit down.
MARCHING DRUMS PLAY
Sieg Heil!
PATRIOTIC MUSIC PLAYS
THEY SING:
"Die Fahne Hoch" by Horst Wessel
RADIO:
This is London.
This morning, large forces
of German bombers
are continuing their unprecedented attack
to bomb England.
We do not know
yet how many more planes
the Royal Air Force have added
to their record score yesterday.
Would you mind waiting here?
Flying Officer Zumbach, sir.
Come.
How can I help?
- Sir.
Can we say in French?
My English no good enough.
IN FRENCH:
Of course.
I'm looking for the daughter
of engineer Kochan.
Her name is Jagoda Kochan.
IN ENGLISH: Write this down,
would you please, Victoria?
Jagoda... Koshon?
Kochan.
Jagoda Kochan.
Ja... Ko...
Koshon...?
May I, sir?
Please.
IN FRENCH: We all know who is
the daughter of engineer Kochan.
If the girl appears in England
or in any of our colonies,
our intelligence will notice that.
We'll let you know.
Merci, sir.
Good.
IN ENGLISH:
Anything else?
No. Thank you.
Goodbye.
- Au revoir.
Au revoir.
IN POLISH:
Look, it's the doctor!
Flying Officer Urbanowicz.
Victoria Brown.
Charmed.
Miss Victoria?
May I ask you to dance with me"?
I would love to dance with you.
STRING MUSIC PLAYS
IN POLISH:
Donald, bandit at 10 high.
Take him, he's yours!
Yes, sir.
GUNFIRE
GUNFIRE
GUNFIRE
ZUMBACH ON RADIO:
Cobra, I'm on your 7.
That one went swimming!
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
They'll count that one as a probable.
Do you have enough fuel?
Enough.
Cobra, next one is yours.
Morning.
What brings you here so bright and early?
This.
Yes, what a splendid
piece of propaganda.
I told you, you'd bathe
in their reflected glory.
Yes, right.
And can you show me where I am?
No? I'll show you.
I'm here! I'm not even in the shot.
And where am I supposed to be?
Here!
Or you could have been here.
Next to Urbanowicz.
Can't see Zumbach either.
Well, darling...
C'est la guerre.
ACCORDION PLAYS:
"Habanera" from Carmen by Bizet
IN GERMAN: Look what they found
in a shot-down Spitfire!
Polish pilots. Pity we have to kill them.
We're also in the newspapers.
Excuse me, may I? 7 Thank you.
Have a look.
Have you ever wondered why in their press
people like us
are on the front page
whereas in ours, it's the Fuhrer
another leader...
and the next one?
Thank you.
Have you something
against our Fuhrer?
What I don't like is that,
in the name of the Fuhrer
some attack Red Cross ambulances.
Enemy ambulances.
Ambulances carrying wounded.
Are you trying to tell me something?
MUSIC: "The Infernal Gallop" by Offenbach
What do you think?
PILOT, IN POLISH:
Gentlemen!
We have a guest.
It's Kent!
Hey, boys!
Get in the car!
Where are we going, sir?
We're gonna have some fun.
That's an order.
THEY LAUGH
TOLO, IN POLISH:
An order's an order!
OX:
Tolo, Tolo!
HORN HONKS
Thank you, sir!
Are we going to fit?
- OX: No, there's no room!
THEY LAUGH AND CHATTER
THEY SING
MUSIC: "Land of Hope and Glory"
by Edward Elgar
APPLAUSE
FORBES:
Gentlemen!
The drinks are on me.
And tonight you can call me Forbski.
The night is young
and we're just getting started.
THEY CHEER
MUSIC: "Down by the Riverside"
by Louis Armstrong.
Gentlemen! To today's victories.
And tomorrow's!
Knocked that back quickly.
- I'm thirsty.
Officer Zumbach?
I believe I owe you an apology.
Please join us.
FORBES:
Cheers!
Cheers.
And then we made our way
from Romania to France.
Some of us disguised as priests.
It's remarkable.
- Yeah.
MUSIC: "Love Me or Leave Me"
by Donaldson & Kahn
Janek, Johnny, Donald.
Which one of them
are you today?
None of them.
I have a name for you.
- Oh?
Promise me something
and the name is yours.
Just one little promise.
What kind of promise
do you want to hear?
Promise you won't die.
Of course I won't die.
- Liar!
ALARM RINGS
- AIR RAID SIREN
PILOT ON RADIO:
Sundial, Apany Blue Leader here.
We are in the air.
Find me Zumbach!
Do you need some cigarettes, sir?
I need Zumbach!
PHONE RINGS
Yes?
You have to go.
- What?
You have to get back to your unit.
How do they know where I am?
That's what we have
intelligence for.
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
Sundial, Apany Red Leader here.
Can you hear me?
ENGLISH OPERATOR:
Yes, we can hear you well.
Apany Red Leader,
Sundial here.
Sector 1-6-0.
100 plus bandits over Horsham.
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
Sundial. Roger that and out.
ZUMBACH IN POLISH:
Cobra, I'm here, sorry!
Better late than never, Donald.
Good to see you!
It's peaceful today.
Frantisek?
ON RADIO: Frant/sek,
get back in format/on!
Blast! As usual,
he's switched his radio off!
Frantisek?
GUNFIRE
Where have you been?
Over the Channel, sir.
I was chasing another Jerry.
Did you get him?
And we were all sure
they shot you down.
The chaps are drinking
for you already.
What are you so happy about?
Because it means
you care about me.
Sergeant Pilot Frantisek,
this is the last time
you leave our formation.
I'm excluding you
from the squadron.
IN POLISH:
That's not possible.
Oh, it most certainly is.
IN ENGLISH: Starting from today,
you'll be flying separately
from our formation.
Just by myself?
No. Alongside us as a...
guest of our squadron.
You won't be anyone's wingman
anymore but
no one will be watching your arse
in return.
PILOTS LAUGH
Thank you, sir.
MUSIC: "Little Brown Jug"
by Glen Miller
PILOT:
Forbesowski?
Come on. Come on!
Listen to him.
We'll bet you two double scotches
the next girl you meet
doesn't walk away from you.
Do we have a bet?
Done.
- Cut.
Take off your jacket.
Cheater.
No one likes a bad loser, Tolo.
- Hey, hey...
Wish me luck, chaps.
Good luck!
Hi.
IN POLISH ACCENT:
Something to drink, you like?
Hi.
Are you one of those Polish pilots?
Of course. My name is Jan.
I fly with the 303.
Gin and tonic, please.
ENGLISH ACCENT: G&T and double
scotch on the rocks, please...
IN POLISH ACCENT:
And, uh, please put it on my tab.
Nice accent, Jan.
FORD:
Oh, no...
IN POLISH: You're buying.
- Wait, wait, wait.
Hello.
Are you a Polish pilot?
IN POLISH ACCENT:
Yes.
Yes. I am flying
with Polish squadron.
My name is Forbski.
Please.
One more double scotch, please.
And then two for my very good friends
at the end of the bar.
INDISTINCT CHATTER AND LAUGHTER
TOLO:
So England is already conquered!
AIR RAID SIREN
PILOT:
Faster! Faster!
Close it!
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany Leader, Sundial here.
Steer 71-2-0.
400 plus bandit beehive
over Maidstone.
Heading for London.
Angels 1-8. Buster.
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
Sundial, Roger that. Out.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany. Vector 1-2-0.
TOLO ON RADIO: Cobra, Blue 3 here.
Bandits at 2 o'clock.
PILOT, IN POLISH:
Messerschmitts! On 2, high!
URBANOWICZ: All Apany,
turn starboard and break.
Oh, shit, I've got a bandit
on my tail!
GUNFIRE
JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS
Lieutenant Urbanowicz.
Major Jones.
- Evening, Miss Brown.
URBANOWICZ:
Yes?
HE WHISPERS
Gentlemen.
Arsen Cebrzynski.
Stefan Wojtowicz.
WOMAN:
Stop the music, please!
THEY SING IN POLISH:
♪ Poland has not yet perished ♪
♪ So long as we still live ♪
♪ What the foreign force
has taken from us ♪
♪ We shall with sabre retrieve ♪
♪ March, march, Dabrowski,
from the Italian land to Poland ♪
♪ Under your command
we shall rejoin the nation. ♪
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany Blue 3, come in, please.
Come in, please.
Apany Blue 3, come in, please.
Repeat. Come in, please.
Apany Blue 3, come in, please.
Repeat. Come in, please.
THEY DANCE IN SILENCE
THEY ALL DANCE IN SILENCE
INDISTINCT WHISPERS
Amen.
Forgive me, Father,
for I have sinned
and I want to sin again.
And I have killed already.
And I wanted to kill them all.
IN GERMAN: Congratulations
on your achievement, Captain!
What can I do for you
to make it even better?
Sir. May I wish you
a long and healthy life.
IN POLISH:
Thank you.
MECHANIC:
Thank you doesn't buy anything.
We'll settle the bill later.
KENT, IN ENGLISH:
Fellas.
There's never been so many
of them at once before.
They have three times
as many planes as us.
Kellett said that we can fly
in a loose formation.
The Polish way.
- ALARM RINGS
God help us.
IN POLISH:
Gentlemen, to your planes
and everyone come back!
- They've finally understood!
Keep your fingers crossed!
AIR RAID SIREN
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany Leader, Sundial here.
Steer 7-0-0.
600 plus bandit beehive
approaching port of London docks.
Angels 2-0. Buster.
IN POLISH:
Silence in the air!
GERMAN OPERATOR: Target Biggins,
Kenley and Croydon.
We'll win today!
Yes, today I'll take revenge.
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
Gentlemen, it won't be easy today.
May God protect us.
TOLO ON RADIO: That's right.
- GUNFIRE
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
We'll go right! Together!
This one's mine.
GUNFIRE
Dornier is hit. Finish it.
TOLO ON RADIO:
/I'm doing it right now!
God Almighty!
A horde of bandits!
GUNFIRE
GUNFIRE
RUTTENBERG:
No!
Bloody Brits!
I've got him on my tail!
RUTTENBERG YELLS
GUNFIRE
URBANOWICZ:
Do you remember that Jerry ace
that got away last time?
I've got him now!
GERMAN OPERATOR:
Base to Paula 1. Break off fight.
GUNFIRE
BEHR ON RADIO:
Paula 1 to base. I got hit.
Emergency landing!
INDISTINCT CONVERSATION
He's here.
We will continue this later.
I'm sorry I'm late.
I just landed.
And?
And...
I've arranged a transfer for you.
- What?
They need flying instructors.
You can train the recruits.
You don't have to
fight anymore.
But I want to fight.
You can't survive this war.
Perhaps. But I have to fight.
Why?
Because this is my life,
my job, my duty.
And I don't want to abandon
my brothers.
Then there is no hope for us.
What are you talking about?
I don't want to see you anymore.
This doesn't sound like you.
- You don't know me.
What?
Just go.
You should go.
Well done, bravo.
I've always wondered
what you got up to in the evening.
Now I know.
Quite a performance.
These are for you.
They're from Jagoda.
Please continue your performance,
Miss Brown.
I'm not going to play a war widow.
The mission is over.
JOGODA (VO):
My darling...
There are black clouds here
for the last past year.
They're constantly waiting
for the weather to improve.
Maybe the sun will finally shine.
This time, the other way round
from the west.
I hope that you also have
some cloudy, rainy weather.
I know that when the weather is bad
you have less work
chasing those animals.
Maybe you will be able to get rid
of the whole herd.
Hug boys for me.
!I'm fine.
I've nearly recovered.
And I love you.
With all my heart.
Jagoda.
IN GERMAN:
Good morning.
Captain Behr, there is a secret delivery
for you from headquarters.
Could you open it for me?
Yes, of course. Thank you.
Oh.
This is straight from Reichmarschall.
GOERING ON RECORD:
The German nation
has never in its history been
prepared so well for the victory.
We have the best aircraft,
best strategy and the best pilots!
So why didn't we
achieve total victory?
What do we lack?
Spirit! Spirit and discipline.
How could our bombers win if they
had no cover from our fighters?
Why did they shoot you down,
you idiot?
Now is the key moment
of the Battle of Britain/!
Bring me the head of that English bulldog!
If you surrender now, you are traitors.
Traitors of the great German nation!
Flight Lieutenant Urbanowicz.
- Yes?
Thank you.
For what?
For surpassing yourself.
You didn't believe in us, did you?
Believe, didn't believe...
Who cares?
You are born fighters.
We are born politicians.
What's this?
JONES:
Your obituary.
How thoughtful of you.
- It's my job.
You don't need it anymore?
No, you keep hold of it.
Good luck.
OFFICER:
Your Majesty...
may I present Pilot Officers
Lokuciewski
Paszkiewicz
DaszewsKi
Sergeant Szaposznikow
and Pilot Officer Januszewicz.
And, erm...
Acting squadron leader...
Urban... Urbano...?
Witold Urbanowicz.
It's an honour, Your Majesty.
OFFICER:
Pilot Officer Jan Zumbach.
Zumbach.
KING GEORGE: I've heard about
your victories, Pilot Officer.
You're all becoming
the stuff of legends.
For the glory of the nation,
Your Majesty.
But your name is not Polish, is it?
OFFICER:
It's Swiss, Your Majesty.
But I am Polish,
Your Majesty.
OFFICER: This is Sergeant Josef...
I do beg your pardon.
Frantisek.
- OFFICER: Frantisek
Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty.
Are you a Czech or Slovak,
Sergeant?
I'm Polish, Your Majesty.
And you?
Lieutenant Henneberg,
Your Majesty.
Danish?
- Polish, Your Majesty.
And you?
Sergeant Wunsche,
Your Majesty.
This is an old German name.
Yes, sir, but I'm Polish.
I have no doubt.
What is your name?
Sergeant Tadeusz Andruszkdéw,
Your Majesty.
Russian?
Don't tell me. Polish?
Da.
I suppose being Polish
really is just a state of mind.
Our country owes you a great deal.
You joined us at the 11th hour.
But with your heroism in the air
and great personal endeavour
Together we will defeat
this accursed enemy.
OFFICER:
Long live King George!
ALL:
Long live King George!
OFFICER:
Stand at ease.
OX:
Your Majesty.
May I ask for a few words
in writing for our chronicle"?
It would be great honour
for our squadron, 303.
The honour is all mine.
Does anybody have a pen?
Yes, Your Majesty.
As I stand among you
I'm beginning to feel Polish myself.
IN POLISH:
Long live King George!
ALL IN POLISH:
Long live King George!
APPLAUSE
ALARM RINGS
Wait!
Tadeusz!
Don't be afraid.
You're crazy!
- Crazy for you!
Please.
Give him to me.
- Yes, sir.
I'll take care of our little friend
until our brave pilot returns.
Thank you.
OPERATOR:
Steer 7-8-0.
Three hundred plus bandit beehive
over Portsmouth.
Angels 2-0. Buster!
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
Sundial, Apany Leader here.
Roger that. Out.
My God, what a sight.
Now I know we'll win this war.
OPERATOR ON RADIO:
Apany, Kenner here.
/It's absolutely bloody marvellous
to have you chaps
from Polish 303
with us for battle.
Enjoy the hunt and tally-ho!
ALL PILOTS ON RADIO:
Tally-ho!
URBANOWICZ ON RADIO:
We wish you all the same.
CHURCHILL (VO):
Never in the field of human conflict
was so much owed by so many
to so few.