Colditz (1972–1974): Season 1, Episode 3 - Name, Rank and Number - full transcript

It Is Important we question him.

It may be,
but you won't get anything out of him

for some time yet.

Unreadable. All of It. Papier-maché.

I thought all you were entitled to ask
him was his number, rank and name.

I want a lot more than that.
- Come back In a couple of days.

How long was he In the sea?
- Mmm...

Hard to tell 24 hours, possibly.

Was he wounded?

Abrasion, shock, mostly It's exposure.
He'll live.

Come back In a couple of days.



He was washed up off a place
called Saint-Nicholas-de-Brem.

There's been no report
of any surface engagement

anywhere near there In the last week.

He's not been In the water for
much more than 24 hours.

But a Junkers 88 reported attacking

what might have been
a half-surfaced submarine

about six kilometers offshore.

Could he have floated In from that?
- I'm not an authority on French tides.

I'm a doctor, not a harbour-master.

It was dark, you see,
the pilot only had a glimpse.

The moon was clouded over.

He Just saw what might have been
a submarine.

Flashed a challenge, got no reply,

turned and dropped a stick of bombs.



He reported the submarine
as possibly hit.

That seems to solve the problem,
doesn't It?

Pilots are a race of optimists.

His uniform, how badly Is It torn?

See for yourself.
I wouldn't call It a uniform.

Sweater, slacks In rags.
- No signs of an explosion?

My dear Hauptsturmführer.

You really must stop assuming
I'm a detective.

AIL I can tell you Is
he's suffering from exposure.

Come back In two days' time.

I'll be back tomorrow.

I told you that nurse wouldn't be
any good, didn't I?

You won't get a Joyride out of a nurse.

Not unless you're a doctor.

All right.

Who's the clever dick
who's playing games with my trousers?

Right. Papers!

You're German?
- Yes.

I thought you were another Frenchman
who was going to say

missed his last train.

Who took this photograph of you?

At home.

Mmm-hmm.

You ought to sue him.

What are you doing here at
this time of the night anyway?

Finding out about the trains.
I got the week off.

I wish I had.

But It's 1:30!

I came off duty at midnight.

You should've stayed In bed.

There's Isn't a train until 7:00
to anywhere.

And that will be late.

My sister lives In Cologne.

Cologne, where you come from.

Oh, yes.
- My sister lives there. Just outside.

Gee. God, what a dump this Is.

Yes.

You look ILL

I've had flu.

Hmm, It's going around.

How'd you get a cushy Job like yours?

Luck.

Hmm, I'm B3,
and they still called me up.

I've got a rupture, you see.
- Oh, yes?

Hospital orderly.

What do you have to do?

Tidy up after the doctors.

Need any special training?
- Not really.

Well, you must have been doing It
before the war.

I was.
- Ah! well, that's It, Isn't It?

I had my own shop.

It's only small, of course, but...

Well, you'd think with me being B3
they'd let me free to go on with It.

I suppose It's cheaper using
a ready-trained hospital orderly

for a military hospital

I've seen some of your lot around,
In civvies.

But I'd have thought that
you'd have to travel In uniform.

My uniform Is In my bag.

Where Is that?
- Outside.

Oh, I wouldn't
leave It there If I were you.

They'll pinch anything, these froggles.

Here. I've been wondering

If I put In for a transfer
to being a hospital orderly.

You could try.
- Yeah, I might Just do that.

But If I were you,
I would change Into uniform

before the military police see you.

Yes, I will

Well, um, there was a fire
In the waiting room,

well, It's out now, of course,

but a bit warmer than out here.

I'd kip down there If I were you.

Yes, I will

Look, I'll be In the hut outside.

If anyone comes In,
tip me off, will you?

Yes.

I'm supposed to stand out here
all night.

But stuff that In this weather.

And you still say you're
Private Heiden of the Medical Corps?

Yes.
- And you are not trying to desert?

That's right, sir.

On your feet!

Do you expect me to believe that
you Just happened to see the boat?

And you Just happened to get In It...

I'm on leave, sir.
- Shut up!

And you Just wanted to know
how It'd start?

I wasn't trying to go anywhere, sir.

I mean, I don't know how to sail a boat
or anything.

Yes?
- But you knew how to start It.

Very good.
- Just luck, sir.

Your phone call, sir.

Hello, Hospital of St. Mark?

This Is Captain Diels
of the Military Police.

Now, tell me, do you have
a Private Heiden on your staff?

Oh, when did you last see him?

Then find me someone who does know
what he looks like.

Keep your arms up. Straight!

Hello, yes? Yes, that's right.

I see. Yes, you're quite sure of that?

Yes, thank you. Goodbye.

Well, Private Heiden, I was wrong.
You may stand up.

You know,
I really thought you were a deserter.

Well, you must admit,
It did seem rather strange,

you wanting to start a boat.

I suppose It did, sir.

Well, you heard, I spoke to the hospital

and you are not a deserter.
- Yes, sir.

You know what the penalty
for desertion Is?

Yes, sir.

However, they confirmed what you said.

Private Heiden Is Indeed
on the staff of the hospital

Sir.

So, there's only one anomaly left.

Private Heiden Is not on leave,
he Is still at the hospital

The man I spoke to on the telephone
could actually see him

out of his window as he talked to me.

So, who are you?

All right, I'll tell you.

Oh, no, you won't.
You can tell the Gestapo In Paris.

Send him In. And shut that window.

Yes, sir.

I didn't tell you to st.

Private Heiden.
- No.

You said you were Private Heiden.
You have the papers of Private Heiden.

These papers.
- I've been trying...

Silence!

You were detained as a deserter
a week ago. You've been here two days.

Well?
- I don't know.

I haven't a watch
and my cell has no window.

Have they been feeding you?
- I've had two meals since I came here.

Two meals In two days. You tell me.

I'm sorry, I'll try...
- He has been fed.

If you're not Private Heiden,
then who are you?

Lieutenant Richard Roxborough Player,
Royal Navy.

And you speak perfect German.

I spent a lot of my childhood
In Germany.

I wasn't asking you about
your childhood.

I was saying you spoke perfect German.
- Yes.

Well, the Royal Navy Is lucky to have
officers of such a low rank

who are so fluently bilingual

Perhaps the war hasn't been going on
long enough yet

for us to sort out all our talents.

Or our Identities.

And how do you say
you arrived In Europe?

My ship was sunk.

Oh, what ship?

I'm afraid I can't answer that.

I think you'd better.

Under the Geneva Convention, I'm obliged
to tell you my name and rank.

That Is all

You're quite right.

Always assuming I believe you.

Why shouldn't you?

You said that you arrived In France

because your ship had been sunk.
- Yes.

But we have no record of
any British ship being sunk

at the time and place
when you say you arrived.

I'm not keeping your records.

Anyway, British ships don't come near
enough to the French coast

for anyone,
even as talented a man as you,

to survive In the water long enough
to be able to drift ashore.

They're being sunk In the middle
of the Atlantic.

All right, I'll tell you this much.
It was a submarine.

Which submarine?
- That, of course, I can't tell you.

We have no record of any submarine
being sunk.

You're being very stupid.

First you say you're Private Heiden,
you have the papers to prove It.

Then you say you are an officer
In the Royal Navy.

But you have no uniform, no papers,
no Identity disc. Nothing.

You're captured within a few kilometers
of Saint-Nazaire,

which everyone knows,
Is a major U-boat base.

Can you give me any reason
why I should find

your second story
more credible than your first?

The hospital

St. Marks Hospital at Aulnay In France.

I was taken there.
That's where I escaped from.

So you said In your statement
when you first came here.

I have, of course,
been In contact with the hospital

Well?
- It Is a hospital run by the army.

It Is partly full of British wounded.

But they have no record of any
Lieutenant Player, Royal Navy.

All the other wounded,
they had some documents.

But there has not been
a Lieutenant Player In that hospital

I was In the sea.
My papers would have been destroyed.

Convenient.

Are the British Navy's uniforms
now made of a material

that dissolve like
their identity papers?

I've been trying to tell you...

The hospital reported no uniform
of a Royal Navy lieutenant.

They told me that many of the uniforms
were torn and bloodstained...

I'd been trying...
- I was speaking|

The hospital assured me
that despite anything,

they would recognise and record
your uniform, If you'd had one.

If you'd ever been In the hospital

They were quite certain.
- Look!

When we were hit, I was off watch.

I was Just wearing a sweater
and trousers. I was asleep.

There was no warning.

I see.

And, the sweater.

Would It have your rank on It?
- No.

He's an Idiot, you talk to him.

Do sit down.

Thank you.

Now,

can you think of any proof
that you're Lieutenant Player?

Proof? No, I can't think of any proof.

Player, you see,
It's not an uncommon name.

So with no Identity papers,

or to be precise, with Identity papers
you say don't belong to you,

no uniform, coming you say from
a hospital that has no record of your...

They'd recognise me If I went back here.

Oh, I doubt It.

They've over a hundred
British prisoners In the hospital

And you say you weren't there very long.

Anyway, I doubt If
my commanding officer would be keen

to have you escorted halfway
across France on the off chance.

I beg you, while we're alone,
tell me the truth.

I don't know what you want me to say.

Anything that'll help you.

But It's much better to tell me than...

Than to wait until
my commanding officer finds out.

But...
- Cigarette?

But what the hell are you getting at?
- I've a great respect for the British.

I give you my word I will try to
help you, but you must trust me.

I've given you my name...
- Let's start at the beginning.

We'll ignore your name for the moment.

I've given you my name a dozen times!

It's Just that down here
you're under the name of Heiden.

How Is It If you're British,
you speak perfect German?

I spent a lot of my childhood
In Germany.

“Where exactly?
- In Berlin.

Why?

My father was a counsellor
at the Embassy.

Counsellor?
That's senior diplomat, Isn't It?

Yes.

What was his name?
- James Thurrold Player.

But I don't see what this Is...
- How do you spell Thurrold?

I-H-U-R-R-O-I-D.

Had he any decorations?
Orders of chivalry?

The CMG and the OBE. why?

I was Just testing your authenticity.
Or your memory.

But you weren't educated In Germany?

I mean, you'd not be registered
on a school list?

No. I went to prep school In
England, then on to Dartmouth.

I Just came here for the holidays.
- I see.

And your mother? Did she live there?
- My mother died when I was three.

Ah, I'm sorry.

Where's your father now?
- He's dead, too.

He was taken I'll here, In August '38,

his heart, he was taken back to England,
he died three months later.

I am trying to help you,
but you must help me, too.

All that you've told me,

you could've got that from
any published diplomatic list.

We can check It of course, but
It's Information anyone could get.

Look, I don't know
what you're talking about.

I've told you who I am!

There are various possibilities.

One, you might even be Private Heiden.

We've been through all that.
- No, I don't really believe that.

Secondly, you might be
Lieutenant Player, Royal Navy.

In which case, I think you'll agree
we need a little more evidence

than, well, what you've given us.

What sort of evidence?
- Well..

Proof. I'm not calling you a liar.

It's Just sad that I think that
my commanding officer

would only be convinced

If, for Instance, you gave him
the name of your submarine.

Where It was based.

What It was doing
off the coast of France.

I've given you my name and rank.

Yes, Indeed.

But even supposing you are
Lieutenant Player,

and I'd like to believe you,

that doesn't mean that
the rest of your story Is true.

Under the Geneva Convention,
I'm obliged...

Either you're being very naive
or rather silly. We need proof.

You can tell me
or you can tell my commanding officer.

It would be much better to tell me.

As I was saying,
under the Geneva Convention...

But not everybody Is protected by
the Geneva Convention.

What do you mean?

Spies are not protected.

Spies?

Here. Have a cigarette.

Tell me what your orders were.
Who your contacts are.

How you landed.

It would be much better to tell me...
- I have no orders,

I have no contacts,
I've already told you how I landed.

Stand up.

Well?

Now. Now you will tell me the truth.

I'll take over, sir.
- Hmm.

I could do with a good night's sleep.

He's had two hours back In his cell
-He's not been fed again.

Hmm. well,

see you In the morning.

Goodnight, sir.
- Goodnight.

Same story, of course.

Oh, yes.

Send up the prisoner
In number 12, will you?

No, no, In about five minutes.

In the meantime, could you get me
something from the canteen?

No, anything they've got.

On a tray.

No, I only want...
I only want the truth.

You hungry?
- No, I'm on a diet.

Oh, I'd forgotten you haven't eaten.

Here, have this.

In exchange for what?
- Oh, not In exchange for anything.

It's Just that I'd overlooked
you would've missed out

on the meal In the cell
-What meal?

Go on, help yourself.
I can always get some more.

Don't try and speak
with your mouth full, but...

If you could think of anything
that might help me to believe you.

I'm too tired to think.

For Instance, your father...
- What about him?

Where did he live In Berlin?

He had a flat In the Schubertring.

Number 17?
- Yes.

How did you know?

From the pre-war diplomatic list.

But you could've learnt It
In exactly the same way.

You see, I am trying to help you.

Now, do you remember anyone else
who lived there?

What?

The building, where you say
your father lived.

Can you remember anyone else
who lived there?

Yes!

There was a boy.

About my age.
He lived In the flat below.

We went to stay with his uncle
In Bavaria when I was about 15 or 16.

What the hell was his name?

Konrad! His name was Konrad.

Konrad what?

Oh, God.

It began with an "H".

Haderer! Konrad Haderer!

Good.
- What happens now?

You get a name
out of the diplomatic list.

I knew him before...
- I was talking|

You get a name of someone with a son
your age, that's not difficult.

The diplomatic list gives
his address In Berlin.

So, all you need
Is a telephone directory.

Then you can find out who else
lives In that block of flats.

What sort of idiots do you think we are?

Konrad. He can confirm who Is say I am.

I'm sure he could.

For your Information,

Konrad Haderer served In Poland
as a flying officer with the Luftwaffe.

I told you...

He was awarded the Iron Cross.

Get hold of him,
he'll tell you who I am.

Posthumously.

Though we do not publish casualty lists,

we do publish the names of people
who are awarded decorations.

And even British Intelligence
should be able to work out

that a man who Is decorated
posthumously Is dead|

Isn't there anyone else?
- I don't know,

I can't think, I'm too tired.

You'd better think.
- Just give me a moment, will you?

I'm tired of waiting while you think out
more and more stories!

I know someone!
And he won't be In the army.

I'm still waiting.

Why didn't I think of him before?
Paul Von Elssinger.

He was something In your foreign office!

Paul Von Elssinger?
- Yes!

He worked with my father...
- Right.

This one had better exist. You can go.

Guard.

Von Elssinger?

Prisoner In number 12 Is
to be fed and then allowed to sleep.

That was a bit of luck.
- Yes.

He actually believed
we thought he was a spy.

It's pathetic.

That anybody would send a spy
with a hopeless cover story like that.

He had no papers at all.
- What happens now, sir?

I suppose he'll get what we want
for some time.

A trip to Berlin.

Yes, we can hardly expect someone
to come all the way to Paris

Just to Identify a stray prisoner.

Certainly not Graf Elssinger.

Herr Von Elssinger?
- Graf Elssinger.

I have a prisoner for you, sir.

My dear Dick!

Isn't It Incredible that all these
people have to fight each other

Just so that we can meet again?

If you'll sign for him, sir.
- When you've undone him.

He's still In my charge, sir,
until you sign for him.

But If I shake hands with him,

It means I'll have to shake hands
with you, too, doesn't It?

Please do what I say.

Come In. It's freezing out there
In the corridor.

You haven't changed at all

Apart from those dreadful clothes.

Now what do you want?

If you'll sign for him, sir.

You don't propose to remain there,
do you?

Orders, sir.

Nonsense. People will think
I'm under house arrest.

Besides, your uniform clashes
with the wallpaper.

It's still orders, sir.

We are on the third floor.

I doubt If my guest will try to
Jump out of the window.

There Is one foyer
In this block of flats

where the lift and the stairs
both emerge.

The front entrance and the passage
that leads to the alley at the back

both open onto the foyer.

If you really Intend
to prevent my friend,

and by Implication, myself,
from escaping,

you will do so from there.

Understand?
- Yes, sir.

Hell Hitler!

Naturally.

Now, before you say a word,

and I want to hear all about everything,

I really cannot have you In that state.

My bedroom's through here.

On the bed
you'll find a variety of suits.

I've got quite a choice.
I hope one of them fits you.

The bathroom's en suite.
You'll find I've run the bath.

All these shirts, they're for you, too.

And then we can chat.

I think It Is more comfortable to
speak English, fa?

Besides, I'm proud of my English.

Do go and have your bath.

We're only at war.
The world hasn't come to an end.

Oh, Just one thing.
I've given my servant the evening off.

So I'd be very grateful If
you'd give me your word

you won't try to escape.
Not when you're with me.

You can do what you like
with anyone else.

Only, since I got crippled,

I doubt If I could put up
more than a token resistance.

And I doubt If the Nazis
would forgive me.

You will give me your word, won't you?

Yes. While I'm with you.

Fine.

That's better.

It's a little tight across the chest,

and for myself I think one might
take half an Inch off the trouser legs.

But quite presentable.
- Why have they brought me here?

They wanted me to Identify you,
that's all

What would you like to drink?
I think I've got most things.

Sherry? Gin? Vodka?

We get the real Russian vodka.

By arrangement with Uncle Joe.

Scotch? Ja.

Whatever you like.
- A Scotch, please.

Soda or water?
- Soda.

Sit down.

You know, when this horse rolled
over me In the Olympic trials

and broke my back,

I was so angry I had him shot.

Unforgivable.

If It hadn't been for him,

I'd be sitting In France
on some windswept headland,

pretending to be a soldier.

Say when.

Thank you.

To old friends.

If all they wanted was to confirm
I'm who I say I am,

they wouldn't have to bring me here.

You must allow me a little Initiative.

I like to see my friends
and If people are stupid...

Did they tell you to get me
to give you the name of my ship?

I didn't even know you were on a ship.

Anyway, this government doesn't
tell me to do anything.

Oh, no, they did say on the phone
that you are a naval officer.

Ah! That you claimed
you are a naval officer.

My ship was sunk.
- That was bad luck.

I escaped, was caught,

and the Gestapo got the Idea
I was a spy.

Oh, dear.

Of course, they are terribly stupid.

I hope they weren't as unpleasant
as they can be.

I've met people I took to more.

Oh, yes, someone from the SS
phoned me this morning.

Apparently he'd heard you were coming.

They're forming a thing
called the Free Corps.

Troops of various nationalities,
British among them,

who will fight alongside ours.

Against Britain?
- Presumably. We've beaten everyone else.

He wanted me... That Is If you were
Indeed the person you claim to be,

to use all my diplomatic guile
to persuade you

to accept a commission
In this organisation when It Is formed.

So?
- So I have. Will you?

No.
- As I assumed.

But If anyone mentions It, I asked you.

One has to be very careful

But It won't last much longer,
that's the main thing.

The war? My Impression Is
that It's hardly started.

The war as well,
but I really meant our government.

And people like the Gestapo.

The damage they're doing terrifies me.

They're gaining quite a reputation.
- That Is exactly what I mean!

Next thing, everyone will assume that
every German Is automatically a Nazi.

One doesn't hear much about
resistance to them.

That doesn't mean that there Isn't any.

Believe me, the only thing
that's keeping Hitler In power

Is the fact that there's a war on.

Virtually the whole
of the diplomatic corps,

oh, not that Idiot Ribbentrop of course,

almost all the generals,
the war Intelligent staff officers,

well, all the Intelligentsia,

the one thing they want
Is to get rid of Hitler.

One would have Imagined they could
do Just that If they really wanted...

Ah, If they sneezed together, they'd
blow him back to his native Austria.

And the only reason they don't

Is that they feel committed
to supporting him,

at least passively,

as long as there's a war.

What's morale like In Britain?
- Good.

Ah. I find It terribly touching.

But It's a tragedy, Dick.

Britain can't possibly win,
everyone knows that.

The British don't.
- Why, everyone except the British.

Let's be serious.

Britain Is Isolated,
not an ally In the world.

Germany rules Europe.

Now, the last thing I want
Is a Nazi Germany ruling Europe.

But If Britain Joined Germany,

then all those of us
who want to get rid of Hitler,

we'd know the support of Britain,

so Hitler would go.
- How?

Does It matter how?

Whether the army court-martials him or

whether he Just retires
like the Kaiser did.

After all, he was always saying
he wants to get back

to those wretched watercolours of his.

"How" Is unimportant.

But until Britain realises her position

and realises who her real friends are

and stops forcing all the Germans
who hate Hitler to support him,

because you bracket us all together.

Until then I'm afraid
we'll have to go on.

And we'll go on until
Britain surrenders|

And you know what I feel about Britain.

Well, same again?

Thanks.

If It's all right with you,

I've booked a private room at the Adlon
for dinner.

Why?

Why the Adlon? Because It's
the only decent hotel left In Europe.

Or do you mean why a private room?
- Why anything?

Friendship.

Dick, I also want to
make a suggestion to you.

The Adlon restaurant,
well, you know what It's like.

One may find the next table occupied by
the conductor of Berlin Philharmonic,

or one may find It occupied
by Goebbels, or Doenitz.

And what you have to suggest Is...

I'd like It to remain confidential

You see, Dick, there are a number of us

with all modesty
really rather Important people

who appreciate that we have a unique
chance to ensure peace forever

by creating the only unchallengeable
alliance the world has ever known.

Cheers.
- Cheers.

All It needs
Is that Britain make peace now,

when she has real strength
to bargain from,

rather than later
when she's been broken.

Then we have a united Europe,

which Is something the Charlemagne,
or the Romans never achieved.

Protected by the most powerful navy
on earth, your navy...

I gathered which navy.
- And the British Empire

protected by the most powerful army
on earth.

Yours?

I didn't mean the Italians.

I got the Idea somewhere
that all this Is what Hitler wanted.

Who knows what the Führer wants.
It varies from minute to minute.

He, of course, would go.

And the rest of the world?
- Who? The Russians?

They wouldn't dare attack us.

No, they could devote themselves
to writing even longer novels.

And to that agricultural research
they're so Interested In.

Making one blade of grass grow
where two grew before.

And the Americans?

Oh, I always find It terribly difficult
to take the Americans seriously.

They put all their most talented people
Into musical comedies.

And all their natural comedians
Into politics.

Well, I presume the Gestapo

haven't ruined your appetite
with excessive food.

Not exactly.
- We might dine a little early, then.

Graf Elssinger.
Send around my car In five minutes.

The caviar's very good.

Another benefit of our unholy alliance
with the Russians.

What about the German dishes?
You used to like them.

It's a long time since I had caviar.

I think I'll stay with
the Bismarck herring.

And the roast duckling with sauerkraut.

Do you like truffles?
What about pork chops brossard?

Whatever you say.
- Fine.

And a bottle of claret, I think.

Caviar for the gentleman,
and the pork chops brossard.

I'm having the herring and the duck.

And a bottle of Haut-Brion.

Very good, sir.
- Will you have a salad?

Bring us a bowl of gemischt
-Right, sir.

I'm afraid the service Isn't
what It used to be.

Most of the waiters got called up.

Some of these are Poles.

Curious place, Poland.

Did you ever go there?
- No.

It's more an emotional concept
than a country.

Now, If you'll forgive my brusqueness,

I'd like to make a suggestion to you.

I assumed there was some other
reason you Invited me here

apart from old times' sake.

Yes, business and pleasure.

But first, Dick, you must realise

that I take a considerable risk
In talking to you.

I suppose so, yes.

Until we do finally get rid of
our ludicrous Führer,

no German can feel really safe.
- So?

I have already suggested you

that you accept the commission
In the Free Corps.

Which I declined.
- Of course.

But my next suggestion Is serious.
- Go on.

The position, now,
Is better than most of us dared to hope.

Britain's army has been destroyed,
but your navy's Intact.

And your air force has done something

which nobody else
has ever managed to do,

which Is to cut Reichsmarschall Goering
down to size.

The Battle of Britain, you mean.
- A battle of Britain.

Not the Battle of Britain.

But If the Luftwaffe had won that,

I doubt If the ordinary German would
accept the Idea of a negotiated peace.

And you think they would now?
- Oh, we Germans are very malleable.

You overthrow the Nazis
and have free elections.

Not exactly free elections.
It's not one of our national talents.

The last few times we tried,
Hitler came top.

So who would govern?
- Responsible people.

Including you?

Yes, I would expect to
be offered the post.

Come In.

Please, do start.

You see what I mean?

An alliance between Germany and England.
Forever.

The end of this absurd war
between cousins.

Britain's empire guaranteed
by the Germany army.

And what does Britain guarantee?

Is Britain In a position
to guarantee anything?

The last place you guaranteed
was Poland.

No, It's quite simple.
We have not natural frontiers.

But for almost all of German history

we have consisted of hundreds
of little states.

A man thought of himself as a Saxon,
or a Bavarian or whatever.

And a long way after that as a German.

We have had to fight two major wars

to convince ourselves
that we really existed.

Where do I come Into all this?

In either Germany or England there are,

I think, very few people
who want the war.

In Germany, now that we have won

there are even fewer who want
to continue a war.

In England, I cannot believe

that most people want
to continue a pointless struggle

Just to flatter the egos
of your elderly politicians.

That doesn't sound like
the country I left.

Ah, we have our contacts In England,

people that really matter.

You have finished the caviar.

Yes.
- Good.

I want you to go to certain people
whose names I will give you.

People who may not know you
but who know me

and who knew your father,

and explain we are now ready
to make peace with England,

offering her equal partnership
and the protection of her Empire.

And no more Nazis, of course.

It Is not an ungenerous offer, Dick.

In return,
England must ask for an armistice.

And you seriously think
I would do all this or could.

I'm a prisoner of war, remember?

Indeed. And as a prisoner of war,

It Is your duty to try to escape.

I could help.

Come In.

I would suggest you left
through Sweden.

And may I ask why you trust me?

Because you are
an officer and a gentleman.

You would give me your word.

Of course It must have occurred to you

that I'm connected
with our Intelligence.

It more or less goes with the Job.

Just as your father
was with British Intelligence.

If you broke your word,

and escaped to England with my help
and then didn't make these contacts,

or told the British authorities
who these contacts were,

It wouldn't make any difference.
Nobody would believe you.

No difference except to you, of course.

Meaning what?

I would feel an obligation
to the people I'm associated with.

Let's not talk about that.
- No, let's talk about It.

What difference would It make to me?

Well, believe me,
I would hate to do this.

But If the whole prospect of
a peaceful and united Europe

seem to my colleagues
In both our countries

to have been put In danger,

why, I would have, In honor...

1 find this conversation
most distasteful

But the life of one man, even a friend,

against the lives of thousands...
- You'd have me killed.

We have an organisation In England
which could do that. No trouble at all

I only tell you
because I know It will not happen.

These people, why couldn't they do
your liaison work?

Why do you need me?
- You underestimate yourself.

Obviously, If my colleagues and I
are going to risk our lives,

our real security being
the certain knowledge that

at the same moment
that we have our coup,

Britain will ask for an armistice,

which she wouldn't ask for
from the Nazis,

then we must work with people
we can trust,

not with the sort of people who are
already working for us In England.

It would be a gentleman's agreement.

And you can't have a gentleman's
agreement without gentlemen.

You haven't touched your wine.
- In time.

I've prepared the spare bed at my flat.

You can tell me your decision
In the morning.

Just one thing.
- Yes?

Your plan, It all depends on
Britain recognising you.

On Britain's request for
an armistice, yes.

I want to go back to England.
- Splendid.

To go on fighting.

I think that would be a tragedy.
- And I want you to help me.

As you said, you're taking a risk
In telling me all this.

I said I wouldn't try to escape
while I was with you,

I didn't say I wouldn't repeat
what you tell me.

My dear Dick!

You are a romantic!

Who would you tell?

And assuming you'd find someone
who'd listen.

Do you think they'd believe me or you?

I could have a damned good try.
- No, no, of course you can't.

Officially you are here because
I've been asked to Identify you.

I can and will assure
the appropriate authorities

that you are Indeed
my old friend Richard Player.

I can also tell them that you say
you're an officer In the Royal Navy.

And that I'm Inclined to believe you.

But I could not possibly, In good faith,

swear that you are
not also a British agent.

After all, It runs In the family.

Think about It.

Tell me your decision In the morning.

I've already made my decision.

And I won't be needing your offer
of a bed.

I wonder how many people
you have Just condemned to death.

Damn It, do you have to have
written authority to open your mouth?

Where am I being taken?

Out!

You are entitled to
retain your own underclothing.

One pair of cavalry breeches.

One army regulation shirt.

One officer's dress Jacket.

Whose Is this?
- It doesn't matter.

Clogs. One pair.
- What happened to him?

And here,

that you have been deloused and
are now free from all other parasites.

This Is your Identity disc.

It bears the Oflag number
and your number here.

You will carry It with you at all times

and must produce It on demand
by any authorised person.

I now need your right hand thumb print.

You can now dress.

Dick Player, lieutenant, Royal Navy.

Captain Pat Grant.
Royal Army Service Corp.

Simon Carter.

Tim Downing.

George Brent.

How long have you chaps been here?

We got here a couple of hours ago.

What Is this place?

Well, that's what we've been trying
to work out.

There are German soldiers,
but It's not a barracks.

At least, I don't think so.

No, I think we've been brought here
for something special

Oh, shut up.

Our cheerful friend thinks
we've been brought here to be executed.

Well, It's a funny way
of going about It.

Yes.

We'll have to do something
about your uniform.

All of It made from a bucket handle.

Good, eh?

I present myself.

Captain Jan Jedrychowski.

First 17th Polish Lancers.

I welcome you on behalf of all many
Polish officer prisoners to Colditz.

And we will escape soon, hey?