Colditz (1972–1974): Season 1, Episode 9 - Bribery and Corruption - full transcript
On a visit to the dentist in the town Player learns that one of the German guards, a young private named Heller, is in need of a thousand marks in order to pay for an abortion for his pregnant mistress and the escape committee seize on the fact, bribing him to turn a blind eye to their latest attempt to free themselves. Colonel Preston receives both good and bad news, learning that he has been awarded the Distinguished Service Order but also that his wife has died.
Umm. Uh.
Oh, God.
Mmm.
All right?
Yeah, it's just this
wretched tooth of mine.
Well, you'd better get it seen to.
- I'll be all right.
You won't find any dentist
once you're over the wall.
Come in.
Good morning, sir.
Lieutenant Player needs
dental treatment.
He's in bad pain most of the time.
Well, tell him to go to the dentist.
We've had a bit of luck, sir.
The French officer who was the dentist,
has been transferred.
So Player will need permission to
visit the German dentist in the town.
Yeah.
Now, with his escape record, sir,
I think they're likely to be
a bit sticky about it.
Well, tell them to give his parole.
I know, sir. The point is that
if he does get permission,
I think he should try
to make a break for it.
Well, in that case,
he'll have to go to the camp doctor
and get conformation
that he needs urgent treatment.
That's simple enough, isn't it, Pat?
You're the escape officer,
can't you get on with it?
Yes, sir.
I just thought you should be informed,
that's all.
The tunnel's not the problem.
The tunnel's finished and the Red Cross
supplies are safely hoarded.
What about the sentry?
Now, every man will carry enough
food to see him safely to the frontier.
How many can go?
- As many as possible.
What about the sentry?
- I think we should aim at eight.
Well, I can go with eight
as far as Phil is concerned.
If Phil should have enough papers.
Yes, I do.
- Good. Right. Let's go over it again.
Now, the tunnel comes out on the grass,
terrace to the German section.
Once there we can
get over the wall easily enough.
That's no trouble.
A square of turf has been cut.
We can lift it at any time.
Yeah, but how do you get rid of
the sentry?
I thought they were
supposed to take him off of there.
That's what we hoped,
but they haven't done it.
Why haven't they? Any idea?
- No.
But we'll solve it.
How long's the patrol take?
- About a minute each way.
Well, in that case we could
space it out. Two men at a time.
While his back's turned.
- No, it's too risky.
Why not?
He's never out of sight of
the place where the tunnel comes up.
It's Heller.
What's the latest news, Heller?
The RAF attempted to
bomb Berlin last night,
but failed to penetrate our defences.
Seventy-five bombers were shot down.
What a lie!
Yeah, if you believe that
you'll believe anything.
It is on the radio.
You should try listening to the BBC.
Even the BBC admitted
35 of your aircraft failed to return.
I did not hear it myself, of course.
So your propaganda boys
just double the real figure
and add five for luck, eh?
It is the German radio
which tells the truth.
Where's Lieutenant Player?
Try the washroom again.
Thank you.
We can't afford to lose 35 a night.
Yeah. There won't be many air crews
to get through one tour of ops
at that rate.
So, you will be ready
9:00 in the morning?
All right.
- Good.
Everything okay?
- Yes, fine.
That's marvelous. I'll see
you're prepared and ready to go.
I've decided that Dick should
take this opportunity.
The Germans are
getting him out of the castle.
Under armed guard.
Admittedly.
But still, he'll be out.
Right. well,
I'll have this blasted tooth fixed.
After that, don't expect me back.
Don't take out too many.
Lucky devil.
Open your mouth, please.
Mmm-hmm.
Mmm.
Please tell me at once if it hurts.
Right.
That hurts like hell!
You must speak up, please!
My hearing's not good.
That hurt!
No, not long now.
Mmm.
Ah.
Get it! Come on, Simon!
Right, Charlie!
Thanks for the trip.
Simon!
Thanks, Simon.
No luck?
I think I could have made it
when we came out of the dentist.
Well, why didn't you?
What happened?
How much German money
have we got in the kitty?
Why?
I think I know how
we can use the canteen tunnel.
Let's go upstairs.
Come.
Colonel Preston, sir.
Thank you.
Please sit down, Colonel.
Sometimes I become aware
of certain events in England
before you do, Colonel.
The prisoner's incoming mail
is censored, of course.
And occasionally,
the censor draws my attention
to some item which I should know about.
You will, no doubt, be pleased to learn
that you have been awarded
the Distinguished Service Order
for gallantry during the retreat
to Dunkirk.
I remember my own feelings
when I was awarded
the Iron Cross 1st Class
during the great war.
Allow me to offer my congratulations
to a fellow soldier.
Thank you, Kommandant.
There's no medal
or medal ribbon, of course.
But the honor is the same.
There is another matter.
Your wife has been driving an ambulance
in London, I understand.
Driving in total blackout,
unable to use headlights,
must be very difficult.
I had a letter, 10 days ago,
saying that she'd been
involved in an accident.
She was taken to the hospital.
There, they operated upon her.
This letter informs you that
the operation was unsuccessful.
You wife never regained consciousness.
Unfortunately, there was a delay.
That letter was posted only two days
after your previous letter.
I am sorry
that things like this have to be seen
by eyes other than yours, Colonel.
I would like to offer my condolences.
Is...
Is there anything else, Kommandant?
No, thank you, Colonel.
From the observations we've been
keeping on the guards on the terrace,
they change their rota every second day.
So I calculate
Heller will be on that terrace
at least once a week.
Now, all he has to agree to
is to keep at the far end
for five minutes.
Keep his back turned and we're
out of the tunnel and over the wall.
Yes.
Well, Heller seems a very
straight sort of chap to me.
Precisely. So is he the type
that would take a bribe?
I listened to
him and the girl talking.
He's desperate for 1,000 marks.
Does it have to be 1,000?
- That's what she needs.
It'll take all the German money
we've got.
If we can get away
without the tunnel being discovered,
we can use it again.
Right. As Dick said, we could empty
the whole place in a week.
You know, if Heller does take the bribe,
he'd have to
keep his mouth shut afterwards.
It's a risk.
Well, I think
it's a risk worth taking.
We'll show them whether
this place is escape-proof or not.
Right. Someone's got to gain
Heller's confidence. Any suggestions?
Player speaks German.
Right.
Now, I think it's best
if he didn't realise how we knew.
I think Tim's right.
Hasn't he got relatives in America?
- That's right.
Phil, do you think you could do it?
Yeah, that would give me an opening,
wouldn't it?
Good. That's settled.
All that remains is to clear this
with the old man.
Could I have a word with you, sir?
Something that needs your approval.
Sir?
I've just been told
that my wife is dead.
I'm sorry, sir.
I knew she'd been involved
in an accident but...
By some irony I've also just been told
I've been awarded the DSO.
She'd have been very proud of that.
You've never mentioned
your wife before, sir.
No.
For in this bloody place
everyone has some
private grief or worry at home.
If we all talked about it,
life would become intolerable.
If there's anything I can do, sir.
No, thank you.
You wanted to see me.
I won't bother you with that now, sir.
Now or later doesn't
make any difference, Pat.
Well, it's just that I wanted permission
to use all the German money
that we've got.
Why?
Well, the canteen tunnels are finished,
preparations are made.
But we need one sentry out of the way.
Do we know him?
- Heller.
Do you think it'll work?
- Yes.
Well, it seems a good way
of investing our money, Pat.
Thank you, sir.
I don't want to intrude, sir,
but I could stay if you like.
No, thank you.
I have some letters to write, anyway.
Right, sir.
Do you fellas get as bored as we do?
Probably.
Heard any news from the States lately?
Somebody said you had relatives there.
/a, an uncle.
Whereabouts is he in America?
Cleveland, Ohio. He is a baker.
I know Cleveland.
He has a shop on West 43rd Street.
No kidding!
I know West 43rd Street, too.
It's a small world, isn't it?
Gently does it.
Phil knows. He'll take his time.
He ought to talk about it.
I wish he would.
You don't have any
American newspapers, do you?
Ja. The Cleveland Herald.
You couldn't get
a couple of copies for me, could you?
I've only got old ones.
I used to read them
to improve my English.
Boy, would I love to
see an American newspaper.
Do you think you could
get me some copies?
I don't see why not.
Well, I don't want to
get you in any trouble,
but I really would appreciate it.
Well?
How about a few bars
of Red Cross chocolate
to cement our new-found friendship?
You can have the keys of the castle
if you pull it off.
What that man needs is
to get good and drunk.
You're holding a what?
- A dinner party.
In this place?
On Monday.
By that time we should know
whether we've got Heller lined up,
so we hope it'll be a celebration.
Naturally, you're invited, sir.
Uh, no. Not me. Thank you, Pat.
Now, that's a bit difficult, sir,
because you're the guest of honor.
I'd rather not, if you don't mind.
You just go ahead and enjoy yourselves.
We just thought it would be
an opportunity to say,
"Goodbye. Get home safely.”
to the eight lucky ones.
All right. Point taken.
Heller's coming,
and he's got the paper.
Right. We'll get out.
Heller's coming.
Try and make it natural.
You shouldn't believe everything
your Goebbels tells you.
Mate.
You should have protected your king
with your bishop.
Well, it's too late now.
- Thanks very much, Heller.
Fancy a stroll, Simon?
Yeah, I could do with some fresh air.
Do you want anything, Pat?
- Yeah, some oil paints.
And a needle and thread.
I'll come with you.
Hello.
- Oh, hello. The American newspapers.
Ah! Thanks very much.
That's very kind of you.
I hope it doesn't
get you in any trouble.
Why should it?
America's not at war with Germany.
But you are, Mr Carrington.
You were in the Royal Air Force.
Yeah, well, I didn't expect
to wind up in Colditz.
Then you should not have joined.
Is that what they say?
- In the RAF, yes.
How'd you happen to join up?
- Oh, it was necessary.
How'd you wind up in Colditz?
I was wounded. Just when France
surrendered. A shell.
You know, some of those
French gunners, they're very good.
Yeah, that's what I heard.
In the lungs.
So I'm not fit for active service.
Well, that must
make your wife very happy.
My wife?
You are married, aren't you?
Oh, yeah. I see.
Yeah, my wife, she lives in Augsburg.
That's my home.
American funny papers.
- Yeah?
Yeah, the kids love those.
Oh.
- Do you have any children?
Yeah, I have two.
Boy is five years old,
my daughter, she's three.
Really?
- Yeah.
You have any pictures of them?
Oh, yeah. But not with me.
Oh.
Well, I'd like to see them sometime.
You would?
- Yeah, very much.
All right. One day I will show them.
They're very beautiful children.
Do they look like you or your wife?
Mmm, the boy... /a, he looks like me.
Is your wife pretty?
- /a, very.
You know what's the worst part
of this war? Being away for so long.
It's not natural, is it?
- No.
I miss her.
All the time.
Heller, just a minute.
I ..
I don't eat chocolate.
Here, take these.
Mr Carrington, they're yours.
Well, you can't get chocolate
in Augsburg, can you?
No, not now. But...
- Take them.
This war's hard on kids, too.
You're very kind.
- No, it's nothing.
And thanks for the newspapers.
That is nothing. Thank you.
I shall not forget this.
You send those home
the next time you write.
Ja, Twill. I'll see you around.
See you.
- Yeah.
How is he?
Getting friendly.
How long is it going to take?
Next time.
It's not bad.
When you get around to darning socks
let me know, huh?
Come in.
Sorry to disturb you, sir,
but we need some of that money now.
How much?
- 100 marks.
It's on account, is it?
- Yes, sir.
How's it going, Pat?
- Well, we'll know soon.
Those your children, sir?
Yes. I'm trying to write to them.
I don't know if they can read.
Someone will have to read it to them.
They're nice children.
Who's looking after them, sir?
Well, that's the trouble, Pat,
I don't know.
Here you are.
- Thank you, sir.
Anything else?
- No, sir.
Hello, Phil.
I think Heller is coming to show me
some of his family snapshots.
I'll see you're not disturbed.
How are you?
- Oh, quite well. Thank you.
Good.
Hello.
Now, I'm gonna go upstairs
and finish my book.
Oh, no, you're not.
You're gonna play cards.
My deal, I think.
What are we playing for? 1,000 marks?
- And a home run.
This is a good one.
Ah, that's not so good.
Your wife has a lovely smile.
/a, she does.
- And those kids.
You should be very proud of them.
You're a very lucky man.
Yeah, I'm very proud.
Are you Catholic?
I thought because you come from
Augsburg, you might be Catholic.
Isn't that a Catholic part of Germany?
Yeah, I was brought up
as that way, but now, you know.
How about your wife? Is she Catholic?
Oh, ja. She is a good Catholic.
You know, when I go home to Augsburg,
1 go to mass with her.
She likes that.
I hear you could use 1,000 marks.
For an abortion.
Someone has been telling you lies,
Mr Carrington.
A girl in the town. She's pregnant.
It's your child.
She's found a doctor,
but she needs 1,000 marks.
You've got to find that money
or you're in trouble.
What are you gonna do?
I don't know.
Well,
you can't tell your wife,
your kids can't find out about it.
What are you gonna do?
You know, she was just someone
to talk to, to drink with, that's all.
She lived alone.
I used to visit her just for
somewhere to go.
Then one night, we...
We had a lot to drink.
It was a very happy evening.
And I stayed.
And then...
I wish I had never touched her.
Well, you could get a divorce.
No.
Oh, yeah. Your wife is a good Catholic.
That, and I love her.
Yeah.
Well, you've got problems.
How did you find out about it?
Oh, that's not important. The important
thing is to get you out of this.
It's the dentist.
That's right,
were talking about it at the dentist.
But he is deaf.
Does Mr Player understand German?
I see.
So, he told you.
How many others?
Not many.
Mr Carrington,
I do not like being talked about.
The next time Mr Player makes
one a small mistake...
Mr Player is not going to make
one small mistake.
Or we'll see that your wife gets
a letter about it.
We can help you.
How?
- The 1,000 marks.
We can get it for you.
- You?
That's right.
1,000 marks?
- We've got money, German money.
We can help you.
And what do I have to do to help you,
Mr Carrington?
Your sentry duties
are posted every week, right?
Ja.
Are you on duty next Wednesday?
A -ja.
Night?
Yeah.
At 10:00, all you have to do is
to walk to the far end of your beat
and wait for five minutes. That's all.
Why?
We want to help you.
I can't.
- Why not?
It's a risk.
- There isn't any risk.
Nobody's gonna find out what happened.
They can't connect you with anything.
I can't.
All right, you tell your wife
how much you loved her.
How you only thought about her
and how lonely you were.
And how she was the only one
you thought about
when you took that other girl
to bed with you
and gave her your child.
You explain that.
And see if she understands how much
you loved her all that time.
We can get you off the hook.
In a second.
How do I get the money?
At five minutes after 10,
the money will be lowered to you
on a string from a window.
There's one, two storeys
above your head, from that window.
How do I know you'll keep your promise?
At five minutes after 10,
if you don't get the money
all you have to do
is to sound the alarm,
we've got to keep our promise.
Have another bar of chocolate.
100 marks in advance.
When you agree.
Keep in touch.
We'll want to be sure
you know what you're doing.
See you around.
Come in.
Come to see if
you're ready for dinner, sir.
Well, I said I'd come, Pat.
Yeah,
but you're the guest of honor, sir.
It's customary to provide an escort.
You're going a bit far, aren't you?
I think we better hurry, sir.
The chef's a bit temperamental.
All right.
- Something about the smoked salmon
not being up to standard.
Would you care to try
the wine, sir?
All right. Thank you, Pat.
The label's come off the bottle
but we understand
it's a very good vintage.
Hmm.
To your taste, sir?
It must be a 100% proof.
- It's more, quite likely.
Yeah, 400.
Excuse me, sir.
You're serving from the wrong side,
my man.
Sorry, sir.
What's this stuff made of, eh?
Well, it's made from dried
Red Cross raisins.
Actually, we got it from a Pole.
They must have cast iron bellies,
that's all I say.
You get used to it, sir.
You know, I doubt that very much.
The soup's a sort of minestrone, sir.
Yeah, very "sort of".
Shall I try it?
- Do, sir. At your own risk.
Very good under the circumstances.
My compliments to the chef.
- Oh, thank you, sir.
Come.
Everything all right?
Some noise from
the British quarters, sir.
They seem to be having a party.
Well, it's dinner time.
What's on the menu tonight?
I don't know. Pork, I think.
- What again? Let's have a drink.
Do start, sir.
Don't let it go cold.
All right. Thank you, Muir.
- Do hurry up, Muir. Where's mine?
You'll have to wait. You try doing it
with no proper equipment.
Here, have another drink.
- Thank you.
Pat, do you think
I ought to give him a hand?
Pat? Do you think
I ought to give him a hand.
No, no, they volunteered.
It's worth it.
We get three corn beef fritters each.
Oh, I'm terribly sorry, sir.
Oh, that's all right. Not to worry.
It'll be all right.
No, give it to me
and I'll sponge it off in the kitchen.
Oh, no, I'll get Baker to do it.
There's lots of hot water.
It won't take a minute.
Oh, all right, if you insist.
Sorry about that.
Oh, it's okay.
- It won't be a jiffy.
This will keep you warm, sir.
It's not a matter of keeping warm,
it's a matter of keeping sober.
It's been a very good idea
of yours, Pat. Very pleasant.
I'm glad you're enjoying it, sir.
I think we've all enjoyed it,
haven't we?
Yes, indeed.
Come on, how long does it take
to sew on a DSO?
I've nearly finished.
Hurry up!
There. Now, how is that?
You're a bloody marvel.
You can take the rest of the night off.
Thank you.
Come on!
- Oh, yes, okay!
As soon as I'm properly dressed again,
then I'll take my leave and let you
all get on with the party.
Oh, we'd like you to stay
for the toast, sir.
Toast? What toast?
- Here you are, sir.
Oh.
- Good as new.
Dry cleaning by
Pilot Officer Muir and company ltd.
Pilot Officer Muir seems to have done
more than his fair share
this evening, hasn't he? Thank you.
Whose idea was this?
Captain Grant suggested it, sir.
But we all wanted to join in.
Colonel, from all of us,
congratulations on your decoration
and well done.
Yeah.
- Thank you, gentlemen.
To Colonel Preston.
To Colonel Preston.
Thank you, gentlemen.
Speech, speech...
No, no, no, no. No speeches.
But thank you all very much indeed.
There is one other thing, sir.
About your recent loss.
We'd all like to say
how very sorry we are.
Hear, hear.
Thank you.
Simon, is there any more of that
Polish plonk left?
How are your children, Colonel?
Anybody taking care of them?
I don't know. That's the rouble.
They're very young, you see.
They're only six and four.
They've been living with my sister
in Cheltenham.
She's married to a civil servant.
He's been posted abroad
and she's going with him.
There's my mother, of course,
but she's getting on and rather frail.
I don't know if she can cope
or for how long.
So if I've been a bit offhand lately,
I'm sorry.
There's nothing I can do about it,
I know that.
The canteen tunnel is completed, sir.
Dress rehearsal is on Tuesday.
They're going on Wednesday.
I've got to drop out, sir.
This cough, the quack can't shift it.
I can't risk a coughing fit
at the wrong time.
I'll go next time.
We'd like to invite you to lead
the escape on Wednesday, Colonel.
I can't, Downing.
It's out of the question. I can't.
Why not?
Well, I'm the Senior British Officer.
My duty is here.
I'm responsible for all of you,
to look after your interests
as best I can.
Those of you who don't get away.
Now, that's my job. Not to escape.
The Germans will damn soon find
another Senior British Officer.
That's no problem.
- Well, that's true.
You've got better personal reasons for
escaping than any man here, sir.
You could be back
in England in three weeks
and see if your boys are being
taken care of.
We think it's more important for you
to be with them
than to be in here with us.
Player will
open up at 10:00 on the dot.
One by one across the terrace,
over the wall.
Then make sure that everyone's clear
and replace the turf from outside.
I'm going back to close up
the canteen end now.
Good luck, sir.
And you.
If this works, I'll see you back
in England before you think.
All right?
- So far so good.
They're safely in the tunnel.
You okay?
- Yes.
Damn this cough.
Next time, for you and me.
Yeah.
Right.
Back! Go on, get back!
Get back!
Stay where you are, Mr Player.
Or I shoot.
This way out, Mr Player.
Come on, hurry it up.
You, Colonel?
May I take it that you are in
command of this escape?
Are any men hiding down there?
No.
I will ask you again.
No one.
I shall immediately inform
the Kommandant
that you've tried to escape.
Colonel, no one ever thought
you would do a thing like this.
Your conduct in reporting
the bribery attempt
is exactly what I would expect from
a good soldier like yourself, Heller.
Thank you, sir.
Was there any special reason why
they chose to approach you?
I really could not say, sir.
Are you short of money, for some reason?
Why?
It is something personal, sir.
Can you tell me about it?
Sir, with your permission,
I'd rather not.
Well, if it's a personal matter,
that's up to you.
I don't know the amount involved,
of course.
Or whether a corporal's pay
would solve your problem.
In recognition of your conduct, Heller,
you are promoted to Corporal.
Thank you, sir.
It would also be as well
if you were transferred to
another camp, hmm?
You will leave tomorrow morning.
Thank you, sir.
The camp in question is near Augsburg.
That is your home, huh?
- Yes, sir.
You'll be near your family.
Thank you very much, sir.
Come.
Colonel Preston, sir.
All right.
Corporal Heller.
Come on.
Hmm.
All the men involved
in the escape attempt
will each receive 30 days
solitary confinement
except you, Colonel.
A great deal of Red Cross supplies
were found in the tunnel.
They will be confiscated.
The men seem to have done without
their Red Cross parcels
for several months,
whilst planning this escape.
They can do without them for good.
That will be a severe hardship
to my men.
Your men?
You talk of your men?
I had hoped that some sort of
esteem and respect
could exist between us, Colonel.
In fact,
I had come to believe that it did.
But I can have no respect
for a senior officer
who deserts the men
for whom he is responsible
and attempts to escape himself.
You are not just another
prisoner-of-war, Colonel.
You have failed your men.
You have abandoned your duty.
Have you anything to say?
No.
100 marks in advance.
Another 900 marks to be lowered
on a piece of sting
from a second storey window.
We knew where to find your officer
with his piece of string.
Who was responsible for attempting
to bribe a German soldier?
Flight Lieutenant Carrington made
the offer. We know that from Heller.
And for his part in this affair,
he will be dealt with.
But since you were
the highest ranking officer
amongst the escapers,
I presume that you will not attempt
to deny that you were the leader.
No.
Then I hold you
personally responsible, Colonel.
Offering a bribe
to the member of the Wehrmacht
is an offence against
German military discipline.
And as such,
you will be court-martialled, Colonel.
Previous sentences for prisoners-of-war
at courts-martial in Leipzig
have varied from six months
solitary confinement
to life imprisonment or death.
I will not try to anticipate
the verdict of the court.
You may go, Colonel.
Out! Out, or I fire!
I want to see the Kommandant.
Are you trying to get yourself killed
on your way to solitary confinement?
I want to see the Kommandant.
The Kommandant does not give
individual interviews, you know that.
All I need is three minutes
on urgent compassionate grounds.
An individual case?
- Yes, that's right.
It has to do with
Colonel Preston's court-martial.
Why?
- Urgent compassionate grounds, sir.
When he is in solitary confinement,
it's impossible.
He made his request on the way
to the solitary confinement, sir.
Flight Lieutenant Carrington is waiting
in case it would be convenient
to see him now, sir.
Very well, send him in.
Thanks, sir.
What are your urgent compassionate
grounds, Flight Lieutenant?
You have three minutes.
Suppose you were taken prisoner
by the British.
Suppose you were a senior German officer
of some camp in Scotland.
Suppose you heard
that your wife was dead,
that you had two small boys,
and that you were worried
sick about them.
What would you have done?
Hypothetical questions are neither
urgent nor compassionate.
It was urgent to Colonel Preston.
You knew what the circumstances were
from his letters.
I am not a camp censor.
Very few letters are brought
to my attention.
He didn't know what was happening
to his children.
He didn't know whether anybody
was taking care of them.
I am in command of Colditz.
That is none of my concern.
I was the one who bribed
Corporal Heller.
Shouldn't I be the one
to be court-martialled?
I decide who is to be court-martialled.
I do not accept volunteers.
These are some letters
I found in Colonel Preston's room.
They're from his mother.
I think you should read them.
- Hauptmann Ulmann!
I think if you read them, sir,
you'll see how feeble she is.
Sir?
I think you should read them, sir.
Ulmann.
I have come to inform you
that I have reviewed your case.
In the light of certain
extenuating circumstances
which have been brought to my notice,
you will not now be sent
for court-martial.
Instead, you will consider yourself
severely reprimanded
and that will be entered on your record.
Do you understand,
Lieutenant Colonel Preston?
Yes.
You will, of course, receive the same
punishment as the other officers
involved in this stupid escape attempt.
If it happens again,
I will not be so lenient.
Some letters came into my hands.
They appear to be yours.
Mine?
On compassionate grounds,
you will be permitted to write home
during your period of
solitary confinement.
I hope you will soon hear
that suitable arrangements
for your children have been made.
Kommandant...
Thank you for returning my letters.
Oh, God.
Mmm.
All right?
Yeah, it's just this
wretched tooth of mine.
Well, you'd better get it seen to.
- I'll be all right.
You won't find any dentist
once you're over the wall.
Come in.
Good morning, sir.
Lieutenant Player needs
dental treatment.
He's in bad pain most of the time.
Well, tell him to go to the dentist.
We've had a bit of luck, sir.
The French officer who was the dentist,
has been transferred.
So Player will need permission to
visit the German dentist in the town.
Yeah.
Now, with his escape record, sir,
I think they're likely to be
a bit sticky about it.
Well, tell them to give his parole.
I know, sir. The point is that
if he does get permission,
I think he should try
to make a break for it.
Well, in that case,
he'll have to go to the camp doctor
and get conformation
that he needs urgent treatment.
That's simple enough, isn't it, Pat?
You're the escape officer,
can't you get on with it?
Yes, sir.
I just thought you should be informed,
that's all.
The tunnel's not the problem.
The tunnel's finished and the Red Cross
supplies are safely hoarded.
What about the sentry?
Now, every man will carry enough
food to see him safely to the frontier.
How many can go?
- As many as possible.
What about the sentry?
- I think we should aim at eight.
Well, I can go with eight
as far as Phil is concerned.
If Phil should have enough papers.
Yes, I do.
- Good. Right. Let's go over it again.
Now, the tunnel comes out on the grass,
terrace to the German section.
Once there we can
get over the wall easily enough.
That's no trouble.
A square of turf has been cut.
We can lift it at any time.
Yeah, but how do you get rid of
the sentry?
I thought they were
supposed to take him off of there.
That's what we hoped,
but they haven't done it.
Why haven't they? Any idea?
- No.
But we'll solve it.
How long's the patrol take?
- About a minute each way.
Well, in that case we could
space it out. Two men at a time.
While his back's turned.
- No, it's too risky.
Why not?
He's never out of sight of
the place where the tunnel comes up.
It's Heller.
What's the latest news, Heller?
The RAF attempted to
bomb Berlin last night,
but failed to penetrate our defences.
Seventy-five bombers were shot down.
What a lie!
Yeah, if you believe that
you'll believe anything.
It is on the radio.
You should try listening to the BBC.
Even the BBC admitted
35 of your aircraft failed to return.
I did not hear it myself, of course.
So your propaganda boys
just double the real figure
and add five for luck, eh?
It is the German radio
which tells the truth.
Where's Lieutenant Player?
Try the washroom again.
Thank you.
We can't afford to lose 35 a night.
Yeah. There won't be many air crews
to get through one tour of ops
at that rate.
So, you will be ready
9:00 in the morning?
All right.
- Good.
Everything okay?
- Yes, fine.
That's marvelous. I'll see
you're prepared and ready to go.
I've decided that Dick should
take this opportunity.
The Germans are
getting him out of the castle.
Under armed guard.
Admittedly.
But still, he'll be out.
Right. well,
I'll have this blasted tooth fixed.
After that, don't expect me back.
Don't take out too many.
Lucky devil.
Open your mouth, please.
Mmm-hmm.
Mmm.
Please tell me at once if it hurts.
Right.
That hurts like hell!
You must speak up, please!
My hearing's not good.
That hurt!
No, not long now.
Mmm.
Ah.
Get it! Come on, Simon!
Right, Charlie!
Thanks for the trip.
Simon!
Thanks, Simon.
No luck?
I think I could have made it
when we came out of the dentist.
Well, why didn't you?
What happened?
How much German money
have we got in the kitty?
Why?
I think I know how
we can use the canteen tunnel.
Let's go upstairs.
Come.
Colonel Preston, sir.
Thank you.
Please sit down, Colonel.
Sometimes I become aware
of certain events in England
before you do, Colonel.
The prisoner's incoming mail
is censored, of course.
And occasionally,
the censor draws my attention
to some item which I should know about.
You will, no doubt, be pleased to learn
that you have been awarded
the Distinguished Service Order
for gallantry during the retreat
to Dunkirk.
I remember my own feelings
when I was awarded
the Iron Cross 1st Class
during the great war.
Allow me to offer my congratulations
to a fellow soldier.
Thank you, Kommandant.
There's no medal
or medal ribbon, of course.
But the honor is the same.
There is another matter.
Your wife has been driving an ambulance
in London, I understand.
Driving in total blackout,
unable to use headlights,
must be very difficult.
I had a letter, 10 days ago,
saying that she'd been
involved in an accident.
She was taken to the hospital.
There, they operated upon her.
This letter informs you that
the operation was unsuccessful.
You wife never regained consciousness.
Unfortunately, there was a delay.
That letter was posted only two days
after your previous letter.
I am sorry
that things like this have to be seen
by eyes other than yours, Colonel.
I would like to offer my condolences.
Is...
Is there anything else, Kommandant?
No, thank you, Colonel.
From the observations we've been
keeping on the guards on the terrace,
they change their rota every second day.
So I calculate
Heller will be on that terrace
at least once a week.
Now, all he has to agree to
is to keep at the far end
for five minutes.
Keep his back turned and we're
out of the tunnel and over the wall.
Yes.
Well, Heller seems a very
straight sort of chap to me.
Precisely. So is he the type
that would take a bribe?
I listened to
him and the girl talking.
He's desperate for 1,000 marks.
Does it have to be 1,000?
- That's what she needs.
It'll take all the German money
we've got.
If we can get away
without the tunnel being discovered,
we can use it again.
Right. As Dick said, we could empty
the whole place in a week.
You know, if Heller does take the bribe,
he'd have to
keep his mouth shut afterwards.
It's a risk.
Well, I think
it's a risk worth taking.
We'll show them whether
this place is escape-proof or not.
Right. Someone's got to gain
Heller's confidence. Any suggestions?
Player speaks German.
Right.
Now, I think it's best
if he didn't realise how we knew.
I think Tim's right.
Hasn't he got relatives in America?
- That's right.
Phil, do you think you could do it?
Yeah, that would give me an opening,
wouldn't it?
Good. That's settled.
All that remains is to clear this
with the old man.
Could I have a word with you, sir?
Something that needs your approval.
Sir?
I've just been told
that my wife is dead.
I'm sorry, sir.
I knew she'd been involved
in an accident but...
By some irony I've also just been told
I've been awarded the DSO.
She'd have been very proud of that.
You've never mentioned
your wife before, sir.
No.
For in this bloody place
everyone has some
private grief or worry at home.
If we all talked about it,
life would become intolerable.
If there's anything I can do, sir.
No, thank you.
You wanted to see me.
I won't bother you with that now, sir.
Now or later doesn't
make any difference, Pat.
Well, it's just that I wanted permission
to use all the German money
that we've got.
Why?
Well, the canteen tunnels are finished,
preparations are made.
But we need one sentry out of the way.
Do we know him?
- Heller.
Do you think it'll work?
- Yes.
Well, it seems a good way
of investing our money, Pat.
Thank you, sir.
I don't want to intrude, sir,
but I could stay if you like.
No, thank you.
I have some letters to write, anyway.
Right, sir.
Do you fellas get as bored as we do?
Probably.
Heard any news from the States lately?
Somebody said you had relatives there.
/a, an uncle.
Whereabouts is he in America?
Cleveland, Ohio. He is a baker.
I know Cleveland.
He has a shop on West 43rd Street.
No kidding!
I know West 43rd Street, too.
It's a small world, isn't it?
Gently does it.
Phil knows. He'll take his time.
He ought to talk about it.
I wish he would.
You don't have any
American newspapers, do you?
Ja. The Cleveland Herald.
You couldn't get
a couple of copies for me, could you?
I've only got old ones.
I used to read them
to improve my English.
Boy, would I love to
see an American newspaper.
Do you think you could
get me some copies?
I don't see why not.
Well, I don't want to
get you in any trouble,
but I really would appreciate it.
Well?
How about a few bars
of Red Cross chocolate
to cement our new-found friendship?
You can have the keys of the castle
if you pull it off.
What that man needs is
to get good and drunk.
You're holding a what?
- A dinner party.
In this place?
On Monday.
By that time we should know
whether we've got Heller lined up,
so we hope it'll be a celebration.
Naturally, you're invited, sir.
Uh, no. Not me. Thank you, Pat.
Now, that's a bit difficult, sir,
because you're the guest of honor.
I'd rather not, if you don't mind.
You just go ahead and enjoy yourselves.
We just thought it would be
an opportunity to say,
"Goodbye. Get home safely.”
to the eight lucky ones.
All right. Point taken.
Heller's coming,
and he's got the paper.
Right. We'll get out.
Heller's coming.
Try and make it natural.
You shouldn't believe everything
your Goebbels tells you.
Mate.
You should have protected your king
with your bishop.
Well, it's too late now.
- Thanks very much, Heller.
Fancy a stroll, Simon?
Yeah, I could do with some fresh air.
Do you want anything, Pat?
- Yeah, some oil paints.
And a needle and thread.
I'll come with you.
Hello.
- Oh, hello. The American newspapers.
Ah! Thanks very much.
That's very kind of you.
I hope it doesn't
get you in any trouble.
Why should it?
America's not at war with Germany.
But you are, Mr Carrington.
You were in the Royal Air Force.
Yeah, well, I didn't expect
to wind up in Colditz.
Then you should not have joined.
Is that what they say?
- In the RAF, yes.
How'd you happen to join up?
- Oh, it was necessary.
How'd you wind up in Colditz?
I was wounded. Just when France
surrendered. A shell.
You know, some of those
French gunners, they're very good.
Yeah, that's what I heard.
In the lungs.
So I'm not fit for active service.
Well, that must
make your wife very happy.
My wife?
You are married, aren't you?
Oh, yeah. I see.
Yeah, my wife, she lives in Augsburg.
That's my home.
American funny papers.
- Yeah?
Yeah, the kids love those.
Oh.
- Do you have any children?
Yeah, I have two.
Boy is five years old,
my daughter, she's three.
Really?
- Yeah.
You have any pictures of them?
Oh, yeah. But not with me.
Oh.
Well, I'd like to see them sometime.
You would?
- Yeah, very much.
All right. One day I will show them.
They're very beautiful children.
Do they look like you or your wife?
Mmm, the boy... /a, he looks like me.
Is your wife pretty?
- /a, very.
You know what's the worst part
of this war? Being away for so long.
It's not natural, is it?
- No.
I miss her.
All the time.
Heller, just a minute.
I ..
I don't eat chocolate.
Here, take these.
Mr Carrington, they're yours.
Well, you can't get chocolate
in Augsburg, can you?
No, not now. But...
- Take them.
This war's hard on kids, too.
You're very kind.
- No, it's nothing.
And thanks for the newspapers.
That is nothing. Thank you.
I shall not forget this.
You send those home
the next time you write.
Ja, Twill. I'll see you around.
See you.
- Yeah.
How is he?
Getting friendly.
How long is it going to take?
Next time.
It's not bad.
When you get around to darning socks
let me know, huh?
Come in.
Sorry to disturb you, sir,
but we need some of that money now.
How much?
- 100 marks.
It's on account, is it?
- Yes, sir.
How's it going, Pat?
- Well, we'll know soon.
Those your children, sir?
Yes. I'm trying to write to them.
I don't know if they can read.
Someone will have to read it to them.
They're nice children.
Who's looking after them, sir?
Well, that's the trouble, Pat,
I don't know.
Here you are.
- Thank you, sir.
Anything else?
- No, sir.
Hello, Phil.
I think Heller is coming to show me
some of his family snapshots.
I'll see you're not disturbed.
How are you?
- Oh, quite well. Thank you.
Good.
Hello.
Now, I'm gonna go upstairs
and finish my book.
Oh, no, you're not.
You're gonna play cards.
My deal, I think.
What are we playing for? 1,000 marks?
- And a home run.
This is a good one.
Ah, that's not so good.
Your wife has a lovely smile.
/a, she does.
- And those kids.
You should be very proud of them.
You're a very lucky man.
Yeah, I'm very proud.
Are you Catholic?
I thought because you come from
Augsburg, you might be Catholic.
Isn't that a Catholic part of Germany?
Yeah, I was brought up
as that way, but now, you know.
How about your wife? Is she Catholic?
Oh, ja. She is a good Catholic.
You know, when I go home to Augsburg,
1 go to mass with her.
She likes that.
I hear you could use 1,000 marks.
For an abortion.
Someone has been telling you lies,
Mr Carrington.
A girl in the town. She's pregnant.
It's your child.
She's found a doctor,
but she needs 1,000 marks.
You've got to find that money
or you're in trouble.
What are you gonna do?
I don't know.
Well,
you can't tell your wife,
your kids can't find out about it.
What are you gonna do?
You know, she was just someone
to talk to, to drink with, that's all.
She lived alone.
I used to visit her just for
somewhere to go.
Then one night, we...
We had a lot to drink.
It was a very happy evening.
And I stayed.
And then...
I wish I had never touched her.
Well, you could get a divorce.
No.
Oh, yeah. Your wife is a good Catholic.
That, and I love her.
Yeah.
Well, you've got problems.
How did you find out about it?
Oh, that's not important. The important
thing is to get you out of this.
It's the dentist.
That's right,
were talking about it at the dentist.
But he is deaf.
Does Mr Player understand German?
I see.
So, he told you.
How many others?
Not many.
Mr Carrington,
I do not like being talked about.
The next time Mr Player makes
one a small mistake...
Mr Player is not going to make
one small mistake.
Or we'll see that your wife gets
a letter about it.
We can help you.
How?
- The 1,000 marks.
We can get it for you.
- You?
That's right.
1,000 marks?
- We've got money, German money.
We can help you.
And what do I have to do to help you,
Mr Carrington?
Your sentry duties
are posted every week, right?
Ja.
Are you on duty next Wednesday?
A -ja.
Night?
Yeah.
At 10:00, all you have to do is
to walk to the far end of your beat
and wait for five minutes. That's all.
Why?
We want to help you.
I can't.
- Why not?
It's a risk.
- There isn't any risk.
Nobody's gonna find out what happened.
They can't connect you with anything.
I can't.
All right, you tell your wife
how much you loved her.
How you only thought about her
and how lonely you were.
And how she was the only one
you thought about
when you took that other girl
to bed with you
and gave her your child.
You explain that.
And see if she understands how much
you loved her all that time.
We can get you off the hook.
In a second.
How do I get the money?
At five minutes after 10,
the money will be lowered to you
on a string from a window.
There's one, two storeys
above your head, from that window.
How do I know you'll keep your promise?
At five minutes after 10,
if you don't get the money
all you have to do
is to sound the alarm,
we've got to keep our promise.
Have another bar of chocolate.
100 marks in advance.
When you agree.
Keep in touch.
We'll want to be sure
you know what you're doing.
See you around.
Come in.
Come to see if
you're ready for dinner, sir.
Well, I said I'd come, Pat.
Yeah,
but you're the guest of honor, sir.
It's customary to provide an escort.
You're going a bit far, aren't you?
I think we better hurry, sir.
The chef's a bit temperamental.
All right.
- Something about the smoked salmon
not being up to standard.
Would you care to try
the wine, sir?
All right. Thank you, Pat.
The label's come off the bottle
but we understand
it's a very good vintage.
Hmm.
To your taste, sir?
It must be a 100% proof.
- It's more, quite likely.
Yeah, 400.
Excuse me, sir.
You're serving from the wrong side,
my man.
Sorry, sir.
What's this stuff made of, eh?
Well, it's made from dried
Red Cross raisins.
Actually, we got it from a Pole.
They must have cast iron bellies,
that's all I say.
You get used to it, sir.
You know, I doubt that very much.
The soup's a sort of minestrone, sir.
Yeah, very "sort of".
Shall I try it?
- Do, sir. At your own risk.
Very good under the circumstances.
My compliments to the chef.
- Oh, thank you, sir.
Come.
Everything all right?
Some noise from
the British quarters, sir.
They seem to be having a party.
Well, it's dinner time.
What's on the menu tonight?
I don't know. Pork, I think.
- What again? Let's have a drink.
Do start, sir.
Don't let it go cold.
All right. Thank you, Muir.
- Do hurry up, Muir. Where's mine?
You'll have to wait. You try doing it
with no proper equipment.
Here, have another drink.
- Thank you.
Pat, do you think
I ought to give him a hand?
Pat? Do you think
I ought to give him a hand.
No, no, they volunteered.
It's worth it.
We get three corn beef fritters each.
Oh, I'm terribly sorry, sir.
Oh, that's all right. Not to worry.
It'll be all right.
No, give it to me
and I'll sponge it off in the kitchen.
Oh, no, I'll get Baker to do it.
There's lots of hot water.
It won't take a minute.
Oh, all right, if you insist.
Sorry about that.
Oh, it's okay.
- It won't be a jiffy.
This will keep you warm, sir.
It's not a matter of keeping warm,
it's a matter of keeping sober.
It's been a very good idea
of yours, Pat. Very pleasant.
I'm glad you're enjoying it, sir.
I think we've all enjoyed it,
haven't we?
Yes, indeed.
Come on, how long does it take
to sew on a DSO?
I've nearly finished.
Hurry up!
There. Now, how is that?
You're a bloody marvel.
You can take the rest of the night off.
Thank you.
Come on!
- Oh, yes, okay!
As soon as I'm properly dressed again,
then I'll take my leave and let you
all get on with the party.
Oh, we'd like you to stay
for the toast, sir.
Toast? What toast?
- Here you are, sir.
Oh.
- Good as new.
Dry cleaning by
Pilot Officer Muir and company ltd.
Pilot Officer Muir seems to have done
more than his fair share
this evening, hasn't he? Thank you.
Whose idea was this?
Captain Grant suggested it, sir.
But we all wanted to join in.
Colonel, from all of us,
congratulations on your decoration
and well done.
Yeah.
- Thank you, gentlemen.
To Colonel Preston.
To Colonel Preston.
Thank you, gentlemen.
Speech, speech...
No, no, no, no. No speeches.
But thank you all very much indeed.
There is one other thing, sir.
About your recent loss.
We'd all like to say
how very sorry we are.
Hear, hear.
Thank you.
Simon, is there any more of that
Polish plonk left?
How are your children, Colonel?
Anybody taking care of them?
I don't know. That's the rouble.
They're very young, you see.
They're only six and four.
They've been living with my sister
in Cheltenham.
She's married to a civil servant.
He's been posted abroad
and she's going with him.
There's my mother, of course,
but she's getting on and rather frail.
I don't know if she can cope
or for how long.
So if I've been a bit offhand lately,
I'm sorry.
There's nothing I can do about it,
I know that.
The canteen tunnel is completed, sir.
Dress rehearsal is on Tuesday.
They're going on Wednesday.
I've got to drop out, sir.
This cough, the quack can't shift it.
I can't risk a coughing fit
at the wrong time.
I'll go next time.
We'd like to invite you to lead
the escape on Wednesday, Colonel.
I can't, Downing.
It's out of the question. I can't.
Why not?
Well, I'm the Senior British Officer.
My duty is here.
I'm responsible for all of you,
to look after your interests
as best I can.
Those of you who don't get away.
Now, that's my job. Not to escape.
The Germans will damn soon find
another Senior British Officer.
That's no problem.
- Well, that's true.
You've got better personal reasons for
escaping than any man here, sir.
You could be back
in England in three weeks
and see if your boys are being
taken care of.
We think it's more important for you
to be with them
than to be in here with us.
Player will
open up at 10:00 on the dot.
One by one across the terrace,
over the wall.
Then make sure that everyone's clear
and replace the turf from outside.
I'm going back to close up
the canteen end now.
Good luck, sir.
And you.
If this works, I'll see you back
in England before you think.
All right?
- So far so good.
They're safely in the tunnel.
You okay?
- Yes.
Damn this cough.
Next time, for you and me.
Yeah.
Right.
Back! Go on, get back!
Get back!
Stay where you are, Mr Player.
Or I shoot.
This way out, Mr Player.
Come on, hurry it up.
You, Colonel?
May I take it that you are in
command of this escape?
Are any men hiding down there?
No.
I will ask you again.
No one.
I shall immediately inform
the Kommandant
that you've tried to escape.
Colonel, no one ever thought
you would do a thing like this.
Your conduct in reporting
the bribery attempt
is exactly what I would expect from
a good soldier like yourself, Heller.
Thank you, sir.
Was there any special reason why
they chose to approach you?
I really could not say, sir.
Are you short of money, for some reason?
Why?
It is something personal, sir.
Can you tell me about it?
Sir, with your permission,
I'd rather not.
Well, if it's a personal matter,
that's up to you.
I don't know the amount involved,
of course.
Or whether a corporal's pay
would solve your problem.
In recognition of your conduct, Heller,
you are promoted to Corporal.
Thank you, sir.
It would also be as well
if you were transferred to
another camp, hmm?
You will leave tomorrow morning.
Thank you, sir.
The camp in question is near Augsburg.
That is your home, huh?
- Yes, sir.
You'll be near your family.
Thank you very much, sir.
Come.
Colonel Preston, sir.
All right.
Corporal Heller.
Come on.
Hmm.
All the men involved
in the escape attempt
will each receive 30 days
solitary confinement
except you, Colonel.
A great deal of Red Cross supplies
were found in the tunnel.
They will be confiscated.
The men seem to have done without
their Red Cross parcels
for several months,
whilst planning this escape.
They can do without them for good.
That will be a severe hardship
to my men.
Your men?
You talk of your men?
I had hoped that some sort of
esteem and respect
could exist between us, Colonel.
In fact,
I had come to believe that it did.
But I can have no respect
for a senior officer
who deserts the men
for whom he is responsible
and attempts to escape himself.
You are not just another
prisoner-of-war, Colonel.
You have failed your men.
You have abandoned your duty.
Have you anything to say?
No.
100 marks in advance.
Another 900 marks to be lowered
on a piece of sting
from a second storey window.
We knew where to find your officer
with his piece of string.
Who was responsible for attempting
to bribe a German soldier?
Flight Lieutenant Carrington made
the offer. We know that from Heller.
And for his part in this affair,
he will be dealt with.
But since you were
the highest ranking officer
amongst the escapers,
I presume that you will not attempt
to deny that you were the leader.
No.
Then I hold you
personally responsible, Colonel.
Offering a bribe
to the member of the Wehrmacht
is an offence against
German military discipline.
And as such,
you will be court-martialled, Colonel.
Previous sentences for prisoners-of-war
at courts-martial in Leipzig
have varied from six months
solitary confinement
to life imprisonment or death.
I will not try to anticipate
the verdict of the court.
You may go, Colonel.
Out! Out, or I fire!
I want to see the Kommandant.
Are you trying to get yourself killed
on your way to solitary confinement?
I want to see the Kommandant.
The Kommandant does not give
individual interviews, you know that.
All I need is three minutes
on urgent compassionate grounds.
An individual case?
- Yes, that's right.
It has to do with
Colonel Preston's court-martial.
Why?
- Urgent compassionate grounds, sir.
When he is in solitary confinement,
it's impossible.
He made his request on the way
to the solitary confinement, sir.
Flight Lieutenant Carrington is waiting
in case it would be convenient
to see him now, sir.
Very well, send him in.
Thanks, sir.
What are your urgent compassionate
grounds, Flight Lieutenant?
You have three minutes.
Suppose you were taken prisoner
by the British.
Suppose you were a senior German officer
of some camp in Scotland.
Suppose you heard
that your wife was dead,
that you had two small boys,
and that you were worried
sick about them.
What would you have done?
Hypothetical questions are neither
urgent nor compassionate.
It was urgent to Colonel Preston.
You knew what the circumstances were
from his letters.
I am not a camp censor.
Very few letters are brought
to my attention.
He didn't know what was happening
to his children.
He didn't know whether anybody
was taking care of them.
I am in command of Colditz.
That is none of my concern.
I was the one who bribed
Corporal Heller.
Shouldn't I be the one
to be court-martialled?
I decide who is to be court-martialled.
I do not accept volunteers.
These are some letters
I found in Colonel Preston's room.
They're from his mother.
I think you should read them.
- Hauptmann Ulmann!
I think if you read them, sir,
you'll see how feeble she is.
Sir?
I think you should read them, sir.
Ulmann.
I have come to inform you
that I have reviewed your case.
In the light of certain
extenuating circumstances
which have been brought to my notice,
you will not now be sent
for court-martial.
Instead, you will consider yourself
severely reprimanded
and that will be entered on your record.
Do you understand,
Lieutenant Colonel Preston?
Yes.
You will, of course, receive the same
punishment as the other officers
involved in this stupid escape attempt.
If it happens again,
I will not be so lenient.
Some letters came into my hands.
They appear to be yours.
Mine?
On compassionate grounds,
you will be permitted to write home
during your period of
solitary confinement.
I hope you will soon hear
that suitable arrangements
for your children have been made.
Kommandant...
Thank you for returning my letters.