Passport to Freedom (2021–…): Season 1, Episode 3 - Episode #1.3 - full transcript

Herschel, voice-over:
Being a Jew is not a crime.

Wherever I have been,

I have been chased
like an animal.

[SS officer shouts in German]

[SS officers
shouting indistinctly]

[Dog barking]

[SS officer shouts in German]
[Dog barking]

[SS officer shouts in German]
[Dog barking]

[Siren wailing]

Herschel, voice-over:
I am not a dog.
[Men coughing]

[Dog barking]



[SS officer shouts in German]

[Dog barking]

[Dog barking]

[Man coughing]

[SS officer shouting roll call]

Herschel, voice-over:
These uniforms are brand-new.

[SS officer shouting roll call]
Herschel, voice-over:
Everything was planned.

[SS officer shouting roll call]

Bashevis!

Uhh! [Crying]

[SS officer
shouting in German on P.A.]

[SS officer shouts in German]

[Dog barking]

[Electricity crackling]
[Man grunts]



Herschel, voice-over:
I have a right to live,

and the Jewish people
have a right

to exist on this Earth.

[Laughter]
[Piano playing classical music]

I am so, so sorry.
It's the new law.

There's nothing I can do.

What's going on?
Jewish children

are no longer allowed to
attend German schools.

WoBut where
can I take them?

I have to work.

They've taken my husband
to Sachsenhausen.

I'm sorry.

Come see me at
the Brazilian Consulate.

Morning.
Good morning.

Good morning.
You can let them in, please.

Look, I'm sorry about
turning up last night

and keeping you from your son.

Oh, no.
I'm sorry.

I'm sorry if I seemed rude.

Good morning.
People: Morning.

Morning, Tina.
Deputy-Consul,

The Consul would like
to see you now.

I'm afraid you're
in the deep end today.

I'm leaving you in charge.

The Ambassador
called all his consuls

back to Berlin to brief us

on the foreign minister's
response

to recent events in Germany.

What sort of a response
is he envisaging?

What can any of us
do here?

This should prove
your brother's planning
to leave Germany

and get him
out of Sachsenhausen.

Thank you.

I'm putting him down
as a tourist.

Tina? Please let me.

Vivi. Vivi.

The pleasure is all yours,
as usual.

Wait.
I can't fall asleep.

I have to find my father.

Ohh. He'll either
be in Fuhlsbuttel

or Sachsenhausen.

Why don't you ask
your boyfriend?

I'm sure he can find out.

No, I can't
call him at work. Ohh.

Even now?

Nice guy. Listen,

if you want to get your old man
out of Germany,

you should try
the Brazilian Consulate.

Why?
The whole country...
[voice fades out]

Vivi.

Vivi.

Thomas. Ahh.

I didn't mean to fall asleep.

What happened to you last night?

You locked me in.

Yes, to keep you safe.

It's like Armageddon out there.

Thomas, something
terrible has happened.

They've taken my father.

He's been arrested?

Yes.

Do you know
where they took him?

No.
Can you find out?

Yes, of course.

I'll check when I get back
to the office.

Thomas, stop.
It's late.
I have to go.

But you don't know
where to go yet.

I have to go to
the Brazilian Consulate

to get papers.

Why the Brazilian one?

I don't know.

Is it a woman
you have to see there?
A brunette?

I don't know.
I just have to go there now.

Wait.
I'll go back to the office,

I'll find out where he is,

and I'll make arrangements

to get him out.
All right?

You would do that?

Yes, of course.

There's just something
I need to do first.

I really like you in this
little office-girl outfit.

Thomas, do you promise
you'll help my father?

I promise,
Miss Bashevis.

Now get back to work.

Aracy:
When his tourist visa expires,

he can renew it in Brazil

for a further 3 months.

After that, his visa
will no longer

be legally valid in Brazil.

But I would strongly
advise your son

against returning to Germany.

[Knocking on door]
[Door opens and closes]

Sorry to keep you.

It's all right.

I'm in no rush to get back.

My hotel's awash
with singing Nazis.

I was meaning to say--
obviously, apartment hunting

has been off the agenda

with everything
that's happening,

but we can resume next week.

I'll look forward to it.

Perhaps you can share
some of your strategies

for life under the third Reich.

You've arrived
at the worst time.

Yes, but you--
you said last night

that I could do something here.

Well, I was
going to ask...

would you mind
signing these visas,

since the Consul's
away overnight?

They are all ready.

So, excuse me.

Yes.

Here.

Sorry.

Thank you.

Man on radio: Joseph Goebbels,
the Reich Minister
for propaganda,

has tonight called for
an end to popular...

Zumkle!

Just in time
to help me celebrate.

Even Goebbels agreed

that you've exceeded
your target.

That, too,
but I'm celebrating

my promotion.
To Colonel.

[Cork pops]

[Champagne pouring]
Well,

congratulations, then.

Well-deserved.

Salute me, then.

Heil Schaffer.

The real party
will be tomorrow.

No, fetch another glass.

By the way,
I've been asked to find out

about one of the arrested men.

Who wants to know?

A friend is asking
where he ended up.

Samuel Bashevis.

Have a look.

He'll be in Sachsenhausen
by now.

They've all been sent there.

To the man of the hour.

Is it for a Jewish
friend that you're asking?

No! An Aryan friend.

It's very
regrettable, this

misplaced sympathy
towards the Jews.

Idiotic.

Would you like me to
inquire for your Aryan friend

about the fate of this
Samuel Bashevis?

No.
Hmm. No.

To the docks?
[Car door closes]

Not tonight.

Where to?

[Door opens and closes]

Hugo?

Good evening.
Good evening.

Where is Edu?

He's staying at my aunt's
for a couple of days.

It's easier and...safer.
Oh, but I don't

want to keep you from your son.

Hugo,
none of it is your fault.

Let's have a drink.

Yes.

You know you can
help yourself, right?

Yeah. Thank you.

And don't worry about dinner.

Margarethe said
she's bringing us

something wonderful.

[Knocking on door]

[Knocking on door]
Margarethe? Hugo?

It's me--George Plambeck.

[Margarethe exhales]
Hello, George.

Sorry.
I should have come sooner.

He--is he OK?
Is he safe?

Come in, please.

[Door closes]

If he needs
someplace to hide,

he can stay at my house

as long as he needs.

Yes, 6 is very big, Agnes!

Did Mama read the poem I sent?

"Now I am 6.

"I'm as clever as clever.

So, I think I'll be 6 now
forever and--"

It's OK, darling.
Enjoy your birthday party.

Happy birth--
[Dial tone]

[Man speaking German on radio]

I'm sorry you have to go.

Thank you, but it's safer

for all of us, especially Edu.

There are less
police out in the suburbs,

in Altona.

[Knocking on door]

Let's go.
The Fuhrer is making a speech.

[Hitler's speech
on radio echoing]

[Crowd cheers]

[Speech continues]

Take your hat off.

[Speech continues]

[Engine starts]

[Speech continues]

[Car door closes]
[Engine starts]

[Boys singing
"Horst Wessel Song"]

[Glass clinking]
[Boys singing]

SA officer:
A billion Reichsmarks.

The Jews have got to pay

for all the damage
you've caused.

[Dog barking]

[Dog barking]

The diplomatic plates.

OK, let's go.

Aren't you going
to arrest them?

No.
That man's mother saved my life.

And the Brazilian beauty
is my next girlfriend.

Let's go.

We're taking
a different route back.

[Engine starts]
All right.

You'll be fine.
It's just a fracture.

Can I examine your brother?

Yeah, yes.

Symptoms began after
the attacks, you said.

Follow the flame.

[Lighter clicks shut]

Listen.
There's nothing wrong with you.

You're having a perfectly
understandable nervous reaction

to a horrifying event
and a harrowing situation.

But it'll pass.

Thank you, doctor.
I want you all

to come and see me at
the Brazilian Consulate.

Have you thought about it?

Yes, but we can't
leave Germany.

How can you stay?

How can anyone stay here?

My parents worked
for the council

until they banned Jews
from state jobs.

We can't afford to leave.

They can't carry on
with this violence.
Even Goebbels said it's enough.

They've made it
loud and clear
they don't give a damn.

How long have you
been doing this?

Over a year since
my first driving lesson.

It's actually getting
a bit suspicious.

I should take my test.

Would we even have
that conversation now?

Neither of us is
good at biting our tongue.

But now we have to.

Everyone does.

It's not just to save
our own skins.

We can't do anything
if they cart us off

to Sachsenhausen.

They can't put me
in prison.

Can't they?

They can send you
back to Brazil or

take you to the woods
and...shoot you.

If everyone stops
speaking out, we're all lost.

I don't mean to stop,

but know who you're talking to.

They have "professional
grumblers" now, who

get people complaining
and later denounce them.

That's insane.
They're all insane

or stupid or brainwashed.

It's a relief to
say it out loud.

But no, I probably
wouldn't say it

if I met you today.

Aracy.
Don't trust anyone.

Joao, voice-over:
Back home, you'd just
pull out your gun,

but that won't work here.

But I can't sit back
and watch this injustice.

["Horst Wessel Song"
playing in corridor]

Are you sure
I can't drop you home?

Yes.

A whole year of lessons

and you still won't
leave me alone behind the wheel.

I think that reflects
more on you.

No, it's not that.

Then what is it?

I'll see you
to the door.

Good night.
Good night.

WoAracy?

Please come inside.

You have a visitor.

Good evening,
Miss Aracy.

WoMore coffee,
Captain Zumkle?

No, thanks,
Mrs. Schwartz.

Could you give me and Miss Aracy

a moment in private, please?

Oh, yes.
Of course, Captain.

I'm sorry.
Can we postpone this interview

until the morning?
I'm extremely tired.

I'm sure you are.
Must be quite exhausting

illegally transporting Jews
across Hamburg by night

in your diplomatic car
while the Brazilian consul

is away in Berlin, I understand.

Did Mr. Souza-Ribeiro
authorize your use

of the vehicle for that purpose,

or was it the new Deputy-Consul?

The Consul allows me
to use the car

for my driving lessons.

And he is happy
for you to invoke

your country's
diplomatic privilege

to smuggle Hugo Levy.

I thought you were
concerned about
Hugo Levy's safety.

I am more concerned
about you, Aracy.

Listen, we both want
Hugo to be safe, don't we?

Yes, but what I
really want right now

more than anything...

come for a drink at my hotel.

No, Officer Zumkle.
Thank you.

It's Captain Zumkle.

Or we could have a drink at
your place, since we're here.

Captain,
I need you to leave now.

If you insist.

You don't need to be frightened.

I really do mean a drink.

And I said no, Captain.

[Knocks on window]

[Zumkle sighs]
Take me to the docks.

[Upbeat music playing
outside room]

[Door opens]

Did you find out
where my father is?

Yes.
He's in Sachsenhausen.

And you're going to
help him get out?

Yes.

Thank you, Thomas.

Mm. Don't mention it,
Ms. Bashevis.

Put on that little
office-girl skirt

so I can rip it off you. Mm?

Good morning.

My brother Rudi Katz

was brought here this week.

I have papers to prove
he's leaving Germany.

[Car door closes]
[SS officer shouting
in German on P.A.]

WoI'm sorry, but
these papers are incomplete.

Yes, but
the Brazilian Consulate

requires a doctor's certificate
to show that

my brother is free of typhus.

He can't obtain that if he is

locked up in here.

Abrahamsohn.

Ahlmann.

Ahrend.

F. Althaeuser.

If you get out,
find Helena Krik.

Anschell.
That friend of yours.

The Swing Kid.
She was.

Then she got serious
about resisting.

Anselm.
She can take

witness reports out to Holland.

Auerbach.
Look for her at the docks.

Everyone knows her family there.

Bashevis.

Berger. Bauer. Banderhet.

Bashevis!

Vivi. Vivi, wake up.
Wake up.

Wake up.
Wake up.

They've got your father.

I know, Helena.

Are you going to
help us now?

I can't.

And my friend is
getting him out.

What if he doesn't?

I'll try...
the Brazilian Consulate.

I will try
and get this signed now

so they will
release your husband.

WoThank you.
Thank you.

[Knocking on door]

Come in, Aracy.

I...I've heard from
Consul Ribeiro.

He stayed over in Berlin
last night,

but now he's on his way back
to brief us, which means...

I can't sign any more visas,
I'm afraid.

Oh.
In fact, I--

I should not have
been signing them at all.

The Consul would have needed
to authorize that

in writing, wouldn't he?

I'm sorry.

I'm sure he'll
put it down to

inexperience on my part,

but the thing is,

I've been
in trouble once already here.

Because of your
disastrous tour guide.

No, not disastrous.

Fateful, perhaps.

Aracy, I'm on your side.

Can't you see that?

Otherwise, I would
have told Ribeiro

you changed that visa.

You don't have to trick me.

You can trust me.

You really are
new in town.

Are you sure?

Thank you.

[Door opens]

You look terrible.

It's all right.

They're letting me go home.

Here.
Take this.

This kind lady gave it to me.

Thank you.

Come on.
Let's go home.

Good luck.

Good luck
in Brazil, Gretel.

Afternoon, Rosa.

How was Berlin?

Interesting.

Classified Circular 1249.

The Foreign Minister's
opening up some

new immigration categories

that'll make it rather easier

for Hitler's enemies
to come to our shores.

Some of them, anyway.

Scientists, technicians,

artists, entrepreneurs.

They're all welcome
in Brazil now,

but they're only welcome
within the established

immigration quota.

Of 954 visas per year,

divided between the 5 consulates

and the embassy in Berlin.

Yeah, but judging by
the vast influx we've had here

since the night of broken glass,
as they're calling it now,

we're going to run out of visas
by the end of the week.

Are the other consuls
running out, too?

Just us.
It seems that somehow,

this consulate has acquired
a reputation

for helping Jews
fleeing from Hitler.

Which, I must add,
is emphatically

not the case with Brazil's

other diplomatic missions here.

None of them
are filling their

immigrant quotas?

Nowhere near it.

We're getting
more visas in January,

but I can't see the demand
letting up

anytime soon, can you?

No, but we must
comply with

the Foreign Minister's
directive.

Yes, but how?

I'll call and ask him.

We got to get a solution
for this.

Sachsenhausen.

[Footsteps approaching]

Zumkle.

Another hard day
at the rock-face?

Yes.
It's all hotting up now

with my Aryanizations.

How thrilling.
The stuff of

heroes and legends.

Actually, Schaffer,
I've changed my mind.

Could you inquire on behalf of
my Aryan friend?

Too late, I'm afraid.

What?

He's dead.

Who's that?
Samuel Bashevis.

So sorry.
You should have
said something sooner.

How did he die?

He tried to escape.

Where are you going?

To work.

[Knocking on door]

Good news from
the Foreign Ministry.

It's very good news.

Only we've almost
run out of visas.

Only we haven't.

I just spoke to
the Foreign Minister

and he's redistributing
all this year's unused visas

to the consulates
where they're most needed.

How did you--
Oh, you want me
to trust you?

It's not about me.

Other people's lives are
at stake if I'm found out.

So, let me help.

I'm already helping, aren't I?

How many extra visas?

Four...hundred and 32.

How many of them
does Hamburg get?

Well, luckily,
the Consulate of Hamburg

has been put in charge of
distribution and compliance

throughout the Reich.

How did you--
Aracy...

will you please just tell me
what's going on?

How can you stand it here?

It's like being in
some kind of...rising hell.

I thought Minas Gerais
was a savage place

compared to Germany.

I mean, Brahms, Goethe.
[Sigh] Jesus.

No, he was Jewish.

Have you ever thought
about leaving this place?

No. I can't leave.

Why not?

Can't talk here.
My son's at my aunt's tonight.

I was going to surprise him
and pick him up,

but can we talk
somewhere more private?

Your hotel?

[Door closes]

[Men singing
"Horst Wessel Song"]
[Piano playing]

[Indistinct chatter]

WoA young lady telephoned
earlier and left a message.

Please.

Room 212, please.

Mr. Deputy-Consul.

Good evening.

We met the other day,

with your colleague, Miss--

I'm sorry.

I've been meeting
so many new people

since I arrived in Hamburg.

Give Aracy my regards.

Good night.

Thank you.

You want to know everything?

All of it.

You know, we have
Secret Circular 1127,

prohibiting the entry of
Jews into Brazil.

I've been circumventing that.
How?

If the Jewish clients
haven't had

the "J" stamp
on their passports,

I list them as Aryans.

If they do have the "J,"

I put them down as tourists.

I used to say they were farmers,

but they stopped that with 1127.

And your trick
with the blotter?

Sometimes when
the Consul's signing visas,

I use a blotter to conceal
a blank space in them

so I can change them afterwards.

And make them permanent?

Sometimes.

How do you decide?

If people are at risk--

Communists, dissidents.

There's been so many suicides...

That's--

that's extraordinary.

And with temporary visas,
I tell Jewish clients

to renew them in Brazil
and then go

underground when they expire.

You do all this
in the office?

Usually, I get people
to come to my home.

But this week,
that's been impossible.

There's too many.

Well...

thankfully, you're only breaking
Brazilian laws, not German ones.

Have you got
any more to drink?

Yes.

[Pouring liquid]

Thank you.

I was
saving this for Christmas.

[Puts bottle on table]
Go on.

I hide the cash
and jewelry

in my apartment
until they leave.

So, they avoid
the 96% immigration tax.

Right, and then--
I drive their valuables

to the docks
in the diplomatic car

and use my consular badge
to carry them onto ships

in the diplomatic bag.

Wow, but--
And I hide them

in the toilet cistern
in third class

on in the better-off
clients' cabins,

so they won't arrive destitute
in Brazil.

Thank God you've
got away with it.

Can I have
some more, too?

I've been hiding a Jewish man
in my apartment

since the pogrom started.

What?
Hugo Levy.

The man that I told you about.

The one that SS Captain
came looking for?

He stayed at
my apartment on

the second night of violence.

Wait. I was there.

I came to your apartment
that night.

He was--

Hiding. Sorry.

Where?

My bedroom.

That's why you
threw me out?

Is he still there?

No, I drove him
to friends

in Altona last night...

in the diplomatic car.

Oh, my God, Aracy.

I'm sorry, but you've
seen what's happening here.

Yes, but--

OK. How long have you been
doing all this?

A year or so.

By yourself?

Please don't ask me that.

How can I trust you
with someone else's safety?

Because you can.

You don't know that yet,
you can't, but--

listen, I don't need you
to believe me

because it's true.
Those unused visas.

How did you get them?

How did you get Hamburg
put in charge?

I talked to Aranha.

We found a diplomatic solution.

Joao, I told you mine.

You know
if the Germans catch you--

I have diplomatic immunity,
Ribeiro does, but you--

I know

I'm an office clerk.

But I'm the head of
the passport section

and I have no choice.

God put me there.

I have to do what's right.

Aren't you afraid for
your son if you're discovered?

Of course I am.

But if I want to be
a decent mother,

I have to be a decent
human being first.

[Indistinct chatter]
laughter]

[Click]

I don't know what to say.

I'm in awe of you.
That's all.

And will you help me?
Yes, but--

It's not dangerous.
Consul Ribeiro goes away

for a month in January.

He'll authorize you to sign
visas in his absence.

You can help
get people out, Joao.

Will you help?

Yes.