Secret Army (1977–1979): Season 2, Episode 10 - Guests at God's Table - full transcript
Restaurant Candide.
Yes, we are, but...
Are we booked up on December the 6th? - St. Nicholas Day? Yeah.
Yes, I'm afraid we are. I'm so sorry. Thank you for calling. Goodbye.
Doesn't anyone stay at home on St. Nicholas Day? - Not if they can afford to come here, my darling.
Go out for a slap up meal. You've still got your rations left.
They're exactly half what they were last year. Pass me that will you? That furry thing.
It's getting colder, do you know that?
They can't supply any coal until next month. - Oh no!
Then only because I agreed to pay three times as much as anyone else.
What about the airmen?
- Well, Jean-Luc has them.
But there's still one missing. I put the word out.
Unfortunately, it's one that matters. The Group Captain.
When are they going to stop behaving like school boys? What's a Group Captain doing on operations?
Oh come on now. Be fair. Any station commander worth his salt is gonna take a trip now and again and see what his boys are up against.
You wouldn't. - Well that's different because I'm a convinced coward. - Yeah.
Have you got some milk for me? - No.
Where did they come down?
- Oh, they were lucky. Two along the Molenbeek. Two in the park.
But the Group Captain was wounded and they got him out first when the plane was weaving about and out of control
They think he came down near Molenbeek or Kirchberg.
I'll get word to them.
- Oh it's too late.
I mean it's been searched. Nothing. No, we'll just have to wait and see.
No no, no, no we found the Lancaster. It crashed near Mechelen.
Now the interesting thing is that everything points to the crew having bailed out over the city.
Redlich? - Herr Sturmbannfuhrer.
Have there been any reports of parachutists or harnesses being found in Brussels during the last 48 hours?
No, three days.
- During the last three days?
No Sir. - Is there nothing more to go on?
Yes. My unit at Vilvoorde reports parachutes were seen descending in the area of the Royal Park,
but so far they found nothing.
- Redlich.
The Luftwaffe police are searching the area of the Royal Park. You will immediately scour the other side of the canal.
We've got our monitors intercepting any radio messages, so we should hear something about it.
By the way, what do you think of that?
National Liberation Movement? I don't understand.
It means that the communists are gaining control of the resistance groups in France. Here as well for all I know.
So much for our anti Bolshevik propaganda. - No, not at all.
This can only lead to divisions. They will end up fighting each other.
The Tehran conference has proved a disaster. The Allies are falling apart, Herr Major.
One day soon, the local Reds will attempt to take over the evasion lines. That will be our chance.
Excuse me. Kessler. Yes.
When was this?
I see.
Call sign?
Thank you.
That was the monitoring room. They report a coded inquiry to London regarding the crew of a Lancaster,
one of whom is still missing. - Do we know the sender?
Oh, the same one. But we've never been able to trace him.
However, shall we concentrate on finding this missing airman?
What did you find, Bobo? - Not much, see.
But I got 10 Francs.
No. - It's for Gaby.
Did he wake up?
I'm cold Wim, so's Gaby.
I know. What do you expect me to do about it? I want my blanket.
You can't have it. He's sick. You have to keep sick people warm or they die.
Is he a bomber pilot? - I don't know. He'll tell us when he wakes up.
Is he going to die?
He's a general. Is he a general Wim?
They don't have generals in the RAF. He's a Squadron Leader or something.
What will we do with him? If the Germans find him, they'll kill him won't they?
Those people in the resistance would have him. Roland says some people smuggle them back to England.
I'll talk to him tomorrow.
That'll be Natalie. - It's so cold.
Any Luck? - Oh no, not really.
...'s people have combed the whole area. He can't be in Molenbeek because there's no sign of him.
Monique's checked and the Germans don't have him.
He could have been picked up, but Inspector Delon would know.
What about the rest of the crewmen?
- Alain's checked them out. They're OK.
But they did confirm that the Group Captain was badly wounded. Want some coffee?
- Yes please, it's freezing out.
Yeah, it's not so warm in there either. You know, I had two complaints tonight about the heating.
What do they expect me to do? I can't chop up the furniture.
Thank you.
Where's Max?
- He went out when we closed.
I'd like to know where he gets to.
I wonder if he's got a woman.
No. - Why so sure? He's no saint. - No.
Women? Probably. But one woman...
No, Max never gives anything away.
He's one of the world's takers.
106 francs. We'll get some bread tomorrow.
It's not enough. I saw Bobo this afternoon. He was looking in the shop windows for food and things.
It's Saint Nicholas in three days.
They need presents and something to eat and I'm going to see that they get them.
How? - I'm going to sell him.
Who to? - He's a British Flyer.
He could be important. That's what all those things mean. All those medals.
There are people who'll get him back to England. They'll pay.
You can't sell him. - Why not?
We've got nothing. They've got plenty. They could buy us a Saint Nicholas.
I think he's very sick. My Papa looked like that before he died, so did Mama.
Then we better do it now, while he's alive.
Help me with this.
Take it off.
Careful.
Well, it's a nice day really, if you like that sort of thing.
Got a present for you.
You found him?
Well, no, it's a little bit more involved than that. Do you remember Maurice Tourtellat?
Er, yes. He used to work for the Liege...
Network, - yeah, - that's the one.
Well apparently, someone approached him, who'd been approached by someone else, who wanted to get in touch with someone like us.
Is that clear?
- No? Come on. - They want to sell him.
To sell?
And that's not all.
You read the demands.
I will say one thing. It's a little bit different. - Just a minute.
We've got the pilot you want.
These are his name things.
Now, if you want him, you have to give us what I say, which is:
A girl's dress size 8, boy's trousers size 9.
Wool jersey, thick. A doll with dresses, some meat and sausage.
Two pairs shoe size 6 and 9.
Custard, jelly and cake.
Two blankets and 500 francs. Well I'm blowed.
It sounds like some kids.
R.S. Holbrook.
147321 OD. Now this is the Group Captain alright.
Well then we better make a deal then. It's not exactly exorbitant, is it?
That's not the point. This could be a very elaborate trick.
Christmas games with the Gestapo.
- Oh no, I don't think it is. It doesn't sound like the Germans to me.
Oh, I think it's sad if it is children, Albert.
- If it is children, I'll tan their back sides for them.
Don't they know the man's injured? Could be dying.
They could have found these disks.
- Oh, come on, nobody leaves identity discs littered around the street.
No, I don't mean, I don't mean in the streets. They could have found it on a dead body.
And you don't want to fork out for no reason? Is that it? My God, you're mean.
I mean, it's peanuts. The price of a decent bottle of wine.
- It could be the price of my head and yours.
Now use it. Don't always think with your gut. - What does that mean?
It means that the Germans are very sentimental. I wouldn't put it past them to have invented these kids.
Now we must be absolutely sure they're not behind it.
- Tourtellat's no fool, and he's an old hand.
Well, if they can prove it's the right man, and he's still alive.
And if they can prove that he's not a German plant,
and if they can prove that the place isn't being watched, then we might do business with them.
Do you want to say that again?
Alright, pass the word back. We'll strike a bargain.
But we decide when, where and how.
We've got to make sure he's still alive. We must have proof.
Now Rennert, what is it? Oh!
Oh sorry. Forgive that piece of self indulgence.
My mother used to play it, and I was being sentimental.
Herr Sturmbannfuhrer, we found a parachute to the East of Molenbeek. Bloodstained.
The man must have been bleeding badly to get it on his silk. And if you remember, the radio message said that a Group Captain was wounded.
Do you think this parachute is his?
Yes I do. I should like to use some of your men with my own, to search the Molenbeek area.
House to house if necessary.
You have them.
A Group Captain would be worth finding. - Thank you.
Oh Brandt, will you join me for dinner this evening?
You're really determined that I should not be permitted to drink by myself, aren't you?
I may embarrass you Kessler.
- I think not.
Shall we say 21:00?
This man is very, very ill. He must be taken to a doctor now. - No.
Why not? You can't leave him here. He's dying. You must try to save him.
No, nobody comes here and...
- Let me take him away.
You can have him tomorrow.
- It might be too late. - Tomorrow.
You've seen him. You have to go now. We've kept our part. You give us what we want, then you can have him.
I'll see you have the stuff tonight, as agreed.
But I warn you, when they hear from me how sick he is, they'll want him out of here. - No.
It might happen soon.
- Then I'll tell the Germans.
I'll say you brought him in. I couldn't stop you.
- You won't do that?!
They're going to have a Saint Nicholas.
Is Wim going to get the money for the man?
- We're going to get some food and things for Christmas.
Will there be any presents Marie? For Christmas Marie-Claire?
If there's enough money left. We have to get things too.
Will there be doll for Gabby? - We'll see Bobo.
Has Wim gone to get the money now Marie?
Is he going to get it now?
- Tonight.
Shoes, size 6, and size 9.
The doll.
- Put her hat on.
Oh good, did you get them?
- Boys trousers size 9.
Not very big, is he?
- Where's the sweater?
Oh, I couldn't find one. I went to shop after shop.
In one shop, they just laughed in my face and said come back after the war.
Don't we have sheep anymore?
- When did you last see a sheep Max? The Germans take them on the hoof.
They get the meat and the wool.
Where did you find it?
Oh, just a little shop I know. I had to give him extra ration books.
You didn't give them?
- Why not? There's plenty more where they came from.
It's risky Max.
- My ones are better than the originals.
Is the money in there?
Albert will be furious.
Why would I be furious?
- Nothing. A bit small isn't it Max.
Well, I mean, I assumed that was for the lad with the size 9 trousers.
I mean, what else could I...
I expect it's right.
Is there anything else?
Cake. - And jelly, and custard.
I don't remember them asking for that. - They did not.
Might give them ideas.
I'll get my coat Albert.
Herr Sturmbannfuhrer, good evening.
Herr Major. - Good evening - I hope it's warm enough in here for you, gentlemen.
I will return shortly. - Prost.
We'd be well advised to make the most of whatever we can find outside of the mess.
It rather looks as if Christmas this year will be somewhat leaner.
Temporary shortages Brandt.
We have huge reserves of men in the coastal areas. It naturally diverts supplies from us here,
especially at a time like Christmas.
To say nothing of the supplies that are diverted to restaurants like this.
Schnaps will be cheaper in the mess.
- You think the price we pay is too much?
For our own supplies?
- You lack vision Brandt.
Places like this couldn't exist without the black market.
And black market activity would be less, if German soldiers did not line their own pockets.
Don't tell me you condone it.
Condone it? No. Acknowledge it? Yes.
It's a fact of life. And facts of life are almost always unpleasant.
The unpleasant price of this is knowing that German soldiers are lining their own pockets.
If you know...
- Let me finish.
The black market is a safety valve.
Without it, occupied Europe would be more explosive than it need be.
It's a source of comfort to people of substance and influence,
and it diverts the energy that might otherwise be directed elsewhere.
That is incredibly cynical. - Is it?
I'd call it realistic.
But then, you are a romantic.
To resent being duped by one's own side?
If it's any consolation, most of the marketeers are known to me. Their time will come.
Have you decided gentlemen?
- Yes, I'll have the Plat de Jour, Monsieur Foiret.
Is that alright for you, Brandt? - Why not?
And a bottle of that excellent burgundy that you keep tucked out of sight. - Of course, Herr Major.
That at least hasn't been pilfered.
Anyway, not from us.
I had hoped for a quiet Christmas. It seems it's not to be.
I'm tired, Brandt. Time I put in for some leave, I think.
Well you should. You have taken no more than 24 hours every year.
And you haven't even taken 24 hours since your wife was killed. It shows, I think.
Is that another way of saying, I drink too much?
It's none of my business...
until you become a bad soldier.
That would be a pity.
You are a valued colleague, Brandt.
Good health Paul.
- Thank you, Albert.
A very talented young lady, Mademoiselle Duchamps.
And a very attractive one.
- Indeed.
You're not eating.
I'm not very hungry.
How's your daughter?
She was well when I last heard.
- Have you managed to place her with relatives?
Thank you, my sister in law has taken her.
Another bottle, please.
I'm afraid I won't be able to join you. - It's a very good wine.
Oh yes. Don't disappoint me, Brandt.
Remain the good soldier that you are.
Bear my loss with dignity?
With stoicism?
I only hope it will be possible.
- Isn't that up to you?
Not entirely.
- But surely?
When I was in Berlin...
... after the air raid...
I met an old friend of mine.
We were at Military Academy together.
Luftwaffe, like yourself?
- Oh, no, no. He became a party member. Joined the SS.
He was in one of the original Totenkopf Divisions.
- You have the right friends.
Yes, but he was wounded in Romania
and afterwards, he became attached to one of the Einsatzgruppen in the east.
Poland.
Go on.
If what he had to tell me was true, there are things happening we can no longer shut our eyes to Kessler.
They're terrible things there. Almost unbelievable
- Why almost?
Things are either believable or they are not.
He talked of massacres!
- Then he had no right to.
Our Einsatzgruppen have grave problems in that area.
I hope that is not meant to be a joke.
My grave problem is to come to terms with the death of my wife.
A soldier's terms. I can only do that if I can believe that she died with dignity and honor.
Can you doubt it?
- For an honorable Fatherland?
What are you suggesting?
I am suggesting that there are things happening in Eastern Europe in the name of the country that my wife loved.
You'd do well not to confuse political necessity with the duty of a soldier. But I think...
That's fine. Thank you.
I think this is not a suitable topic of conversation for a public place. - You can't just look the other way. - Monsieur Foiret. - Coming sir.
A soldier does not confuse political necessity with extermination.
Major Brandt. May I remind you that you are a serving officer in the Third Reich.
- And may I remind you, Kessler that my rank is the equal of yours.
I work with you, not for you.
- You work with me because I choose for it to be so.
If you need a reminder, that it can be arranged. - Yes, Herr Sturmbannfuhrer. - The bill.
Please allow me to settle it Herr Sturmbannfuhrer and there's no hurry Monsieur Foiret.
I couldn't possibly desert such an excellent Burgundy.
As you please.
But I would advise moderation
with that.
Thank you for your advice,
Herr Sturmbannführer.
Good night.
Good night.
Well, what was all that about?
Doesn't matter how they crack, so long as they do. Perhaps you'd like to give him that.
Love to.
Your bill Herr Major.
- Thank you, mademoiselle.
Oh please. Your songs, they're charming. - Thank you.
But then they always are.
- Thank you very much. You're very kind.
Will you too be kind...
and join me in a glass of wine?
Thank you, I'd like that very much.
Allow me, Herr Major.
Thank you.
- Thank you, sir.
Wait, Bobo. Wim hands it out, not you.
These are yours.
Here, put this on.
No, on top of that, it's going to get very cold and you'll need them both.
Cut this up.
Is there any money?
- There's more than we asked for.
More fool you.
- Where's the doll?
Is there any dresses?
Look, the blankets are for Gaby and Bobo.
You could have asked him for more. They'd fork out for him.
Is he alright?
- I think so. He's got fever and his hair's all wet.
We have to take him soon, Wim. We must.
It's all right now.
What did the man say?
They'll take him tomorrow. It's St. Nicholas, so there won't be many people about.
They'll be stuffing their fat faces. - What about the Germans?
They're no different.
- The Germans killed my Papa.
My contact will come with a van.
Now you just take him to the door and leave him inside, out of the wind.
Then you get lost.
You understand?
All of you. Get lost.
No one meets anyone. And no peeping Bobo. We don't want to know them.
And they don't want to know us.
Only me and my contact meet.
I'm going out now.
Believe it. It's all fixed.
Can you get some more schnapps?
Yes, but it's getting more difficult. They're getting short themselves.
I know that's why I can get
more for it. - Yes, alright. It's risky.
What isn't?
Hey you. Stop.
They caught him as he ran out of the gate. One of the bottles fell onto the road, and smashed.
Do the Germans have him?
No, the police. The concierge at the gatehouse sent for the quartermaster, but he was out.
So the police came and took him away.
What happens now, Huy?
- Will they send Wim to prison?
I don't know.
He stole from the Germans.
- What will happen Huy?
They won't shoot him?
- He's only young.
They might not.
You shouldn't have got Wim stealing from the Germans. It's you that started it, not Wim.
I'll go and see someone. He might know what to do.
The marzipan's not real, but it tastes just like it.
I wonder who could boast those in Brussels today?
Tell Jacques he's done splendidly.
Look at the oranges.
Look I'm sorry about this, but it is necessary.
This is Maurice.
- Yes, I know who this is.
Well, he's here now.
Well, what is it?
- I think you'd better tell him.
Oh it's alright.
- It's about the kids who have your consignment.
Have they been picked up?
- No, not exactly, but there's another problem.
I can't get my van into the area to pick up the evader.
The Germans have cordoned off the district and they're searching the place house by house.
Gestapo?
- Luftwaffe Police as well, and they're getting close.
Perhaps we could go on foot.
- Oh, and then carry a sick man all the way here?
That's not all. Tell him.
- Well, the kid behind this, they've got him.
Who have? - The police.
The Luftwaffe?
- No, ours.
He's been swiping bottles from German stores and flogging them. They got him last night and he's got your merchandise. - Oh, good God.
They're holding him until the German Quartermaster comes to charge him officially.
Does he know anything?
- About Lifeline? - Yes. - Nothing. He doesn't even know me. I'm just a face.
He knows my contact and he knows me and I know you...
- And you brought him here.
I knew you before.
Oh come on Albert. I was with Thierry before I went to Liege.
I worked with John Curtis. I know Lifeline as you know our network. We've got to do something now.
Well, can we get the boy out?
No. If he's being booked, he has to be unbooked. Charges have to be dropped by the complainant.
Well the Germans aren't likely to do that, are they?
No. No, not just like that.
- You've got an idea?
What are we going to do?
I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do.
- But there's got to be something.
The boy's been booked and charged. We can't release him without permission from the Germans.
The only hope is to make an appeal. The Germans are sentimental.
This time of year. He's only a kid. They'll be lenient.
That's hardly the point Inspector.
- Now Paul. This boy is a lead to an evader.
One the Germans know about, and they're getting close. - The boy?
Yes! - We want that kid on the outside, and we want him now.
- It's not a matter of being lenient.
Now this boy could give himself away. Do a deal with them. - And not only for the evader.
If he's feeling generous, he could throw us in for good measure too, and that will make us very uncomfortable.
Like dead.
Yes, that was the word I was searching for.
Well come on. What is it?
It might work. It's all I can think of. - What?
We could frame the boy.
What do you mean?
- Make other charges.
We could give him a record, a criminal record, and bring other charges.
Offenses which could be dealt with by the civil authorities.
We take the boy from the Germans to prosecute for ourselves.
Second nature to a copper.
- That's brilliant Paul.
You took the words right from my mouth.
The Germans are coming this way. Have you got any bottles here? Is there anything you've nicked?
Did you nick it from a shop?
- No. We took it from a cafe last Sunday when no-one was looking.
He gave it to me.
What for? You don't smoke. - It was just a present.
Stick it under the floor boards.
What about the man?
You'd better leave him. The Germans mustn't find you with him.
We can't go, he's sick. - Suit yourself.
What happens if, if Wim doesn't come back?
I'll look after them. There isn't anyone else.
Why won't Wim come back, Marie-Claire? Why won't Wim come back?
Because they might send him to prison.
We can't move the man. We'd better just wait.
Wim might come.
Has he opened his eyes today, Gaby?
Wim! You're back.
Now listen, the Germans are down the next street.
They'll be coming here soon.
- You mean we ought to go?
We have to deliver him. Come on, let's get him onto the cart.
If we sit him up it will be easier.
No. - What? - We can't do it.
What happens if we're stopped? We were lucky to get him here and then it was dark.
Cover him up with something.
We could pretend he's Saint Nicholas.
We could!
Now listen everybody. Today's Saint Nicholas.
We have to dress up and go out into the streets and try and get money from people. If we do it well, then we'll get enough. We'll be able to buy more cakes and things.
Can I buy some shoes Wim? Oh, can I Wim?
- We'll see. There isn't a lot of time. We have to hurry.
Look Bobo, you can be Black Pete and Gaby, you can be the White Horse collecting stuff.
There's the gold paper around the cake. That will do for Black Pete's turban.
Your one, and up two.
- Oh, this is ridiculous.
5 card stud with two people and for marzipan.
You can't bear losing can you?
- Make you fat.
One a year?
- For God sake, go and help Natalie.
Help her boil an egg?
- Well, do something.
Alright. I'll get it.
Ah, it's you. Did you see him? - Yep.
The kids are going to deliver. - Where?
You know that alley off Rue des Menages that comes out at St. Catherine's? - Yes, I, I do.
Well I'm gonna take my van to the end of the alley and they'll bring him there.
When?
- Six o'clock.
What, in broad daylight? With all the Germans about.
- That's what they said.
- They'll never do it. How can they carry him?
A hand cart. They're going to bring him in that.
- They'll never get away with it.
Don't underestimate kids Albert. They're a lot brighter than you think.
They can put it off.
I'd like to see them do it.
So would I.
- No, I'm going alone.
That's the agreement and kids or no kids, I'm sticking to it.
Besides, it's much better to be alone.
Take about half an hour. If all goes well, he'll be with Doctor Keldermans 10 minutes later.
Alright, I'll see you out.
Thanks. Good luck.
Well shall we go? - Why not?
Oh, you heard what he said. - Not with him Albert.
I've been doing this job for four years now. I'm a big girl and I can take care of myself.
Besides there's Max.
- Now what if they're caught. Are you going to watch that as well?
I'm that kid right? - Yeah. - and I get caught.
Oh please Sir, we thought he was an enemy airman Sir,
and he was too heavy to carry Sir. So we put him in a handcart, Sir.
Is there a reward? We thought there'd be a reward governor.
Where is everyone going?
- We are going to watch some children teach us what to do.
Well I made these eggs for them.
Well they're for us now. - Yeah.
When's Francois back from Ghent?
- Oh, the day after tomorrow.
Do you want him?
- No, he should be here, where he's needed.
I'm off then.
Good luck.
Does everybody know what to do?
They're two doors away. You have to leave now. I'll meet you later like we agreed. - Right. Now.
Nicholas please come home to us. We've been good, bring gifts to us.
Happy, joyful we will be then.
Please St. Nicholas come again.
What are you doing, mister?
- Go on son. Keep moving.
Please celebrate St Nicholas with us. - Push off kid.
What is it?
- Some kids begging.
Can we have ten francs for
Saint Nicholas?
Saint Nicholas is it?
Can we have 10 francs for Saint Nicholas?
They're good kids. They did that like a pro.
Poor little things.
Hey, wait a minute. You kids.
What's that in the cart?
For St. Nicholas?
Yes, right. Thank you Pascal.
He's all right? - No, he's in a bad way. I'm afraid he's got gangrene.
But Pascal thinks he's got to him in time.
Have you heard anything. Is he alright? - Yes, we just heard from Pascal. He'll be alright.
What happened? - Oh, the kids were marvelous. Just wait till I tell you.
Did you get a chance to question them? - No. We did what we said. No contact.
What a pity. They could have told us something about him. Where they found him.
Where's, where's Max?
- He's still there.
Why?
- To keep an eye on them.
What for? - Well, didn't you ask him? - There was no need.
He was worried about them.
We can't be responsible for every kid in Brussels.
There are dozens of 'em like that, scrapping about on rubbish tips and, and dumps.
Yes, and that's what worries me. We let them.
Haven't we got our priorities a bit twisted?
Here we are, looking after men whose job it is to bring death and destruction.
Patching them up, sending them back to bring more death and destruction.
And we haven't got time for homeless, undernourished kids, whose only crime is they haven't got any parents.
This is a world gone upside down.
I'm not arguing.
I wish...
Poor Max. - Why poor Max?
Your sympathy is wasted there.
- He's an orphan too. Didn't you know?
No, I didn't.
My dear girl with the best will in the world, what on earth does he think he can do?
Well give him half an hour and he'll have worked that out for himself.
Yes, we are, but...
Are we booked up on December the 6th? - St. Nicholas Day? Yeah.
Yes, I'm afraid we are. I'm so sorry. Thank you for calling. Goodbye.
Doesn't anyone stay at home on St. Nicholas Day? - Not if they can afford to come here, my darling.
Go out for a slap up meal. You've still got your rations left.
They're exactly half what they were last year. Pass me that will you? That furry thing.
It's getting colder, do you know that?
They can't supply any coal until next month. - Oh no!
Then only because I agreed to pay three times as much as anyone else.
What about the airmen?
- Well, Jean-Luc has them.
But there's still one missing. I put the word out.
Unfortunately, it's one that matters. The Group Captain.
When are they going to stop behaving like school boys? What's a Group Captain doing on operations?
Oh come on now. Be fair. Any station commander worth his salt is gonna take a trip now and again and see what his boys are up against.
You wouldn't. - Well that's different because I'm a convinced coward. - Yeah.
Have you got some milk for me? - No.
Where did they come down?
- Oh, they were lucky. Two along the Molenbeek. Two in the park.
But the Group Captain was wounded and they got him out first when the plane was weaving about and out of control
They think he came down near Molenbeek or Kirchberg.
I'll get word to them.
- Oh it's too late.
I mean it's been searched. Nothing. No, we'll just have to wait and see.
No no, no, no we found the Lancaster. It crashed near Mechelen.
Now the interesting thing is that everything points to the crew having bailed out over the city.
Redlich? - Herr Sturmbannfuhrer.
Have there been any reports of parachutists or harnesses being found in Brussels during the last 48 hours?
No, three days.
- During the last three days?
No Sir. - Is there nothing more to go on?
Yes. My unit at Vilvoorde reports parachutes were seen descending in the area of the Royal Park,
but so far they found nothing.
- Redlich.
The Luftwaffe police are searching the area of the Royal Park. You will immediately scour the other side of the canal.
We've got our monitors intercepting any radio messages, so we should hear something about it.
By the way, what do you think of that?
National Liberation Movement? I don't understand.
It means that the communists are gaining control of the resistance groups in France. Here as well for all I know.
So much for our anti Bolshevik propaganda. - No, not at all.
This can only lead to divisions. They will end up fighting each other.
The Tehran conference has proved a disaster. The Allies are falling apart, Herr Major.
One day soon, the local Reds will attempt to take over the evasion lines. That will be our chance.
Excuse me. Kessler. Yes.
When was this?
I see.
Call sign?
Thank you.
That was the monitoring room. They report a coded inquiry to London regarding the crew of a Lancaster,
one of whom is still missing. - Do we know the sender?
Oh, the same one. But we've never been able to trace him.
However, shall we concentrate on finding this missing airman?
What did you find, Bobo? - Not much, see.
But I got 10 Francs.
No. - It's for Gaby.
Did he wake up?
I'm cold Wim, so's Gaby.
I know. What do you expect me to do about it? I want my blanket.
You can't have it. He's sick. You have to keep sick people warm or they die.
Is he a bomber pilot? - I don't know. He'll tell us when he wakes up.
Is he going to die?
He's a general. Is he a general Wim?
They don't have generals in the RAF. He's a Squadron Leader or something.
What will we do with him? If the Germans find him, they'll kill him won't they?
Those people in the resistance would have him. Roland says some people smuggle them back to England.
I'll talk to him tomorrow.
That'll be Natalie. - It's so cold.
Any Luck? - Oh no, not really.
...'s people have combed the whole area. He can't be in Molenbeek because there's no sign of him.
Monique's checked and the Germans don't have him.
He could have been picked up, but Inspector Delon would know.
What about the rest of the crewmen?
- Alain's checked them out. They're OK.
But they did confirm that the Group Captain was badly wounded. Want some coffee?
- Yes please, it's freezing out.
Yeah, it's not so warm in there either. You know, I had two complaints tonight about the heating.
What do they expect me to do? I can't chop up the furniture.
Thank you.
Where's Max?
- He went out when we closed.
I'd like to know where he gets to.
I wonder if he's got a woman.
No. - Why so sure? He's no saint. - No.
Women? Probably. But one woman...
No, Max never gives anything away.
He's one of the world's takers.
106 francs. We'll get some bread tomorrow.
It's not enough. I saw Bobo this afternoon. He was looking in the shop windows for food and things.
It's Saint Nicholas in three days.
They need presents and something to eat and I'm going to see that they get them.
How? - I'm going to sell him.
Who to? - He's a British Flyer.
He could be important. That's what all those things mean. All those medals.
There are people who'll get him back to England. They'll pay.
You can't sell him. - Why not?
We've got nothing. They've got plenty. They could buy us a Saint Nicholas.
I think he's very sick. My Papa looked like that before he died, so did Mama.
Then we better do it now, while he's alive.
Help me with this.
Take it off.
Careful.
Well, it's a nice day really, if you like that sort of thing.
Got a present for you.
You found him?
Well, no, it's a little bit more involved than that. Do you remember Maurice Tourtellat?
Er, yes. He used to work for the Liege...
Network, - yeah, - that's the one.
Well apparently, someone approached him, who'd been approached by someone else, who wanted to get in touch with someone like us.
Is that clear?
- No? Come on. - They want to sell him.
To sell?
And that's not all.
You read the demands.
I will say one thing. It's a little bit different. - Just a minute.
We've got the pilot you want.
These are his name things.
Now, if you want him, you have to give us what I say, which is:
A girl's dress size 8, boy's trousers size 9.
Wool jersey, thick. A doll with dresses, some meat and sausage.
Two pairs shoe size 6 and 9.
Custard, jelly and cake.
Two blankets and 500 francs. Well I'm blowed.
It sounds like some kids.
R.S. Holbrook.
147321 OD. Now this is the Group Captain alright.
Well then we better make a deal then. It's not exactly exorbitant, is it?
That's not the point. This could be a very elaborate trick.
Christmas games with the Gestapo.
- Oh no, I don't think it is. It doesn't sound like the Germans to me.
Oh, I think it's sad if it is children, Albert.
- If it is children, I'll tan their back sides for them.
Don't they know the man's injured? Could be dying.
They could have found these disks.
- Oh, come on, nobody leaves identity discs littered around the street.
No, I don't mean, I don't mean in the streets. They could have found it on a dead body.
And you don't want to fork out for no reason? Is that it? My God, you're mean.
I mean, it's peanuts. The price of a decent bottle of wine.
- It could be the price of my head and yours.
Now use it. Don't always think with your gut. - What does that mean?
It means that the Germans are very sentimental. I wouldn't put it past them to have invented these kids.
Now we must be absolutely sure they're not behind it.
- Tourtellat's no fool, and he's an old hand.
Well, if they can prove it's the right man, and he's still alive.
And if they can prove that he's not a German plant,
and if they can prove that the place isn't being watched, then we might do business with them.
Do you want to say that again?
Alright, pass the word back. We'll strike a bargain.
But we decide when, where and how.
We've got to make sure he's still alive. We must have proof.
Now Rennert, what is it? Oh!
Oh sorry. Forgive that piece of self indulgence.
My mother used to play it, and I was being sentimental.
Herr Sturmbannfuhrer, we found a parachute to the East of Molenbeek. Bloodstained.
The man must have been bleeding badly to get it on his silk. And if you remember, the radio message said that a Group Captain was wounded.
Do you think this parachute is his?
Yes I do. I should like to use some of your men with my own, to search the Molenbeek area.
House to house if necessary.
You have them.
A Group Captain would be worth finding. - Thank you.
Oh Brandt, will you join me for dinner this evening?
You're really determined that I should not be permitted to drink by myself, aren't you?
I may embarrass you Kessler.
- I think not.
Shall we say 21:00?
This man is very, very ill. He must be taken to a doctor now. - No.
Why not? You can't leave him here. He's dying. You must try to save him.
No, nobody comes here and...
- Let me take him away.
You can have him tomorrow.
- It might be too late. - Tomorrow.
You've seen him. You have to go now. We've kept our part. You give us what we want, then you can have him.
I'll see you have the stuff tonight, as agreed.
But I warn you, when they hear from me how sick he is, they'll want him out of here. - No.
It might happen soon.
- Then I'll tell the Germans.
I'll say you brought him in. I couldn't stop you.
- You won't do that?!
They're going to have a Saint Nicholas.
Is Wim going to get the money for the man?
- We're going to get some food and things for Christmas.
Will there be any presents Marie? For Christmas Marie-Claire?
If there's enough money left. We have to get things too.
Will there be doll for Gabby? - We'll see Bobo.
Has Wim gone to get the money now Marie?
Is he going to get it now?
- Tonight.
Shoes, size 6, and size 9.
The doll.
- Put her hat on.
Oh good, did you get them?
- Boys trousers size 9.
Not very big, is he?
- Where's the sweater?
Oh, I couldn't find one. I went to shop after shop.
In one shop, they just laughed in my face and said come back after the war.
Don't we have sheep anymore?
- When did you last see a sheep Max? The Germans take them on the hoof.
They get the meat and the wool.
Where did you find it?
Oh, just a little shop I know. I had to give him extra ration books.
You didn't give them?
- Why not? There's plenty more where they came from.
It's risky Max.
- My ones are better than the originals.
Is the money in there?
Albert will be furious.
Why would I be furious?
- Nothing. A bit small isn't it Max.
Well, I mean, I assumed that was for the lad with the size 9 trousers.
I mean, what else could I...
I expect it's right.
Is there anything else?
Cake. - And jelly, and custard.
I don't remember them asking for that. - They did not.
Might give them ideas.
I'll get my coat Albert.
Herr Sturmbannfuhrer, good evening.
Herr Major. - Good evening - I hope it's warm enough in here for you, gentlemen.
I will return shortly. - Prost.
We'd be well advised to make the most of whatever we can find outside of the mess.
It rather looks as if Christmas this year will be somewhat leaner.
Temporary shortages Brandt.
We have huge reserves of men in the coastal areas. It naturally diverts supplies from us here,
especially at a time like Christmas.
To say nothing of the supplies that are diverted to restaurants like this.
Schnaps will be cheaper in the mess.
- You think the price we pay is too much?
For our own supplies?
- You lack vision Brandt.
Places like this couldn't exist without the black market.
And black market activity would be less, if German soldiers did not line their own pockets.
Don't tell me you condone it.
Condone it? No. Acknowledge it? Yes.
It's a fact of life. And facts of life are almost always unpleasant.
The unpleasant price of this is knowing that German soldiers are lining their own pockets.
If you know...
- Let me finish.
The black market is a safety valve.
Without it, occupied Europe would be more explosive than it need be.
It's a source of comfort to people of substance and influence,
and it diverts the energy that might otherwise be directed elsewhere.
That is incredibly cynical. - Is it?
I'd call it realistic.
But then, you are a romantic.
To resent being duped by one's own side?
If it's any consolation, most of the marketeers are known to me. Their time will come.
Have you decided gentlemen?
- Yes, I'll have the Plat de Jour, Monsieur Foiret.
Is that alright for you, Brandt? - Why not?
And a bottle of that excellent burgundy that you keep tucked out of sight. - Of course, Herr Major.
That at least hasn't been pilfered.
Anyway, not from us.
I had hoped for a quiet Christmas. It seems it's not to be.
I'm tired, Brandt. Time I put in for some leave, I think.
Well you should. You have taken no more than 24 hours every year.
And you haven't even taken 24 hours since your wife was killed. It shows, I think.
Is that another way of saying, I drink too much?
It's none of my business...
until you become a bad soldier.
That would be a pity.
You are a valued colleague, Brandt.
Good health Paul.
- Thank you, Albert.
A very talented young lady, Mademoiselle Duchamps.
And a very attractive one.
- Indeed.
You're not eating.
I'm not very hungry.
How's your daughter?
She was well when I last heard.
- Have you managed to place her with relatives?
Thank you, my sister in law has taken her.
Another bottle, please.
I'm afraid I won't be able to join you. - It's a very good wine.
Oh yes. Don't disappoint me, Brandt.
Remain the good soldier that you are.
Bear my loss with dignity?
With stoicism?
I only hope it will be possible.
- Isn't that up to you?
Not entirely.
- But surely?
When I was in Berlin...
... after the air raid...
I met an old friend of mine.
We were at Military Academy together.
Luftwaffe, like yourself?
- Oh, no, no. He became a party member. Joined the SS.
He was in one of the original Totenkopf Divisions.
- You have the right friends.
Yes, but he was wounded in Romania
and afterwards, he became attached to one of the Einsatzgruppen in the east.
Poland.
Go on.
If what he had to tell me was true, there are things happening we can no longer shut our eyes to Kessler.
They're terrible things there. Almost unbelievable
- Why almost?
Things are either believable or they are not.
He talked of massacres!
- Then he had no right to.
Our Einsatzgruppen have grave problems in that area.
I hope that is not meant to be a joke.
My grave problem is to come to terms with the death of my wife.
A soldier's terms. I can only do that if I can believe that she died with dignity and honor.
Can you doubt it?
- For an honorable Fatherland?
What are you suggesting?
I am suggesting that there are things happening in Eastern Europe in the name of the country that my wife loved.
You'd do well not to confuse political necessity with the duty of a soldier. But I think...
That's fine. Thank you.
I think this is not a suitable topic of conversation for a public place. - You can't just look the other way. - Monsieur Foiret. - Coming sir.
A soldier does not confuse political necessity with extermination.
Major Brandt. May I remind you that you are a serving officer in the Third Reich.
- And may I remind you, Kessler that my rank is the equal of yours.
I work with you, not for you.
- You work with me because I choose for it to be so.
If you need a reminder, that it can be arranged. - Yes, Herr Sturmbannfuhrer. - The bill.
Please allow me to settle it Herr Sturmbannfuhrer and there's no hurry Monsieur Foiret.
I couldn't possibly desert such an excellent Burgundy.
As you please.
But I would advise moderation
with that.
Thank you for your advice,
Herr Sturmbannführer.
Good night.
Good night.
Well, what was all that about?
Doesn't matter how they crack, so long as they do. Perhaps you'd like to give him that.
Love to.
Your bill Herr Major.
- Thank you, mademoiselle.
Oh please. Your songs, they're charming. - Thank you.
But then they always are.
- Thank you very much. You're very kind.
Will you too be kind...
and join me in a glass of wine?
Thank you, I'd like that very much.
Allow me, Herr Major.
Thank you.
- Thank you, sir.
Wait, Bobo. Wim hands it out, not you.
These are yours.
Here, put this on.
No, on top of that, it's going to get very cold and you'll need them both.
Cut this up.
Is there any money?
- There's more than we asked for.
More fool you.
- Where's the doll?
Is there any dresses?
Look, the blankets are for Gaby and Bobo.
You could have asked him for more. They'd fork out for him.
Is he alright?
- I think so. He's got fever and his hair's all wet.
We have to take him soon, Wim. We must.
It's all right now.
What did the man say?
They'll take him tomorrow. It's St. Nicholas, so there won't be many people about.
They'll be stuffing their fat faces. - What about the Germans?
They're no different.
- The Germans killed my Papa.
My contact will come with a van.
Now you just take him to the door and leave him inside, out of the wind.
Then you get lost.
You understand?
All of you. Get lost.
No one meets anyone. And no peeping Bobo. We don't want to know them.
And they don't want to know us.
Only me and my contact meet.
I'm going out now.
Believe it. It's all fixed.
Can you get some more schnapps?
Yes, but it's getting more difficult. They're getting short themselves.
I know that's why I can get
more for it. - Yes, alright. It's risky.
What isn't?
Hey you. Stop.
They caught him as he ran out of the gate. One of the bottles fell onto the road, and smashed.
Do the Germans have him?
No, the police. The concierge at the gatehouse sent for the quartermaster, but he was out.
So the police came and took him away.
What happens now, Huy?
- Will they send Wim to prison?
I don't know.
He stole from the Germans.
- What will happen Huy?
They won't shoot him?
- He's only young.
They might not.
You shouldn't have got Wim stealing from the Germans. It's you that started it, not Wim.
I'll go and see someone. He might know what to do.
The marzipan's not real, but it tastes just like it.
I wonder who could boast those in Brussels today?
Tell Jacques he's done splendidly.
Look at the oranges.
Look I'm sorry about this, but it is necessary.
This is Maurice.
- Yes, I know who this is.
Well, he's here now.
Well, what is it?
- I think you'd better tell him.
Oh it's alright.
- It's about the kids who have your consignment.
Have they been picked up?
- No, not exactly, but there's another problem.
I can't get my van into the area to pick up the evader.
The Germans have cordoned off the district and they're searching the place house by house.
Gestapo?
- Luftwaffe Police as well, and they're getting close.
Perhaps we could go on foot.
- Oh, and then carry a sick man all the way here?
That's not all. Tell him.
- Well, the kid behind this, they've got him.
Who have? - The police.
The Luftwaffe?
- No, ours.
He's been swiping bottles from German stores and flogging them. They got him last night and he's got your merchandise. - Oh, good God.
They're holding him until the German Quartermaster comes to charge him officially.
Does he know anything?
- About Lifeline? - Yes. - Nothing. He doesn't even know me. I'm just a face.
He knows my contact and he knows me and I know you...
- And you brought him here.
I knew you before.
Oh come on Albert. I was with Thierry before I went to Liege.
I worked with John Curtis. I know Lifeline as you know our network. We've got to do something now.
Well, can we get the boy out?
No. If he's being booked, he has to be unbooked. Charges have to be dropped by the complainant.
Well the Germans aren't likely to do that, are they?
No. No, not just like that.
- You've got an idea?
What are we going to do?
I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do.
- But there's got to be something.
The boy's been booked and charged. We can't release him without permission from the Germans.
The only hope is to make an appeal. The Germans are sentimental.
This time of year. He's only a kid. They'll be lenient.
That's hardly the point Inspector.
- Now Paul. This boy is a lead to an evader.
One the Germans know about, and they're getting close. - The boy?
Yes! - We want that kid on the outside, and we want him now.
- It's not a matter of being lenient.
Now this boy could give himself away. Do a deal with them. - And not only for the evader.
If he's feeling generous, he could throw us in for good measure too, and that will make us very uncomfortable.
Like dead.
Yes, that was the word I was searching for.
Well come on. What is it?
It might work. It's all I can think of. - What?
We could frame the boy.
What do you mean?
- Make other charges.
We could give him a record, a criminal record, and bring other charges.
Offenses which could be dealt with by the civil authorities.
We take the boy from the Germans to prosecute for ourselves.
Second nature to a copper.
- That's brilliant Paul.
You took the words right from my mouth.
The Germans are coming this way. Have you got any bottles here? Is there anything you've nicked?
Did you nick it from a shop?
- No. We took it from a cafe last Sunday when no-one was looking.
He gave it to me.
What for? You don't smoke. - It was just a present.
Stick it under the floor boards.
What about the man?
You'd better leave him. The Germans mustn't find you with him.
We can't go, he's sick. - Suit yourself.
What happens if, if Wim doesn't come back?
I'll look after them. There isn't anyone else.
Why won't Wim come back, Marie-Claire? Why won't Wim come back?
Because they might send him to prison.
We can't move the man. We'd better just wait.
Wim might come.
Has he opened his eyes today, Gaby?
Wim! You're back.
Now listen, the Germans are down the next street.
They'll be coming here soon.
- You mean we ought to go?
We have to deliver him. Come on, let's get him onto the cart.
If we sit him up it will be easier.
No. - What? - We can't do it.
What happens if we're stopped? We were lucky to get him here and then it was dark.
Cover him up with something.
We could pretend he's Saint Nicholas.
We could!
Now listen everybody. Today's Saint Nicholas.
We have to dress up and go out into the streets and try and get money from people. If we do it well, then we'll get enough. We'll be able to buy more cakes and things.
Can I buy some shoes Wim? Oh, can I Wim?
- We'll see. There isn't a lot of time. We have to hurry.
Look Bobo, you can be Black Pete and Gaby, you can be the White Horse collecting stuff.
There's the gold paper around the cake. That will do for Black Pete's turban.
Your one, and up two.
- Oh, this is ridiculous.
5 card stud with two people and for marzipan.
You can't bear losing can you?
- Make you fat.
One a year?
- For God sake, go and help Natalie.
Help her boil an egg?
- Well, do something.
Alright. I'll get it.
Ah, it's you. Did you see him? - Yep.
The kids are going to deliver. - Where?
You know that alley off Rue des Menages that comes out at St. Catherine's? - Yes, I, I do.
Well I'm gonna take my van to the end of the alley and they'll bring him there.
When?
- Six o'clock.
What, in broad daylight? With all the Germans about.
- That's what they said.
- They'll never do it. How can they carry him?
A hand cart. They're going to bring him in that.
- They'll never get away with it.
Don't underestimate kids Albert. They're a lot brighter than you think.
They can put it off.
I'd like to see them do it.
So would I.
- No, I'm going alone.
That's the agreement and kids or no kids, I'm sticking to it.
Besides, it's much better to be alone.
Take about half an hour. If all goes well, he'll be with Doctor Keldermans 10 minutes later.
Alright, I'll see you out.
Thanks. Good luck.
Well shall we go? - Why not?
Oh, you heard what he said. - Not with him Albert.
I've been doing this job for four years now. I'm a big girl and I can take care of myself.
Besides there's Max.
- Now what if they're caught. Are you going to watch that as well?
I'm that kid right? - Yeah. - and I get caught.
Oh please Sir, we thought he was an enemy airman Sir,
and he was too heavy to carry Sir. So we put him in a handcart, Sir.
Is there a reward? We thought there'd be a reward governor.
Where is everyone going?
- We are going to watch some children teach us what to do.
Well I made these eggs for them.
Well they're for us now. - Yeah.
When's Francois back from Ghent?
- Oh, the day after tomorrow.
Do you want him?
- No, he should be here, where he's needed.
I'm off then.
Good luck.
Does everybody know what to do?
They're two doors away. You have to leave now. I'll meet you later like we agreed. - Right. Now.
Nicholas please come home to us. We've been good, bring gifts to us.
Happy, joyful we will be then.
Please St. Nicholas come again.
What are you doing, mister?
- Go on son. Keep moving.
Please celebrate St Nicholas with us. - Push off kid.
What is it?
- Some kids begging.
Can we have ten francs for
Saint Nicholas?
Saint Nicholas is it?
Can we have 10 francs for Saint Nicholas?
They're good kids. They did that like a pro.
Poor little things.
Hey, wait a minute. You kids.
What's that in the cart?
For St. Nicholas?
Yes, right. Thank you Pascal.
He's all right? - No, he's in a bad way. I'm afraid he's got gangrene.
But Pascal thinks he's got to him in time.
Have you heard anything. Is he alright? - Yes, we just heard from Pascal. He'll be alright.
What happened? - Oh, the kids were marvelous. Just wait till I tell you.
Did you get a chance to question them? - No. We did what we said. No contact.
What a pity. They could have told us something about him. Where they found him.
Where's, where's Max?
- He's still there.
Why?
- To keep an eye on them.
What for? - Well, didn't you ask him? - There was no need.
He was worried about them.
We can't be responsible for every kid in Brussels.
There are dozens of 'em like that, scrapping about on rubbish tips and, and dumps.
Yes, and that's what worries me. We let them.
Haven't we got our priorities a bit twisted?
Here we are, looking after men whose job it is to bring death and destruction.
Patching them up, sending them back to bring more death and destruction.
And we haven't got time for homeless, undernourished kids, whose only crime is they haven't got any parents.
This is a world gone upside down.
I'm not arguing.
I wish...
Poor Max. - Why poor Max?
Your sympathy is wasted there.
- He's an orphan too. Didn't you know?
No, I didn't.
My dear girl with the best will in the world, what on earth does he think he can do?
Well give him half an hour and he'll have worked that out for himself.