Secret Army (1977–1979): Season 3, Episode 8 - Just Light the Blue Touch Paper - full transcript

What supplies have you got left?
-Hardly any at all.

I'm being followed.

You sure?
-Yes.

It's not an accident or a chance move?
It's me they're following.

You thought I was
being tailed yesterday.

Yeah, I didn't see anybody.
You know, just a feeling I had.

But if you felt it,
the chances are you're right.

Where is he?
-Outside in the square.

The one with
the fair hair and the newspaper.

Doctor, have you had any such intimations?
-I can't say that I have.

But at my age,
the senses are not all that acute.

And my sight leaves
much to be desired.

Did you walk here?
-Of course, I haven't got any petrol

and my shoes are wearing out
and I can't get any more of them either.

Right. Would you mind walking
back to your surgery now please?

Your bloke isn't interested.
I think he's after you only.

Aha. Number two.

Alain, go down to the Bourse.
See if you can get some fags.

They've left Alain alone.
How often does he come here?

Two or three times a week. Usually in the
mornings and always carrying vegetables.

Then he could be the one
they've accepted as genuine.

Do you think they're
onto Lifeline, Monique?

No. No. They would have rounded us
all up before now they were. -Right.

No, I think they're sniffing. No more.
-Even sniffing is too much.

Why have they come here? Why us?

They've got to have a reason. There aren't
enough men left to do it out of chance.

Right again.

When do you see Albert?
-Wednesday. Why?

I think he should know.
-No. Albert stays out of this.

I don't intend to worry him
more than necessary.

You mean you don't
want him to think you can't handle it?

Can you?
Handle it?

Enough to keep it in operation.

Alright.
Now, tell me about this rocket site.

Dirk Maas showed me the place,
but I didn't go close. I used binoculars.

Now, it's a large area. Concrete, I think,
and there was a big shed.

And a little way off there was
a shelter or a bunker or something.

It was heavily guarded.
-That's a permanent site.

But it's not like the flying bombs.
-No, much more deadly. V2 rockets.

And if we've found a permanent site
I'm going to do something about it.

I shall want to use some of
these flyers you've got camped out.

They're in the Ardennes.

None up North?

One group. Not far from the Dutch border.

They'll do.
-What about our tails?

Well, we'll have to lose them, won't we.

Well, Guissard? -Sit down Monsieur Foiret.
I will make my report.

I take it you are in
reasonable health still. -Yes yes yes.

Well then, now my case. When do I get out?

Not so fast Monsieur Foiret.
The mills of justice. You understand?

Damn it, man, spare me
your turn of phrase. What is happening?

They have no real case, Monsieur.

As I told you, it remains
entirely circumstantial based upon

gossip and hearsay. Larded with envy.

But, there were

German military personnel present
at the time of your late wife's death.

I wish to apply to the German authorities
for their military report on the incident.

Mademoiselle Duchamps,
Monique was there and -- why don't you...

She is, alas, an interested party. Little
credence would be given to her testimony.

My wife slipped, fell down
the narrow stairs and broke her neck.

Monsieur Foiret. Is there any
reason why you should not wish me

to bring the matter to the
attention of the German authorities

by asking for access to their civil files?

Consider well, my friend.

But I would remind you it is necessary
for you to prove your innocence.

Unless there is grave reason to forbid it,

I should like your permission
to seek access to the German files.

Good evening, Sir.
What do you think you're doing now?

I thought I'd come in to dinner.
I have to be somewhere. Why not here?

Because you don't pay for
the food for one thing.

For another, this table is usually
reserved for German officers.

I don't mind if they join me.

I don't like them much, but their
table manners are faultless. -Bradley...

Just tell Natalie to bring me
the wine list. I know what I'm doing.

Good evening, Herr Standartenfuhrer.

Good evening, mademoiselle.
-Good evening, Herr Standartenfuhrer.

I was just telling this gentleman.
This table is reserved.

Luc De Vriendt.
-Kessler. Standartenfuhrer.

You must forgive me.
I didn't properly understand.

A seat for the Standartenfuhrer.
-Yes, of course. -Thank you.

The wine list, sir.
-Please.

I am delighted to make your
acquaintance, Herr Standartenfuhrer.

We know of your
work here in Belgium.

Indeed, may I know
exactly who you are, please.

Oh, I see. Organization Todt.

I am here in Brussels
for a few days on business,

connected with our
latest secret weapon.

Before we talk,
perhaps you would like to order.

Mademoiselle, the Standartenfuhrer
will be my guest this evening

and we will begin
with a bottle of the Montrachet.

Is that to your taste,
Herr Standartenfuhrer?

Montrachet would be a very considerable
treat, Herr De Vriendt. Thank you.

Thank you.

He's got a lot of cheek. Perhaps that's
how he's survived over the years.

Montrachet. We've only got 4 bottles left.

I spent two years at the research
laboratories perfecting the long range ...

You probably
know all about them.

Recently they were redeveloped for the
high accuracy 105 millimeter flak guns.

They're very accurate, you know.
The velocity is quite extraordinary.

However, I am here now
in connection with our latest V2 rocket.

They have been only tested,
Herr Standartenfuhrer, but

we are about to launch
over 1000 missiles against France.

I was naturally aware that this
was in progress. Indeed, I witnessed

a demonstration recently from
one of our more permanent sites.

Which site was that?
-Zandvliet not far from Antwerp.

Zandvliet. Ah yes, I am due to inspect
that site on one of its firing days,

but unfortunately no one
saw fit to tell me when they were.

I shall have to apply
to the Kommandantur in the morning.

See Oversturmbannfuhrer Stroem.
He'll help you.

Stroem, Thank you. I will see him, but

I'm talking too much.

Tell me of your work here. Your name
is well known, Herr Standartenfuhrer.

You have done great things
here in Belgium.

The Candide. It is the Candide.

It's not the cost of the meal,
it's the way you walk around expecting

everyone to follow without question.
The way you take everything for granted.

And the wine wasn't
properly chilled.

Never mind the wine. Last
night you were skating on thin ice.

Kessler is not a fool. You would
do well not underestimate him.

Monique.

This is between Bradley and me.

While you were trying to be
clever with Kessler

he could just as easily have been
playing the same game with you.

Avoid contact whenever possible.

And how would I get the rocket
site schedule if I didn't ask for it?

What schedule?

The rocket delivery schedule.

If we aren't going to waste a
hell of a lot of time, we need to know

when the maximum number
of rockets are present at that site.

I needed to know who had that information,
and Kessler told me. -Kessler?

He thinks I worked at the Todt site

at Peenemunde.
Well, I did, but not for Germany.

Alright, so you're being very clever.
-Now I need your help.

On the third floor of the Kommandantur

a certain
OberSturmbannfuhrer Stroem has an office.

He has the information I need.
Who do you have in the Kommandantur?

Willy de Hooch.
He's on the civil administration staff.

The Germans are packing up.
Half of them went last week.

They don't really know
what's going on. He can do it today.

Right, anything else?

You said you had a bunch of evaders in
a wood somewhere Southwest of Antwerp.

Yes. -Can I go meet them this afternoon?
-I can take Major Bradley.

Very well. But you'll need special
moving papers. I've got some.

They just need filling in.
They've got yesterday's date on them.

You see. It can be relatively painless.

The second one's gone
to a tobacconist across the square.

We should go now
while we have a chance.

See you later, Monique.
-Alright.

The name's still Nick. It's quite easy
to say. You should try it sometime.

This is Major Bradley, of the SOE.

This is Wing Commander
Newman, he's in charge.

This is Jerry Wade, American Air Force.
-Major,

My name is Tony. Well, come
and take a pew. Thank you.

Wing Commander,
Major Bradley's been sent over by London.

Tony, the most important
thing I have to do

at the moment is knock out as
many V2 sites as I possibly can.

They're the rocket things?
-Right.

They superseded the doodle bugs
and they're making a hell of a mess.

If they aren't stopped,
it could make a difference.

I get the picture. Right. Fire away.
-Well, they're based in the low countries,

fired from mobile sites, usually,
that means we can't bomb the bastards.

So it's a job for the blokes on the spot.
Well, that's me.

And I want it to be us
because we've found a permanent site.

Ah, Muller, do you have a copy
of the agenda? -Yes, in the office.

The Sturmbannfuhrer's left the
rocket site schedule. Please, he's waiting.

The Standartenfuhrer
has ordered meeting for 10:30 hours.

I was on my way to inspect Section one.
Is it important?

This will ruin my day.
I'd better let my staff know. -Yes, Sir.

Yes, I could've done without it as well.
I'd better inform the Major.

Rolf, our outing has been called off.

A meeting has been scheduled by
the Standartenfuhrer. See you later.

I'll get you the forms later. After the
meeting. Get this cleared for me will you.

Thank you.

If anyone wants me, I shall be in
a meeting in the Standartenfuhrer's office.

Wullner. -Herr Standartenfuhrer! -Take this
jacket and have it cleaned and fumigated.

You must do with the cap as best you can.

And bring me my other jacket, at once.

Resume your places.

Very well. Be seated gentlemen.

Perhaps you would care
to join us, Herr Major?

Or is it the habit of the Luftwaffe

to hold back in the office
as it does in the air?

You must try and forgive us,
Standartenfuhrer.

If you're trying to adjust
to a front line desk in Brussels,

it's such a shock, after
the nursery slopes of the Russian Front.

Gentlemen. I asked you to
join me here this morning

to give you the latest military
information in my possession.

And to draw certain conclusions
and to act upon those conclusions.

Contrary to the information
disseminated by our radio broadcasts,

the Allied advance has not halted,

nor has it been turned back upon itself.

It's time that we faced up
to the truth of the situation

and reacted as military men
and Germans of the Third Reich.

Yesterday Amiens fell to the enemy.

This morning the American forces are
30 kilometers from the Belgian border.

The British armored units
are thrusting through here and here.

And we must assume that they
will be in Brussels within one week.

Sir, is it not possible to make a stand?
Better here than at the Rhine.

What are you
going to fight with?

Are you expecting your small
arms issue to reply to artillery?

To stand up to tanks and aircraft?

This is not the time to air
defeatist attitudes, Herr Major.

They're not defeatist, they're realist.

If you can't accept opinions,
then listen to some facts.

There's enough
ammunition in the Brussels area

to supply the present garrison and
volunteers with six rounds per man.

The dump at Molenbeek
was destroyed three days ago.

The military garrison was depleted

to sustain the Russian front at
the same time as were the security forces.

Here in this building
we have the equivalent of

three companies. It's not
a very impressive force.

Surely there'll be superior forces
retreating to add to the complement.

If they were superior forces
they would not be retreating.

That is quite enough.

Major Reinhardt, may
be somewhat brutal in his approach,

but I believe him to be realistic.

Thank you.

We must assume that the Allied forces
will enter Brussels almost unopposed.

With due respect to Hauptmann Muller

we are not equipped
to form a fighting unit.

It has nothing to do with courage or
experience. It's a matter of logistics.

What we have to decide is our present
and best course of action.

With respect, Sir, is that decision
not for the military commandant?

The military commandant
is no longer in Brussels.

The Reichskommissar
has an unenviable task.

I am trying to be both
realistic and constructive.

It's my belief that
we must use our initiative

and muster all our forces
towards a delaying tactic.

is there any disagreement?
-Sir, some of them are already looting.

What are your orders in this matter?

They won't get far
with their clocks and rocking chairs.

Advancing armies have a very unpleasant
habit of moving quicker than you expect.

The Herr Major is not allowing for an
organized withdrawal by seasoned troops.

You're damn right, I'm not.

I've retreated too many times
to put much faith in last ditch miracles.

In the matter of looting. You have
my authority to shoot the offenders.

I will not have the Reich's armies
looking a disgusting rabble.

Then it's clearly understood
that our sole function

as military men will be to
perform a delaying action

to force the enemy to street fighting
that is time consuming.

I know it's not my field, Standartenfuhrer,
but I would suggest

that explosive charges

placed in the South and
Southwest of the city

could imply that the entire city
has been similarly mined.

Yes, I agree. Stroem. -Sir.

You will take charge of this assignment.
Deploy the charges intelligently.

Use as many men
as you have in the SS units.

And furthermore,
place the real charges

where we expect
the enemy to enter the city.

Pretend to lay charges in
as many places as possible

in the remainder,
especially in the central area.

Be seen doing it.
There will be eyes watching.

Those eyes will report and that report
conveyed to the advancing British.

With any luck, anticipation
will hold them up more than small arms,

especially if there are
enough real explosions

to give credence
to the reports. Understood? -Sir.

Heller.
You will coordinate the transference

of files and records
from this building.

They are to be
accorded priority in vehicle

transport from the city.
Nothing is to be omitted.

The structure of the Reich is founded
on thorough and accurate records.

No personnel are to have priority
over records. Is that quite clear?

Yes, Herr Standartenfuhrer.

Very well. That will be all.

Major Reinhardt? You have orders
from your own Luftwaffe command?

Yes, I've been ordered to have all my
Luftwaffe forces reports to Area Command.

Apart from Muller,
I dispatched them all,

all three of them,
the day before yesterday.

And the remainder? -There is no
remainder Herr, Standartenfuhrer.

Last month I had 18 men under my command.

Six, I myself sent to Wing Headquarters.

Four have been killed by partisans. Three
have gone to Maultier. Four have deserted.

I am the Luftwaffe presence in Brussels.
Not perhaps our finest hour.

Major Reinhardt. We were sent here
to accomplish a certain task.

The elimination of the evasion lines in
Western Europe. -A task I shall complete.

I shall soon know
who is running Lifeline.

Are you serious?

It's academic now, of course,
but I could never resist a good puzzle.

It's not academic.

I want their leader. I want to see him.

And I want to see him dead.

We can't just do nothing.
My train leaves in an hour and a half.

He is suspicious.
-But that's all it is.

If it was anything else we'd be swinging
on the end of a rope now, or worse.

Your chap got us these schedules.
Let's use them now.

If I read this right, Jerry is preparing

the rocket platform at
Zandvliet for tomorrow.

It has to be now.

He's been joined by the other one.
-So nobody's watching the side door?

They're asking us to try it again.
We'll sit it out.

You go back in there, Natalie.
Fuss over them. Smile.

They'll watch you.
Well, I would.

You like her, don't you?

Yes, don't you?
-You know what I mean?

Careful, Major, she's been hurt more than
once. -I need that man off Natalie's back.

Can you do anything.
-Well, we close in 10 minutes.

They'll be outside then.

I'm defending my client
in a case of murder, Herr Major.

A most curious and interesting case
with nothing much to aid the prosecution

except circumstantial
evidence and a deal

of envious gossip mostly
from friends of the victim.

If indeed there is a victim.

I still don't see how the German files
can assist you, Monsieur Guissard.

I said it was
an interesting case, Major Reinhardt.

It is.

At the exact moment
the body was discovered,

by accident or artifice
is yet to be established,

the German authorities were conducting
a search of the premises.

And the sole witnesses to that event that
can be considered in any way independent

are the officer and trooper
who were conducting that search.

Knowing the thoroughness
of German records,

I assume the relative
report will be on file.

I wish to consult that file.
-Yes, so you shall, Monsieur Guissard.

Can you give me details
of date, time and unit?

The 9th of April 1943.

The searching unit was,
I understand part of

their marker division
en route to the front line

and used by the occupying authorities
for a massive scouring of the city.

I actually remember the searches.

Quite staggering in sheer size
of operation, as I recall.

Before my time here, Monsieur.
However, I will see what we can do.

Muller. Do you remember a massive search
operation here in Brussels? April, 1943?

Yes, Standartenfuhrer Kessler
mounted a big search once. Very big.

Kessler?
Ask his office to send over the files.

I should have them
ready for you this afternoon.

The clerk will have a copy made.

That is,
if I have a clerk this afternoon.

Now Monsieur, so far I have the date,
I need premises, persons involved.

Cafe Candide.
-Candide?

Rue Deschanel. Ninove.

The person concerned
Albert Foiret, proprietor.

This Foiret, now the patron of
the Restaurant Candide in the Grand Place?

The same, detained in a prison in Haven.

I'm grateful to you, Herr Major.

We help each other, Monsieur.

Muller. That file he wants to look at.
I want to see it now. -Right.

We need to check all passes
and permits. The date on mine

expires in three days.
The others are probably the same.

The new permits are ready.
They're in a safe place

I'll issue them the day they become valid.

Natalie, you can't possibly wear that
dress. They could spot it a mile away.

That's the whole point
of wearing it, Major.

Very good. Let's try it.

Take care.
-I will.

Will you show us out, Natalie.

Yes, this is
an ambiguous position, Herr General.

I would much prefer Major Reinhardt
to be directly under my command.

Yes yes yes I see.

Very well Herr General --
only "in extremis".

Get me Obersturmbannfuhrer Stroem.
Wullner.

What's that shooting?
Then find out.

Wullner, that file requested by Major
Reinhardt, has it been returned?

No Sir, Major Reinhardt was intending
to make 2 copies before returning it.

2 copies? But I understood only the civil
police were to be consulted about this.

The files are to be packed
this afternoon. I shall expect

that file to be in its proper place
at such a time. See to it. -Sir.

Ah. Heller.

Resistance with arms.
In broad daylight.

Then send a party of troopers
and flush out the partisans.

Why not?

What do you mean gone?

I see.
Thank you.

There isn't much time
and we've a long way to go.

Get me that plastic
explosive I left with you.

Tony. I want those guerrilla fighters now.
-Sergeant, get your men.

Jacko, get your guys over here.

Tony, if things don't
work out, your men are

to liaise with Lifeline
and continue the job.

Word is that Jerry intends to step up this
rocket business and let all hell loose.

He just mustn't be allowed to do it, clear?
-How many Krauts are in there Major?

My guess is around 30.
No prisoners. No survivors. Clear?

Guissard.

I don't want to worry you Monsieur Foiret,

but I've recently seen Major Reinhardt
at Security Headquarters.

I had gone to request sight of the
German security files concerning

the report of the house search
at the time of your wife's accident.

I told you, frankly, it is
our best defense, or so I believe.

Indeed, I'm sure of it.
-But?

Major Reinhardt seemed
unusually interested in the file.

I imagine he had not been aware of its
existence. My friend, I must ask you again.

Is anything likely to be in that file

which could implicate you in --
other activities?

What are you doing here?
This is a restricted area.

I got lost on my bicycle.
I think I've broken my leg.

Papers.

Get the bike.

They've gone now.
-I know.

I must go.

Be careful.

Are you OK?
-Yes.

There's two Krauts
with a machine gun up there.

It won't be long.

When you get to the road block,
just keep looking straight ahead.

Don't salute. Don't try phoney German.
-Right.

Right. Here we go.

It's time.
-Wait til you hear Bradley.

We should hit them now.
-No, wait.

What's all this about the V2 sites?

We understand
it's the main site at Zandvliet.

All communications been cut.
We gather it's being attacked.

Attcked? Who by?

Probably resistance.

Reinhardt. You go there immediately
and see what can be done here.

Get me a car and some men.

Hey Major, are we going to blow these too?

Where is everyone this morning?

I want a full report on this Zandvliet
attack at once. See to it.

Standartenfuhrer.
-Yes, what is it man?

Sir, have you been told --

the Reichskommissar has withdrawn?
-Withdrawn?

I don't understand. Explain yourself.

Sir. Reichescommissar
left Brussels during the night.

He requisitioned a squad
of SS troopers to accompany him.

I want to see Obersturmbannfuhrer
Stroem immediately. -Sir.

Get me a line to Berlin.

No, no, he's already left.

Luftwaffe Polizei.

No, I'm sorry,
Major Reinhardt has just left for Antwerp.

No, he won't be back
until later this evening.

No, I'm sorry there is
no telephone number I can give you.

Yes. Yes. I see.

How bad was it?
-Total write off.

Whoever it was did a very thorough job.

We won't be using Zandvliet again, I fancy.
-Herr Major.

I suppose I should write a report,
but it can wait until the morning.

Herr Major,
there was a telephone call for you.

When did this come? -About 10 minutes
after you left this morning.

Damn.
-There was no way to contact you.

No, you can't persuade me, Ludwig.
I don't want to go.

I know you mean well.
You have my interests at heart.

I don't want to leave you.

You've no idea how proud and grateful
I am to hear you say that.

I love you so much
and I want you to be my wife.

As things stand,
it would be much better.

You'd be safer if you're
not the wife of a German officer.

Everyone knows I'm your mistress.

Would it make any difference
to them when the day comes?

That day has not come yet.

It may not.

The new weapons
are creating havoc in England already.

And I've heard reports
of a new bomb of unimaginable power.

Biological weapons
and nerve gases which are ready.

Only awaiting the word of the Fuhrer.

It is not over. It is not.

Another schnapps, Mein Herr?

Ludwig, I think you've always
been honest with me. -Yes.

Then please treat me
as a grown up woman who you care for.

Tell me the truth. Please,

I want to know.
It matters to me that you should tell me.

Do you understand that?

I do understand.

You have the right to hear
my innermost thoughts, if anyone has.

When I was in Berlin,
I attended a small function.

There I met Speer and Boorman.
They let me talk directly.

I have known them both for a long time.

They know my loyalty and they
trust my judgement as I do their's.

The war is lost to Germany.

There may be delays.
There may be small victories, but the war,

the war, is lost.

Does Hit... the Fuhrer,
does he accept it himself? -No, he doesn't.

If what I am told is the truth
and I have no reason at all to doubt it,

our great leader is no longer himself.
The strain has been too much even for him.

You still speak of him as if he were God.
-To many of us he was no less.

I've been privileged
to meet him on several occasions.

You cannot understand
personal magnetism magnetism and charisma.

I think I can.
I can see it in your face.

I would have given my life for him,
willingly, and with pride.

What happened?
-She is not here.

I'm glad you're back.

Standartenführer. Excuse me Mademoiselle.
-Herr Major?

I would wish to question her.
-I'm sure you're mistaken.

I must insist.
-Very well. Continue if you wish.

Thank you.

Oh, good evening Herr Major.
Can I help you?

I wish to speak with Natalie Chantrens.

Of course. Excuse me

Ah, Genevieve, would you call Natalie
and ask her to come down please.

Major Reinhardt would like a word with her.

Yes, mademoiselle.
-Thank you.

I'm afraid she may
be a few moments, Herr Major.

She's not been feeling very well.

In fact, while we were out yesterday,
well, we had to return quite quickly.

Indeed? My sympathies.
-I thank you.

Herr Major?

Forgive me mademoiselle,
I'm told you're unwell.

It's nothing, Herr Major.
It happens every month.

I'll not trouble you any more.

Paul, play something happy would you.

Perfect.

Good evening, Herr Standartenführer.

Herr De Vriendt. You're very late
this evening. -Yes, it is late for us all.