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A STORY OF HEROES A screenplay by Robert Bruce Vink (c)Copyright 2006 Robert Vink Oude Molenweg 231 6532BA Nijmegen Holland Tel. 31 24 3784684 robertbvink@yahoo.ca FADE IN: TITLE: Occupied Holland, 1942 EXT. NORTH HOLLAND – DAY Back shot of JOHANNES VINK, as young man, age 20 with short dark hair. He is looking down the road watching something as he sits on a bicycle with no tires. There is a wooden crate with a cloth bag in it tied to the handlebars. Johannes turns around and looks up the road. He is a serious looking young man. His face is dirty and sweaty. He wipes his forehead and shades his eyes with a hand. His clothes are old and worn. JOHANNES (Shouting) GERRY! CUT TO: Shot of GERRY BLOOM, in his late teens, happy-go-lucky type with a smile on his face. He's kneeling down next to the road putting the chain back on his bicycle. His bicycle also has no tires and a wooden crate tied to it. JOHANNES (CONT'D) There's a truck by the side of the road! Looks civilian! GERRY (Shouting) Great, maybe we can get a ride! JOHANNES (Shouting) Hey, there's a girl! GERRY (Shouting with Enthusiasm) Even better, maybe I can get a date! EXT. ROAD – DAY – JOHANNES' P.O.V. Long shot of old, beat up pick-up truck with the hood up. There is a man working under the hood. There is another standing next to it smoking. A pretty, blond girl in her late teens is standing near the back. GERRY (Talking to himself) Shit, this fucking chain! GERRY (CONT'D) Johannes, this is going to take a little longer. Go ahead, I'll be right over! JOHANNES Ok! Johannes pedals his bike up the road and over to the truck. JOHANNES Hi, am I glad to see you guys. Everything all right with your truck? The man looks up from under the hood, closes it, and looks over at the man smoking. The man flicks the cigarette away and regards Johannes. SMOKING MAN (Unfriendly) It's now fixed and we're ready to go. What can I do for you? JOHANNES (Hesitating) Ah, well…you see my friend and I have been cycling since early this morning…looking for food. Come all the way from Utrecht. We sure could use a ride, if you're going down that way, that is. Smoking man walks over and opens the bag in Johannes' bicycle basket. SMOKING MAN What do you have in here, rabbit? JOHANNES Well, actually it's cat. SMOKING MAN (Steps away, revolted) Cat?! JOHANNES Yeah, that's why we need the ride. So we can get home before the Meat spoils. SMOKING MAN Do you have anything else to give us for the ride? The girl comes over, stands next to the man and smiles shyly at Johannes. JOHANNES (Smiling nervously) Well…you'd have our undying gratitude. The man just looks at Johannes. Johannes' smile quickly fades. SMOKING MAN No profit from gratitude. Sorry, but we can't help you. The man motions to the girl and the other man to get in the truck. The girl goes to the back and sits next to her bicycle. SMOKING MAN Good luck. JOHANNES Yeah, thanks. The man starts the truck and they slowly drive away just as Gerry arrives. GERRY (Slightly out of breath) Hey, what's going on? Where they going? JOHANNES Well, as we had nothing to give him…no ride. "No profit from gratitude." GERRY Fucking black marketers! Should've known. Only ones besides the Nazis who would have fuel. Er zol kakn mit blit un mit ayter! (Spitting) Johannes and Gerry watch the truck driving down the road. JOHANNES Does your grandfather know you swear like that in Yiddish? GERRY Of course, who do you think taught me? GERRY (CONT'D) Too bad I missed the girl though. JOHANNES Come on, let's get going. Wait a second…what's that? Shit, it's a plane!!! Johannes and Gerry drop their bikes and dive into a ditch by the side of the road as a German fighter suddenly drops out of the sky. The engine of the plane roars as the plane passes over them. Johannes and Gerry look up and see the plane heading towards the truck which just turned a corner surrounded by trees. Suddenly, the plane dives down and opens fire. There is an explosion and a plume of black smokes shoots into the air above the trees. The plane rises back into the sky, the roaring sounds of its engine fading. GERRY (Voice shaking) Jesus, that could have been us! That could have been us! Johannes just stares ahead at the smoke. JOHANNES (Softly) Come on, we better check for survivors. Johannes picks up the sack and puts it back in the wooden crate on the bike. He gets on his bike and starts to cycle down the road. GERRY (Mumbling to himself) That could have been us. EXT. ROADSIDE – DAY Medium shot of Johannes and Gerry standing next to their bikes, both in varying degrees of shock as they stare at the remains of the truck. All is quiet except the crackling of the flames. JOHANNES (Grimacing) Well, there's definitely no survivors. EXT. ROAD – DAY – JOHANNES' P.O.V. The truck is off the road into a field. The truck is in flames. Two lumps that can be vaguely recognized as bodies can be seen in the front of the truck. One slumped over the steering wheel. The bullet-ridden body of the young teenage girl is several meters away. She is lying on her back, with her eyes open. Her dress is far up her legs and soaked in blood. GERRY (Scared) Shit, come on let's get out of here before the Nazis show up! The smoke can be seen for kilometers! JOHANNES Just a minute. GERRY Come on man, there's nothing more we can do! JOHANNES (With determination) Yes there is. Johannes starts walking down into the field. GERRY (Shouting) Johannes! Johannes ignores him and walks over to the body of the teenage girl. He kneels down and stares at the girls for a few moments. JOHANNES (Softly) Too young…we're all too damn young. Johannes reaches out and gently closes the girl's eyes. He starts to get up and stops. He leans over and pulls the dress back down over her legs. Gerry watches Johannes' actions and Gerry's face softens. GERRY (Softly with admiration) Always the gentleman. Johannes walks back to Gerry. They both get on their bikes and cycle down the road. FADE: FADE UP: TITLE: EAST COAST OF AMERICA – 1958 EXT. - DECK OF FREIGHTER – DAY Pan shot of deck crowed with men, women, and children. The men are standing around smoking and talking, as the women watch over the children while they play. CUT TO: Profile shot of Gerry, now in his early thirties, the lines on his face and thinning hair make him appear 10 years older. He is staring out to sea, deep in thought. JOHANNES GERRY! CUT TO: Chest shot of Johannes, mid thirties with thick, dark hair. He has a visible, but faded two inch scar on his right cheek. Johannes is holding-up a coin in his right hand. JOHANNES (CONT'D) A guilder for your thoughts. CUT TO: Gerry turns to Johannes, shakes his head, and smiles. Some of the years fall away from Gerry's face. GERRY If that was a dollar, I'd take you up on your offer. Johannes pulls-up the collar of his coat and walks over to Gerry. JOHANNES Ha! I'm keeping what few dollars I do have for when we get to America. Not waste them on the likes of you! Johannes slaps Gerry on the back. Gerry briefly smiles. GERRY Ah yes, America. Gerry settles down deeper in his coat and stares back out to sea. JOHANNES (Cheerfully) Hey don't worry. I know it's a long way from Holland, but you'll be fine. At least there is work there. America is the land of opportunity, remember? GERRY That's what they say. GERRY (CONT'D) Sorry Johannes, don't mean to be a downer. Just that I've been doing a lot of thinking. And well, we really have come a long way, haven't we? After everything that happened in the War, I mean? JOHANNES (Puts a hand to the scar on his cheek) Yes, we've been through a hell of a lot. JOHANNES (Hesitating) You know I think about it a lot also. Sometimes, I try not to, especially when the kids are around. But sometimes, well sometimes I can do nothing but think about it. It certainly was strange at times. It suddenly gets darker as clouds pass in front of the sun. FADE: FADE UP: EXT. OUTSIDE UTRECT – (1942) DAY Long shot of a man and woman riding bicycles down a dirt road. CUT TO: Close-up of the couple who are riding bicycles. One is Gerry and the other is Johannes dressed in women's clothing. He's dressed in a sweater, a long skirt and is wearing a scarf on his head. GERRY Ah…Johannes, I know it was your idea, but you sure you still want to do this? JOHANNES No, no I'm not, but with no papers, we don't have much choice. With us both being male over 18, if they catch us… GERRY (Nervous) Yeah, I know. It's off to the camps! Fucking Nazis, so much for the Dutch being part of the Aryan brotherhood! It's too bad you couldn't get some Papers from the Resistance. JOHANNES (Frustrated) Well, they just don't give them out to everybody and anybody, you know! Besides, we're not supposed to need them. We're supposed to be in hiding! GERRY Hey man, we had no choice. We couldn't exactly let our families starve! Fucking Nazis, they've picked this country clean! GERRY (CONT'D) (Looks Johannes up and down) You know, you don't look half-bad in a dress. If only the guys from the Resistance could see you now, boy I bet… Oh. Sorry. JOHANNES (Stares at Gerry for a moment) Anyway, just follow my lead and no jokes! Here we go. CUT TO: Johannes and Gerry stop at a Nazi checkpoint. There are two NAZI GUARDS. One stays at the barrier, while the other approaches Johannes and Gerry. The guard smiles at Johannes and nods his head. NAZI GUARD #1 Guten Tag. Sprechen sie Deutsch? Nein? Speak English, ja? JOHANNES (With a high-pitched voice) Yes, thank you. NAZI GUARD #1 (With thick German accent) Das ist gut. And what your name Freulien? JOHANNES Rini. NAZI GUARD #1 Well Rini, you very pretty. Johannes goes rigid, while Gerry watches nervously. JOHANNES (Hesitating) Ah, well thank you. The guard looks Johannes up and down. Johannes looks away, nervously pulling at the scarf around his head. NAZI GUARD #1 Perhaps we could go on date, ja? Gerry is almost panicking now, nervously looking around. JOHANNES (Struggling to remain calm) Oh well, um…that would be wonderful. I have to get my brother back home now, but I'll be back this way late tomorrow afternoon. How's then? The Nazi guard smiles lewdly at Johannes. NAZI GUARD #1 Tomorrow, gut! The Nazi guard gives a little bow, clicks his heels together and waves Johannes and Gerry through. Johannes smiles nervously and wipes the sweat off his brow, while Gerry is struggling not to jump on his bike and speed away. Johannes and Gerry peddle away slowly on their bikes. NAZI GUARD #1 Guten Tag, Freulein! Johannes just waves. As Johannes and Gerry get about twenty feet away from the gate, Johannes' long skirt gets caught in the chain of his bike and he loses control and falls down. The skirt rips half-off exposing Johannes' pants underneath. The Nazi guards run quickly over. NAZI GUARD #1 Freulein! Freulein! Are you injured? Gerry notices Johannes' pants are showing and freezes with panic. The guards look down and see Johannes' pants. Johannes frantically tries to pull what's left of his skirt together. NAZI GUARD #2 What this? Why you wear pants? The first guard reaches down and pulls the scarf off from Johannes' head. NAZI GUARD #1 What? You are no freulein! How dare you! The guard hits Johannes in the face with the butt of his rifle and Johannes falls to the ground. NAZI GUARD #1 (CONT'D) No one try make fool of me! At the same time, the second guard points his rifle at Gerry. NAZI GUARD #2 You! Over here with your "sister"! Gerry looks like he might flee and then his shoulders slump as he slowly pushes his bike over to them. NAZI GUARD #1 So, we have two new workers for the camps! FADE: FADE UP: EXT. RAILYARDS NEAR GERMAN BORDER – DAY Johannes and Gerry are standing at a train platform watching the trains. Two guards with machine guns are standing near by. CUT TO: Terrified Jews are being separated out by male and female and pushed into train cars by German soldiers. Each Jew has a bright, yellow Star of David sewn onto his or her clothes. There is much noise and confusion as people are crying and calling out to each other. Suddenly, one man breaks away from the soldiers, bumping into one and knocking him down. PETER, is around thirty, tall and very thin. PETER (Shouting) Wilma!!! Wilma!!! WILMA, a woman with long dark hair with a young daughter, ANNA, next to her, try's to push past the soldiers around her. WILMA (Shouting) Peter!!! Suddenly, Anna darts out between the soldiers. ANNA (Shouting) Papa!!! Papa!!! PETER (Shouting) Anna! A gunshot rings out. Peter falls dead at his daughter's feet, she flinches as some of her father's blood splatters onto her dress, red against white. WILMA (Screaming hysterically) Peter!!! Nooooooooo! Oh my God, no!!! Anna stares down at her father. Her body is rigid and her face white with shock. A German soldier picks Anna up and carries her quickly over to her mother. Wilma snatches Anna from the soldier, holding her tightly while sobbing. Anna doesn't make a sound. She just stares at the body of her father. The soldiers push them both into the train car and slam the door shut. NAZI MAJOR Be thankful that you are not Joining them. CUT TO: A Nazi Major, tall, thin with gray in his hair, walks up to Gerry and Johannes. Johannes glances at Gerry. Gerry is shaking with anger and clenches and un-clenches his fists. He shoves his hands into his pockets and looks down at his feet. Johannes looks very pale and tired. NAZI MAJOR While your accommodations will not be luxurious, you will find them better than those of the Juden there. The Nazi Captain points to trains. JOHANNES (Wearily) Where are we being sent? GÜNTER, a short, stocky guard with a scar on his face, steps forward and points his gun at Johannes. GÜNTER You will address him properly! You must say "Herr Major!" NAZI MAJOR Thank you Günter. You will be the guests of the Third Reich in Leubeck. The Nazis Major looks down at a document in his hand. NAZI MAJOR (CONT'D) Hmmm…looks like you will be assisting in the manufacture of anti-aircraft guns. JOHANNES Anti-aircraft guns? Wonderful! NAZI MAJOR (Laughing) Cheer-up! Think of it as a vacation. A train whistle blows. NAZI MAJOR (CONT'D) And that I believe is your train now. The Nazis Major points to the two guards. NAZI MAJOR (CONT'D) These two gentlemen will see you to your seats. Auf Wiederschen! The two guards motion Gerry and Johannes forward with their guns. GÜNTER Schnell! Johannes looks over to check on Gerry, as they and the two guards start walking down the platform. Gerry just looks down, his body rigid as they walk away. FADE: FADE UP: INT. RAILCAR NEAR GERMAN BORDER – EVENING Shot of Johannes and Gerry on a wooden seat leaning against each other asleep. Both look exhausted. The train car is jammed with men. Rays of light stream through broken windows that have been partially boarded-up. Johannes lifts his head, opens his eyes slowly, and blinks a few times. The train whistle blows. Johannes leans over and looks out the window. CUT TO: Shot of the skyline of Leubeck. Johannes nudges Gerry. JOHANNES Gerry, wake-up. I think we're almost there. Gerry doesn't respond. Johannes rubs his eyes, careful of the bandage on his forehead. He looks with concern at Gerry and tries again. JOHANNES (CONT'D) Shall I let you know when they come by with coffee? GERRY (Groggy) Yeah and why not a cheese sandwich too while we're at it? JOHANNES (CONT'D) (Concerned) How you doing? Gerry rubs his eyes and looks at Johannes. GERRY (Hesitating) I've…I've been better. GERRY (CONT'D) (Smiling briefly) But I'm still hanging in there. Suddenly, the train starts to slow down. The door to the passenger car opens and two Nazis guards enter. NAZIS GUARD #1 (Thick German Accent) Wake-up! Wake-up! Time to ready to leave! The Guard passes by Johannes and Gerry. JOHANNES Are we at the factory? NAZIS GUARD #1 Nein, no living quarters at the factory. You all stay at the People's Camp. The Nazis Guard continues up the aisle. GERRY The People's Camp, huh? How bad could that be? CUT TO: EXT. PEOPLE'S CAMP – NIGHT There is a row of run-down warehouses. Some of the roofs have holes in them and the walls are sagging. Johannes and Gerry look around. Men are being off-loaded from trucks in the background. Johannes gives Gerry a sour look and points to the buildings. JOHANNES That's how bad it could be! JOHANNES (Anxious) Sure looks like shit doesn't it? GERRY (Tries to smile) Yeah, the kind that… Gerry's smile fades and a look of uncertainty and fear crosses his face. GERRY (CONT'D) (Softly) Johannes, I'm scared. JOHANNES I know Gerry, I know! Think I'm not?! You think I'm some big hero of the Resistance or something? Shit, I just repair radios! Gerry stares at Johannes with a hurt and scared look. JOHANNES (Sighs, running a hand through his hair) Oh shit man, I'm sorry. I'm just Frustrated. Look, I know things aren't so good right now, but we'll get through this, ok? Gerry stares at Johannes for a few seconds, relaxes a bit, and nods his head. GERRY Ok. And Johannes…thanks! Johannes puts a hand on Gerry's shoulder and smiles. JOHANNES Come-on, let's go and see if they put chocolates on our pillows! Gerry smiles tiredly and he and Johannes head off into the building. FADE: FADE UP: INT. PEOPLE'S CAMP – NIGHT Johannes, Gerry, and other men are sitting around on dusty, old beds talking softly. One of the windows has broken glass and is boarded up. There is an air of uncertainty. Suddenly the door to the sleeping quarters opens and several men enter wearing tan uniforms. A few of the men have rifles. SCHULTZ, a large, balding fat-man steps forward, clicks his heels, and gives the Nazis salute. SCHULTZ (Thick German Accent) Heil Hitler! I am Camp Commander Schultz of the German Civilian Guard. Welcome to the People's Camp! Shultz pauses for effect and looks around the room. The prisoners stare back at him without making a sound. Schultz clears his throat. SCHULTZ Yes, well…welcome all the same. I see that you have already made yourselves at home, ja? Das gut! You will shortly be given your work detail. Now remember, do not stay up too late talking. You have an early start tomorrow morning at 5 A.M.! The prisoners groan. Some swear under their breath. Schultz gets an angry look on his face and waves his arms in the air. SCHULTZ (CONT'D) Alright, enough! Let us get on with it! Shultz pulls out a document from his shirt pocket and reads it. SCHULTZ Where is Johannes Vink? Johannes and Gerry exchange glances. Johannes puts a hand up. JOHANNES (Hesitating) Ah…right here. SCHULTZ Gut! Schultz walks over to Johannes. SCHULTZ We need a new supervisor to oversee the assembly of the guidance systems for the guns. SCHULTZ(CONT'D) (Holds up a document) It says here that you are an electronic technician, ja? JOHANNES Yes, that's right. SCHULTZ Hmmm, you seem rather young. Where did you get your training? JOHANNES Ah, well I mostly learned on my own. SCHULTZ (Sarcastically) Yes, of course you did. Well, we will get to see how well you learned. SCHULTZ Oh, and Vink. The old supervisor? He made the mistake of trying to sabotage the systems. A very permanent mistake! GERRY (Steps over to Schultz) Yes, well you won't have to worry about that from us Commander. SCHULTZ Oh? And you are…? GERRY Gerry Bloom, Sir. I was Johannes' assistant back in Holland. SCHULTZ Assistant, hmm? You are even younger. Well, no matter. Shultz turns back to Johannes. SCHULTZ Take whatever you need, just get the workers going again. We have a schedule to keep! CUT TO: INT. PEOPLE'S CAMP – EARLY MORNING Men are sleeping in their beds. It's still dark out. Rain is slowly dripping through the holes in the roof onto the floor. Suddenly, the door bangs open and two German Civilian guards enter. One of them has a large basket. GUARD#1 Rouse! Rouse! Get up! Time ready for work! The men slowly get out of bed. Johannes and Gerry are sitting at the edge of the beds yawning and rubbing the sleep out of their eyes. The guard with the basket walks over to them. GUARD#1 You Johannes, ja? JOHANNES That's right. GUARD#1 Goed! Basket of worker's bread for men. Pass out and men must leave in fifteen minutes. We have schedule to keep! Guard turns and walks away. JOHANNES (Mumbling to himself) That's what I keep hearing. Johannes looks at his watch. JOHANNES (Groaning) Fuck, it's quarter to five in the morning! Gerry jumps slowly down from the bunk above Johannes. GERRY (Wearily) Yeah, I guess these Nazis bastards want to get a full day of killing and mayhem in. Here, I'll pass the basket around. I'm sure the men will be happy to get something to eat. ROLAND, a short, dark-haired Frenchman on the bed next to them yawns and stretches. He is thin and ragged looking, with dark circles under his eyes. ROLAND Do not bet on it, mon aime. Take a look at the bread. Gerry takes a loaf of bread out and bangs it against the side of the bed. JOHANNES Holy shit, what do they make it from, cement? ROLAND It is the stale leftovers that the bakeries can not even sell. JOHANNES Now I know why they call it "worker's bread," you have to work at it to eat it! GERRY Well, I guess it could be worse. ROLAND Oh, do not worry it does. Johannes and Gerry look at each other. Johannes shrugs. JOHANNES Well, you better pass it out. Oh, and make sure they know we have to be ready in fifteen minutes. Gerry walks away and starts passing the basket around. JOHANNES Sounds like you've been here awhile. ROLAND Oui, the Germans like to mix some of us "veterans" in with the new prisoners. My name is Roland. Roland stretches out his hand to Johannes. JOHANNES (Shaking hands) Mine's Johannes and my friend there, passing the bread around, is Gerry. JOHANNES (Hesitating) Hope you don't mind me saying this, but you look you're kind of in rough shape. ROLAND Yes, I can imagine. Did you get to see much of the other prisoners who have been here awhile? JOHANNES No, you're the first. ROLAND I see… Johannes gives Roland a puzzled look. ROLAND (CONT'D) Well, I think we better get moving if we want to shower. The bathroom is filthy and the Water is cold, but at least there is soap. Johannes looks at Roland for a couple of seconds as he walks away. JOHANNES (Sighing) Wonderful! CUT TO: EXT. PEOPLE'S CAMP – EARLY MORNING Johannes and Gerry are standing with a shocked look on their faces, staring at the other prisoners. Roland is standing next to them watching their reaction. He rubs his arms to try to stay warm. GERRY Jesus! Just look at them! Close-up of the other prisoners. Most of them are very thin with hollow cheeks. Some are holding up other prisoners. Their clothes are filthy, tattered and torn. No one is talking. They just stare off into the distance. JOHANNES So Roland, this is why you were asking me if we saw the other prisoners, huh? ROLAND (Sighing) Oui, it is better for you to see it yourself, so you can understand what the situation is here. Gerry points to the other prisoners. GERRY Christ! You mean we've got that to look forward to? Roland shrugs his bony shoulders. GERRY (CONT'D) Hey, even though you look kind of like shit, how come you don't look as bad as they do? ROLAND Ah, well my silver tongued friend, seeing how I am French, they put me in the kitchen, naturellement. So I can steal a potato here and there. It is not a lot, but it helps. JOHANNES I guess we should have asked to work in the kitchen. ROLAND Actually not to worry, being a supervisor… Roland turns to Gerry. ROLAND(CONT'D) And a supervisor's assistant… Roland turns back to Johannes. ROLAND(CONT'D) Will allow you some extra rations… not much more, but again, it helps. GERRY Well, I guess there's that. JOHANNES Hey Roland, where's the trucks? ROLAND There are none. GERRY What! Then how are we supposed to…? Roland just looks at Gerry. GERRY (Groaning) Shit, you've got to be kidding? It's got to be at least a 45 minute walk from here. ROLAND Actually, it's a hour to be exact. JOHANNES Wonderful! Suddenly the doors open and Schultz walks out into the yard. SCHULTZ Gouten Morgen! I trust everyone is well rested, ja? Gut! For those new workers, let me review the schedule. After a brisk walk to the factory, you will begin work. At noon, you will have a 20-minute break with a complementary lunch. You will then work until 6 P.M., after which, you will then march back for another complementary meal and an evening of rest and relaxation. Any questions? No, gut! Ok SERGEANT KRUGER, move out the men. Kruger, a brown-haired man of average height steps forward. KRUGER Alright, everyone move out! JOHANNES (Uncertain) Ah…well, here we go. The men start walking out the yard. CUT TO: INT. WEAPONS FACTORY – NOON The prisoners are working at various machines while German women are working at tables assembling parts together. A whistle blows and the work stops. People start to walk out. Roland, carrying a doctor's bag, walks over to Johannes. ROLAND You have to go out to the next room if you want to get something to eat. JOHANNES Good I'm starved. Let's get Gerry. Ah, what's with the bag? ROLAND ` La valise diplomatique? I will show you sometime. Johannes just shrugs his shoulders. Johannes and Roland start walking around a group of machines and meet-up with Gerry. JOHANNES Guess the food is next door. Gerry stretches and rubs his back. GERRY Good, what's on the menu? ROLAND Cabbage soup. GERRY Well…not my favorite, but doesn't sound too bad. Roland laughs and walks into the next room. Gerry watches Roland walk away and then looks at Johannes. Johannes shrugs. CUT TO: INT. LUNCH ROOM – NOON Johannes, Gerry, and Roland are sitting at an old, beat-up table. Johannes and Gerry are staring at their soup, which is a sickly, yellowish-green color. The bowls are chipped and cracked. Roland is quickly eating his soup. JOHANNES What the hell is this supposed to be? Gerry takes a spoonful into his mouth, quickly spits it out, and then wipes his mouth with the back of is hand. GERRY Tastes like piss! ROLAND Actually, if you swallow it quickly…ah, murd, it still tastes like piss! ROLAND(Cont'd) But you better eat while it is available. With the shortages, sometimes it could go days without food. Johannes takes-up a spoonful into his mouth, quickly swallows it, and starts to cough. JOHANNES Holy shit! (Cough) I swear something was wiggling in my throat! (Cough) ROLAND Actually, it was dead. JOHANNES What? ROLAND Oui, it was probably a dead caterpillar. Roland reaches into his soup and picks-up a two inch long, yellow caterpillar. ROLAND They do not bother with cleaning the food for the "guests." Roland pops the caterpillar into his mouth and swallows it. ROLAND Good protein! Gerry watches Roland and pales. GERRY You know Roland, you're one sick bastard! Roland just laughs. Johannes pushes his bowl away. JOHANNES Okay, I draw the line at bugs! Well, at least the potatoes were ok. Suddenly a GUARD comes into the room. GUARD Raus! Raus! Lunch is over, time to work! Johannes, Gerry, and Roland get-up from the table. A group of women pass by. They are very thin, wearing tattered, dirty clothes. Most have their hair roughly cut off. The Camp guards are making catcalls and rude noises, harassing the women, especially one younger woman, who still has most of her hair. Even though thin and dirty, she is pretty. One of the older women puts a protective arm around her and they shuffle tiredly out of the room. JOHANNES Hey Roland, who are those women? ROLAND Those are Russians. The Nazis treat them worse then animals. beating them and worse, the poor devils! Johannes watches them leave. JOHANNES I really hate this place. FADE: FADE UP: INT. PEOPLE'S CAMP – EVENING Johannes and Roland are sitting on their beds. Gerry is sleeping. JOHANNES (Stretching and rubbing his eyes) Christ, I'm tired! That walk back after slaving all day was a killer. Suddenly, the lights dim and a siren starts to wail. Gerry almost falls out of his bunk. GERRY Holy shit, what the hell is that?! ROLAND Not to worry, just a little Allied fireworks! JOHANNES A bombing? Wonderful! Suddenly, the door is thrown open and Kruger and another German Civilian guard walk in. KRUGER The British have sent their bombers to provide some entertainment. Everyone to the shelters! Johannes, Gerry, Roland and the other men start heading for the door. CUT TO: EXT. BOMB SHELTER – EVENING The bomb shelters are just big trenches with sheet metal roofs covered in dirt. Bombs can be heard off in the distance falling and exploding. CUT TO: Johannes and Gerry are just inside the entrance of one of the shelters looking out and up at the sky. Roland is standing outside about 20-feet away. Gerry shakes his head. GERRY I don't care what you say, that guy's nuts! JOHANNES Nah, just a little unusual. GERRY Oh yeah? What about that doctor's bag he carries around? God only knows what's in there! JOHANNES Actually, it's cards. GERRY Cards? You mean playing cards? JOHANNES Yeah, except these…well, these have naked women on them. GERRY Great, a pervert as well as a nut! You sure got some strange friends! JOHANNES (Sarcastically) I've got you don't I? GERRY I rest my case. Johannes chuckles. JOHANNES (Shouting) Hey, Roland! Don't you think you should come in here? ROLAND (Shouting) Do not worry, mon aime! I've been here a year and they have not hit a factory yet! Come on out and watch! Johannes shrugs and starts to walk out the entrance. Gerry stops him. GERRY Jesus, you're not planning to go out there are you? JOHANNES Why not? He seems to know what he's talking about. GERRY You're as crazy as he is! Johannes laughs and walks out the entrance over to where Roland is standing. ROLAND Let me guess, he thinks we are crazy? JOHANNES Just a little. Roland shrugs. ROLAND Not much to worry about. Bombers do not seem to go for the factories, just the civilians. Think the British are getting back at them for the bombings on London. Probably be over soon. Suddenly, the bombings start to slow down and finally stop. ROLAND Ecoutez! What did I tell you? JOHANNES What now? ROLAND Now it is back to the camp. FADE: FADE UP: INT. FACTORY – MORNING Johannes is busy working on a piece of electronics. He suddenly stops and puts his tools down and walks over to a guard, FRITZ. JOHANNES Fritz, I've got to go back to the storage area and get a part. I'll be just a minute. Fritz nods his head and turns back to watching the prisoners work. CUT TO: Johannes is walking down a dark corridor. WOMAN'S VOICE (Terrified) No, please don't! JOHANNES (Softly to himself) What the hell? Johannes turns the corner and freezes. Two of the Camp guards are on top of the young, Russian woman Johannes had seen earlier in the week. They are ripping at her clothes. Johannes explodes into action grabbing one of the guards and throwing him into the wall. JOHANNES Nazis bastards! The other guard springs up and he and Johannes are wresting and punching at each other. RUSSIAN WOMAN (Shouting) Look out! Suddenly, the other guard tackles Johannes from behind and all three crash to the floor, with Johannes on the bottom. Johannes is dazed by the fall and the two guards begin to beat him. The Russian woman is on her knees, holding her ripped blouse together. RUSSIAN WOMAN (Screaming and crying) Stop! Leave him alone! CAMP GUARD Stupid Fool! Johannes' P.O.V., he looks up and sees a big, black boot descending towards his face. CUT TO: INT. CAMP HOSPITAL – EVENING Johannes is lying in a bed in a large, grey room with a few other men. Johannes' face is wrapped in bandages, with one of his eyes covered and the other badly swollen. The room is almost bare, besides the few beds, there are only a couple of small tables. FADE: INT. CAMP HOSPITAL SHOT FROM BEHIND – EARLY MORNING There is a woman with a stethoscope leaning over Johannes listening to his heart. Out the window, can see that the sun is rising. FADE: INT. CAMP HOSPITAL JOHANNES' P.O.V. - EVENING Johannes opens an eye as he hears voices. His vision is bleary and he vaguely sees a woman with long blond hair, with a stethoscope around her neck arguing heatedly with one of the Camp Guards. Suddenly the guard storms away. Johannes' eye closes slowly as he falls back to sleep. FADE: INT. FACTORY – SIX MONTHS LATER Johannes is much thinner and his clothes hang off him. He has a angry looking scar on his right cheek. He is showing a blond, German woman how to use one of the machines. DR. HETVELD, a tall, gray-haired man walks over to Johannes. Johannes looks-up and sees him coming. JOHANNES Can I help you? DR. HETVELD (Educated German Accent) Yes, hello. My name is Dr. Hetveld, I wonder if I might speak with you a moment. JOHANNES Ah…sure. Greta, I'll be right back. GRETA Certainly, herr Vink. JOHANNES So, what's this about? DR. HETVELD Well, you see I was talking to one of the women from the factory GRETCHEN, and she mentioned that you can fix all kinds of electronic equipment, including maybe radios, yes? JOHANNES Sure, I can fix radios. DR. HETVELD Gut, I hoped as much, so I have made arrangements to sign you out on loan for civilian services… if you are agreeable? JOHANNES Sure why not? It'll give me a break from here. Although I'm surprised they'd let me out. DR. HETVELD Oh, you mean after the incident with the Russian woman. Well, the Camp Commandant owed me a favor. You see, I'm his doctor. JOHANNES Ah, and it's not good to argue with your doctor? DR. HETVELD (Briefly smiling) Something like that. DR. HETVELD (CONT'D) I do not have much to give you in return, but I can give you a modest supper. Certainly, better than you get here. JOHANNES Ok, sounds like a deal. DR. HETVELD Gut, I will come back at the end of the day. JOHANNES See you then. FADE: FADE UP: INT. HETVELD HOUSE – NIGHT Door to kitchen opens, Johannes, DR. HETVELD, and a Camp guard enters shaking rain from their umbrellas. Johannes has a small leather case with him. JOHANNES That's a hell of a lot of rain coming down! DR. HETVELD Ja, and I have the feeling it is going to get worse. But do not worry, if it does, we will stay here tonight and go back in the morning. JOHANNES Fine with me. DR. HETVELD turns to the guard. DR. HETVELD You will be staying, ja? Guard pauses and looks outside. CAMP GUARD (Sighing) Nein, I must return to the Camp. Call us just before you are ready to return. DR. HETVELD Certainly. CAMP GUARD (CONT'D) (Glaring at Johannes) And you, Vink. No trouble. Or you will have more than scars! JOHANNES Hey, no problem here. CAMP GUARD We shall see. CAMP GUARD (CONT'D) Gut nacht, heer doctor. DR. HETVELD Gut nacht. Guard leaves. DR. HETVELD turns to Johannes. DR. HETVELD (CONT'D) Here, give me your coat. Johannes takes off his coat and gives it to DR. HETVELD, who then hangs it up on one of the coat hooks next to the door. DR. HETVELD then takes off his own coat and hangs it up also. DR. HETVELD You can just leave your boots here, under the coats. Johannes and DR. HETVELD take their boots off. JOHANNES So, where is that radio? DR. HETVELD I will show you. It is in the living room. CUT TO: INT. HETVELD HOUSE – NIGHT DR. HETVELD is sitting in a chair drinking coffee while Johannes is working on the radio and eating from a plate of sandwiches cut into small pieces. Suddenly, Johannes looks up. JOHANNES Ah, here we go! It's just a loose connection. Johannes opens up his leather case, takes out a smaller screwdriver and starts to work on the radio while DR. Hetveld watches. Johannes stops working and turns the radio on and music comes out. DR. HETVELD Ah, wunderbah! DR. HETVELD comes over to Johannes and offers him his hand. DR. HETVELD Thank you, Johannes! Johannes smiles and shakes Dr. Hetveld's hand. JOHANNES No problem Doc, but it wasn't that difficult. Just a loose connection. DR. HETVELD Ja, but now it works! JOHANNES True enough. Dr. Hetveld pauses for a moment and gets a serious look on his face. DR. HETVELD I have to go upstairs now and make some phone calls to check on some patients. That is a strong radio and can pick-up stations from other countries, including Holland. But of course, I trust you would not listen to the radio while I am gone, as that is illegal for prisoners to do so, hmmm? Johannes and Dr. Hetveld exchange looks and Johannes nods his head. JOHANNES Of course not. DR. HETVELD I will be back in 30 minutes. Dr. Hetveld walks towards the stairs. JOHANNES And Doctor… Dr. Hetveld pauses. DR. HETVELD Ja? JOHANNES Thank you. Dr. Hetveld smiles and continues up the stairs and into his office. Johannes watches Dr. Hetveld go and Johannes then goes to the radio and turns the dial until he finds the Dutch station. RADIO ANNOUCER Dit is Radio Holland. JOHANNES Ah, fijn! Johannes sits down and listens to the music. FADE: FADE UP: INT. HETVELD HOUSE – NIGHT Johannes is sitting in a chair, with his eyes closed, listening to the radio. Suddenly, the door opens and a person enters with an umbrella. Johannes jumps up quickly and shuts off the radio. Johannes looks back to the door. A woman is standing there looking at him, with rain dripping of her long coat. Inga is average height, with long blond hair and a strong, but pretty face. The first thing Johannes notices about her, is her eyes. They are dark green, intelligent, and lively as she looks back at him with curiosity. She speaks to him in a husky voice. INGA You must be the Dutch fellow from the factory. She gives Johannes an amused smile and her eyes sparkle when he just stares at her. INGA (CONT'D) Do you talk or only stare? Johannes snaps out of it and gets all embarrassed. He looks down and back up again. JOHANNES Sorry, didn't mean to stare. You just surprised me when you came in. Inga hangs up her coat and takes off her boots. INGA Oh, and what surprised you? JOHANNES Well, wasn't expecting anyone to come in. Dr. Hetveld didn't mention anyone was coming by. Inga smiles and walks towards Johannes. INGA Ah, well I am not just anyone, I am his daughter. JOHANNES Oh? Inga holds her hand out to him. INGA I am Inga. Johannes shakes her hand. Her handshake is firm and strong. JOHANNES Hi, I'm Johannes Vink. Inga goes to a chair and sits down. Johannes then sits back down in his chair. INGA So Johannes, from the wonderful sound I heard when I came in, you have been successful with fixing the radio. JOHANNES Ah…yes, it was just a loose connection. INGA Yes well, I am sure my father was very pleased. And so am I. I missed listening to music at night. JOHANNES I was glad to help. Besides, it gave me a chance to get out of the camp. INGA Yes, I can imagine. It is very bad there. Our patients come to us in rough shape. JOHANNES Patients? (Pause) That's where I know you from! I knew I had seen you before! You're a nurse at the camp hospital. INGA (Smiling) Actually, I am a doctor. JOHANNES A doctor? Inga gives Johannes a challenging look. INGA You do not believe me? JOHANNES What? Oh no, it's just unusual that's all. Inga gives him a mischievous smile and stares at him for a moment. INGA Yes, well I am an unusual woman. Johannes returns the stare. JOHANNES Yes, I'm beginning to see that. INGA But I am happy to see that you recovered well. I stayed as long as I could, but it was only for a few days before I had to go and help at the main hospital. Inga reaches over and picks up the remaining piece of ham sandwich. INGA (CONT'D) That was a very brave thing you did helping that Russian girl. JOHANNES (Angry) Yeah, but all for nothing! Shot while trying to escape, they said! The bastards! INGA Yes, Shultz is a ruthless pig. But the important thing is that you tried. You saw something happening that you knew was wrong and you did something about it. That is a quality that is in very short supply. While watching Johannes, Inga takes a bite of sandwich and swallows. INGA I admire you for it. Suddenly a door opens and closes upstairs. DR. HETVELD Oh, hello liebchen. I see you made it back ok through the rain. Dr. Hetveld comes down the stairs. Inga goes over to meet him. Johannes stands up and waits by his chair. Dr. Hetveld and Inga kiss each other's cheeks. INGA Yes, and I have met the good Mr. Vink also. DR. HETVELD Oh, oh. I hope she was not too hard on you Johannes. My daughter can be, ah, shall we say, very spirited? JOHANNES Yes, I get that feeling. Inga looks at Johannes. INGA Feeling a little overwhelmed Mr. Vink. Johannes returns the look. JOHANNES Don't worry, nothing that I can't handle Ms. Hetveld. Inga gives him a playful grin. INGA Yes, well that remains to be seen. Dr. Hetveld watches Inga and Johannes and then clears his throat. DR. HETVELD Uhm…yes, well, I am off to bed. With the weather out there, we will stay here tonight and head back in the morning, ja? JOHANNES Sounds good. DR. HETVELD Good, I will call the Camp and let them know. Oh, and the guest room is above, at the end of the hall. Johannes and Dr. Hetveld shake hands. DR. HETVELD Good night Johannes. JOHANNES Good night Sir. Dr. Hetveld and Inga exchange kisses. INGA Goodnight Papa. DR. HETVELD Good night liebchen. Johannes and Inga watch Dr. Hetveld go up the stairs and into his room. Inga then turns to Johannes, puts a hand on her hip and looks at him. INGA So Mr. Vink. What would you like to do, hmm? Johannes looks at Inga for a moment and then laughs and shakes his head. JOHANNES You're something else, you know that? Inga laughs. INGA Would you like a cigarette? JOHANNES Oh yeah, that would be great! Haven't had one in months. INGA Well, let me check my purse. I think I have a few left. Inga walks into the kitchen and opens up her purse that was on the table. She takes matches out and a cigarette pack and looks inside it. INGA Hmm, well Mr. Vink, it looks like I only have one left. I hope you do not mind sharing? JOHANNES No problem, Ms. Hetveld. Inga walks back into the living room, lights the cigarette and then passes it to Johannes. Johannes takes a deep breath of smoke and then gives the cigarette back to Inga and then exhales. JOHANNES Thanks. INGA (Smiling) No problem. Johannes chuckles. Inga gets up and turns on the radio. A slow, sweet song is playing. INGA Mr. Vink, do you dance? JOHANNES I've been known to. INGA Shall we? JOHANNES Sure, but on one condition. Inga raises an eyebrow. INGA Oh, and what would that be? JOHANNES That you call me Johannes. Inga smiles and her eyes soften. INGA Johannes it is and please call me Inga. Johannes puts an arm around Inga and takes her hand in his and starts waltzing with her. JOHANNES My pleasure…Inga. They both look at each other and smile. FADE: FADE UP: INT. HETVELD HOUSE - NIGHT Johannes and Inga are still dancing, but closer together and with their eyes closed. Slow music is playing on the radio. The rain and wind can be heard in the background. INGA Johannes? JOHANNES Hmm? INGA Is there…a Mrs. Vink back home? Johannes opens his eyes and looks at Inga. JOHANNES No…and you? Do you have a husband? Inga gives him a sad smile and gets a far away look in her eyes. She looks away and then back again. INGA I did…his name was Max. He was killed on the Russian front. Inga puts her head on Johannes' shoulder. His face is very serious, as he holds her close and strokes her hair. INGA (CONT'D) I remember the day Max left for the front. We tried to be very calm about it, but I think we both knew that it was going to be the last time we would see each other. JOHANNES Inga, it's ok, you don't have to talk about it. INGA No, it is alright, I have had almost two years to get used to it…to get used to the loneliness. Suddenly, a loud, clap of thunder rings out, startling them both, but especially Johannes. Inga looks at Johannes and he has a painful look in his eyes. She reaches up and touches his face. INGA Johannes, what is it? Her touch seems to break the spell and Johannes looks down at the floor and then back up again. His eyes are sad. JOHANNES Oh sorry, it's just the thunder… it reminded me of something else, the night of the June bombings… CUT TO: EXT. CAMP BOMB SHELTERS - NIGHT Johannes, Gerry, and Roland are standing outside the shelters watching the bombing off in the distance. The sound changes and it becomes closer. It goes on for a few moments and then gradually stops. The planes fly-off. JOHANNES Shit, that last bit sounded like it wasn't too far from here. ROLAND Oui, it did. The rest of the prisoners and the guards start coming out of the shelters. Suddenly, two big trucks drive up and come to a screeching stop. A dozen people in military type uniforms and a few medical personnel get off the trucks. Johannes, Gerry, and Roland look on, as HANS, a blond-haired guard goes over and speaks with one of the people from the trucks. Shortly thereafter, he walks back over and talks to the rest of the guards. ROLAND Hey Hans, what is happening? HANS Those bastard English bombed the neighborhoods on the other side of the bridge! Hans points to the people around the trucks, as some of his men climb onto the trucks. HANS (CON'TD) The Civil Defense are here to get help to assist with rescuing the civilians caught in the fires and rubble. Hans runs over to the truck and gets on. Johannes, Gerry, and Roland look at each other. JOHANNES What do you think? ROLAND Well, they are civilians. GERRY The hell with it, let's go! The three of them run over to the Hans' truck, just as it is about to pull away. ROLAND Hey Hans, une momment! HANS What is it? We must go quickly! ROLAND Could you use some more help? Hans looks at the nurse sitting next to him and she nods her head. HANS Ok, get in. Johannes, Gerry, and Roland climb in and the trucks quickly drive off. CUT TO: EXT. LUEBECK - NIGHT The two trucks come to a stop amongst broken houses. Smoke and smoldering fires are in some of them. People jump quickly down from the trucks including Johannes, Gerry, and Roland. They slowly look around. JOHANNES (Shocked) My God, look at it! ROLAND Non, I do not think God had anything to do with this. This is definitely Man's doing! Hans quickly walks over to them, carrying two lanterns. HANS Ok, We are splitting up into groups of five. You three will come with me. Johannes, here is a lantern. WILMA, a short, blonde-haired woman walks over to them, also carrying a lantern. HANS (CONT'D) This is Wilma. She is a nurse. She Will be coming with us. Wilma nods her head in greeting. Suddenly a cloud of smoke blows their way and they all start to cough. GERRY Jesus, that horrible smell! Is that…? WILMA Ja, burning flesh. Johannes and Gerry look at each other while covering their noses with their hands. HANS Come, let us get going. Johannes, Gerry, Roland, Hans, and Wilma start walking down a small street littered with broken brick and pieces of wood. On either side of the narrow street are badly damaged houses, some of them destroyed down to their foundations. A small fire is burning in one of them, a flickering light in the smoky darkness. FADE: FADE UP: EXT. LUEBECK – NIGHT Hans is leading Johannes, Gerry, and Roland down a street covered in broken bricks and pieces of wood. All of them are covered in dirt and smoke. They come to a small stone church and stop and look at it. Most of it is still standing, however almost all the windows and a large part of the roof are gone. HANS Ok, most of the church is still standing, so let us look around and see if anyone is inside. GERRY (Nervous) Not sure that's a good idea. The building looks like it could collapse any minute. HANS Then we better hurry, Ja? Gerry and Roland look to Johannes, who nods his head. Hans, Johannes, Gerry, and Roland enter the church. CUT TO: INT. STONE CHURCH – NIGHT Johannes and Hans hold up their lanterns, casting light around the inside of the church. The inside of the church is badly damaged. There is rubble everywhere. There are some broken wooden beams on top of a large marble altar. JOHANNES Shit, what a mess! Hard to believe anyone could be alive in here. Suddenly, a man's voice can be weakly heard coming from the altar. VOICE (Weak) Help…someone help! JOHANNES Quick, I think it's coming from near the altar! They all hurry over to the altar. HANS Ruse! Move some of these beams away. Carefully now! Johannes, Gerry, and Roland move two of the broken beams and Hans looks inside the Altar. Inside, there is a priest lying on his side. His head is cut and bleeding and one of his legs is twisted at a wrong angle. There is a blanket lying next to him. Hans touches the priest's throat to check for a pulse and the priest's eyes slowly open. PRIEST Oh thank God…my prayers have been answered! HANS It is ok Father, we will get you out of there. Gerry leans over and whispers to Johannes. GERRY Shit, it's too bad Wilma had to stay behind with that old woman we found. That leg of his looks badly broken! Johannes nods his head. PRIEST Wait, what about Elsa? Did you find her? HANS Vhere was she? The priest points to the back of the church. PRIEST There, in the back. In my office. HANS Johannes, you and Gerry check back there. Roland you stay here and help me find a good piece of wood to put a splint on the Father's leg. Johannes and Gerry make their way slowly through the rubble towards the back. PRIEST (Frantic) Hurry, you must see how the baby is! Johannes and Gerry stop. HANS Baby? JOHANNES What baby? PRIEST The one she was about to have when the church was bombed! That is what this blanket is for. Johannes and Gerry exchange looks. JOHANNES Come on! Johannes and Gerry quickly walk around the debris. They come to a doorway at the back, with a heavy wooden door half-hanging off its thick hinges. There is a big hole in the roof above the doorway, with the sky showing through. JOHANNES Here, give me a hand getting rid of this. Johannes puts down the lantern on some of the debris and Gerry starts to help Johannes with the door. GERRY (Shouting) Wait, Don't touch the door! Johannes is startled and almost stumbles onto the door. Gerry picks up the lantern and shines it under the door. GERRY (CONT'D) Take a look! Johannes bends down to look. Johannes' P.O.V., under the doorway there is an unexploded bomb sticking up from a hole in the floor. There is a small gap to the left of it. The door is hanging over the bomb. JOHANNES Wonderful, a fucking bomb! GERRY (Pointing up) Now we know where the hole in the roof came from. GERRY (CONT'D) Now what? Johannes stands up and shines the lantern around the door. JOHANNES (Sighing) Ok, those hinges look pretty strong. They should hold the door. We won't try to move it. and we certainly won't try to move the bomb. Instead…we'll go around it! GERRY What?! Wonderful! CUT TO: INT. STONE CHURCH – NIGHT Johannes is on the other side of the doorway, behind and to the left of bomb. He is kneeling, holding up the lantern. The front of his clothes are covered in dirt. Gerry is slowly crawling through the space between the doorway and the bomb. JOHANNES Ok, so far so good. Just a little bit further. GERRY (Nervous) Shit, I can't believe we're doing this! JOHANNES Hey don't worry. If I made it through ok, you can too. GERRY (Slipping towards the bomb) Shit! JOHANNES (Grabs Gerry) Hold on! Johannes pulls Gerry safely to the other side. Johannes just sits there while Gerry lays next to him, both catching their breath. Gerry rolls over and looks up at Johannes. GERRY (Exhausted) Thanks! Johannes smiles tiredly through the dirt on his face. JOHANNES You're welcome. JOHANNES (Standing up) Come on, let's go. Gerry gets wearily to his feet and he and Johannes enter the church office. CUT TO: INT. CHURCH OFFICE – NIGHT The office roof has partially caved in. There are pieces of wood everywhere. There is a large wooden desk at the back of the room covered in debris. JOHANNES Hello! Elsa? Johannes shines his lantern around the room. Johannes points to the desk. JOHANNES (CONT'D) Let's take a look over at the desk. She may have hid underneath it. GERRY (Nervous) I've got a bad feeling about this. Johannes and Gerry go over to the desk and lift a piece of the roof away from it and take a look. GERRY Oh Jesus! Oh God! Gerry turns away and starts throwing up. Johannes falls to his knees in shock almost dropping the lantern. He just stares in horror. Lying on her back is ELSA, a blond woman about 25-years old. Her eyes are closed. Her abdomen has been split open by a jagged piece of wood which is sticking out off her side. There is a large pool of blood around her. A baby still connected by its umbilical cord is hanging out of the woman. Johannes slowly reaches out to check her pulse and when he touches her, her eyes slowly open. ELSA Oh, hello. How…how is my baby? Johannes just stares for a moment before responding. JOHANNES Ah…he's…um…he's sleeping. Elsa gives a small smile. Her face is very pale. ELSA Yes, sleep…I am so…tired… Elsa's eyes flutter closed and then open. ELSA Yes, I think I will sleep too. Elsa closes her eyes and her head falls to the side as she dies. Johannes kneels there staring at her. Suddenly, the baby starts to move, making little crying noises. Johannes holds the baby, covered in his mother's blood, in his hands. He looks down at it, as tears flow down his cheeks, making tracks through the dirt on his face. CUT TO: INT. HETVELD HOUSE – NIGHT Johannes and Inga are standing still. Slow music quietly plays on the radio. Johannes is holding Inga in his arms as he stares off into space. Tears are rolling down his cheeks. Inga has a hand on Johannes' face and is looking at him with tears in her eyes. INGA Oh Johannes! Johannes…my poor Johannes! Inga starts to kiss the tears rolling down Johannes' cheeks. Gently at first and then with more urgency. INGA (Passionate) Oh Johannes, we have both been through so much! Surrounded by death and destruction, faced with endless sorrow! Let us forget about the War. They both look into each other's eyes. INGA Let us forget about it…tonight it is just you and I! They pause for a moment while they look at each other and suddenly crush their mouths hungrily together. They kiss deeply, as their hands pull at each other's clothing. Lightening flashes and their shadows dance on the wall. FADE: FADE UP: INT. HETVELD HOUSE – MORNING The sun is just starting to rise. Static can be heard coming from the radio. Johannes and Inga are lying under a sheet on the sofa with their arms around each other. Suddenly, classical music plays on the radio. Johannes and Inga stir, open their eyes and look at each other. JOHANNES Hi. Good morning, Inga. Johannes smiles. Inga smiles back. INGA Good morning, Johannes. Suddenly Inga gets a worried look on her face. She looks away for a moment and then back again. INGA Johannes…I just want you to know that this is not something that I do… Johannes puts a finger on her lips. JOHANNES Shhhhh! Inga gives Johannes an uncertain look. Johannes puts a finger under her chin, lifting her face up and looks deeply in her eyes. JOHANNES (CONT'D) Inga? INGA (Nervous) Yes, Johannes? JOHANNES (Softly) I love you. Inga searches Johannes face and then her eyes fill up with tears. INGA Oh Johannes, I love you too! They kiss passionately for a moment. When they stop, tears are rolling down Inga's face. Johannes is watching her, with a gentle smile. JOHANNES Hey, what's with all the tears? Is the thought of being loved by me that bad? Inga slaps Johannes' shoulder playfully. INGA No, dummy! These are tears of happiness! JOHANNES Ohhhhhhhh! They both look at each other and smile. Inga sniffles, wipes her nose, and cuddles closer into Johannes. JOHANNES So, what do you think? INGA I think it wonderful! It is incredible to think that two people from different countries, different cultures, could meet like this and fall in love. JOHANNES Yeah, love's like that sometimes. When you're not looking for it… where you least expect it… it finds you. Inga arches an eyebrow. INGA Why Mr. Vink, I do believe you are a romantic! JOHANNES (Quietly Laughing) Opps, you found me out! Inga gives Johannes a kiss. INGA Well, that is fine. I love that about you! They both smile, pause and look into each other's eyes. Suddenly, there is a knocking at the door. INGA Scheisse, I wonder who that could be? VOICE (Knocking) Herr Doktor? I am from the Camp! JOHANNES (Nervous) Shit! Quick, grab your clothes and go into the bathroom. I'll go and answer the door. Inga quickly gathers her clothes and hurries into the bathroom. Johannes quickly puts on his pants and walks to the door. VOICE (Knocking Harder) Herr Doktor? Are you ok? JOHANNES (Opens Door) Sorry, we were still asleep. CAMP GUARD (Pushes past Johannes) Where is herr Hetveld? DR. HETVELD (Walking Down Stairs) I am here. You are early. CAMP GUARD Ja, Vink is needed at the Factory right away. JOHANNES Ah…well, let me get stuff together and we can go. Johannes gets dressed and comes into the kitchen. While he puts his coat and shoes on, he keeps glancing over towards the bathroom. JOHANNES Well, thanks Doctor Hetveld for your hospitality. DR. HETVELD My pleasure. Thank you for fixing the radio. JOHANNES Your welcome. CAMP GUARD (Impatient) Come Vink, we must go! JOHANNES (Glancing towards the bathroom) Well, please say goodbye to your daughter for me. DR. HETVELD I'll be sure to do so. Johannes and the guard leave. INGA (Walking Out of Bathroom) What's going on? Where is Johannes? DR. HETVELD Gut morgen, liebchen. Apparently Johannes is needed at the factory. INGA (Disappointed) Oh. Pity. FADE: FADE UP: EXT. BACK GARDEN HETVELD HOUSE – AFTERNOON TWO MONTHS LATER Johannes is digging in the garden. Inga appears with a pitcher of water walking towards him. Johannes turns around and stops when he hears her. JOAHNNES Hey a drink of water, that's great! Sure could use some! INGA Anything else you can use? JOHANNES (Longingly) Yes, a long drink from those lips. Johannes and Inga kiss passionately. INGA So, feel better? JOHANNES Mmmh, always! INGA Uh huh. I bet you say that to all the girls. JOHANNES Nah, just the ones I kiss. Inga slaps him on the shoulder. INGA I better be the only one you are kissing! JOHANNES Speaking of which, how about another kiss? Johannes reaches for her, but she quickly steps away. INGA Ah, ah, down boy! She pours Johannes a glass of water and gives it to him. INGA Here, you need to cool down. JOHANNES Well, it has been two months, you know. INGA I know sweetheart, it's been almost impossible to try and arrange for us to be alone what with… Johannes puts a finger on Inga's lips. JOHANNES It's ok, I was only teasing. Well, mostly. INGA I do wish we could be alone again. JOHANNES I know. Johannes puts an arm around Inga and they kiss. JOHANNES Whew, really need that water! Johannes takes a long drink of water. JOHANNES (CONT'D) So, I guess you heard the rumours about there being Jews at the camp? INGA Yes, but how did they get started? JOHANNES Well a week ago, one of the guards walked in on us while we were showering and saw… (pointing to his groin) you know, that some were circumcised. INGA Oh my! Yes that would be hard to hide! JOHANNES Yeah, even though not everyone who is circumcised is Jewish, it raised a lot of suspicions of course. INGA Knowing Shultz, I can imagine. JOHANNES I'm getting worried. Schultz has been getting the guards to question all the prisoners about, "the Jewish problem" in the camp. Sooner or later, someone will slip-up and say something. INGA Besides Gerry, how many do you think there are? JOHANNES Well, that's the good news. There's probably only 4 or 5 in total, so that helps keep it quiet. INGA Yes, that is true, but the Nazis can still find out. JOHANNES Yeah, that's the thing. And when they do… INGA Yes, but what can be done about it? They can not just walk away. JOHANNES (Sighing) Damn, there's got to be something we can do! Wait a second, walk away, yeah sure, why not…it just might work! INGA Johannes what are you talking about? JOHANNES Just an idea, but give me a little time to think on it and I'll tell you all about it and see what you think. INGA (Shrugs Her Shoulders) Sure. JOHANNES (Looking at his Watch) The guard will be here shortly. Johannes and Inga are quiet for a moment. Johannes looks over at Inga. JOHANNES It was a wonderful night, wasn't it? INGA Yes, yes it was. Dr. Hetveld walks out from the house. DR. HETVELD Johannes, the Camp just called. A guard is on his way. Dr. Hetveld watches them both as Johannes and Inga shake hands and say goodbye. DR. HETVELD I'll walk you out. Johannes opens the garden gate, and he and DR. HETVELD leave. CUT TO: EXT. FRONT OF HETVELD HOUSE – AFTERNOON Johannes and Dr. Hetveld are waiting out front. Both are quiet. JOHANNES Dr. Hetveld, regarding your daughter, I think that I'd better say… Dr. Hetveld raises a hand cutting Johannes off. DR. HETVELD Johannes, it is ok. You do not have to say anything. It is obvious there is Something between my daughter and you. I have learnt she is strong woman and her own person. Much like her mother. You seem like a good young man and the War has been hard on you both. DR. HETVELD (CONT'D) (Sighing) The War has been hard on our entire family. You see, my wife was with the Trade Unionists that opposed the Nazis. And when the Nazis took power and began to eliminate the opposition, she and many others fled to Czechoslovakia to continue the fight. She…she was killed over a year ago. Dr. Hetveld takes out a handkerchief and begins to clean his glasses. DR. HETVELD (CONT'D) So,as you can imagine, I have no love for the Nazis. JOHANNES Yes sir, I can understand. DR. HETVELD Well, there is something else you need to understand. Inga is the most important thing to me. And while as a doctor, I took an oath to preserve life, if I ever thought someone was doing something to harm Inga's safety, I would do anything, anything, to protect her. Dr. Hetveld puts his glasses back on and gives Johannes a steely look. DR. HETVELD Just be careful, that is all I am saying. Be very careful, understand? JOHANNES Understand. You can count on it. DR. HETVELD Good, I knew I could. A CAMP GUARD is walking towards them. DR. HETVELD (Holding out his hand) Well Johannes, this is where I must leave you. GUARD Come on Vink. You must get back to the Camp! JOHANNES Goodbye Sir. DR. HETVELD Goodbye Johannes. FADE: FADE UP: EXT. PEOPLES CAMP – MORNING It's early morning and there is a mist. The prisoners are walking along the road to the factory. Johannes, Roland, Gerry and three other Jews are walking at the back of the group along the side of the road. The guards are further up in the group. Johannes turns to Gerry and whispers. JOHANNES (Anxious) Ok, this is a good time. Having that mist is perfect. Just be quiet when you slip off into the woods. Remember, once you're in there for five minutes or so, then start running like hell. You should be in there far enough, so they won't hear you. GERRY (Gerry nods his head.) Johannes, are you sure you and Roland won't change your mind and come with us? JOHANNES No, better not. It will be safer if it's just a small group that escapes, then there's a better chance that they won't notice until later. GERRY (Nervous) Ok, but Schultz will probably make it pretty hard on you. I don't think he's going to believe you didn't know anything about this. JOHANNES Well, let me worry about that. Besides, if a bunch of us go, Schultz, might go crazy and call in the Gestapo. And that's the last thing you ` need! GERRY Guess you're right. Well, this is it then. Johannes and Gerry stare at each other for a moment. JOHANNES Yeah, I guess it is. GERRY Johannes, I just want you to know… JOHANNES (Puts a hand on Gerry) It's ok, I know. Johannes and Gerry hug awkwardly. JOHANNES (CONT'D) Now, get the hell out of here! Gerry smiles nervously, turns to Roland and nods his head. Roland smiles and nods his head back at Gerry. Gerry motions to the three Jews in front of him. Everyone is very tense. One-by-one, the four of them quietly roll off down the side of the road into the ditch. As the rest of the prisoners walk on past, the Jews get up and slowly make their way into the woods. However, one of the Jews slips and accidentally breaks a branch. Suddenly, Kruger and DIETER, the other guard, come running over. KRUGER Hey, what was that? Johannes and some of the rest of the prisoners try to screen the guard's view, but Kruger and Dieter push through them. Kruger looks down and sees the Jew just making his way into the woods. He turns to Dieter and points to the woods. KRUGER Stop him! Kruger takes out his pistol from the holster. DIETER You there! Halt or I will shoot! The Jew tries to run, but the trees are too thick. Dieter raises his rifle, Kruger his pistol and they both shoot. The Jew falls to the ground. The other Jews are now panicking, running through an open field just on the other side of the trees. KRUGER (Pointing) There in the field! Shoot! Dieter raises his rifle and gets a shot off, killing one of the Jews, before Johannes jumps him from behind. JOHANNES No! Johannes and Dieter struggle for the rifle, before Kruger hits Johannes over the head with his pistol. Kruger points his gun at Johannes who is lying unconscious on the ground. ROLAND Johannes, look out! Roland runs over and jumps in between Kruger and Johannes. And a gun shot rings out. CUT TO: INT. PEOPLES CAMP HOSPITAL – A WEEK LATER. Johannes is lying in a room by himself, sleeping. His head has a bandage on it. Suddenly, the door opens and Kruger and Inga walk in arguing. Kruger Ok doktor, it has been a veek now, surely he must be better. INGA Better for what, so that you can shoot him, like you did Roland?! I do not make people better so they can be killed! Kruger That is Vink's problem! He should have thought about that before he helped those Jewish pigs escape! Johannes opens his eyes and looks over at Inga and Kruger. JOHANNES Preparing for my escape, Kruger? KRUGER If I were you Vink, I would not be making jokes! Kruger turns to Inga. KRUGER The guard for your room has left sick. But no matter I will be back shortly. I am off to the Commandant's office to let him know that Vink is feeling much better! Kruger storms out of the room. Inga quickly rushes over to Johannes, who throws off the blankets. He is fully dressed. INGA Are you ready? JOHANNES Yeah, good thing you could get me these clothes yesterday. INGA (Nervous) Yes, now you must hurry my love! Kruger will be back shortly. Here. Inga reaches into her doctor's bag and takes out a smaller cloth bag and gives it to Johannes. INGA This has money, a map, and directions for the tram to the train station. What will you do once you get there? JOHANNES Not sure, maybe try to hide out in the bathroom or baggage car. We'll see. INGA Be careful climbing down the tree outside the window. JOHANNES Yeah, the guards didn't think about that! So much for the "Master Race"! Johannes smiles and Inga gives a weak smile back. She pauses and then throws her arms around Johannes and puts her head on his shoulder. Johannes holds her close. JOHANNES What the…? Johannes ducks behind the door, just before it opens. DR. HETVELD (Looking Around) Where is Vink? INGA Papa? What are you doing here?! DR. HETVELD (Grabs Inga by the shoulders) I know you're up to something, now where is he?! INGA (Nervous) Papa, I don't know what you're... Johannes picks up a metal, medical chart and hits Dr. Hetveld against the back of the head. Johannes catches him as he falls. INGA (CONT'D) Papa! Johannes what are you… JOHANNES Quick, shut the door! Inga hesitates and then shuts the door. She comes over and checks on her father. INGA (Relieved) He's ok. JOHANNES (Grabbing at Dr. Hetveld's clothes) Help me with his belt and jacket. Inga again hesitates, unsure of what to do. JOHANNES Inga, I know he's your father, but we need to make sure he stays tied-up for a while. Darling it's the only way, otherwise, it's been all for nothing! Inga snaps out of her indecision. INGA Yes, of course. They get Dr. Hetveld's jacket and belt off. Using the jacket, Johannes ties the Doctor's hands to one of the beds. He takes out the Doctor's handkerchief and ties it around his mouth. Johannes then ties the belt around the Doctor's ankles as Inga watches on. Inga touches her father's face. INGA (Softly) Sorry Papa. Inga struggles with emotion. Suddenly, she throws her arms around Johannes. INGA (Almost Panicking) Oh Darling, I am so worried about you! Johannes puts a finger under her chin and raises her head up to look at him. JOHANNES (Gently) It'll be ok Angel. I didn't go through all of this to get shot by some Nazis. I've got your love to protect me. Johannes and Inga kiss passionately for a short moment and then stand apart. JOHANNES (Hesitating) I hate this part. INGA (Trying to Reassure) I know. It's ok. (gives A weak smile) It is the only way. Inga gives Johannes the metal medical chart. JOHANNES What about the sock with the coins that is in the bag? INGA (Shrugs) It doesn't make any difference. JOHANNES Alright… turn around. Inga turns her back to Johannes. Johannes grits his teeth and hits Inga on the head with the chart. He catches her before she falls to the floor. Johannes lays here gently down on the floor and checks her pulse on her neck to make sure she is ok. Johannes bends over and kisses her. He wipes the tears from his eyes. JOHANNES (Softly) Goodbye Angel. Johannes goes to the open window, looks carefully around, climbs through it and then is gone. FADE: FADE UP: INT. TRAM CAR - MORNING Johannes is standing at the back of a crowded tram filled mostly with woman and old men. Keeping his head down, he glances nervously around. Suddenly the driver calls out. CONDUCTOR Halt Bahnhof! Halt Bahnhof! Johannes makes his way to the exit and leaves the train. He walks to the station and carefully looks around. There are two soldiers standing outside smoking. Johannes walks past them. He looks back and sees them walking away. Johannes goes into the washroom and checks to make sure it's empty. He then quickly takes off his jacket and folds it up. He takes out a piece of rope from the cloth bag that Inga gave him and ties his jacket up. Johannes goes to one of the sinks, splashes some water on his face and takes a deep breath. He dries his face on the sleeve of his shirt and then picks up the jacket and bag and leaves. CUT TO: INT. TRAIN STATION – MORNING Johannes is standing in line waiting while the man in front of him buys a ticket. It's then Johannes' turn. JOHANNES Bremerhefen. TICKETCLERK Funf Mark. Johannes pays for the ticket and then goes outside to the waiting train. CUT TO: INT. TRAIN – AFTERNOON Johannes is nervously walking through the train cars as it travels through the countryside. Suddenly, Johannes stops and sees a German army Colonel, VON ELFSMAN, sitting alone in a compartment, staring at a chessboard. Johannes pauses to collect himself and then enters the compartment. JOHANNES Looks like an interesting game. Von Elfsman looks up. VON ELFSMAN It would be a lot more interesting if I had someone to play against. Do you know how to play? JOHANNES I've played some. VON ELFSMAN Gut! Please join me. Von Elfsman offers his hand to Johannes. He shakes it. VON ELFSMAN (Offers his hand) Colonel Von Elfsman. JOHANNES (Shakes Colonel's hand) Johannes Vink. VON ELFSMAN Ah, Vink. A good solid Dutch name. Now, let us see if you are a good solid player as well! Von Elfsman sets the chess pieces back in place on the board and he and Johannes begin playing. FADE: FADE UP: INT. TRAIN CAR – AFTERNOON Johannes and Von Elfsman are staring at the chessboard as they are in the middle of a game. VON ELFSMAN Ok Vink, you may have won the first game, but this is my game. Suddenly, a SOLDIER comes around checking papers. He comes to Johannes' compartment. The soldier salutes Von Elfsman. The Colonel gives the soldier a half salute as he is concentrating on the chessboard. Johannes panics, starts to rise and then quickly sits back down. Von Elfsman moves one of his men on the board. VON ELFSMAN There! Let us see vhat you can do vith that! The soldier turns to Johannes. SOLDIER Papers, bitte. Johannes tries to calm himself and then looks up from the chessboard. JOHANNES (Nervous) What? Oh yes, just a moment. Johannes reaches into his bag, pretending like he is looking for his papers. Panic is rising up in him. Von Elfsman is waiting for Johannes to move. VON ELFSMAN (Impatient to soldier) Can you not see we are in the middle of a game here? Go bother someone else! SOLDIER (Saluting) Jawohl, Herr Colonel! The Colonel gives the soldier another half salute and the soldier leaves. VON ELFSMAN Your move, I believe. Johannes nods his head and returns to looking at the chessboard. JOHANNES (Getting up) Sorry…if you don't mind…not feeling too well… CUT TO: Johannes walking quickly down the corridor. He sees the bathroom. He turns the doorknob to enter, but it's occupied. Suddenly, the door between the train cars opens and TWO SOLDIERS enter talking to each other. They move towards Johannes. Johannes presses anxiously against the bathroom door as they approach. But they just pass him by and as they do, the door to the bathroom opens. Johannes turns quickly. An OLD MAN moves out as Johannes moves in, pulling the door shut behind him. CUT TO: Johannes lifts the toilet lid, leans forward and throw-up. He's breathing very hard. He flushes the toilet and turns the tap on, splashing water on his face and rises out his mouth. He raises his head and catches a glimpse of himself in the mirror. He looks very haggard. He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. Johannes steels himself, opens the door and leaves. CUT TO: INT. TRAIN CAR – AFTERNOON Von Elfsman is sitting looking at the chessboard. Johannes enters the compartment. VON ELFSMAN (Looking-up) Feel better? JOHANNES (Sitting down) Ah…yes, thank you. Have been under the weather for the last few days. VON ELFSMAN (Looking down at the chess board) Your stay in Germany has not been too pleasant, hmmm? JOHANNES Um…yes, something like that. FADE: FADE UP: INT. TRAM CAR – LATE AFTERNOON Johannes and Von Elfsman are still playing chess. Von Elfsman is bent over the chessboard in deep concentration. Suddenly, he smiles and moves one of his chess pieces. VON ELFSMAN That I believe, is checkmate. Johannes looks at the board closely. JOHANNES Yes, so it is. VON ELFSMAN So, that is three games to two for me! You are indeed a solid player. JOHANNES Not so bad yourself. VON ELFSMAN (Smiling) Yes, I know! Suddenly the train starts to slow down. VON ELFSMAN (CONT'D) Ah, looks like we are coming into the station. This is where I get off. Johannes Actually, me too. I have relatives here. Von Elfsman looks at Johannes for a moment. VON ELFSMAN Indeed? Awkward silence, then the train comes to a stop, with a "woosh" of steam. VON ELFSMAN (CONT'D) Yes well, we are here. Better get my things together. Von Elfsman reaches over and picks-up a small suitcase, opens it, and puts the chess game in it. JOHANNES (Gathers up the chess pieces) Here's you go. Von Elfsman takes them from Johannes and puts them away also. VON ELFSMAN Thank you. Von Elfsman leans over and looks around through the glass down the corridor. Men and some women are starting to leave. VON ELFSMAN (CONT'D) Let me know if you see some of the train staff. I need assistance with my luggage. JOHANNES (Anxious) Well, you don't have to wait for them. I can give you a hand if you'd like? VON ELFSMAN Ja? That would be gut. Von Elfsman stands up with the small suitcase in his hand. Johannes reaches over, picks-up a bigger one, and has his jacket and cloth bag in the other hand. JOHANNES Lead on. Von Elfsman walks slowly, making his way off the train with Johannes close behind him. When they get off, Johannes and Von Elfsman walk through the swirling crowd of people around them. Johannes looks carefully around. Suddenly, he sees TWO SOLDIERS in front of them stopping civilians and checking papers. As they get close, Johannes engages Von Elfsman in conversation. JOHANNES That was a great move you made in the last game. Have you been playing chess long? The soldiers look at Johannes, but let him go by when they see him talking with a German officer. VON ELFSMAN Ja, ever since I vas a young boy. I liked the challenge in it. JOHANNES Yes, helps sharpen the mind. VON ELFSMAN Ja, indeed. They walk on for a few moments and then Von Elfsman stops. They are out in front of the station. VON ELFSMAN Well, this is it for me. A driver should be here shortly. Can I drop you off somewhere? JOHANNES (Nervous) Ah…no, thanks though. My relatives are meeting me a little later at a cafe around the corner. VON ELFSMAN Well, it was pleasure. I enjoyed our chess match. Von Elfsman offers his hand to Johannes. Johannes shakes it. JOHANNES Yes, I enjoyed it as well. Johannes turns away and starts walking away. VON ELFSMAN Oh, and Vink! Johannes stops and turns around. JOHANNES Yes? Von Elfsman pauses for a moment and looks at Johannes. VON ELFSMAN I hope you have a safe journey. Johannes returns the look. JOHANNES (Uncertain) Ah…yeah, thanks. You too. Von Elfsman nods his head. Johannes turns away and continues on walking down the road, away from the station. FADE: FADE UP: EXT. NEAR GERMAN/DUTCH BORDER – NIGHT, 1943 Johannes is crouched down behind some trees at the edge of a road. Further down the road is a Nazi check-point and on the other side is Holland. A hay wagon makes it way down the road driven by MIRIAM DE VRIES, a dark- haired woman in her early thirties and her son PIETER, a young teenager with blond hair. Johannes quickly climbs onto the back of the wagon as it passes him and he hides in the hay. The wagon must stop at the check-point. There are TWO GUARDS at the gate. One of them walks over to the wagon. GERMAN GUARD Papers bitte. Miriam hands her papers to the guard who looks at them at then at Miriam and her son. He pauses for a moment and then nods his head and gives her back the papers. GERMAN GUARD Ok, go. Miriam starts to drive away. GERMAN GUARD Halt! The guard walks over and takes the pitch-fork from the side of the wagon. He starts walking around the wagon and randomly stabbing at it. The last time when the guard sticks the fork into the hay, he injuries Johannes, but Johannes manages not to cry out. The guard tosses the pitch-fork back into the hay without looking at it. GERMAN GUARD Ok, now go. Miriam and her son drive down the road. FADE: FADE UP: EXT. DE VRIES FARM – NIGHT, 1943 Miriam and her son arrive back at their farm. They stop the wagon, climb down and both go into the barn. Johannes slowly climbs down from the wagon, holding his side as blood trickles between his fingers. He takes a few steps forward and then collapses. Miriam comes back out of the barn carrying a lantern. As she approaches the wagon, she notices something near the wagon and holds the lantern higher to see what it is. She realizes that it is a person and hurries over to where Johannes is lying on the ground. She sees the blood on Johannes' side. MIRIAM (Shouting) Pieter! Come quickly! Pieter comes out of the barn. PIETER Ja, what is it? MIRIAM Over here! Pieter rushes over. MIRIAM Help me lift him up and take him into the house. PIETER But Mama, you don't even know who he is! MIRIAM Maybe not, but I do know he needs help right away! Now come on! Miriam and Pieter put a arm under each of Johannes' shoulders and they lift him up and take him towards the house. FADE: FADE UP: INT. DE VRIES FARM – LATE MORNING, ONE WEEK LATER Johannes is lying asleep in bed. Suddenly the door to his room opens and Miriam enters carrying a bowl of soup. She places it on the nightstand next to the bed and goes to the window and opens the curtains letting the sunshine in. Johannes opens his eyes and looks up at Miriam. MIRIAM Goedemorgen. JOHANNES Goedemorgen. MIRIAM Are you hungry? I have some soup for you. JOAHNNES Um…yes. Could definitely use some food. Johannes sits up in bed and Miriam hands him the bowl of soup. Johannes has bandages on his left side. He starts to eat the soup. MIRIAM So how do you feel this morning? JOHANNES Fine. Couple more days and I should be ready to travel. MIRIAM Yes, you seem to be healing well. (pausing) I thought over situation and I contacted someone I know from the Resistance. They recognized your code name. She will be here in a half-an-hour, so you can then make arrangements with her to get back home. JOHANNES (Relived) Great, thank you! I'll just finish my soup and get dressed. MIRIAM In the meantime, I have work to do in the barn. Think you can manage by yourself? JOHANNES Oh, no problem. You go ahead. MIRIAM Back shortly. Miriam walks out of the room. FADE: FADE UP: INT. DE VRIES FARM – MORNING Johannes is sitting at the table in the kitchen drinking tea, when suddenly the door opens. Miriam enters along with another woman, MARIE. Marie is short, in her middle forties and with dark hair. She is very serious and doesn't seem to have much humor. MIRIAM Johannes, this is Marie. Johannes stands up and shakes hands with Marie. MARIE Goedemiddag. JOHANNES (Anxious) Goedemiddag. MARIE So Johannes, first I want to let you know that your friend Gerry is ok. He managed to make it back across into the Netherlands and a priest was able to contact us. JOHANNES (Relieved) Oh, fantastic! Where is he now? MARIE He's at a safe house up north. Now, I've heard something from Miriam about your experience in Germany, but why don't you tell me yourself what happened. JOHANNES (Impatient) Sure, but there is something I wanted to discuss that is... MARIE Yes, we can get to that, but First, please tell me what Happened. JOHANNES (Sighing) Ok. Well, it started several months ago while Gerry and I were out looking for food… FADE: FADE UP: INT. DE VRIES FARM – LATE AFTERNOON Johannes, Miriam, and Marie are sitting at the kitchen table. JOHANNES So, that's when Miriam and her son found me and took me into the house. MARIE Well, you have certainly had quite an experience. You are a lucky man to have survived it. JOHANNES Yes, don't I know it. MARIE I appreciate you telling me what happened and answering my questions. That was a lot of talking you did, I am sure you must be tired. JOHANNES A little bit, but… MARIE Well, get some rest and I will be back early tomorrow morning with details on how we can get you home to Utrecht. JOHANNES (Impatient) Actually, that's not where I want to go. That's what I wanted to talk to you about! Where I want to go is back to Luebeck, back to get Inga! MIRIAM Johannes, no! MARIE Johannes, you can not be serious. You were lucky the first time, to go back again is almost certain suicide! JOHANNES I know it's risky, but I have to do it! MIRIAM (Hesitating) Johannes, I hate to say it, but you don't even know if she is still alive. MARIE Yes, Johannes. Why don't you let me first see what I can find out? Johannes pauses for a few seconds, fighting various emotions. JOHANNES (Sighing) Ok. Ok. How long do you think it will take? MARIE Well, it could take up to a week. JOHANNES Alright...a week it is. But after that, I want to go, whether you've heard something or not. Marie and Johannes stare at each other for a couple of seconds. MARIE Ok, understood. MIRIAM And if she is alive? What can the Resistance do to help him? MARIE (Hesitating) Actually, nothing. Johannes stands-up from the table. JOHANNES (Standing up from table) Nothing! What do you mean nothing? MARIE (Loses patience) Johannes, you have to remember the Resistance is set-up to fight Germans in the Netherlands, not to try and rescue them in Germany! JOHANNES I know damn it, but she helped a Dutch citizen escape back to the Netherlands, that's got be worth something! Marie and Johannes stare at each other as the seconds tick off. MARIE (Sighing) Ok, I'll see what I can do. But no promises! They might just tell me that I'm crazy for even asking. JOHANNES That's ok, we can be crazy together! Marie and Johannes both smile and Marie shakes her head. JOHANNES(Cont'd) Anyway, see what they come back with. Marie nods her head. MARIE Agreed. I'll be back to you within a week. All three of them stand up and Johannes shakes hands with Marie. JOHANNES Great, until then. MARIE Until then. Mariam shows Marie to the door and she leaves. Mariam turns to Johannes. MARIAM Do you really think they will help? JOHANNES They've got to...they've just got to! FADE: FADE UP: INT. DE VRIES FARM – SIX DAYS LATER Johannes is pacing the floor in the kitchen. Suddenly the door opens and Pieter walks in. PIETER They are here! JOHANNES Thank God, finally! The door opens and Miriam and Marie walk in. Marie takes her coat off and she then shakes hands with Johannes and they all sit down at the table, except Hans who goes outside. Johannes is very tense. JOHANNES So, what did you find out? MARIE Well, the good news is that she is still alive. JOHANNES Thank God! So... what's the bad news? MARIE She is still allowed to treat patients, but she being held prisoner at the camp. The only thing that kept her from being shot was that you had hit her over the head and knocked her out. However, the Nazis are very suspicious of her. JOHANNES (Anxious) And the Resistance? MARIE Yes, we will help. Johannes throws his arms around Marie and gives her a quick hug. JOHANNES Marie, that's fantastic! MARIE Well, do not get too excited. There is still a lot of details that have to be worked out. JOHANNES (Relieved) I know, I know, but at least things are moving forward! MARIE Yes, that is true. Ok, I will be back in 3 days to discuss the plan. We should know most of it by then. Johannes, Marie, and Miriam stand-up. Johannes shakes hands with Marie. JOHANNES Great, well if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go wash-up for dinner. See you in 3 days! MARIE Yes, three days it is. Johannes walks out and closes the door. MIRIAM He must really love her. Marie's face softens and she looks towards the door. MARIE Yes, he really must. FADE: FADE UP: INT. DE VRIES FARM – THREE DAYS LATER Johannes and Marie are sitting around the kitchen table looking at maps. Miriam is standing next to the table pouring them coffee. MARIE I'll leave you alone so you can talk. JOHANNES (Raises his cup to Miriam) Thanks Miriam. Great coffee. Miriam smiles and leaves the room. The atmosphere turns quickly serious. Marie points to a place on one of the maps. MARIE So here is where we will enter Germany crossing over this river. JOHANNES (Tense) What about soldiers? MARIE There is only a small guard station nearby further down the river. We will go across after sunset, an hour before the changing of the guards. They will be tired then and not so observant. JOHANNES (Nods his head) Sounds good. And the German Resistance? MARIE Our German counterparts will meet us and we will then travel through the forest that runs mostly between the border and Leubeck. Marie follows with her finger along the forest shown on the map. JOHANNES Yes, but how long will that take? MARIE After we leave tomorrow, in total, about a week. JOHANNES A week? Shit, is there not a quicker way? MARIE Yes, but not a safer way. Better to invest a little time to better ensure success, yes? Johannes stands up and goes to the kitchen window and looks out. He runs his hand through his hair and sighs. JOHANNES Ok, another week it is! Marie goes to Johannes, places a hand gently on his shoulder and looks up at him. MARIE Have faith Johannes, we are doing all that we can. Johannes gives her a small, sad smile and looks back out the window. JOHANNES I know. It's just…well… I love her so much. Marie looks away, turns back and gives a small, sad smile of her own. MARIE I know. I know. CUT TO: Pieter is outside, listening at the door. PIETER (Gives a small evil smile) Yes, and now I know! FADE: FADE UP: INT. BARN, DE VRIES FARM – EARLY MORNING Miriam is feeding the horses. She is pitch-forking hay in quick, angry movements. MIRIAM That boy! This is the last time! Suddenly Pieter rushes into the barn and stops when he sees his mother. Miriam throws down the pitchfork when she sees him. MIRIAM (Angry) Where have you been?! I've been out here for over an hour doing ` your work! I swear Pieter, lately you've been so irresponsible! I mean this has really… PIETER Oh, do shut up! MIRIAM (Shocked) What…what did you say? PIETER (Coldly calm) I said, shut up. MIRIAM (Unsure) Pieter what is wrong with you? Lately with the way you've been acting, I don't know you anymore! PIETER (Sarcastically) No? Well, allow me to introduce myself. Pieter De Vries, honorary member of the German Gestapo! MIRIAM (Stunned) What…how…what do you mean Gestapo? PIETER Come now Mother, did you really think I wanted to be just a farmer? No, I've learned there is much more out there for me! Miriam, just stares at Pieter trying to collect herself. PIETER(CONT'D) Yes, I've learnt so much from Otto. MIRIAM (Confused) Otto? Who is Otto? PIETER Major Otto Von Baron of the Gestapo.(pauses for effect) And my lover. Miriam bends over like she had been punched in the stomach. MIRIAM Oh my God, my God! She puts a hand to her mouth and stares at Pieter. MIRIAM (CONT'D) Oh my God! But Pieter, the Nazis…they're so cruel! How Could you?! PIETER Poor Mother, you always were so soft. Too soft! This is a hard world and it takes hard people to rule it. And rule it we shall, starting with your little friends from the Resistance. MIRIAM What do you mean? My God what Have you done?! PIETER Nothing…yet! But when Otto returns tomorrow…well, I'm sure he'll find it all very interesting. MIRIAM (Suddenly, becoming very angry) You bastard! You monster! Miriam slaps Pieter very hard, knocking him to the ground. Pieter looks up at his mother in shock. MIRIAM (CONT'D) (Takes a step towards Pieter) You are not my son anymore! Go! Leave here! Pieter is unsure. He puts a hand to his mouth and sees blood. For the first time, his confidence wavers. He jumps up nervously and backs away from Miriam as she takes a step towards him. MIRIAM (CONT'D) (Shaking with emotion) Go on! Go back to your Nazis pig! PIETER (Starts to run) You'll be sorry! You'll all be sorry! FADE: FADE UP: INT. DE VRIES FARM – NIGHT Johannes is sitting at the kitchen table reading. The door opens and Miriam stumbles in. She is emotionally exhausted. JOHANNES (Stands up and walks over to Miriam) Miriam, what is it? What's wrong? Miriam just stares at Johannes for a moment and then bursts into tears. Johannes puts his arms around her. MIRIAM (Sobbing) Oh Johannes, it's so terrible! JOHANNES What is? What happened? MIRIAM (Wipes her eyes) It's Pieter, he's…he's involved with a Nazis Major! JOHANNES What? What do you mean, involved? Miriam just stares at Johannes, after a couple of seconds, understanding dawns on Johannes. JOHANNES (Shocked) You mean he and the Major…? Miriam just nods her head, tears streaming down her face, afraid to answer, horrified by it all. JOHANNES Jesus! Oh Miriam, I'm so sorry! Johannes holds Miriam close as she cries. She suddenly steps back from Johannes. MIRIAM (Panicking) You have to leave…we all have to leave! Pieter…the Major… JOHANNES (Calmly) Miriam, calm down. What about Pieter and the Major? MIRIAM He's gone to tell him! We only have until tomorrow…the Major is back tomorrow! JOHANNES Shit! Should have known! Ok, we've got to get in touch with Marie. MIRIAM I'll take you there. I know Where she lives. JOHANNES Let me grab my jacket and we can go! FADE: FADE UP: EXT. DUTCH/GERMAN BORDER – TWO NIGHTS LATER Marie and Johannes are lying on their stomachs on the riverbank looking down on the river. They are both dressed in Black. Suddenly, Johannes points. JOHANNES There! MARIE Yes, that's them. On the river, a black rubber dingy with TWO PEOPLE on it can be seen half-way across the river. MARIE Ok, let us get the knapsacks and go down and meet them. Johannes and Marie stand-up and bend over to get the knapsacks, when suddenly two men step out of the forest. HELMUT is in his fifties, tall, thin and bald. FRITZ is around the same age, but short and fat. Both have rifles, which they point at Johannes and Marie. FRITZ Stay right there and do not move! Johannes and Marie slowly straighten up and glance at each other. JOHANNES (Mumbles to himself) We elude soldiers, only to get caught by hunters. Wonderful! FRITZ What did you say? JOHANNES (Sighing frustratingly) Oh, nothing. FRITZ Good! Keep it that way! FRITZ (CONT'D) So you see Helmut, there is good hunting on the Dutch side of the river! HELMUT Ja, I see that! Johannes sees out of the corner of his eye, that the TWO GERMANS FROM THE UNDERGROUND have made it onto the riverbank below. One is GÜNTER, a tall, blond man and the other is LUDWIG, who is short with dark hair. Johannes moves slowly to his left to try and distract the two German hunters. JOHANNES Listen gentlemen, what's with the guns? We're just… Fritz steps towards Johannes and knocks him down with the end of his rifle. FRITZ Silence! You will not speak! Fritz notices movement and looks down below on the riverbank. FRITZ (CONT'D) Wat ist das? So, you have friends, eh? First I deal with you! Fritz raises his rifle to shoot Johannes and Marie leaps in front of Johannes. MARIE No! Johannes! Marie is shot and falls to the ground. JOHANNES Marie! Fritz is shot by Ludwig from the German Underground. Helmut shoots Ludwig and is in turn, shot by Günter. In a few seconds it is all over. Günter quickly climbs up the riverbank to find Johannes holding a dying Marie in his arms. Günter first checks the two German hunters to make sure they're dead and then kneels in front of Johannes. JOHANNES (Shocked) Oh, Marie what have you done?! Marie's eyes flutter open and she looks up at Johannes. MARIE It's ok…go to her and bring her back…be happy Johannes… Marie's eyes glaze over and her head falls to the side. JOHANNES (Tears trickle down Johannes' cheeks.) No! Oh God no! Günter places a hand on Johannes' shoulder and with the other hand, gently closes Marie's eyes. GÜNTER (Softly) No more worries. Günter looks at Johannes. GÜNTER Johannes, we must be going. Johannes looks up at him. GÜNTER (More forceful) Come, the shots will have been heard! Johannes softly kisses Marie's forehead and places her gently on the ground. Johannes wipes his face with his hand and gets to his feet. JOHANNES Yes, we must be going. With his hand on Johannes, Günter guides Johannes down the riverbank, past the body of Otto and into the dingy. Günter pushes it out into the water, climbs in and starts to paddle. Johannes just sits and stares towards the riverbank, as the dingy makes it way across the river. FADE: FADE UP: EXT. GERMAN FOREST – MORNING Johannes and Günter, travel through the forest coming to the top of a cliff, twenty meters high, overlooking a river. There is a small wooden bridge that is half destroyed by airplane machinegun fire. GÜNTER (Kicks one of the posts of the bridge.) Shit! That was the only way across! JOHANNES What's it like further down the river? GÜNTER The water is rough. There are rapids there. JOHANNES (Frustrated) Shit! To come this far and now a dead-end! Günter is quiet for a moment. He looks around and then looks over the edge of the cliff. GÜNTER Hmmm, maybe not. I have an idea. The river is most still here, ja? JOHANNES If you say so, but what does that…oh, no! You are not thinking what I think you are thinking? GÜNTER (Shrugging his shoulders) Sure why not? We can jump into the river and swim across. Johannes looks over the edge of the cliff and shakes his head. JOHANNES (Runs his hand through his hair.) This is crazy! GÜNTER Ja, and you are crazy in love, remember? Come on, we can't give-up now! Johannes pauses to think and then gets a determined look on his face. JOHANNES Ok, let's do it! Johannes and Günter go to the edge of the cliff. JOHANNES And Günter…thanks! Günter smiles and he and Johannes both leap off the cliff yelling. FADE: FADE UP: EXT. GERMAN FOREST – AFTERNOON Johannes and Günter are walking along. Their clothes still a little wet. GÜNTER It is unfortunate that we lost one of the knapsacks during the jump. Now we will have to supplement our remaining food from things from the forest. JOHANNES Ok, but I grew up in the city. You got any ideas? GÜNTER Yes, let us see if we can find some berries in the forest. JOHANNES Alright, sounds good. FADE: FADE UP: EXT. GERMAN FOREST – EVENING Johannes and Günter are lying next to a small fire. Both are quietly watching the flames. JOHANNES You know, when I joined the Resistance I thought I'd be just fixing communication equipment in some quiet, dark basement. Never would have thought I'd end-up here! GÜNTER (Poking at the fire with a stick) Yes, I can imagine. (pause) If you do not mind me asking, why did you join the Resistance? JOHANNES (Sits up, cross-legged) Well, when the Nazis first invaded, it wasn't so bad. Mainly left us alone, lot's of talk about us all being part of one big happy family, Aryan brothers, and all that crap. Then began the attacks on the Jews by young collaborators, The Brown Shirts. I was with the Catholic Youth League and we would sometimes have fights with them. But then, the Nazis themselves started against the Jews, destroying houses and arresting whole families. Relatives of my best friend Gerry, disappeared. Johannes picks up a small stone from the ground and throws it away angrily. JOHANNES (CONT'D) Anyway, people had enough and organized a general strike. Amsterdam was completely shut down for days! (pauses and sighs) But then the Nazis bastards lined people up and started shooting every second person... that was the end of the strike. I joined the Resistance shortly thereafter. Günter is quiet. JOHANNES So what's your story? How did you end up in the Resistance back home? GÜNTER (Stares into the fire) It is terrible what happened to your friend's family, but, I do not share your love of Jews. They have caused too many problems in Germany with their control over the banks. GÜNTER (CONT'D) (Looks over at Johannes) One of my uncles lost his business when he could no longer pay the Juden's outrageous interest rates. Johannes is unsure of how to react. JOHANNES (Hesitating) Ah… well then, why did you join? GÜNTER (Starts poking at the fire again) My father was a general in the army, a good man, an honorable soldier. He was also a member of the high command and he and some others unfortunately failed in their attempt to assassinate Hitler. My father was executed and I joined the Resistance shortly after. End of story. JOHANNES Well, that's not really true, that it's the end of story, I mean. That's still to be written and who knows, it might be a happy ending. GÜNTER (Looks at Johannes and gives a small smile) You maybe right, my young friend, let us hope so. EXT. GERMAN FOREST – AFTERNOON TWO DAYS LATER Johannes and Günter are picking berries. Both look hungry and dirty. JOHANNES Günter, how much longer to go? GÜNTER (In between mouthfuls) By tomorrow morning we Should be there. JOHANNES (Hungrily stuffing his mouth) Good, because I need some real food! Damn berries! EXT. LEUBECK – LATE MORNING Johannes and Günter are sitting on the back of a wagon being pulled by a old, broken down horse. The wagon stops and Johannes and Günter climb down from the back. They wave briefly to the OLD MAN who is driving the wagon. The wagon slowly moves off. GÜNTER Ok, the restaurant where we are to meet one of my colleagues from the underground is across the street. It is small and dark, so it is a good place for us to meet. Wait a moment. The door of the restaurant opens and a small group of older men and women come out. They pause outside the door talking. GÜNTER (CONT'D) When We are inside, take a good look around to see if everything looks ok, ja? Johannes nods his head nervously. For a moment he looks toward the wagon moving away. The he turns and looks at the restaurant. Then Johannes looks back at the wagon. Then with growing anxiety he just stands there and waits a moment and takes a calming, deep breath. GÜNTER (CONT'D) Ok, they are gone now. Let us go. Johannes and Günter cross over to the restaurant. Günter looks into the window, but it is not possible to see anyone inside. He continues to the entrance. Johannes anxiously follows Günter inside. They carefully look around and Johannes follows Günter to a dark corner in the back. JOHANNES So, now what? GÜNTER Now we have some worst and wait. She is to be here by now. An OLD WOMAN comes over to take their order. GÜNTER Gundentag Mefrau. Worst en brood, bitte. The old woman nods and then walks over to the kitchen on the other side. Johannes' anxiety grows as they wait. The old woman comes back a couple of minutes later with sausage and bread. GÜNTER (Pays for food.) Danke. Suddenly the front door opens and HEIDI, a woman with short, dark hair walks in. She looks slowly around and then smiles when she sees Günter. She walks over quickly to their table and Günter stands up to greet her. HEIDI Gudentag Franz, it's been so long since I last saw you! GÜNTER Ja, almost two years ago! They kiss each other's cheek. Johannes watches them and then stands up nervously. GÜNTER Heidi, this is my cousin Kurt. HEIDI Gudentag Kurt. JOHANNES (Anxious) Gudentag Heidi. They all sit down. Heidi smiles as she speaks softly. HEIDI (Calmly) It is ok Johannes. Please relax. The restaurant has been thoroughly checked out. You look hungry. You both do. Eat. It is important that we act natural. Just a few people enjoying some time together. HEIDI (Louder) So Kurt, you have had quite the adventure, hmmm? Let us hope that the journey home goes better then the journey to Leubeck, ja? JOHANNES (Taking a piece of worst.) Yes, it's been a long trip. HEIDI Well, let us see if we can plan a better trip for you, hmmm? JOHANNES (Softly, between quick bites of worst.) And what's the plan to help ensure that happens? HEIDI Ja, the plan is simple. It will be get dark soon. Take the tram to the camp, we have arranged for a diversion. Go to the camp hospital, rescue the doctor, and take the tram back. The radio will be damaged during the rescue, so they will not be able to contact the police. This will give you some time for your escape back to Holland. I have German identity cards for you, Günter, and the good doctor. I also have 40 marks for you to pay for your trip back towards the border. Heidi passes the cards and money under the table to Günter. He puts them in his pocket and then begins to also eat. HEIDI(CONT'D) Johannes, in the bag at my feet is pistol with silencer for you. When you leave, take the bag with you. I recommend that you take a bus, as there are less checks done by the Gestapo with buses. You should get out at Emden which is 10km from the border. There is a small forest which you can go through to cross over into Holland. A member of the Dutch underground will meet you there, his name is Robert. He will help you get back to Utrecht. Any questions? Both Johannes and Günter shake their heads. HEIDI(CONT'D) No? Goed. Heidi stands up and Johannes and Günter do the same. She leans over and kisses Günter's cheek. HEIDI(CONT'D) (Normal tone of voice again) Franz, it was nice seeing you again. And nice to meet you also Kurt. JOHANNES (Johannes shakes Heidi's hand.) Yes, it was a pleasure. Heidi leaves while Johannes and Günter remain. GÜNTER Let's give her a minute before We leave. They both eat some more worst and bread. GÜNTER Ok, let us go. Johannes picks up the bag and they walk outside. FADE: FADE UP: EXT. PEOPLE'S CAMP – EVENING Johannes and Günter are hiding in some bushes across from the exit of the hospital. There is a GUARD outside smoking. Suddenly, the air raid siren begins to screams out. JOHANNES (Startled) Shit! Ok, I guess that's our diversion. GÜNTER Ja, we better go! Remember, we are to act concerned about the siren and ask him if we should go to a bomb shelter. JOHANNES (Takes a calming breath) Ok. Let's go. Johannes and Günter come from around the bushes and slowly walk towards the guard, while looking up at the sky. The guard, who was also looking up at the sky, notices Johannes and Günter walking towards him. GÜNTER Godennacht. GUARD Godennacht. Günter points up at the sky, as Johannes and he step in front of the guard. GÜNTER(CONT'D) Can you see the planes? The guard looks up and Günter takes his pistol with a silencer out of his coat pocket and sticks it into the ribs of the guard, who looks at him in shock. GÜNTER(CONT'D) (Coldly calm) Now you will do what we say or I will shoot you. Understand? The guard nods his head. Johannes looks nervously about. GÜNTER(CONT'D) Goed. Now, slowly turn around, open the door, and walk inside. Do not make a noise, just nod. The guard does as he is told and the three of them walk inside. CUT TO BLACK: FADE UP: INT. PEOPLE'S CAMP – EVENING Johannes and Günter are walking down a hallway while pointing their guns at the guard in front of them. GÜNTER(CONT'D) Ok, take us to the room where they are holding the doctor. The guard hesitates and Günter cocks his pistol. GÜNTER(CONT'D) Do it now and if you cause any problems I'll blow you brains out. The guard nods and walks down the hallway a little further and stops in front of a door. GÜNTER(CONT'D) Is this it? The guard nods. GÜNTER(CONT'D) Are there any guards with her? The guard shakes his head. Johannes puts his gun to the guard's head. JOHANNES Are you sure? The guard nods his head quickly. GÜNTER Gut, you can go first. Knock on the door. The guard knocks twice on the door. INGA Ja? GÜNTER Open the door slowly and walk inside. The guard opens the door and Günter keeps a hand on the guard's shoulder and the gun in his back. All of three of them walk into the room. CUT TO: INT. PEOPLE'S CAMP – EVENING Günter hits the guard over the head with his gun, knocking the guard out. Inga watches in amazement as the guard falls to the floor. Johannes steps out from behind Günter. INGA (Shocked) Johannes?! Johannes stares at her and smiles. His eyes seem to drink her in. INGA Johannes! Inga runs into Johannes' waiting arms. They hold each other tight. INGA Oh liebchen, I didn't think I would ever see you again! JOHANNES (Relieved) I know darling, I wasn't too sure myself! GÜNTER Come, we must go! It will not take them long to realize there is no bombing. INGA What...who is this? JOHANNES This is Günter from the German Resistance. They're helping us. Quickly, we'll talk after! INGA Yes, of course. JOHANNES (Hesitating) Inga...I'm sorry, but we can't take your father with us. It wouldn't be safe. Inga get's a sad look on her face, looks away for a moment and then nods her head. INGA He will understand. Günter goes to the door, opens it and looks outside. Suddenly the siren stops. GÜNTER Quickly, we must leave! The workers and the other guards will be back shortly! Inga puts on a coat that was hanging on the wall and the three of them walk out the door. CUT TO: INT. PEOPLE'S CAMP – EVENING Günter is leading Johannes and Inga down the hallway on the main floor towards the exit. When they get close to the exit Günter turns to Johannes and Inga. GÜNTER I will go first and make sure the way is ok, ja? Johannes and Inga nod their heads. Günter walks slowly to the door, pauses and looks through the window in the door. Günter then opens the door slowly and steps out with his pistol in his hand. Thirty seconds go by and then a minute. The tension rises. Johannes and Inga look nervously at each other. JOHANNES I'm going to take a look out the window in the door. You stay here. Johannes walks slowly towards the door. INGA Johannes... Johannes turns to Inga. INGA(CONT'D) Be careful! Johannes gives Inga a strained smile. Johannes turns back and continues to the door. With growing apprehension, Johannes gets to the door. Suddenly it opens. Standing there is Kruger, the head guard from the camp. He's pointing a rifle at Johannes and motions for Johannes to come outside. Johannes raises his hands and steps outside. CUT TO: EXT. PEOPLE'S CAMP HOSPITAL - EVENING Günter is standing with his hands raised. Hans, one of the camp guards is pointing a gun at Günter. Schultz, the camp Commandant is standing a couple of meters away from Hans with a pistol in his hand pointing it at Johannes. Kruger steps forward and takes the pistol from Johannes. SCHULTZ Ah, heer Vink, so nice of you to join us. I presume the lovely doctor is with you also. JOHANNES No, we couldn't find her room. SCHULTZ (Gives a sarcastic snort) You are a terrible liar. Open the door! Johannes nervously steps over to the door and opens it with one hand, while keeping the other raised. Schultz looks towards the door. SCHULTZ Doctor come out now please! Several seconds pass and then Inga steps outside to stand next to Johannes. Inga and Johannes exchange sad looks. SCHULTZ Now that is better. We are all together again at the People's Camp. So, what should we talk about, hmmm? I know, the failed attempt to rescue the lovely doctor! Very romantic, but very stupid. It did not take me long to suspect something was wrong when we did not see or hear any planes. I quickly thought of you, doctor and of course that the good heer Vink maybe paying us a visit. SCHULTZ (Shultz points to Günter.) And you even bought a friend, how nice! Shultz looks around, smiling at everyone. SCHULTZ Ah well, all good things must come to an end. Shoot them! Kruger steps back away from Johannes and Inga. Johannes holds Inga tight in his arms. JOHANNES I love you! INGA I love you too, liebchen! Kruger cocks his rifle and points it at Johannes. Kruger tightens his finger on the trigger. A shot rings out. Johannes and Inga are still standing, holding each other. They look around confused. Suddenly, Kruger coughs, blood trickles from his mouth and he falls to the ground. Hans is standing pointing his rifle at where Kruger was. SCHULTZ (Shocked) Wat??? Schijze! Schultz whips his pistol around to shoot Hans, instead Hans shoots Schultz, who grabs his chest, the pistol drops from his hand and he then falls to the ground. Günter rushes over to check to see if Schultz is dead. Johannes, Inga, and Hans walk over in a daze, behind him. Blood is flowing from a wound in Schultz's chest. SCHULTZ (Laughs and coughs blood.) Killed by one of my own men! What is the world coming to? Suddenly, Schultz goes still and his head rolls to the side. Günter stands up and all eyes turn to Hans. Hans stares down at Schultz. HANS (Sadly) So many killed in this dammed war ...oh so many. Hitler and his men ...men like Schultz, are men of power...men of chaos, they are not real men of Germany. We were sold a twisted dream...a dream of a better life...of taking our "rightful" place in the world. And so many believed! However, the dream turned into a nightmare and it seems the only taking that was done...was the taking of life! JOHANNES (Softly) Hans, how did you...why did you…? Hans looks over to Johannes. HANS Johannes, do you remember that night of the bombings? Yes, of course you do. How could you forget? Well, in the middle of all that death and destruction, you helped save life, you gave a life into the world with that little baby. So you see, now I just do the same...I help save life... Hans drops to his knees, his rife falls from his hands to the ground and he looks at Schultz. Hans' face is full of pain and conflict. HANS(CONT'D) ...even when I have to take life, to do it. Johannes walks over to Hans, kneels and puts a hand on Hans' shoulders. JOHANNES You had the courage to make a difficult choice. Come my friend, we must go. Johannes reaches out his hand, Hans looks at it. He then looks at his own hands and then up at Johannes. Johannes nods his head. JOHANNES Let's go make something of this life. Hans takes Johannes' hand and they both tiredly stand up. Johannes, Inga, Hans, and Günter slowly walk away. FADE: FADE UP: EXT. FOREST DUTCH/GERMAN BORDER – EVENING The light of the day is almost gone. Hans is crouched down next to Johannes. They are on a small rise in a forest. Both are scanning the forest along the Dutch/German border. Inga and Günter are several meters away whispering, in deep conversation. HANS See anything? Johannes keeps looking down at the forest, as he replies. JOHANNES No, so far, so good. Johannes turns to Hans. JOHANNES (CONT'D) What will you do now? HANS (Motions with a hand at Günter.) I will stay with Günter, at least for now. The Resistance has a need for people, they will find a place for me. And you? Johannes looks over at Inga and sighs apprehensively. JOHANNES Yeah, difficult question. With the German occupation, me being a wanted man for my escape, the work with the Dutch Resistance ...no easy answer. HANS Ja, it is...complicated. JOHANNES That it is. Suddenly, Inga and Günter finish their conversation. Inga walks over and crouches down next to Johannes and Hans. INGA (Anxiously) Hans, Günter needs to speak with you. Hans nods his head and goes over to Günter. JOHANNES What was all that about with Günter? Inga hugs herself and tries to smile, but fails. INGA Change in plans. JOHANNES Oh? Are we crossing over somewhere else? INGA No, the crossing is here, it is just that... Inga looks away and then back to Johannes, her face is full of pain, her eyes glistening with tears. INGA (CONT'D) Johannes, I am not going with you. JOHANNES (Stiffens in shock) What do you mean? Of course you are, we're just a few kilometers away... INGA Johannes, liebchen! This is my fatherland. This is who I am! Johannes grabs Inga by her shoulders. JOHANNES It'll always be your fatherland. It'll always be part of who you are. Inga, it will always be there, a part of you! But in Holland we can be together... have a chance together! INGA And then what? Spend our time hiding from one place to another? JOHANNES Yes, but the Resistance can... INGA Yes, and what about the Resistance, here? What about the work they are doing against the Nazis? I can not leave when there are still good people, people like Hans and Günter fighting for the fatherland ...for my fatherland! Johannes looks searchingly at Inga, runs a hand through his hair, then looks down at the ground. JOHANNES (Softly) Maybe I want too much... I want to fight the Nazis... I want Europe to be free again... Johannes looks up at Inga, a pain in his eyes. He reaches out one hand and touches Inga's face tenderly. JOHANNES But I also want you...for us to be together! Inga looks deeply into Johannes' eyes, smiles a bitter-sweet smile filled with love and pain, and reaches out and touches Johannes' face. INGA Oh Johannes! My sweet, lovely Johannes! So do I! But we both know that's not possible... Johannes turns his head away, tears in his eyes. With her hand, Inga, brings his face back to look at her. INGA (CONT'D) We both know what is important... what needs to be done. Johannes nods his head, a terrible understanding dawning in his face. He wipes his eyes. JOHANNES And after the War? Inga looks at Johannes, tears rolling down her cheeks. INGA After the War, God willing, we will be together...to share many more nights together like the one we shared during the storm! Inga put her arms around Johannes and he does the same. INGA (CONT'D) I love you Johannes! JOHANNES I love you Inga! Günter walks over and clears his throat to get their attention. GÜNTER Ahem! Sorry to interrupt, but Johannes you must be going. The Resistance is waiting for you across the border. They will not be able to stay for much longer. JOHANNES (Nods his head) It's ok. JOHANNES (Looks acceptingly at Inga) I understand. Inga smiles, full of her love and pain. GÜNTER Johannes, it is just one kilometer, along the path across the border to the clearing on the Dutch side. There will be two people waiting for you there. They will see you safe. Johannes offers his hand to Günter and they shake hands. JOHANNES Thank you for everything. Günter nods his head and smiles. Johannes then shakes hands with Hans. JOHANNES Hans, what you did... well, thank you! HANS I wish you well, my friend. Johannes crouches down and slowly makes his way down the hill. Inga, Günter, and Hans watch him go. Before he disappears into the forest, Johannes turns around and waves. Inga, hugging herself, tears in her eyes, smiling bravely, waves good-bye. INGA (Whispers to herself) Until we meet again, liebchen. FADE IN: TITLE: OFF THE COAST OF AMERICA - 1958 EXT. SHIP – EVENING Johannes is standing on the deck looking out to sea. Gerry is standing next to him. Gerry turns to Johannes and puts a hand on Johannes' shoulder. GERRY Inga was a very special woman. JOHANNES Yes, she was. She was that and more. After the War, when I tried to find her and found out that she had died... Johannes gets a pained look on his face and he looks down and then back up, out to sea. INT. DARK ROOM – NIGHT Door crashing open. We see DARK FIGURES. MEN entering a room. Wrestling with another MAN. Shots fired. A MAN falls. A knife exposed, it slashes. One FIGURE stumbling, other FIGURES move in on it, the FIGURE, a WOMAN, limping, tries to get away. But the knife slashes again, blood splatters, red on a white nightgown. The WOMAN falls. The other FIGURES move in on it. CUT TO: EXT. DECK OF SHIP – EVENING JOHANNES (CONT'D) (Shakes his head to clear it) I...I didn't know what to do... didn't know how I was going to go on with life. GERRY Yes, but you did. JOHANNES (Lost in memories) Yeah, Inga had done so much... sacrificed so much for others. I wanted to honor her memory and go on. But I've never forgotten her and never will. CUT TO: Silent shots of Inga in the corner of the frame as Johannes looks out to sea: the first time Johannes saw her as she came in from the rain, her face as he kissed her for the first time, her sad smile the last time he saw her. BOY'S VOICE Papa! Johannes turns around in time to see his youngest son JIMMY, a small dark haired boy around six years old, run to Johannes and throw his arms around Johannes's legs. Johannes reaches down and lifts up Johnny into his arms. JOHANNES Hey little man, how you doing? JIMMY Fine. Don't be sad Papa, we're almost in America! Johannes smiles and bounces Jimmy up and down. JOHANNES Yeah, that's right! Exciting! Johannes looks over and sees his wife, CISKA, a short woman with long dark hair waving to him. She is walking towards him along with their two other boys JOHAN, the oldest, a dark haired boy age 10 and TIJS, the second oldest, a blond haired boy age 8. Johannes puts Johnny down. WIFE Hi leverd, how are you? JOHANNES I'm fine. Johannes leans over and kisses her and puts an arm around her waist. JOHAN Mama, Papa! Ick, do you guys have to do that! JOHANNES Hey, soon enough you'll want to do that with some cute little girl. JIMMY Ooooo, Johan! WIFE Never mind, Jimmy! TIJS (Pointing) Hey, look! Everyone looks to see what it is. The ship is close to New York harbor and the setting sun is shining on the statue of liberty. Other people on the ship notice it and rush over to the railing to get a look. JIMMY Wow! TIJS She's beautiful! JOHANNES She certainly is! Suddenly, someone by the railing begins to sing the Star Spangled Banner. Johannes and his family also begin to sing and others on the ship join in. JOHANNES What so proudly we hail... CUT TO: Camera pulling back to a long, wide shot of the ship, with the setting sun shining on the statue of liberty, as the singing voices carry across the water. THE ENDReturn to SimplyScripts.com