0:02:06 > 0:02:10New York, 4th of August.
0:02:10 > 0:02:11I had to free myself.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16Tomorrow, the Graf Zeppelin takes off
0:02:16 > 0:02:18for a journey around the world.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21I shall be on board.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24The financier is William Randolph Hearst,
0:02:24 > 0:02:26the newspaper king.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30He was looking for one woman journalist
0:02:30 > 0:02:32and I made sure he found me.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38I shall write for him as if my life depended on it.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48I had a bitter struggle for years,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51scribbling for English women's magazines.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55The latest weddings, smart cocktail parties.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01This is my chance to write for a big, serious American paper.
0:03:03 > 0:03:09For Hearst, it's a supreme opportunity to gain publicity and sell newspapers.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11TYPEWRITER CLATTERS
0:03:11 > 0:03:18What could provide better sales than a glamorous young thing like myself?
0:03:19 > 0:03:21The excitement of the Graf Zeppelin's departure
0:03:21 > 0:03:25has the whole city in its grip.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29The journey will be in four stages.
0:03:29 > 0:03:34From Lakehurst Airport in New York to Friedrichshafen in Germany.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Via Moscow, over Siberia to Tokyo.
0:03:39 > 0:03:45Across the Pacific Ocean to Los Angeles and over the Midwest back to New York.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53At the airport, men are working immensely hard to complete all the preparations.
0:03:57 > 0:04:0170,000 cubic metres of gas is being injected into the Zeppelin.
0:04:04 > 0:04:082,040 pounds of food will be on board.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12I love machinery.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17The works of this giant airship are exquisite.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21As perfect, as minute in their beauty
0:04:21 > 0:04:26as those in my tiny platinum and diamond wristwatch.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29This is the last day before take-off.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31I buy a paper in the street.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36The papers are full of the flight around the world.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40Big headlines, the latest news.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47Around lunchtime, I have a last meeting with Hearst.
0:04:51 > 0:04:57He tells me my mission is to report on the journey from a woman's point of view.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02Women are, after all, an important part of his paper's readership.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05He says, "My lady, there is something special about you
0:05:05 > 0:05:08"but you are a journalist with very little experience.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13"So, you shall be working under the supervision of an experienced journalist,
0:05:13 > 0:05:14"Karl von Wiegand."
0:05:17 > 0:05:19I feel the blood drain from my face.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23It is six months since Karl broke off our affair.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27And I haven't seen him since.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34I treat myself to a bench on the promenade.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39To calm down and to look at the American women.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44I met Karl on one of our working journeys.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49It was love at first sight.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54In his eyes I recognised my soul mate.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58But Karl is a married man...
0:05:58 > 0:06:00with a wife who is mentally ill.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06It was his decision we should stop seeing each other.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10He thought it was his duty to look after his wife.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22Run out into Fifth Avenue like a headless chicken.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27In record time spent hundreds of dollars buying last-minute things.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34I buy a fantastic hat, three new dresses, gorgeous materials.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38I even measured myself for a leather suit.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47God knows what I'm about to experience... Or who with!
0:06:47 > 0:06:50So, I must be prepared for everything.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57I'm taking all my jewellery, plenty of gloves
0:06:57 > 0:07:00and Chanel No. 5.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03Hearst felt it was his duty to warn me.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07We could crash in Siberia, far from help.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11Die slowly, drown, burn.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16His warnings only made me more determined.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25New York, 7th August.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27The last night.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30I am all nerves.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35Tonight, everyone will be at the Zeppelin ball.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47Some people here are immensely rich.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50Each family has its own aeroplane
0:07:50 > 0:07:53and some of them - father, mother and daughter -
0:07:53 > 0:07:56have three, like three cars, with pilots!
0:07:58 > 0:08:00Getting drinks is no problem for them!
0:08:07 > 0:08:12Through the crowd of dancers I see Karl.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15For a moment, we look each other in the eyes.
0:08:19 > 0:08:20He comes up to me.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Karl is cool,
0:08:28 > 0:08:30he's distant.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32He keeps it short.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34Asks if I'm prepared.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38That's all he says.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42Then before I know it, he turns around and leaves the place.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45I can't take any more of the party.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48I want to walk,
0:08:48 > 0:08:50for miles,
0:08:50 > 0:08:55on my own legs, whilst I still have the chance.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04'Thank you, Jack! It's a beautiful morning down here!
0:09:04 > 0:09:07'And it's the day of the greatest aerial adventure in history!
0:09:07 > 0:09:10'Crowds are gathering here at Lakehurst, New York,
0:09:10 > 0:09:13'to take a last-minute glimpse of the beautiful Graf Zeppelin
0:09:13 > 0:09:16'and they're here to watch the departure
0:09:16 > 0:09:18'of her flight around the world.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22'The band is playing out a stirring farewell!'
0:09:23 > 0:09:28I arrive at the airport with my heavy suitcases only just in time.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32I feel like Alice in Wonderland.
0:09:34 > 0:09:39It's impossible to keep your eyes off this aerial colossus.
0:09:39 > 0:09:40Lying in the hangar,
0:09:40 > 0:09:45the airship reminds me of a huge pregnant creature,
0:09:45 > 0:09:47ready to fulfil her promise.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51Then German Commander Eckener comes in.
0:09:51 > 0:09:56This whole expedition will be under his command.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58He is the Zeppelin,
0:09:58 > 0:10:04so closely has he identified himself with this giant airship.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07The flight of the Graf Zeppelin around the world,
0:10:07 > 0:10:10which we are about to start,
0:10:10 > 0:10:17will be the fulfilment of our hopes regarding the airship, by air.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19Auf wiedersehen.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21When everything is ready,
0:10:21 > 0:10:25I am suddenly pushed into the spotlights, next to Karl.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28All right, Lady Hay, a few words, please.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32I am looking forward to the trip very much indeed
0:10:32 > 0:10:37and I realise what a great honour and a great privilege it is
0:10:37 > 0:10:41to be the first woman to travel round the world by air.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45We expect to have quite an exciting time
0:10:45 > 0:10:48and experience many thrills.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- Hooray!- Thank you very much.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47Unless one was shot to the moon,
0:12:47 > 0:12:49a passenger to Mars
0:12:49 > 0:12:53or climbed the unconquered Mount Everest,
0:12:53 > 0:12:57I cannot conceive a greater thrill
0:12:57 > 0:13:01than this trip around the world through air.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46MORSE CODE BLEEPS
0:13:50 > 0:13:53RADIO BROADCAST: Her silver radiance is dimmed to a dull slate
0:13:53 > 0:13:55in the shadows of the clouds.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58From under her sides twinkle the yellow cabin lights,
0:13:58 > 0:14:01indicating where the 20 passengers are located.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03And one of them is a woman.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06Her name is Lady Grace Hay.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13RADIO TRANSMISSION: Graf would appreciate weather reports
0:14:13 > 0:14:20for vicinity of 40 degrees 12 northwest, 60 degrees 53 west,
0:14:20 > 0:14:25720 miles east of New York, no fog, all is well. Over.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Graf, here is the weather report.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31Clouds and showers, west wind moving to the northwest.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33We wish you a good journey
0:14:33 > 0:14:35and good luck. Over.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42I'm still trembling all over.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47The sensation of being airborne,
0:14:47 > 0:14:49seeing everything fall away below us
0:14:49 > 0:14:53and then the endless horizon,
0:14:53 > 0:14:58that view from north to south, from east to west.
0:15:00 > 0:15:01All around us the virgin sky.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07I am filled with wonder.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30All the passengers gather in the drawing room.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Tea and coffee is served,
0:15:32 > 0:15:34sandwiches and a light snack.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39All journalists from important agencies.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43Some seem mightily interested in "the only woman"
0:15:43 > 0:15:46and ask to be introduced.
0:15:46 > 0:15:51Others stare unashamedly at me and follow me with their eyes.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54I stare back at them, charmingly.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59They don't know that I know the passenger list by heart.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04Sir Hubert Wilkins, the doyen of explorers,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07just back from Antarctica.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10He mapped undiscovered land from a plane.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Heinz von Lichtenstein, German journalist.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19His colleagues despise him but he has a huge readership.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26Professor Karklin, the only Russian correspondent.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29He will report from the airship when we are over Moscow.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Professor Fujiyosi, the Japanese scientist,
0:16:34 > 0:16:37with us as far as Tokyo at the request of his government.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43Very conspicuous, the American William Leeds,
0:16:43 > 0:16:45the youngest and richest passenger,
0:16:45 > 0:16:49the only one who could pay for his own ticket.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54And then Karl.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58I know he doesn't look like Hearst's star reporter.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02But I have never met a journalist who looks at the world
0:17:02 > 0:17:06in such an open, unprejudiced way as he does.
0:17:06 > 0:17:11He is one of the most distinguished foreign correspondents in America,
0:17:11 > 0:17:14and everybody on board looks up to him.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16He offers me a chair.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21It feels close,
0:17:21 > 0:17:23sharing the same view again.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25RADIO MESSAGE IN GERMAN
0:17:25 > 0:17:27SPEAKS GERMAN
0:17:43 > 0:17:45During the first hours above the ocean,
0:17:45 > 0:17:50it is easy enough to spend the day simply sitting by the open window,
0:17:50 > 0:17:53feeling the wind in my face,
0:17:53 > 0:17:56observing the magical colours of the sea.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05Everything is so well-organised.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07The best wines at dinner,
0:18:07 > 0:18:12a nice young steward who goes to an enormous trouble to look after us.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18At tea time, we have an editorial meeting.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22Karl and I make a division of tasks.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26I shall write short daily travel impressions.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30Karl will do a long article about European politics.
0:18:31 > 0:18:32After Berlin,
0:18:32 > 0:18:36he wants me to write a long piece about Russian politics.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42I am alarmed, but keep a grip on myself.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50I tell my neighbour that although I once had an interview with Mussolini
0:18:50 > 0:18:54for a British ladies' magazine, I don't dare get close to Stalin.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00Karl falls into one of his chilly silences.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04"Look around," he says. "Get close to Karklin."
0:19:10 > 0:19:15At twilight, fog and clouds come down low.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Commander Eckener keeps us under the clouds
0:19:18 > 0:19:20until the darkness envelops us,
0:19:20 > 0:19:22forcing us to go higher.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24RADIO MESSAGE IN GERMAN
0:19:25 > 0:19:27Oh, my word!
0:19:27 > 0:19:30There it is -
0:19:30 > 0:19:32an Arabian night's dream!
0:19:36 > 0:19:39Karl stands in the doorway in the half-light.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43He comes in, hands me my article with his corrections.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48The moon shines clear.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52Playful dashes of light fall on the mirror of the sea.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56When I move towards him,
0:19:56 > 0:20:01Karl holds up his hands like a wall between us.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03"I am sorry, Grace," he says.
0:20:03 > 0:20:08"Our relationship must remain purely professional."
0:20:08 > 0:20:10He says good night.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37After two days flying above the Atlantic, at 5.40 in the morning,
0:20:37 > 0:20:42Captain Lehmann comes around calling out, "Land, land!"
0:20:42 > 0:20:45The men on the bridge are wildly excited,
0:20:45 > 0:20:49which brings us all out in greatest haste to see it.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55RADIO BROADCAST: Yes, dear listeners,
0:20:55 > 0:20:59so far the passengers have not experienced the slightest thrill.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02They tackled their meals with good appetites.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06Karl von Wiegand, correspondent on board,
0:21:06 > 0:21:08said in his dispatch
0:21:08 > 0:21:11that crossing the Atlantic from New York to Land's End
0:21:11 > 0:21:17took the ship 44 hours with an average speed of 75 mph.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20If the Zeppelin is able to maintain this speed,
0:21:20 > 0:21:23she will arrive at a fully booked and crowded Friedrichshafen
0:21:23 > 0:21:25by early afternoon.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28It is wonderful to see people on the ground again.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36Karl and I often used to go down to the sea.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38We both love the scent of the sea breeze.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41It was a lovely time then.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45We delighted in each other.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48He showed his warm, gentle side.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54But we were never completely carefree.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56There was always the shadow of Karl's wife, Inez.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17I had only recently buried my husband.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19Robert was 50 years older than me.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23I met him through connections of my father's.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25I thought he was a good match.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30The marriage suffocated me.
0:22:30 > 0:22:35God, how I longed for tenderness,
0:22:35 > 0:22:37for closeness.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45ACCORDION MUSIC
0:22:45 > 0:22:50En route for Friedrichshafen, 11th August.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54German Captain Lehmann comes by at regular intervals,
0:22:54 > 0:22:56takes an interest in my welfare,
0:22:56 > 0:22:59makes sure the steward takes good care of me.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03He plays the accordion wonderfully.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07I'm feminine enough to revel in small attentions.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17MORSE CODE BLEEPS
0:23:18 > 0:23:24We are flying over the remains of the war where our compatriots lie buried,
0:23:24 > 0:23:27having died in the mass slaughter of a heroic struggle.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32World leaders are still talking about the German reparations
0:23:32 > 0:23:36that are to last for the next 59 years,
0:23:36 > 0:23:37until 1989.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46The discussions have become heated.
0:23:46 > 0:23:51Europe is seen as a hotbed of conflict.
0:23:51 > 0:23:52Opinions are divided.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58Optimists like Leeds see a golden financial future.
0:23:58 > 0:24:03Karklin is a rock-solid believer in the Communist utopia.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07Karl takes no part in the discussions.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09He's a man of few words.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12What he has to say, he says in his articles.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24We fly over Ypres and Verdun.
0:24:24 > 0:24:30German crew members drop a wreath for their fallen compatriots.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46The water of the Bodensee and the small town of Friedrichshafen
0:24:46 > 0:24:50lie in the distance on the horizon.
0:24:58 > 0:25:03"The Zeppelin is Germany's national showpiece," says Captain Lehmann.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07The money to build it was raised by the German people.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14The airship is a symbol of national unity.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17"This is their airship," he says.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Their Zeppelin has come home.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37BRASS BAND MUSIC
0:27:13 > 0:27:17CROWD CHEERS
0:27:24 > 0:27:29The people of Friedrichshafen are ecstatic, full of pride.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Their little town has become important,
0:27:31 > 0:27:34thanks to the Zeppelin.
0:27:36 > 0:27:41This great German achievement has restored their national pride.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47"The Germans are not as happy as they look," says Lehmann.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58The original plan was to fly from Friedrichshafen to Friedrichshafen.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04Germany has no more money to spend,
0:28:04 > 0:28:06so Hearst pays.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09He owns the journey and flies from New York to New York.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35The warm sun of August shines gently.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39It's lovely to be in the park and to enjoy all the festivities.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43Lehmann and I join some crew members
0:28:43 > 0:28:46in the company of German girls.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Karl is with them.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54The afternoon is bright and joyful.
0:28:58 > 0:29:03We enjoy the moment completely, with childlike abandon.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06I can't take my eyes off Karl.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12I force myself to look away.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23I sleep badly at night.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26Too warm and stifled.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29And dream that there are lots of snakes,
0:29:29 > 0:29:34all chasing me, trying to bite me.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38One big one comes after me, wants me to kiss it.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43It is almost piteously aware of its repellent appearance,
0:29:43 > 0:29:46and kind of shy.
0:29:46 > 0:29:47And it knows I hate it.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50I am frightened.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53I beg and beg.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57And it says that if I would only kiss it,
0:29:57 > 0:29:58it would acquire a soul.
0:30:00 > 0:30:01I'm in a dreadful fix.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05For I see its fangs and fear it to be poisoned.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08But I do let it touch my lips.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16I wake up early, sweaty,
0:30:16 > 0:30:18sicky and not well.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20The morning of our departure,
0:31:20 > 0:31:23there is a complete fuss about Commander Eckener.
0:31:24 > 0:31:25In a talk he gave,
0:31:25 > 0:31:29he said that the Graf Zeppelin is actually out of date
0:31:29 > 0:31:33but that Germany is working on a technically more advanced airship.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38Some of the passengers are highly agitated.
0:31:38 > 0:31:39No wonder.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42The most dangerous stage lies ahead of us.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46We're not referring to Berlin or the plains of Poland,
0:31:46 > 0:31:51but to the vast, desolate expanse of Russia and Siberia.
0:31:51 > 0:31:57We have fuel for 150 hours to get us across 11,000 kilometres.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04One of the passengers gives a radio interview full of self-importance.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07"I must be very careful in view of the pledge of silence
0:32:07 > 0:32:08"expected from me.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12"I want to consult some fellow lawyers before I say anything."
0:32:13 > 0:32:15Eckener addresses us.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17He is honest and direct.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21He has spoken to Stalin's staff.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25Russia has opened her gates so that we may fly over her vastness.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28This is an expedition!
0:32:28 > 0:32:31Eckener will give his life for our safety.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23Now we're heading for Berlin.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29Everybody is happy to be on the move again and eager to see Berlin.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34I find it hard to concentrate.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41Political disagreements have melted away.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44Everyone is singing, laughing and dancing,
0:34:44 > 0:34:47looking like a bunch of idiots.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57MORSE CODE BLEEPS
0:34:57 > 0:35:01RADIO BROADCAST: In the last hour, the city has become thronged with people.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03The traffic is chaotic,
0:35:03 > 0:35:05businesses have shut down for the day.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08People are standing on every flat roof.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01Not everybody is celebrating the arrival of the Zeppelin.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04Hundreds have assembled in the streets
0:36:04 > 0:36:06to protest against the reparations.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11SHOUTS IN GERMAN
0:36:15 > 0:36:17CROWD SHOUT IN GERMAN
0:36:27 > 0:36:30SHOUTING AND WHISTLING
0:36:39 > 0:36:41EXPLOSION
0:36:47 > 0:36:49GUNFIRE
0:36:55 > 0:37:00Just passed the Polish frontier, 15th August.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06The violence was horrible.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15Commander Eckener looks worried, like all the Germans on board.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20Deep down, I know I should write about it.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25That it's important to take note of the present extremist violence.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30I prefer to ignore it.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36The crew have now warned us very seriously of what is coming
0:37:36 > 0:37:39and put us all on a limited ration of water.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42The men were advised not to bother
0:37:42 > 0:37:44with shaving and washing from now on.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49They make an exception for me.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52Who wants to sit at a table with an unwashed woman?
0:37:57 > 0:37:59I need to be alone for a bit,
0:37:59 > 0:38:02to let all the experiences sink in.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09I long for privacy but the walls here are paper-thin.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22Tried to work all night on my article about Russian politics.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25But everything I wrote I rejected, threw it away.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43KNOCK AT DOOR
0:38:43 > 0:38:47Karl comes in to collect my latest copy, to send it to Hearst.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50I haven't written a word, the paper is still blank.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55"For heaven's sake," he says.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57"Do what you're good at.
0:38:59 > 0:39:00"Write!"
0:39:41 > 0:39:47Above Russia, 150 miles from Moscow, 16th August.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51All my colleagues are busy writing.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53Russia seems to inspire everyone.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55I overcome my resistance and talk to Karklin.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04He tells me that, in Moscow,
0:40:04 > 0:40:07thousands of people are awaiting the Zeppelin.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11He talks about this area,
0:40:11 > 0:40:15a desolate territory where the revolution has never penetrated.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17Collective farms are the way to bring the revolution
0:40:17 > 0:40:19to the backward countryside.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24I tell him that the stagnation of the revolution
0:40:24 > 0:40:26seems an unquestionably positive matter.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31The Bolshevik is distinctly annoyed.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38MORSE CODE BLEEPS
0:40:41 > 0:40:42The Pravda writes lyrically
0:40:42 > 0:40:46about the blessings of Communism for the people.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49The Russians expect that the revolution will spread to Germany
0:40:49 > 0:40:51and then to the rest of Europe.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55Below us lies a land that has sunk deep.
0:41:48 > 0:41:53Suddenly, the airship makes a sharp turn to the north.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56We all have to keep our balance.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59Breathless moments pass.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06Eckener has taken the unthinkable decision not to fly over Moscow.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12A low-pressure area over the Caspian Sea
0:42:12 > 0:42:14is creating contrary easterly winds.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19It might be suicidal to waste eight or ten hours' fuel
0:42:19 > 0:42:21merely to fly over Moscow.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28Karklin storms into the wheelhouse, shouting at Eckener,
0:42:28 > 0:42:31"This is an offence against Bolshevism and Stalin."
0:42:31 > 0:42:33But there is little the Bolshevik can do.
0:42:36 > 0:42:37Eckener stays calm.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57The illegal Russian government is furious that we didn't go to Moscow.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59They warn Eckener that,
0:42:59 > 0:43:02if he wants a direct air route from Germany to Japan,
0:43:02 > 0:43:04he should have stopped in Moscow.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08They say that Russian airplanes were standing by to give us help.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10In my opinion, Eckener was right
0:43:10 > 0:43:13in not wanting to exchange information with the Soviets.
0:43:28 > 0:43:32I am sick and tired of all the political talk in the drawing room.
0:43:33 > 0:43:36Here in my cabin, I can get away from it.
0:43:45 > 0:43:47KNOCK AT DOOR
0:43:47 > 0:43:49Why does he keep coming to see me?
0:43:51 > 0:43:53"Grace," he says,
0:43:53 > 0:43:56"I would like to point out to you
0:43:56 > 0:43:57"why Karklin is so hostile.
0:43:57 > 0:44:00"Eckener is ignoring the Russian government
0:44:00 > 0:44:02"to please America, Germany and Japan."
0:44:04 > 0:44:08I tell him I'm not interested.
0:44:12 > 0:44:16He says, "You would do well to confront reality for once."
0:44:20 > 0:44:24I ask him, "What is the reality of this?"
0:44:26 > 0:44:27I want to push him out of my cabin.
0:44:41 > 0:44:47From crude gorgeousness to mysterious pastel depths.
0:44:47 > 0:44:51From harsh jaggedness to the seduction of the intangible.
0:44:52 > 0:44:55Falling night weaves a spell of romance
0:44:55 > 0:44:58over the twilight-dimmed landscape.
0:45:02 > 0:45:08Like a beautiful woman slowly and luxuriously decking herself with diamonds,
0:45:08 > 0:45:13the mountains of Russia take on gleaming clusters
0:45:13 > 0:45:16of sparkling lights as, one by one,
0:45:16 > 0:45:20the tiny villages illuminate themselves against the darkness.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33When I wake up, there is an entirely different landscape.
0:45:39 > 0:45:44We look out at innumerable lakes and marshes
0:45:44 > 0:45:48and the sinuous cold, black river Tunguska,
0:45:48 > 0:45:54slithering 1,160 miles through endless forests,
0:45:54 > 0:45:57where there is seldom a sign of human habitation.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27I wrote Karl a letter last night.
0:46:27 > 0:46:33I cancelled our collaboration in view of the incompatibility of our characters.
0:46:34 > 0:46:37My decision is firm.
0:46:38 > 0:46:42I shall continue as a one-man editorial staff.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46This does feel wonderful.
0:47:24 > 0:47:28The cook has found a stowaway in the storage area.
0:47:30 > 0:47:35He's still a boy, no older than 16 -
0:47:35 > 0:47:39on his way to Los Angeles to become a film star.
0:47:39 > 0:47:41He's been given a hero's welcome.
0:47:48 > 0:47:50Karl hasn't shown his face.
0:47:52 > 0:47:56He's even had his dinner served in his cabin.
0:47:56 > 0:47:58And I've informed him in a letter
0:47:58 > 0:48:00that I claim the stowaway for my article.
0:48:00 > 0:48:03He will do well to respect that.
0:48:13 > 0:48:1830 hours above Siberia is exhausting.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21The solitude feels poisonous.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27There's a dark mood on board.
0:48:29 > 0:48:34For much of the day, I lie in my eiderdown sleeping bag -
0:48:34 > 0:48:38there's no other way to keep out the cold.
0:48:50 > 0:48:52The Tunguska flows
0:48:52 > 0:48:55into the northernmost ice lake of Siberia.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57This must be Yakutsk,
0:48:57 > 0:49:02a community of tens of thousands exiled by the tsarist regime -
0:49:02 > 0:49:04criminals and political dissidents.
0:49:08 > 0:49:11If you consider the distance we have travelled,
0:49:11 > 0:49:15this place is a bleak wilderness of cold and isolation
0:49:15 > 0:49:18from which nobody can ever escape.
0:50:29 > 0:50:34The Stanovoy Range rises before us like a wall.
0:50:34 > 0:50:37We assemble in the drawing room.
0:50:38 > 0:50:43The inadequate map shows peaks of 3,400 feet,
0:50:43 > 0:50:47but Eckener reckons we are facing peaks of 6,000 feet.
0:50:47 > 0:50:51To prevent the airship smashing itself against the mountains,
0:50:51 > 0:50:55it will have to rise to a height nobody considers possible.
0:50:56 > 0:50:58The drawing room is jam-packed.
0:50:58 > 0:51:00We go up in jerks.
0:51:00 > 0:51:03Then, for a moment, we are stable.
0:51:03 > 0:51:06Hundreds of litres of water are being discharged.
0:51:06 > 0:51:10Then, with a jolt, we shoot up again.
0:51:15 > 0:51:17I can't see anything.
0:51:17 > 0:51:21And with every shock, I am pressed indecently close to those around me.
0:51:23 > 0:51:27When I can stand no more, I wrestle myself free,
0:51:27 > 0:51:32out of the drawing room, back to the wheelhouse.
0:51:36 > 0:51:39I find myself next to Karl.
0:52:03 > 0:52:08More water is discharged with a hard bang.
0:52:08 > 0:52:13We shoot several metres up in the air and just clear the peaks.
0:52:13 > 0:52:15The airship feels out of control.
0:52:15 > 0:52:19We go up and up, higher and higher.
0:52:21 > 0:52:23I catch Karl's eye.
0:52:30 > 0:52:32We climb up through the clouds.
0:52:32 > 0:52:35At last, through the gaps we see the West Pacific.
0:52:37 > 0:52:39We have survived.
0:53:02 > 0:53:07In the jubilation, Karl takes my hand.
0:53:07 > 0:53:10"I'm sorry about my harsh words," he says.
0:53:10 > 0:53:14"The thought that something might happen to you was the worst thing of all."
0:53:16 > 0:53:20His eyes are soft and affectionate,
0:53:20 > 0:53:22so I tell him it's all right.
0:53:26 > 0:53:29Only because of the look in his eyes.
0:53:30 > 0:53:32Only for that.
0:54:33 > 0:54:36RADIO BROADCAST: This unprecedented air cruise,
0:54:36 > 0:54:40as planned by the Hearst newspapers, has greatly impressed the Japanese.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43Japan will never forget that moment when this wonderful airship
0:54:43 > 0:54:46appeared in the blue sky above.
0:54:47 > 0:54:52The Zeppelin has flown 6,600 miles
0:54:52 > 0:54:56in a record time of 102 hours
0:54:56 > 0:55:01and has arrived at Tokyo 22 hours earlier than expected.
0:55:01 > 0:55:04- RADIO BROADCAST: - This brilliant success
0:55:04 > 0:55:07of Germanic science and energy has shortened the distance
0:55:07 > 0:55:10between the East and West to an extent hitherto unimagined.
0:55:10 > 0:55:13It will have a tremendous effect on the development
0:55:13 > 0:55:17of German air traffic with, we hope, great strengthening
0:55:17 > 0:55:19of German-Japanese friendship.
0:55:19 > 0:55:21Tokyo, 19th of August.
0:55:21 > 0:55:27A continuous round of parties, receptions and interviews.
0:55:27 > 0:55:32Hearst has instructed me to give as many interviews as possible.
0:55:37 > 0:55:41Everywhere he goes, Eckener receives a hero's welcome.
0:55:44 > 0:55:46CHEERS
0:55:46 > 0:55:48Banzai!
0:55:48 > 0:55:50CROWD CHEERS
0:55:51 > 0:55:54Banzai! Banzai!
0:55:54 > 0:55:55CROWD CHEERS Banzai!
0:55:55 > 0:55:57CROWD CHEERS
0:55:57 > 0:55:59Downstairs, in the hotel lobby,
0:55:59 > 0:56:03the official festivities continue undiminished -
0:56:03 > 0:56:07the banquet, the ball, the garden party.
0:56:11 > 0:56:14Karl has excused himself,
0:56:14 > 0:56:16he's too tired after the journey.
0:56:21 > 0:56:24The hotel IS exquisite -
0:56:24 > 0:56:26just like a temple.
0:56:26 > 0:56:32After the hell of Siberia, this is a fairy tale.
0:56:32 > 0:56:36The garden is full of flowers and ponds full of goldfish.
0:56:38 > 0:56:40It's warm, thank heaven.
0:56:42 > 0:56:44I'm feeling so starved of warmth.
0:56:50 > 0:56:55I can't take my eyes off the geishas in the hotel.
0:56:55 > 0:57:00The little girls who serve us, so delicate and refined.
0:57:02 > 0:57:05Next to them, I feel so clumsy.
0:57:05 > 0:57:07LIGHT TAPPING
0:57:07 > 0:57:10Karl comes to my door.
0:57:10 > 0:57:16He's wearing a light, white linen suit and looks very handsome.
0:57:17 > 0:57:20He takes me by the arm.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25We sneak out of the hotel.
0:57:25 > 0:57:29As we wander through the streets, we talk about no matter what.
0:57:31 > 0:57:33I feel a lot more myself again.
0:57:55 > 0:57:59The warmth of the day has receded,
0:57:59 > 0:58:02the air is soft and sultry.
0:58:05 > 0:58:09I have put on my Eastern nightdress of black silk
0:58:09 > 0:58:12embroidered with fierce green-eyed dragons,
0:58:12 > 0:58:14with slippers to match.
0:58:18 > 0:58:21Karl stands before me.
0:58:23 > 0:58:24We say nothing.
0:58:27 > 0:58:29I hesitate a moment,
0:58:29 > 0:58:31then take his hand.
0:58:34 > 0:58:38His fingers entwine gratefully with mine.
0:59:41 > 0:59:45Hearst has sent me a warm, fatherly message.
0:59:45 > 0:59:49He says that my articles are brilliant front-page material
0:59:49 > 0:59:53and the sales are enormous.
0:59:53 > 0:59:56I feel well, had a good night's sleep.
0:59:56 > 0:59:59I'm full of energy and joyful expectation.
0:59:59 > 1:00:02Karl looks happier than he has done for ages.
1:00:06 > 1:00:09But then the steward appears,
1:00:09 > 1:00:10holding a telegraph in his hand.
1:00:12 > 1:00:14It's from Karl's wife, Inez.
1:00:16 > 1:00:18My heart sinks.
1:00:25 > 1:00:27She must have a sixth sense.
1:00:29 > 1:00:31She announces that she'll be waiting for Karl
1:00:31 > 1:00:34in the hotel in Los Angeles.
1:00:47 > 1:00:50THUNDER RUMBLES
1:00:56 > 1:00:59RADIO TRANSMISSION: Graf will appreciate
1:00:59 > 1:01:07weather reports en route for 150 degrees east, 54 degrees north. Over.
1:01:07 > 1:01:10- RADIO TRANSMISSION: - Graf, here is the weather report.
1:01:10 > 1:01:14Clouds and showers. Very strong wind west, moving to the northwest.
1:01:14 > 1:01:17Devastating storm expected, and typhoon.
1:01:17 > 1:01:19Try to return to Japan. Over.
1:01:19 > 1:01:21Thank you for your help.
1:01:21 > 1:01:26We cannot turn around, the wind is sucking us in, there is no way back.
1:01:26 > 1:01:30May God help us to get through.
1:01:30 > 1:01:32MORSE CODE BEEPS
1:02:02 > 1:02:05CLANGING
1:02:21 > 1:02:26I see Karl fall, his glasses spinning across the floor,
1:02:26 > 1:02:29groping helplessly around him.
1:02:35 > 1:02:37It was too short for us.
1:02:40 > 1:02:43The step between life and death is a small one.
1:02:46 > 1:02:48I'm not afraid.
1:02:50 > 1:02:52I'm NOT afraid.
1:02:54 > 1:02:58RADIO BROADCAST: There are fears that a tragedy has taken place.
1:02:58 > 1:03:01It appears that the Graf may be lost.
1:03:01 > 1:03:04As far as is known, the airship ran into a storm.
1:03:04 > 1:03:07Since that moment, radio contact has been broken.
1:03:07 > 1:03:10- RADIO BROADCAST:- The Graf appears to have disappeared
1:03:10 > 1:03:12in a storm above the Pacific.
1:03:20 > 1:03:23- BOY:- Extra! Paper!
1:03:24 > 1:03:26Morgen Post! Morgen Post!
1:04:04 > 1:04:07We are still alive after all.
1:04:09 > 1:04:12But I don't know if we shall ever see America again.
1:04:16 > 1:04:18We were blown off course
1:04:18 > 1:04:22and came to rest in a bay of a small unpopulated island.
1:04:24 > 1:04:26It's clear that this distresses Eckener.
1:04:28 > 1:04:31It is his heavy responsibility to get us away from here.
1:04:34 > 1:04:36The crew tries to repair the damage.
1:04:38 > 1:04:42A sort of no-man's-land.
1:04:42 > 1:04:45All the urgency of the journey has melted away.
1:04:45 > 1:04:49Around us is nothing but water.
1:04:49 > 1:04:51A calm ocean -
1:04:51 > 1:04:53serene and estranging.
1:05:19 > 1:05:23RADIO BROADCAST: No one knows if those on board are still alive.
1:05:23 > 1:05:27Search operations from Japan and America are underway.
1:05:27 > 1:05:30We can only pray for the lives of Commander Eckener,
1:05:30 > 1:05:32his passengers and his crew.
1:05:35 > 1:05:38It's incredible that we have survived.
1:05:38 > 1:05:41Just a few people slightly injured.
1:05:43 > 1:05:48We take turns at keeping watch by the window day and night,
1:05:48 > 1:05:49looking out for land.
1:06:10 > 1:06:14We all realise we can do nothing.
1:06:14 > 1:06:16Just keep calm,
1:06:16 > 1:06:18hoping, waiting.
1:06:24 > 1:06:25Everyone feels anxious...
1:06:29 > 1:06:31..but not me.
1:07:20 > 1:07:23RADIO MESSAGE: An airship, by all odds the Graf Zeppelin,
1:07:23 > 1:07:27has flown over us, the Edward Luckenbach,
1:07:27 > 1:07:3113 miles from Point Sur, Monterey County, at 8.40pm.
1:08:29 > 1:08:31The drawing room has changed into a news room.
1:08:31 > 1:08:33We bring the good news -
1:08:33 > 1:08:36we are back and we have survived.
1:08:36 > 1:08:38We are all in competition.
1:08:38 > 1:08:41I am working like mad to finish my dispatch
1:08:41 > 1:08:43whilst trying to be civil to people.
1:08:43 > 1:08:46I want to be the first to go into the radio room.
1:08:51 > 1:08:56RADIO BROADCAST: Here is Radio San Francisco.
1:08:56 > 1:08:59The Graf Zeppelin has been found again after being missing
1:08:59 > 1:09:03for two days, and is now flying over our city.
1:09:03 > 1:09:07The Graf has managed to cross the great Pacific Ocean.
1:09:18 > 1:09:21We set course for Los Angeles,
1:09:21 > 1:09:22our last stop.
1:09:24 > 1:09:27The Americans stand in their hundreds along the road,
1:09:27 > 1:09:29they are delirious.
1:09:40 > 1:09:42We are back in reality.
1:09:46 > 1:09:50I am scared to death of coming face to face with Inez.
1:10:02 > 1:10:04CROWD MURMURS
1:10:20 > 1:10:23People are all around, grabbing at me.
1:10:23 > 1:10:27A car whisks me away as soon as I arrive.
1:10:27 > 1:10:29In my hand, there is a piece of paper
1:10:29 > 1:10:33that appears to be a programme for the next few hours -
1:10:33 > 1:10:36talks, receptions, interviews.
1:10:42 > 1:10:46I'm exhausted when I get to this jam-packed hotel.
1:10:47 > 1:10:48This crowd of merrymakers
1:10:48 > 1:10:51consists of local politicians and businessmen.
1:10:53 > 1:10:55They all want a piece of the pie.
1:11:00 > 1:11:02I torment myself by waiting.
1:11:05 > 1:11:07Karl is going to arrive with Inez.
1:11:19 > 1:11:24When I see them dance affectionately,
1:11:24 > 1:11:26so close...
1:11:26 > 1:11:31I know it can't be. It cannot be.
1:11:34 > 1:11:35I must move on.
1:11:37 > 1:11:39I write him a letter.
1:11:41 > 1:11:43"My dearest Karl..."
1:11:43 > 1:11:44A letter of farewell.
1:11:46 > 1:11:50"..I am ALWAYS thinking of you.
1:11:50 > 1:11:53"I have never known a love so powerful.
1:11:53 > 1:11:58"Do not forget the exquisite beauty of what we've shared...
1:12:00 > 1:12:04"..I will always love you.
1:12:04 > 1:12:06"Your Gracie."
1:12:11 > 1:12:14MUSIC: Doin' The New Lowdown by Cab Calloway
1:13:07 > 1:13:12One new passenger has come onboard, GD Godfrey, stockbroker.
1:13:13 > 1:13:17He wants to be the first man to deal in shares on board an airship.
1:13:27 > 1:13:32There is a feverish atmosphere since Godfrey started trading in shares.
1:13:35 > 1:13:37In the radio room,
1:13:37 > 1:13:41Godfrey is in contact with his assistant on the exchange floor.
1:13:41 > 1:13:45He constantly buys and sells shares.
1:13:45 > 1:13:48He earns an immense amount of money.
1:13:48 > 1:13:51It has an infectious effect on the other men.
1:13:51 > 1:13:55They get greedy and try to follow in Godfrey's footsteps.
1:13:57 > 1:14:00We glide over the Midwest.
1:14:00 > 1:14:03All that seems to matter to them is the Stock Exchange.
1:14:08 > 1:14:11Karl and I don't talk any more.
1:14:11 > 1:14:16He maintains a deep silence about my letter.
1:14:28 > 1:14:33In 21 days, we flew over mountains, valleys,
1:14:33 > 1:14:38over fields full of flowers, dark virgin forest.
1:14:38 > 1:14:42We explored countries where people live as prisoners,
1:14:42 > 1:14:45where human life has no value.
1:14:46 > 1:14:51Here, in the land of the free, there seems no limit to the horizon.
1:14:55 > 1:14:59To see this world, to live this journey.
1:15:01 > 1:15:03Nothing can ever be the same.
1:15:07 > 1:15:11RADIO REPORT: We ARE in radio contact with the Graf.
1:15:11 > 1:15:13We hear that, after a good rest,
1:15:13 > 1:15:17Eckener has come out of his cabin to fly the airship over New York.
1:15:20 > 1:15:23The old man is back in front.
1:15:24 > 1:15:27After sending my last dispatches to the news room,
1:15:27 > 1:15:31I get an enthusiastic message back from Hearst.
1:15:31 > 1:15:34"You'd better prepare yourself, girl,
1:15:34 > 1:15:38"for a splendid reception in New York." Gosh!
1:15:42 > 1:15:44RADIO BROADCAST: What a glorious moment.
1:15:44 > 1:15:47The airship salutes our Statue Of Liberty.
1:16:11 > 1:16:14We have all gathered in the wheelhouse.
1:16:14 > 1:16:18It's a breathtaking and solemn moment.
1:16:19 > 1:16:22We are silent and moved.
1:17:00 > 1:17:03Karl comes to me.
1:17:03 > 1:17:06I tell him I'm not afraid.
1:17:07 > 1:17:09I must move on.
1:17:11 > 1:17:15He says, "Believe me,
1:17:15 > 1:17:17"you're the lucky one."
1:17:26 > 1:17:30RADIO REPORT: Yes, people, 5,000 men, women and children
1:17:30 > 1:17:32are sitting on newspapers in the park.
1:17:32 > 1:17:38The streets are PACKED, all available parking places have been taken.
1:17:38 > 1:17:42Deafening cheers rise up when the Zeppelin appears on the horizon.
1:17:42 > 1:17:44But, when the airship flies over,
1:17:44 > 1:17:49the thousands standing to watch are silent.
1:17:50 > 1:17:53- RADIO BROADCAST:- Drivers are breaking all the rules,
1:17:53 > 1:17:57putting the brakes on and climbing onto the roofs of their automobiles.
1:17:57 > 1:18:00The police are trying to keep everything under control.
1:18:00 > 1:18:03They issue warnings and blow their whistles,
1:18:03 > 1:18:06but no-one pays any attention.
1:18:06 > 1:18:09Pretty soon, the officers give up, shrug their shoulders
1:18:09 > 1:18:12and turn their eyes up to the sky to join the watchers.
1:18:12 > 1:18:17Yes, people, New York has gone crazy.
1:18:46 > 1:18:50Well, well, well. Here we are, right at the official stand.
1:18:50 > 1:18:55Within a few moments, the Graf Zeppelin will be back home.
1:19:08 > 1:19:10CHEERS
1:19:55 > 1:20:00Leeds, Wilkins and Lehmann are the first to disembark.
1:20:00 > 1:20:03They are given a hero's welcome.
1:20:12 > 1:20:15Eckener is received with great enthusiasm.
1:20:15 > 1:20:17I can see that he's happy.
1:20:27 > 1:20:30I wait until it is my turn.
1:20:30 > 1:20:36Then I realise that outside, the crowd is clamouring for me.
1:20:38 > 1:20:40For me.
1:20:40 > 1:20:42CHEERS
1:21:10 > 1:21:13Here we are now in front of City Hall,
1:21:13 > 1:21:16waiting for the parade to start,
1:21:16 > 1:21:18and millions of people are waiting.
1:21:23 > 1:21:26BRASS BAND MUSIC
1:21:42 > 1:21:45I ride in the parade behind Eckener.
1:21:47 > 1:21:49What I see is overwhelming.
1:21:57 > 1:21:59I have enjoyed the privilege
1:21:59 > 1:22:02of being the first woman to fly around the Earth.
1:22:06 > 1:22:09I am the luckiest girl in the world.
1:22:31 > 1:22:34Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
1:22:34 > 1:22:37E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk