Carve Her Name with Pride

Hurry along, please. We're late already.

Right, that's the lot. That's the lot!

Vi Bushell! Well, I'm blowed! Remember me?

-Stockwell Road School.

-Shirley Wilson!

-That's right.

-Dyed my hair. Suits the uniform. How are you keeping?

-Fine, thanks.

Well, isn't this nice? My first day on this route and I pick you up.

< Do you work out west? So do we!

­ Come on! The manners of people these days!

Room for one more inside.

Sorry, that's the lot.

I say, Vi! Vi!

-Sorry. Hello!

-I had to come and tell you - I've seen Sally Wilkins.

-She's joined the ATS.

-Thank heavens! We've won!

-Can you come to Hyde Park on Saturday?

-Yes. Why?

I have to pick up a French soldier.

-Eh?

-It's a French national holiday. Mum suggested finding a French soldier

-and inviting him to supper.

-I wish I had a French mother!

-Will you come?

-What for?

Well, I mean...I couldn't go on my own!

All right, if you do all the talking. I don't know enough French even to say no!

..This jewellery's imitation.

-There you are. Over there.

-Oh, no, they're not French.

-Oh, aren't they?

Look, Win, they're French!

THEY CHAT IN FRENCH

-I don't think we're cut out for this, Vi.

-We'll probably get arrested.

Do you mean they'll think we're...? Oh, crikey!

Oh, dear!

There you are. He was looking at YOU, Vi.

-He's a French officer, isn't he?

-Mm-hm, in the Foreign Legion.

-Isn't that romantic, Vi?

What do we do now? Wait?

Mademoiselle, have you the time, if you please?

-I don't know. Vi?

-Nearly trois heures et demie.

Vous avez raison. C'etait une excuse. Pardon, mademoiselle.

-Je vous pardonne!

-Vous etes Francaise?

Non, ma mere est Francaise.

Ah, je vois. Et votre amie?

-I'm sorry, mademoiselle, now I speak English. May I sit down?

-Oh, yes, sit down.

Well, go on, Vi, ask him.

Well, my mother thought you'd like to come and have supper with us.

-Mademoiselle, I don't know your mother.

-That doesn't matter!

-What?

C'est le quatorze juillet.

-Ah, she sent you to seek a lonely Frenchman that she might entertain him.

-Will you come?

Why not? Oh, I beg your pardon, mademoiselle.

Etienne Szabo, a votre service.

-Oh, well, I'm Violette Bushell and this is Winnie Watson.

-Mademoiselle.

Now we all know each other, don't we?

Please.

I bet you haven't heard this one. It's terrific.

-Another glass of wine like the officers have.

-I wish health to you, monsieur et madame,

-and to the charming Violette.

-It's been a lovely evening, hasn't it?

-First class.

-Likewise for me. I'm so happy.

Such fine stories of your adventures.

If I'd been a man, I'd like to have been a professional soldier.

All those wonderful places you've seen - Algiers, Tunis, Morocco.

-How was Dunkirk?

-Oh, please, sir. One day perhaps.

Maybe we dance, mademoiselle?

Yes.

Excuse me, madame.

Your parents are very charming. Where were you born? In England?

-Yes, in London but my parents met in France in the last war.

-I understand.

Look at Vi. It's the first time I've seen her take an interest in a boy.

She may be my sister, chum, but she's a terror with the boys!

Ohh!

-You asked for it, Roy!

-I'm sorry! Music! Start the music, quick!

Bully!

-The toughest one in the family!

-Will you have another drink?

No, thank you, madame. I must get back. I'm on duty tonight.

Perhaps...in the next days, you will teach me something of London.

-If you will permit, madame.

-Of course.

-I'd love to.

-Well, I'll just walk with you...

-No, no, Charles.

-Au revoir, madame, et merci encore...

-Bon soir.

-Cheerio. All the best.

-Good night, monsieur.

-Good night.

-Good night, mademoiselle.

-I'll fetch your cap.

Dad, how about a sing-song?

-What shall we have?

-My Old Dutch.

-My Old Dutch. All right, off we go.

# We've been together now for 40 years

# And it don't seem a day too much... #

So, one o'clock tomorrow, Hyde Park, the same seat.

-I shall remember.

-I'll try not to be late.

Good night, Violette.

Au revoir, Etienne.

INAUDIBLE REMARK

INAUDIBLE

HE PLAYS A CLASSICAL PIECE

You look very sweet in the moonlight.

What are you thinking?

I was pretending that we were in the South of France,

-in a lovely hotel by the sea.

-From my home in Marseilles, I could look at the sea.

-Oh, I'd love to go to Marseilles.

-When we are married, we will go together,

and to Paris. Have you been to Paris?

I used to go as a kid and stay with relations, but that was in the country.

It's the most wonderful city in the world - Paris.

The trees in the Bois, the shops in the Champs Elysees...

In the spring, it is fairyland.

DOOR OPENS

-Oh, I didn't know you were here. I, er...

-Oi! Put that light out!

-Sorry, I forgot about the curtains.

-It's all right.

-I'm sorry, monsieur, I should have gone.

-Yes, it's late.

-Vi, your mother wants you in the kitchen.

-What for?

-I don't know. Go on, now.

Well, now, Etienne...

Monsieur, I wish to say something.

Well, all right.

You know...I have known Violette only a little time.

-Soon I go away.

-Exactly...

-Please, monsieur.

I wish to say... Please, monsieur. I want your permission to marry your daughter.

Marry her? You want to marry her?

-Thank you, monsieur!

-Not so fast. This wants thinking about.

-But we are sure.

YOU may be sure but... Well, you've only known the girl for three days!

But, monsieur, it is not time that tells these things, but the heart.

We love each other.

No. No, no, it won't do.

She's too young. I'm not having it.

-Oh, aren't you?

-No, Vi.

-I'm sorry, Dad, but Etienne and I are getting married.

-Monsieur...

-What you say won't change that.

-Oh, no?

-No, it won't!

Oh! Well...

All right, then, what are we arguing about?

Oh, Dad!

-Oh, Etienne!

-Violette!

THEY SING IN FRENCH

-There we are, Madame Szabo.

-A week ago today, we were on our way here.

-We'll celebrate the occasion tonight with champagne.

-Oh, darling.

PLANES FLY PAST

Darling, don't look. After the honeymoon, we go back to the war.

See those trees over there?

-I'll race you to them!

-All right!

Violette!

-Violette!

-Did you call?

Make way for me!

-I'm coming up!

-Too late. I'm coming down!

-Oh, darling!

-Are you happy?

How long can we stay?

-What's the matter?

-Nothing.

I was just thinking how very much I love you.

Darling, will you laugh if I tell you something?

Last night, when you were asleep,

-I wrote a little poem about my love for you.

-A poem?

Oh, it's not very good but as the words came into my mind, I wrote them down.

Here.

You read it. I want to hear you read it.

I think I remember it.

"The life that I have Is all that I have

"And the life that I have is yours

"The love that I have Of the life that I have Is yours and yours and yours

"A sleep I shall have A rest I shall have

"Yet death will be but a pause

"For the peace of my years in the long green grass Will be yours and yours and yours."

That's all of it.

Thank you, darling.

It's beautiful.

ROAR OF PLANES

-Etienne.

-Well?

You didn't answer my question.

How long can we stay here?

I heard this morning. In two days, we must return.

In three days, I go.

-Where?

-Overseas. I don't know where.

Oh, Violette, my darling, you KNOW this must be.

Yes.

I know.

It can't be helped.

We've still got three days.

-Oh, you WILL come back, won't you?!

-Of course I shall.

Soon, the war will be finished, then we'll have another honeymoon.

We'll go to Notre Dame and give thanks.

Which will we have first - a girl or a boy?

We'll have a girl, then we'll take her with us to Paris

-and I'll buy her a pretty dress.

-I'd rather have a boy.

No, I insist upon a girl. Then she will grow up to look just like you

and I shall be twice as proud.

# Happy birthday to you

# Happy birthday to you

# Happy birthday, dear Tania

# Happy birthday to you! #

Very good.

Have something to eat. Would you dish out the jelly?

Oh, she's sweet, Vi. Really she is.

-Biscuit, Win?

-Thank you. What a shame Etienne hasn't seen her yet.

I'd hoped he'd get leave but he's in North Africa.

-How is he? Have you heard from him?

-No, I haven't. Not for some time.

-I've been a bit worried.

-Letters take a long time to come, love.

-Isn't Tania going to cut her cake? >

-Oh, yes!

-No news is good news.

Come on, darling, stand up.

EXCITED CHATTERING

Push! Well done. Now the other side.

-There's a clever girl.

-First plate.

-That's too large.

-I'll half it...

-DOORBELL RINGS

-That's the doorbell, Vi.

-Oh, thanks. Mum, could you answer it?

-Yes.

Mrs Szabo?

-Mr Potter, please.

-Fourth floor.

-Thank you.

Mrs Szabo.

-Good morning. My name's Potter. Come and sit down, won't you?

-Thank you.

-You'll be wondering why I sent for you.

-I expect it's about the pension.

I understand you're partly French.

-My mother is French.

-And your husband was in the French army.

-Yes. He was killed at El Alamein six months ago.

-Yes. Yes, I know. I'm sorry.

-You, um... You speak French yourself, of course.

-Yes, I was brought up to speak French and English.

And you're quite an athlete, I'm told.

And you're a crack shot with a rifle.

-Mr Potter, if it's about the pension...

-Actually, Mrs Szabo, it's not.

-But you wrote to me.

-Yes. Ministry of Pensions is not correct. I belong to quite a different department.

-Then why am I here?

-Because I think you have certain qualifications which might be of great use.

Qualifications?

What for?

The war effort. I must tell you it comes under the heading of Dangerous Work.

Look, I really don't think you've got hold of the right person.

What kind of work?

Well, briefly, we're doing everything we can to make things as difficult for the Germans as we can,

in every way that we can,

from blowing up their troop trains to putting chalk in their ink.

The French are magnificent, but they have to be organised and supplied.

We need liaison people.

-It's quite a job.

-Yes.

Yes, I suppose it is.

One more thing. The Germans don't like what we're doing.

They don't like it at all.

In certain circumstances, they react violently and brutally.

Well, now, are you interested?

I don't know.

I don't know.

Since your husband died, you've rather shut yourself away.

-Oh, we must make some fairly close enquiries before we interview people for this sort of work.

-Yes, I see.

-Well, I just couldn't seem to face up to things.

-Quite.

-But you're picking up the threads again now, aren't you?

-I'm trying to.

-Good.

I'd like you to think this over.

I'm sorry, Mr Potter, I don't think I can be of any use to you.

I suppose you're thinking about your baby.

Well, she's all I have.

What if anything happened to ME?

Yes, of course.

That's something you must think about.

But you don't have to make up your mind right away. Why don't you come and see me again in a week's time?

Yes, all right, if you wish.

You realise you must tell nobody about this interview, not even your parents.

Yes, of course. Mr Potter, wouldn't it be possible to find someone else for this job?

I don't know. It might be possible, but it's taken us a long time to find you.

There are so few people with your qualifications.

Oh, just a moment.

Don't forget your pass, otherwise you'll be here forever.

-Oh, good afternoon. My name's Vera Atkins. I'm looking for Mrs Szabo.

-Oh, that's me.

-Will you come in?

-Thank you.

You don't know me but I work in the same department as Mr Potter.

-Oh, would you come in here, please?

-Thank you.

Mr Potter got your letter. He wants to make sure you understand the step you're taking.

Well, I've thought about it for two weeks and...

-I know now it's the only thing I can do.

-Your decision is entirely voluntary. No pressure will be used.

I still want to join.

-Good.

-Will you sit down?

-Thank you. Oh, what a dear little girl. Tania, isn't it?

-Yes.

-How old is she?

-Just over two.

-And yet you still want to do this?

-My husband was killed fighting in the desert.

For his sake, I... I couldn't live the rest of my life knowing I'd failed to do my bit.

He never saw Tania

but I suppose, in a way,

he was fighting for her.

And now it's my turn.

-You DO realise it may end the same way for you.

-Yes, I do realise that.

Right. We'll get you into uniform to avoid awkward questions about what you're doing.

-You'll be commissioned as an officer in the FANYs. Can you start at once?

-Yes. Mother will look after Tania.

-May we come in?

-Of course, Mum.

Hello, darling! Did you have a nice walk?

-Oh, this is my mother, Miss Atkins. And my father.

-Pleased to meet you.

-I'm going to the FANYs.

-You mean you've joined up?

-What's the FANYs?

Oh, First Aid Nursing Yeomanry. Driving ambulances, running canteens.

Oh, well, that sounds a nice job.

Ohh!

Look, miss, you're gonna fight the Germans, help us win the war, right?

-Yes.

-That's a very clever girl. Now we'll try again.

This is the best of the bunch! I can't stand it. I'm going sick.

Right, now, I'm a Gerry, and I'm coming towards you

and I've got a big knife so that's the hand you've gotta watch. Right.

Pay attention over there!

I'm not doing this for my benefit!

Look, miss, I...

Never mind. Get back into line. This ain't fair.

Ladies, I've told you.

I've told you time and time again. When you fall, fall PROPERLY!

Then you don't hurt yourselves.

It's very simple.

A child could do it. Watch me.

-If only he'd break his bloody neck!

-Mm.

INAUDIBLE

-Finished?

-Yes.

-Right, get going.

Good evening, ladies. Are you quite comfortable?

-Are you waiting for the bang?

-Yes.

-Yes.

If I'd been a German sentry, I could've knocked you two off,

walked to the bridge, unplugged the fuse and gone home for dinner!

-Have you got a revolver?

-Yes.

-Tell me where it is.

-In the holster.

-Keeping it warm, I suppose(!)

I've told you - never leave yourselves undefended!

Gimme a hand here, will you?

We've got you, Sergeant.

Put that away. You might do some harm with it.

Well, that was very good.

-Get back to base now.

-In the lorry?

-No, you can walk.

-But it's seven miles.

-Eight.

Give you a nice appetite for breakfast, won't it?

Driver!

ENGINE STARTS

LORRY DRIVES OFF

"Appetite for breakfast." How far are we from base now?

-About two miles.

-See where we are? Commander HQ.

-Ooh, what I wouldn't give for a nice, hot cup of tea!

-Wouldn't you prefer a whisky?

-What are we waiting for?

-Come on!

MAN COUGHS

What the devil are you...?

Quick! Get him in here!

(Onto the bed.)

(Cover him up. That's it.)

You've knocked out the CO!

-GROANING

-(He's waking up!)

It's one thing to live off the land,

but it's another to raid government property, steal government liquor,

and damage government...personnel!

You'll be up before the CO this morning.

All right, now. Who's responsible?

-I am, Sergeant.

-No, we all were!

-OK, OK, all right!

But I can tell you, the CO's going to have something to say about this.

Did I say dismiss?

Come back here! What's the matter with you?

Cor blimey, women!

There's one thing more,

and it gives me pain, great pain, to say it.

I'm proud to have you in my section.

I've been trying to put something over on those commanders for a year!

Go on, you're dismissed!

Oh, there's an end-of-course party on Thursday night in the mess. The drinks are on you!

Well, I suppose Winston knows what he's doing.

GO!

GO!

-Morning.

-Good morning.

Keep your legs together. Are you trying to split yourself in two?

Even the women are better than you!

All right, on parade again, 1400 hours. Fall out!

The thing is, I don't like heights. I get airsick on top of a bus.

You should've joined the Navy!

If you can do it, I suppose I can.

-It's the next course I'm scared of.

-The finishing school?

-Mm, all that psychological stuff.

-They invent a new personality for you.

-Yes?

-New name, new background.

-What about your present background?

-"No exchange of personal information.

"Security instruction, subclause 144a."

Do you know the Studio Club in Knightsbridge?

-No, that's not my part of London.

-We might meet.

-Look at him!

-Have a drink, go to the theatre?

What? Oh, yes, yes, we might.

Yes.

See you on the flying trapeze(!)

Yes!

-I want to get out and walk!

-You were fine yesterday.

-Beginner's luck.

I've landed on everything except my face. I think this is the day!

Right, we're coming up over the DZ now.

Just remember everything you've been told.

You'll be dropping in a stick of five.

Right, stand by for action!

Action stations!

GO!

Two!

TWO!

Five!

I did it, I did it! Easy. Nothing to it. What's the matter?

-My ankle's gone.

-Hang on to me.

-You've got some leave.

-I must finish the course!

No. "Medical orders, subclause 54b."

-Je vais mettre la belle au lit, cherie.

-Merci, Mama.

-As soon as that's better, I suppose you'll be off again.

-Yes, I shall.

-You might write to your mother more often. She worries.

-I did write.

Twice in three months, and you said nothing.

Now, you say you help in canteens, drive lorries.

-Is that helping to win the war?

-I've got to believe it.

-Well, I don't believe it!

What do you do with your spare time?

-You meet men, don't you?

-Sometimes.

-Officers, I suppose.

Yes, officers. The men I work with.

Sometimes we make up a party and go out.

-So what? I'm not a child.

-You're not much more.

-Oh, Dad!

You've been married and you've got a baby, but you don't know it all.

Look, Vi, I don't know what it is, but you've changed.

-I wish you'd live at home instead of racketing round!

-I've got to get around!

-And crock yourself up?

-I twisted it jumping out of a lorry. Does that imply an affair with a colonel?

-I don't know what to think.

-Oh, don't be so stupid!

-All right, you do what you like,

but if you're not careful, you'll come to a bad end!

Thanks.

What's wrong, Charles?

It's Vi's. It fell out of her bag.

What is it?

A parachute badge. That's how she hurt her ankle.

Thanks.

It fell out of your bag.

I spoke out of turn, didn't I? I'm sorry, Vi.

Have you got much more of it to do?

-Sorry, I can't tell you anything. I'm not allowed to.

-That's OK, Vi.

I'm sure you're doing this for a good reason.

Yes, I am.

Fair enough. No more questions.

And if you get a chance to have a bit of fun,

you take it, bless you.

Oh!

DANCE MUSIC PLAYS

-#

-Da dee da dum

-#

-Da da da dee

-#

-Da da da dum

-#

-One day I'll love another one.

-#

Very nice. I hope you mean it.

It's taken me four weeks to get you here.

Now, what about tomorrow night?

-We can't plan as far ahead as that.

-Oh. Pity.

That's the worst of war. No time.

Here today and gone tomorrow, new places, new faces,

-just when you're getting to like one particular face.

-Perhaps that's the best of war -

-no time to get attached.

-I see.

Tony, I'd like to ask you something sometime.

No time like the present. Let's go outside.

It's cooler out here, and quieter.

-Tony...

-Mm-hm?

Um...

Do you think I can do this job?

Don't you?

I don't know.

-I get frightened.

-You got through your training all right.

-I know,

but when it comes to the real thing...

IF it does... shall I feel the same?

-It's so important not to fail.

-You won't! You'll do a grand job.

-Oh, I want to SO much!

-Don't worry. We're all in the same boat.

None of us really knows how he'll stand up to it.

I'm just afraid of...BEING afraid.

-It sounds silly but...

-I know.

The thing is to face up to that one and accept it,

then you'll be able to control it.

Yes.

Yes, I see that.

-Thanks, Tony.

-You're welcome.

-Oh, goodness, we ARE being serious!

-Let's dance.

If this is true, it's damn bad luck. The Rouen group was one of our best.

What do we do? Have another try. I'm sending Fraser into France again.

Fraser? Yes. He formed the Rouen group originally.

Yes, I know. What's wrong?

Nothing. Just a personal reaction. I find him rather strange, remote.

That's what makes a good agent. He doesn't have to work at it all day!

-< Hello, Fraser. How did you like the parachute course?

-I didn't, sir.

-Give me a nice French train every time.

-You've seen the signal?

-Yes, Vera showed it to me.

-Are you sure it's genuine?

-It's from Paris. Absolutely reliable.

-Somebody's talked. There've been arrests. That's all we know.

-Well, we'll soon know the truth.

It could be very dangerous, Tony.

-Your face is all over Rouen. You're bound to be recognised in a town of 116,000.

-116,467 to be precise.

I'm the only one that knows all the contacts. We may have to begin again from scratch.

-The area is solid with Gestapo.

-It's worth trying.

-No, I don't think it is.

I'm going to send somebody over with you. You can stay out of Rouen.

Your assistant can go in, discover what's going on and report to you.

-Agreed?

-If you say so, sir, of course. It must be somebody good. They'll be working blind.

-Who are you giving me?

-Vera.

Come in, will you?

-Hello, how are you?

-Fine, thank you.

-­ You know each other, of course.

-Yes.

-We thought a woman would be less liable to suspicion in Rouen than a man.

-I suppose so.

-Violette is confident she can carry out your instructions.

-I hope so.

I'm sure she can. QUITE sure.

Good. Captain Fraser knows the area.

He organised the Rouen group so you in turn can rely on him.

Yes. I see.

Come and look at the map.

-Finding one of your old contacts and some explosive would be something.

-What's in your mind, sir?

Here's the main railway line from Germany through Rouen to Le Havre.

-The line crosses a viaduct. It must be blown.

-I know that viaduct.

-Good.

With luck, we can get you over at the next moon.

Your identity card,

clothing coupons, ration cards,

and money - £600 in French francs. Will you sign for them here, please?

-If you want any more, I can let you have some.

-I've never been so rich!

-I've checked your toilet things. I see you've used them.

-Yes, last week.

-I'll check your handbag.

-Right.

Well...how do I look?

-The perfect secretary.

-I hate this jacket!

-As worn in Rouen.

-You can't check the rest of me, but I assure you it's all French.

-Fair enough.

Oh, just one other thing.

Your lethal pill, just in case of accidents.

Keep it somewhere safe and handy.

No, thanks. I don't have to have it, do I?

-Well, no, but...

-It's all right.

Anyway, they're not going to catch me.

As you wish.

-Cigarettes, matches and a picture of a child. These, you must leave behind.

-Right.

I'll just have one more English cigarette.

Well, this is where it really starts.

Yes.

How do you feel?

-A bit...sort of unreal.

-I know. I did the first time. All those months

of training, blood, sweat and tears,

building up, you think, to an exciting climax,

and suddenly, here you are with your little suitcase

trotting off in an unarmed aircraft to fight the German army all by yourself. Crazy, isn't it?

Crazy.

Come on. They're waiting to kiss us goodbye.

-Bon voyage, Tony.

-Thank you.

Goodbye, Vera.

Ils Sont la! Venez vite!

-Bon soir.

-Comment ca va? Vous avez eu bon voyage?

-Oui.

-Goodbye. Good luck.

-Venez par ici.

-Monsieur Dumont, it is good to see you again.

-Good to see you.

-Mademoiselle Leroi.

-Welcome.

-Can you get her to Rouen?

-You can ride a bicycle?

-Yes.

-We can take her to friends. Tomorrow, she can board a train for Rouen.

-Good.

It's no good telling you where to start in Rouen. You've got the names and addresses?

-Yes. I hope they're still there.

-Don't take any unnecessary risks. I need you to report back to me.

-Yes, of course.

-We'll meet in Paris as arranged, three weeks from now - the 28th.

-I'll be there.

Good luck, mademoiselle.

And you, monsieur.

We have a car waiting, monsieur.

THEY CHAT IN GERMAN

-Why not come in here, mademoiselle? We have a seat too many.

-Oh. Thank you very much.

-May I offer you a cigarette?

-Oh, no. No, thank you.

-Do you mind if we smoke?

-Please do.

Cigarette? Danke schon.

-Are you going through to Rouen?

-Yes.

-You work in the war?

-No, I'm visiting relatives.

-I see.

-What kind of work do you do?

-Oh, I'm just a secretary.

-That's very interesting. My little daughter, she wants to be a secretary.

-Oh, really?

-Oh, isn't she pretty?

-< Here's a photograph of my wife.

TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS

Danke.

Mademoiselle, where do your relatives live?

-I don't know. I have to find them.

-Do you have somewhere to stay?

-I shall stay in a hotel. Thank you.

Accommodation is very difficult in Rouen.

-I stay in a small hotel. I could find you a room.

-No, thank you. I must find my relatives.

-I can find them much more quickly than you can. I insist that I help you.

-Very well, monsieur. Thank you.

Right. This way.

INSTRUCTS DRIVER IN GERMAN

Bonjour, mademoiselle, monsieur. Bonjour, monsieur.

Have you a room for mademoiselle? Certainly, monsieur. The usual room for you, monsieur?

-Mademoiselle, I should be pleased if you would dine with me tonight.

-Thank you.

-At 8 o'clock.

-Very well.

Mademoiselle. This way, mademoiselle.

RUMBLE OF GUNFIRE AND BOMBING

-I have a message for Madame Bonot.

-She's not here.

-Is Monsieur Bonot here?

-Neither my mother nor my father are here.

-When will they be back?

They've been taken by the Germans!

I don't want to be seen talking to you.

Well, you're my last contact, madame. None of the others have been able to help me.

How many of the group ARE left?

If I knew, I would tell you, but I don't.

I only know that many have been caught.

-I'm trying to trace a Monsieur Garnier.

-Garnier?

He works at Bertrand's garage.

-Where's that?

-In the Rue de Bonier.

-But be careful. We are not too sure of him.

-Bertrand's garage, Rue de Bonier.

-Mm-hm.

-Yes, I'll be careful.

Links, rechts... Hoch mit den Fuessen!

Monsieur Garnier?

-Mm?

-Bonjour, monsieur.

-Bonjour.

-Can I hire a bicycle here?

-No, mademoiselle, no.

-Ohh. Is there anywhere else?

-Not that I know of.

Oh, well. Never mind. It's a nice day for walking. It's good that the spring is here at last.

Yes. It has been a long winter.

And now the days are drawing out.

What do you want to know?

How many of the group are left?

-It's a tragedy, mademoiselle. Of 98 members, only myself and two others remain.

-That's terrible.

-Have you any explosive?

-Yes, plenty.

-Do you know how to use it?

-We are watched all the time - the Gestapo.

What is the target?

The viaduct that carries the main line to Le Havre, 20km west of here.

-The viaduct? But it's guarded night and day.

-Will you try?

-..I'll speak to the others.

-You must go.

-When will you see them?

-Tonight maybe.

-Tonight.

-But, mademoiselle...

-Please.

-I'll call back in the morning.

-But...

-I know that, if it's possible, you'll do it.

-Au revoir, monsieur.

-Au revoir, mademoiselle.

-Geheime Staatspolizei. Your name?

-Corinne Renne Leroi.

-Address?

-64 Rue Tierre, Le Havre.

Your papers.

-What are you doing in Rouen?

-I'm trying to find some relatives.

-At Bertrand's garage?

-I wanted to hire a bicycle.

-Did you?

-No, he said he had none.

-It took him a long time to tell you.

-He's talkative.

You come with us. Allez!

Herein!

Heil, Hitler. Heil, Hitler.

This woman was talking to Garnier. I suspect he was passing information to her.

-­ This is a surprise.

-Good morning.

-You know each other?

Yes. A chair. You'll understand, mademoiselle, that we must take precautions.

I'm sure you meant no harm,

-but why were you talking to the man at the garage?

-It's very simple. I was trying to hire a bicycle.

As I said, I'm trying to find some relatives. I got tired of walking.

The garage has no bicycles for hire yet they talked for several minutes.

I thought the man might know of my relatives and give me news of them.

-And did he? >

-He knew my uncle by name but that's all.

Ye-es? And what IS your uncle's name?

Gourmier. Marcel Gourmier.

Herr Oberst, the woman is lying.

Isn't that for you to decide?

Mademoiselle, it appears that my men have been a little overzealous. Please accept my apologies.

-What happened last night? I waited over an hour.

-Sorry. I got caught in the air raid.

-Yes, of course.

-Then you'll dine with me tonight.

-That would be charming.

-Excellent.

-At 8 o'clock, then?

-Good. Au revoir.

-Mademoiselle.

She has tricked you, Herr Oberst.

You don't understand. I understand perfectly.

Do you think I can be easily fooled?

Was she receiving information? Probably.

Shall we have her followed? No, not yet.

Not until... Not until after dinner tonight.

-If he thinks I'm dining with him tonight, he's got a long wait ahead.

-You're sure he suspects?

-Quite sure.

He was so ready to believe me

and too quick with his dinner invitation.

Did M. Garnier help you at the garage?

I think he will. I...don't know. I didn't know what to make of him.

My child, you're in great danger. You must get out of Rouen by 8 o'clock tonight.

Yes.

-I've got to get to Paris.

-I think I can help you.

-Bonjour, Corinne.

-Bonjour, Robert. Ca va?

-Ca va.

Come and sit down here.

Right on time. Good girl.

Oh, it's good to see you.

-You're looking tired.

-I am. I'm all right, though.

What's the news? In brief, for now.

It's not good. The Rouen group's had it. Three left out of 98,

and I'm not sure of them.

-But you got the viaduct.

-What?

The viaduct. It went up last night.

-Didn't you know?

-He did it! Darn, he did it!

-Blew it sky high with an ammo train on it.

-Oh, that's wonderful!

-Let's go and find some lunch.

-When do we go home? Tonight?

-Two or three days. Take a look at Paris.

Do some shopping. Or have you done it?

It's the most marvellous dress. I couldn't resist it. Black market. Terribly expensive.

-Where did you get it?

-Molyneux.

But that's where the Germans take their girlfriends.

Is it? ..Ohh!

Oh, look! I must get that for Tania.

-But, my dear girl, you're broke.

-You said you'd lend me some!

-That was in an emergency.

-This is!

Why do they let women into the army? Here. Help yourself.

-Thank you.

-There's a restaurant. I'll go and get a table.

-Yes. I won't be long.

-ETIENNE'S VOICE:

-We shall have a girl. Then we will take her with us to Paris

and I shall buy her a pretty dress.

Soon the war will be finished

then we will go together to Notre Dame and give thanks.

End of the journey.

I'm so tired, I could sleep for a week.

Violette...

Enjoy your rest.

-You deserve it.

-So do you.

It'll be wonderful to wake up without that tight feeling in the stomach.

We might not get the chance to work together again.

-I hope we won't lose sight of each other.

-Of course not. After all we've been through?

You can't get rid of me so easily!

Right, I'll ring you tomorrow morning.

Oh, you're hopeless!

God bless you.

Good night.

Tania.

Darling!

Hello, darling!

Hello. Mummy's back.

Hello, darling!

-Would you like to see the lovely thing I brought for you?

-Mm.

-Come on, then!

What a good girl! Come on, just for a minute.

-Oh, Violette!

-Hello, darling.

-Darling!

-Hold on, what about my turn?

-Hello, Dad!

-Oh, Vi, I've got so much to ask you.

-No questions!

-Let's have a cup of tea!

-No sleep tonight!

-I've missed you. Have you missed me?

-No!

-Oh, no!

-She's been as naughty as you used to be!

-Dad, can you bring those in?

-Oh, it's lovely to be home.

-Well, things haven't changed much.

-Sit there, darling.

-I'll open this box and you'll see what I've brought you.

-Just like Christmas.

-You open that one, Dad.

Now, what have we got here?

Stand up, darling. Let's see if it fits you.

-Oh, it's too big!

-No, it isn't.

Never mind. You'll soon grow into it.

Now, Dad.

-This is for you.

-Oh, Vi, you shouldn't have done that.

Well, that's just what I needed!

Mum, I've got some perfume for you.

-I know you like it.

-What a wonderful surprise!

-Dad, could pass that box?

-Yes, here you are.

-Thanks.

Well, now, this...

Well, it's...

Oh, it's really beautiful, beautiful!

Only in Paris you could... Oh.

Oh, Mum!

-The boys are coming home tomorrow.

-That's grand.

They'll be pleased to see you. I'll get the tea.

It will be the first time we've all been together for so long.

I wonder... Well! We must make the most of it.

BAND PLAYS

Doesn't that dress make you envious?

No, angry. Some people forget there's a war on.

Look who's here! Vi, how lovely!

-Come and have a drink.

-Yes, please.

-I don't believe it.

-Violette, that dress - if I didn't know better, I'd say it was from Paris.

-French from head to toe!

-Bob Mortier - Violette Szabo.

-How do you do?

-Would you like to dance?

-Thank you.

Oh, no, you don't! This one's mine!

Sorry!

Couldn't miss this one.

-Denise's friend seems nice.

-Bob Mortier? Yes, he does.

-Remember the last time we were here?

-Yes, I do.

A lot's happened since then.

They were playing this tune. It's been my favourite ever since.

I hope you don't get too fond of it.

No, of course not. All the same, don't shut yourself up in the memory forever.

I know what you mean.

When will the next time be?

There won't be a next time.

-Not for you.

-Why not?

Let's sit down.

-Table all ready, sir.

-Thank you.

-Listen, you did a magnificent job, but they won't send you in again.

-But surely...?

No, it's more dangerous second time.

Well, I don't WANT to go.

-It's not that I...

-Tania? Is that it?

-Yes.

I don't think I could bear to leave her any more. What about you?

-Will you go again?

-That's beside the point.

Not really.

If you went, I should worry about you.

Oddly enough, I find that rather a comforting thought.

-Bob's bought you a drink.

-Thanks.

I know it's asking a great deal.

You have every right to say no

but this is a vital operation and we're short of good people.

Well?

-Of course I'll go.

-Thank you.

-I think if I could find a replacement...

-No.

-But this is a very dangerous mission.

-You're trying to get rid of me?

-Oh, no! You want her with you, don't you, Tony?

-Yes.

But...

-Yes, I do.

-Good.

I can't tell you what your mission will be. In fact, you may not be briefed until the last moment.

You'll operate at Limoges. You'll be dropped by parachute at Susaques.

I want you to go at the next moon. That's round about the 6th of June. Any comment?

Well, that's all for the moment. Forgive me. I have work to do.

-Vera, can I have a word?

-Yes.

Well? What is it you want?

-Vera, I've taken your advice and made a will.

-Oh.

-Would you look after it for me?

-Of course.

-Not that there's much.

There's £100 in the bank that Etienne left me, plus my pay. That's for Tania.

-If anything happened to me, would there be a pension?

-Yes.

There are a few things for my mother - a bracelet Etienne left me and my wedding and engagement rings.

Well, everything's straight. I'll put this in my drawer till you come back.

Vera...

thanks for everything.

-Good luck, Violette.

-Bye-bye.

-Bye-bye.

Why do we insist that you do this?

So that...if anything happens to me, I...

-I can't remember the code I've used.

-Exactly. So they can't get it out of you.

-What happens if you have to destroy this silk?

-I have to use a poem instead.

The enemy know you'll have destroyed this code, so they'll do everything to make you tell them your poem.

If the Germans get your poem, they can transmit to England and endanger the lives of others.

Will you leave us now, Miss Shaw? Yes, sir.

Now, Violette, your poem.

This will only be known by us two.

Yes, I understand.

I have a large selection for you to choose from. They come in all sizes.

-Could I use one that I know?

-Certainly, if you remember it well.

-I remember it very well.

-Can I hear it?

The life that I have is all that I have

And the life that I have is yours

The love that I have of the life that I have Is yours and yours and yours

A sleep I shall, A rest I shall have, Yet death will be but a pause

For the peace of my years in the long green grass Will be yours and yours and yours.

-You'll never forget that, will you?

-No, I'll never forget it.

I'll work something out on that and let you have it. That's settled.

-Here it's considered bad luck to say "good luck", so I'll just say "au revoir".

-Au revoir.

Thank you, darling.

Going away again, Mummy?

Just for a little while. I'll be back soon, then we'll have a party and you can wear your lovely dress.

-Take care of yourself, love.

-Of course I will.

-When the war's over, I'll start a new career!

-What as?

A cat burglar. Climbing walls, opening safes, I know it all.

-Goodbye, Mum.

-I WON'T worry.

Goodbye.

# My bonnie lies over the ocean

# Oh, bring back my bonnie to me To me

# Bring back, oh, bring back Oh, bring back... # What's the time?

Five minutes past midnight.

-D-day plus one?

-We should be crossing Normandy now. I wonder how they're doing?

-We'll soon see.

OK, chaps, let's get ready.

Are you OK, sir? Number two.

We're running up to target.

Action stations!

Container!

One!

Two!

Three!

Voila!

Bien merci. Bon soir.

There's an SS Panzer division approaching from Toulouse.

They should be passing 20 kilometres west of here tomorrow or the day after.

-They will not pass us!

-More Germans will be coming up any day now, using every road.

-The other groups?

-They will fight.

-No random skirmishes.

-Each group must know what to do.

Each leader will obey his orders.

-We must get word to each leader immediately.

-I could go.

-No, stick by your radio.

-Why not send me?

All right.

The group west of here first. Then south, then east.

-I will present her to the leader in the west.

-But you're needed here.

-I can be back in three hours.

-Make sure you are. We can't carry on without you.

-When do we start?

-Tomorrow morning.

-I'll prepare the car right away. Georges, Armand, come on. Bon soir.

-Bon soir.

-Get madame to rustle up some food. Then we'll work out details.

-Right.

-You don't want me to go, do you?

-No, I don't.

-I can take care of myself.

-I'd rather you didn't have to.

You might look after yourself, too!

Selon la Tour, that is where we cross the main road from the south.

-Through a village? Is that a good idea?

-I was born there. They will warn us if Germans are around.

That's all right, then.

That is the house where I was born.

-You see that church tower?

-Uh-huh.

-I climbed to the top when I was nine.

I liked climbing trees when I was a kid.

I think you are too young and too pretty for this kind of work.

You ought to see me before breakfast!

TOOTS HORN

-Any Germans gone through today?

-No. But I have this gun ready if they do.

-Keep your gun to shoot rabbits.

-Au revoir.

-Au revoir.

Don't look at him.

GUNSHOT

Imbecile!

Vite! A la voiture!

ENGINE WON'T START

Salauds! Finished.

Truck. Truck.

Come on.

Attention!

-Which is the best way out?

-I know where there's a car.

Violette.

After them!

-Over to those trees.

-But it's so open.

-It's the only way to the car.

Ihr ganzen, feuern auf sie zu!

Let's go.

-Are you all right?

-Yes.

SHOUTS ORDERS IN GERMAN

The car is gone.

Look.

-You go ahead. I'll cover you.

-No, no, we stay together.

-Quickly.

-I can't.

-It is our last chance.

-I can't.

-We must get over the river.

-It's my ankle.

-I'll carry you.

-Don't be a fool.

-I'm not leaving you here, no.

-Run!

< GUNSHOTS

Da drueben!

Kommen Sie herueber!

Da ist der Mann im Wasser!

Karl, da vorne, da im Baum!

Halt! Nicht schiessen!

Du Drecksau!

-Ich schneide dir den Hals!

-Get off me!

Heben Sie die hoch!

Wo is der Mann? Er ist uber den Fluss entkommen.

You put up a good fight, mademoiselle.

Cigarette?

Well, we shall see. Abfuehren!

Your ankle is getting better?

I hope they are giving you treatment for it.

You Germans are most considerate(!)

Now, Violette...

You see? Already we know who you are.

It's only a question of time before we find out everything.

Tell us what we want to know and we'll guarantee your life and the lives of your friends.

You must think I'm a halfwit.

I'm sorry you choose to be difficult. But I'm used to that.

I'm very patient.

-Don't you realise the British are only making use of you?

-I am British.

I thought you were French as your husband was.

I should have you shot right away but I don't want to.

You've a child, haven't you?

What will become of your child, if you die?

Come now, be sensible.

You're young, you're attractive. You're in Paris and the sun is shining.

Would you like some new clothes?

The theatre, perhaps?

Supper at Maxim's? I'd be honoured...

Violette...

..others before you have taken the same attitude.

But not for long.

We will try again tomorrow, madame.

When I came to your cell, you behaved very foolishly.

Here in the Avenue Foch, the change of scene may help you.

Now, when and where were you dropped?

I don't remember.

Who was your commanding officer?

What contacts did you make in France?

I never knew their names.

Violette, you mustn't take us for fools.

-Are you going to go on refusing to answer my questions?

-I refuse to tell you anything!

You have only yourself to blame now.

And now, tell me from whom you take your orders.

I'll tell you nothing.

Nothing.

-SAWING

-No! No!

How long has she been kept awake? 72 hours. That sort, very uncomfortable.

I'm ready for her.

Not yet, Violette. You cannot sleep yet.

Soon you can sleep. Can you hear me, Violette?

Soon you can sleep.

Sleep...

We know you destroyed your code.

You must tell us your poem.

All we want from you...

before we let you sleep, are the words of your poem.

-Poem...

-Open your eyes, Violette,

and tell me your poem, and then you can sleep.

What are the words of your poem?

Tell me and then you can rest.

-'Rest I shall have...'

-What kind of poem is it, Violette?

-You can sleep then.

-'Sleep I shall have...'

Is it a love poem?

Not a love poem? ..A poem of death?

'Last night, I wrote a little poem about my love for you.

'Sleep I shall have, Rest I shall have...

'Death will be but a pause

'The peace of my years in the long green grass

'Will be yours and yours and yours.

'It's beautiful.

'Now it's my turn.

'Let me say it. I want to say it.'

Now. Now you can tell me your poem.

Now.

I...I...hate you!

-Tell me!

-No.

-Tell me!

-No! No! No!

No.

No.

DOOR CLANKS OPEN

Gehen Sie herein!

Well...here we are.

Well, at least they didn't separate us.

Oh, it's perishing in here.

Be careful. VIOLETTE SOBS

-Vi!

-Lily?

Denise?

Oh, don't cry, Vi. Everything will be all right. We're all together again.

Yes, the Allies are near Paris.

In a few days we will be free.

Oh!

Denise.

It's wonderful to be with you again.

Oh, please, don't cry, Vi.

VIOLETTE WEEPS

Any idea where they're taking us?

No idea.

I can't stop thinking about when I opened my eyes and saw you two in the cell.

Remember when Lillian fell out the train up in Scotland?

It took three days to find her.

Poor kid. She's had an awful time.

EXPLOSIONS AND ROAR OF AIRCRAFT

What is it?

It's all right.

-This is our chance to get away.

-What about Lillian?

-I'll look after her.

All right.

We can get out through that door.

MEN: Water! Water!

MACHINE GUNS RATTLE

-It's our last chance.

-Let's give them water.

Here we are, boys. Here we are.

Water! You'll all get some. Careful.

That's enough! You'll all get some.

Next, come on. ..Careful. Take it easy.

Tony! Oh, Tony!

-Get some more.

-Violette!

-Take it easy.

-What are you doing here?

-We're doing YOUR job.

Touch me and I'll report you for leaving us.

'Raus! 'Raus! 'Raus!

Heraus, schnell machen! 'Raus!

I'm sorry I can't get any closer.

Tony, what happened? How did they get you?

A train needed blowing up, I wasn't quick enough and they nabbed me.

-What about you?

-Did Jacques get back?

-Yes, thanks to you.

-Did the German division get through?

-No, they held them up.

Thank God.

Violette...you were at Fresnes, weren't you?

-Did you go to the Avenue Foch?

-Tony, don't spoil it.

-DID you?

Well, once or twice, but...

they didn't get anything out of me. It wasn't bad. Really it wasn't.

-Oh, God.

-You, too?

It doesn't matter now.

We're together again...for a while.

New places...new faces. That's what you said in the Studio Club.

Did I? I'm tired of new places, aren't you?

Darling...

-..if we get out of this...

-WHEN we get out! It won't be long, just a few weeks.

I shan't ever let you out of my sight again.

I shan't ever want you to.

Schnell!

Fraulein. Allez! Allez!

< March!

My daughter used to have beautiful hair.

-Face powder! Where did you get it?

-Whitewash from the wall in the kitchen.

-But what's the use?

-I don't know. It just makes me feel better.

HACKING COUGH

-All right, Lily?

-I don't feel too good.

Try and sit up. I'll help you. Come on. Come on.

I can't make it today, Vi.

Look, you've got to try. You mustn't let them see you can't.

'Raus! 'Raus! Heraus!

Du da! 'Raus!

Schnell! ..Bloch, Rolfe, Szabo!

You stay there! Oh, thank God!

Why are we to stay? We are fit for work.

-< You are coming with me.

-Where to?

Commandant Suhren's orders.

< Marsch. Marsch, marsch, marsch.

Vi, is this it?

We're all together.

Halt!

"By order of the Fuhrer,

"the three British agents, Denise Bloch, Lillian Rolfe and Violette Szabo,

"are to be shot." ..Bereit machen!

< Bereit machen!

Heil Hitler!

Entstellung!

Laden!

Feuer!

'On the 28th of January 1947,

'Tania put on the dress which Violette had brought back from Paris.

'Now it fitted her. She wore it when she was invited with her grandparents to Buckingham Palace.

'His Majesty King George VI gave Tania the George Cross

'and said, "It is for your mother. Take great care of it.

' "She was a brave woman and you must always be very proud of her." '

-Hello.

-Hello.

-That's a very pretty dress.

-It came from Paris.

-You've got a medal, too.

-Take care of that.

-I'm keeping it for Mummy.

-Hope to see you again soon.

-Yes.

The life that I have is all that I have

And the life that I have is yours

The love I have of the life that I have Is yours and yours and yours

A sleep I shall have, A rest I shall have, Yet death will be but a pause

For the peace of my years in the long green grass...

Will be yours...

and yours...

..and yours.

Subtitles by Judith Simpson and Audrey Flynn BBC Scotland 1997